THERE is food for thought in the fact that the ‘Bannow final’ attracted 13 three-year-olds last Thursday. Considered the premier championship for youngstock with its unique challenge of all types - lightweights, heavyweights, geldings and fillies - pitted against each other, it takes a good horse to stand out amongst the pack in that big Bannow ring.

Three-year-old class entries have been down this summer with a number of factors mentioned ringside; from spiralling costs to some owners now taking in a handful of prep shows before Dublin.