SEAN Graham bookmakers hosted their by now traditional Cheltenham Preview at a packed Grand Ballroom of the Europa Hotel Belfast last Monday. Compere Gary O’ Brien was tasked with herding Brian Graham (first half), Ronan Graham (second half), Kevin Blake, David Casey and Mark ‘Couch’ Winstanley. Gordon Elliott was a late withdrawal so Busty Amond came in for a spare ride.

Entertainers on the chat show circuit are always lavish with their praise of the Belfast audience. Winstanley, in return, never fails to please. In terms of political correctness he is only slightly to the right of that paragon Roy Chubby Brown. Close to the knuckle he may be, but you can’t suppress a giggle.