CREDIT where credit is due, fair play to the Thurles bookmakers for sponsoring free entry to Sunday’s fixture. Here’s hoping it draws a large crowd, with plenty of first-time racegoers in the mix, who will hopefully enjoy their day out and come again.

Days at the races can be expensive; firstly, there’s admission, then a meal, maybe a drink or two. It all tots up, and that’s before placing any bets. If you’re backing losers, it’s easy to leave the races feeling a little negative about your experience, your pockets a lot lighter than when you arrived.