Racing News and Listowel preview and report: Brian Boru could try to break new ground for Aidan O'Brien in November's Melbourne Cup and might even take in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe before that.
Brian Boru was runner-up to Vinnie Roe in the Irish Leger at the weekend and has emerged well enough from that to have O'Brien thinking big.
"He seems fine after his race on Saturday and it's still possible he could go for the Arc," the Ballydoyle trainer said yesterday.
O'Brien has never had a runner in Australia but even if Brian Boru does run at Longchamp, a journey to Flemington will not be ruled out.
"We've been talking to the people in Australia and it looks like the quarantine situation would be okay. We will see closer to the time," he added.
At Listowel today, Victram can continue Adrian McGuinness' hot streak and in the process maybe test the generosity of spirit from bookmakers in the ring.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, yesterday officially launched a code of practice for on-course bookmakers which is the result of lengthy negotiations between Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish National Bookmakers Association.
As expected some of the more important points for punters include the requirement to display their minimum bet and the guaranteed liability which will be accepted by the bookmaker.
Other points include the guarantee that by January 1st punters will receive a ticket after making a bet which gives the name and number of the horse, the odds given and the potential return.
Bookmakers must price up all horses by the time a racecourse PA gives the announcement that the horses are leaving the parade ring and a layer cannot leave their pitch until 10 minutes after the "winner alright".
"Betting with a bookmaker is a central part of a day's enjoyment for many and this code is their assurance that the highest possible standards are maintained," said the HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh.
Other parts of the code however stress that bookmakers, and their representatives, must dress "in an appropriate manner" and must conduct themselves "properly". The aspirational nature of such a decree could be stressed if Victram can pick up the Supporters Club Lartigue Hurdle this afternoon as the horse looks to hold first-rate claims.
Co Sligo-based Aidan McGuinness has won with his last two runners, including Victram who won easily on the flat on soft ground at Roscommon eight days ago. McGuinness reported the horse did that off just two bits of work so improvement is likely and if Victram can translate his recent flat form to his hurdles rating he looks well in.
The testing conditions should bring out the best in Grangehill Dancer who won on heavy ground at Tralee last month and looks to have the perfect draw in stall one for the fillies handicap.
