Four race programmes divided between today and tomorrow make this one of the busiest weekends of the year. However, trainers and stable staff who do not relish such a concentration will welcome the news that there is only one such four-timer in next year's fixture list.
When William IV presented the Royal Whip to the Turf Club, he could have hardly credited that it would still be sought after more than a hundred and fifty years later.
As befits such a historic race, it has had its prize money boosted and if Dermot Weld scores with Make No Mistake, Moyglare will collected 50 per cent more than Michael Smurfit did with Dermot's last Royal Whip winner Humbel four years ago.
Make No Mistake has matured into a quality four-year-old and this is the course and distance over which he has put up his best performances.
Pat Smullen had him close to the lead all the way in the Meld Stakes and going clear at the three furlong pole he strode away to win by four lengths from Saffron Walden, who returned lame.
John Reid, who rides one of the main dangers, the 10-length Doncaster winner Zomaradah, has an even more attractive ride earlier in the day when he partners the John Dunlop trained Haami in the Ridgewood Pearl Desmond Stakes.
Reid, who was out of action for four months with a broken leg, scored his first success since his comeback when winning on Roo at Haydock last Saturday.
In the light of the controversy surrounding Dettori's recent Curragh suspension for making use of an improper back protector, it is worth remembering that but for this item of equipment, John would surely never have ridden again. After being kicked on the ground, his was split from top to bottom.
The run by Haami that takes my eye was his fifth placing to King Of Kings in last year's Sagitta 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket as he finished within three lengths of the winner.
Anzari has the form to win the Flame Of Tara Stakes after winning his nursery handicap under top weight of 9-7. However, the decision of Aidan O'Brien to rely solely on Royal Kingdom in this Listed Race indicates that he is a better colt than the form book shows.
Tramore hosts two of the other cards and it will pay to be there for the first race this afternoon as the opening event, the Richard Power Hurdle has drawn an above average line-up of handicappers.
Twin Gale goes for four in a row but would need further and should not give so much weight away to Kilfane who is likewise coming to battle off the back of a hat trick.
The other £10,000 race today is the Charmian Hill Memorial Handicap Chase named after the owner of Dawn Run whose own indestructible enthusiasm for the sport was crowned by the mare's unique Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup double.
Moscow Express used this race last year as a stepping stone on the way to a 1999 Galway Plate success and Marty's Step could be on the same path having already won this year's Low Low Galway Blazers Chase by eight lengths from Dovaly.
Ruby Walsh continues to roll up the winners and could have a Tramore double tomorrow with his father's Gabby Hayes (3-0) and Willie Mullins's Three Rivers (4-0).
Adrian Maguire has come over for one mount at Dundalk, Admiral Wings (2.45) who should supplement his Galway victory. The trainer involved with Admiral, Noel Meade, is surely the trainer to follow at Dundalk with four more good chances - Clanlucky (3.15), Mythical Nature (3.45), Deilginis (4.45) and Wesperada (5.15).
