Racing's authorities will be hoping it's third time lucky for Down Royal this afternoon and that the meeting goes ahead without incident. But already the impact of the two security alerts that brought racing to a halt on November 5th and on St Stephen's Day has been felt with no car parking being allowed in the enclosure today.
The determination of the Down Royal executive to overcome the difficulties they have faced was shown by the subsequent running of the Christmas fixture, without incident, on December 27th.
Paul Carberry is gearing up for the ride on Beef Or Salmon in Sunday's Hennessy but despite the letters next to Deep Return's name in the Beginners Chase the former champion jockey rides Noel Meade's horse. The run he put in behind Homer Wells at Fairyhouse probably explains why. The Meade-Carberry team will also fancy their chances in the second maiden hurdle as the Punchestown bumper winner Rock On Tom looks likely to get the better of Roadmaker.
Dermot Weld sends Cosmic String north for the maiden hurdle and there was plenty to like about the way he ran on to be second to First Row at Gowran last month. Slow To Part was runner-up to Rare Ouzel at Fairyhouse but should go one better in the Opportunity Chase.
