THEY still have to come up with a name for the all-new Irish National Hunt Champions’ Weekend – why not Irish National Hunt Champions’ Weekend? – but it is a fine initiative.

There was talk of it during the winter, and the fact that it is set to come to fruition next February is testament to the forward thinking of Leopardstown Racecourse, and to everyone who was involved in making it happen. And do not underestimate the number of stakeholders who were involved, the racing programme is not easily changed.