So You Think is set to be among the field for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday week.

Big Zeb is likely to have another crack at Sizing Europe in the Boylesports.com Champion Chase at next month’s Punchestown Festival.

On naked branches, the star-shaped, pristine white blooms of Magnolia stellata look wonderful, filling dull spots and drab corners alike in much the same way as snow does.

RESISTING the urge to embrace squad rotation midway through Ireland’s arduous RBS 6 Nations schedule, head coach Declan Kidney has charged new captain Rory Best and his team to take their chance and show their leadership in Saturday’s clash with Scotland.

Heroes of the Republic of Ireland’s opening games at Euro ’88 and Italia ’90 respectively, Packie Bonner and Kevin Sheedy know how crucial it is to hit the ground running at a major finals.

Captain Ross Ford believes a Scotland win in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin is necessary for the squad to retain belief that they are moving in the right direction.

Leinster have finally ended the longer-than-expected process of bringing Brad Thorn to Dublin by signing the Kiwi World Cup winner on a three-month contract that shores up a gaping hole in their second-row.

Kauto Star continues to make strides in his race to be primed for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday week.

He may have lost his unbeaten tag but Milldean Panther remains the talk of the greyhound world and he will attempt to get back on the winning rails when he contests the final of the €30,000 SIS Live Shelbourne Gold Cup on Saturday night.

Nicky Henderson’s season has always revolved around Cheltenham, but this year’s Festival could arguably be as important as any during his long and distinguished career.

It has been an interesting and revealing few weeks in the evolution of this Irish team.

Colin Montgomerie is delighted to see Rory McIlroy take over at the top of the world rankings — but he still thinks Tiger Woods will win next month’s Masters at Augusta.

Pádraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell have no doubt Rory McIlroy’s rise to world No 1 will mark a new era of golfing dominance by the Holywood hotshot.

Having only won once in Paris over the last 40 years, a draw should have been a positive for Ireland.

Ireland and Munster suffered a huge blow yesterday when both captain Paul O’Connell and scrum-half Conor Murray were ruled out of action for between three and six weeks.

Ruby Walsh has an enviable book of rides at Cheltenham as he bids to add to his record tally of winners at the Festival.

Double try scorer Tommy Bowe has backed his team to put the smiles back on their faces in time for their next RBS 6 Nations encounter against Scotland this Saturday.

As things transpired, the postponement of the Six Nations meeting of France and Ireland for three weeks was rendered inconsequential.

Last Wednesday at Lansdowne Road, Ireland were given another lesson in the dangers of playing possession-based teams.

The Premier League will investigate whether it is feasible to bring in goal-line technology for next season ahead of a July decision by football’s law-makers.