Ruby Walsh: Plan hatched, Tony Martin and Tudor City chase third Galway Hurdle 

It won't be straightforward for him because Willie Mullins, Emmet Mullins, Gordon Elliott, J P McManus and Gavin Cromwell also have  leading contenders for   this lucrative prize.

SAME AGAIN, PLEASE: TUDOR CITY and Liam McKenna won for owner John Breslin and wife Debbie and trainer Tony Martin. Pic: HEALY RACING

If the sun would finally consent to shine, today would be a great day to pick because Thursday is Ladies’ Day in Galway, and while that affects me in no way, good weather for this huge social occasion at Ballybrit makes for a far more enjoyable day out.

A boisterous crowd adds to any experience, and a vibrant Galway crowd can make a long day feel very short. Eight races, run over six hours, stretches a day to its limits for most racegoers, so sunshine is the minimum requirement.