Irish racing today

The fixture at Cork has been abandoned, but there are still two Irish N.H. meetings today, at Fairyhouse and Thurles (an additional fixture), with very heavy going expected at both. Main event is the Grade Two Norman Grove Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 14.30 CET. Only 5 runners here, two of them trained by Willie Mullins with Scotsirish, the choice of Ruby Walsh, his best chance. Rare Bob (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood), not seen since winning over 3 miles at Punchestown in April, and Aran Concerto (Noel Meade/ Davy Condon) look the dangers. The beginners chase over the same trip half an hour later should be an informative event, and once again the top stables of Mullins with Cousin Vinny (Walsh) and Meade with Nicanor (Condon) should dominate.

Mullins can also score at Thurles with Rhyl Accord (Paul Townend), who should take the novice hurdle at 15.55, while Golden Sunbird (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley), a hot favourite when just touched off last time, can recover those losses in the mares maiden hurdle at 14.15. These are the first Irish meetings of the year and in view of the weather hold-up and heavy ground, punters are advised to be cautious.

Fairyhouse - betting forecast:
1. Race: Rivage d`Or - Arvika Ligeonniere - Monastrell
2. Race: Grange Alainn - Last Draw - The Hurl
3. Race: Rare Bob - Aran Concerto - Scotsirish
4. Race: Cousin Vinny - An Cathaoir Mor - Nicanor
5. Race: All The Cousins - Bronx Boy - Chief Oscar
6. Race: Saddlers Storm - Scavenger - Mcalpine
7. Race: Up Ou That - Gormanstown Cuckoo - Romanesco

Thurles - betting forecast:
1. Race: Are You The One - Sounds Of Jupiter - Our Nana Rose
2. Race: Golden Sunbird - Grancore Girl - Prairie Call
3. Race: Far Away So Close - Billie Beg - Bacher Boy
4. Race: Kylebeg Krystle - Golden Gem - Carnbridge
5. Race: Rhyl Accord - Thegreatjohnbrowne - Kusadasi
6. Race: The Hoodoo Remains - The Flying Dustman - Grey Area
7. Race: Rockfield Abbey - Prince Of Milan - Boherna Gold