Late Late Show passes away

One of the great trackers of modern times, Late Late Show sadly passed away on Thursday evening, just days before his 14th birthday.

During his career, the brilliant son of Spiral Nikita represented Late Late Show host Pat Kenny, amassing huge prize money for various charities.

The Paul Hennessy-trained superstar was truly something special and he will be forever remembered for his 2001 season when winning the Tote Gold Cup, Easter Cup and Guinness 600, while going agonisingly close in both the Champion Stakes and Derby. His 600yd track record at Shelbourne Park still stands to this day.

Ballymac Vic is the clear favourite for outright glory in the Ladbrokes Derby and he looks the one to beat in Heat 6 at Shelbourne tonight, although Cabra Millie will keep him on his toes. The latter became the fastest bitch to cover the 500yd trip at Shelbourne last weekend and will be far from a pushover.

Droopys Jet bids to exact revenge on Skywalker Puma after suffering his first defeat at the venue last weekend. The pair line out in the final heat where Droopys Jet will start favourite. Others entitled to respect in this contest include Crossfield Star and Razldazl Bugatti.

Sparta Maestro has been installed a red-hot favourite with the off-course firms for Heat 3 and, while he is going to take some stopping, he will need to be at his best with a resurgent Airforce Diva expected to make life difficult.

Tomorrow night’s action is dominated by the final of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk with the vote going to the Graham Holland trained Knockglass Billy.