The most bizarre entry for me is Impaire Et Passe  running in the Ryannair and not the Gold Cup. He's clearly a staying chaser and has already comfortably beaten Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie in his career to date.

My 330/1 ante post voucher is now in the bin.

There is a counter argument that we missed out on some brilliant performances as the the g1 at the intermediate trip didn't exist. There will be plenty of examples, Florida Pearl could be one. There is a chasm between the breakneck 2m and stamina sapping extended 3m2f up the hill. Sure not every GC is a big stamina test nowadays, but not every horse can be a dessie and the compromise was just too much at either end.

& the Ryanair has served up some great performances and races since it was introduced.

I think it makes sense in the open chases, and not needed in hurdles or novices. Filly/mare carve outs are a bit different.

Getting rid of the 4 miler and too many handicaps, are also worse than the introduction of the intermediate G1 in my view. And the county should still be the last race.

as usual, everything is remembered after a good nights sleep............."sad, mad, bad" was the headline after Saville's decision on Celtic Swing. We had journalists on the RP who might not be afraid to express a view in those days.

I thought I was doing well with the one. I don't Jimnast. And it is no fun googling. I think I recall a horse, but not what it was famous for.

Great question. Not sure I was out of bed in time to see that! I was able to see in the NY in them days. All the best for the week J.

All those who trusted the form from Leopardstown, would you still be thinking that it’d stand up on Friday?