By Mark Phillips
Saturday:
Leopardstown (Flat) 2.00pm
Ayr (National Hunt) 1.15pm.
Chepstow (National Hunt) 1.08pm.
Lingfield (All Weather) 1.55pm.
Newbury (National Hunt) 1.00pm.
Wolverhampton (All Weather) 5.30pm.
The turf flat season is now up and running and this afternoon's card at Leopardstown includes two trial races for the Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas.
Local trainer Henry De Bromhead is increasing his flat string and runs Dundalk all weather winner Star Girls Aaimal in the 1000 Guineas trial.
Henry also has an entry in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes in the shape of Vina Sena who won its only race at Dundalk.
Over at Ayr in Scotland we have the £150,000 Scottish Grand National.over 4 miles. 24 runners are declared for this test of stamina which is due off at 3.35pm. Irish trained horses do not have a great record in this event but County Carlow trainer Pat Fahey is represented by both Stormy Judge and History Of Fashion while County Meath trainer John McConnell relies on Streets Of Doyen.
The Scottish Champion Hurdle is pencilled in for 2.25pm where Cheltenham fourth West Cork will probably go off favourite.Provided the Cheltenham outing has not left its mark West Cork should give his supporters a good run for their money.
Sunday
Cork (Flat) 2.05pm.
Fairyhouse (National Hunt) 1.15pm
Hereford (National Hunt) 1.00pm.
Plumpton (National Hunt) 1.55pm.
Irish racegoers are spoiled for choice with two fixtures down for decision on Sunday afternoon. The top race at Cork on an all flat card is the €40,000 Listed Stakes over 6 furlongs at 3.12pm.
National Hunt followers are well catered for with eight races down for decision at Fairyhouse in County Meath. Darrens Hope holds her form well for Cappoquin trainer Rob Murphy and hopefully she can gain some more black type in the Listed Mares Chase at 2.20pm.
The Dermot Weld trained Falcon Eight sidestepped a Cheltenham festival engagement and turns out in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at 3.30pm.
Leading trainer Willie Mullins holds a strong hand in the concluding listed mares bumper where he saddles 5 of the 10 declared runners.
GREYHOUND RACING
This evening's fixture in Kilcohan is underway at the earlier time of 7.09pm.
The showcase race is the €9,500 to the winner 2022 Waterford Select Stakes.
Last year's winner Skywalker Barry is back to defend his title but faces stiff opposition in the final from the likes of Explosive Boy and Singalong Sally one of two females in the line up.the other being Minor Droopy.
