We’re kicking off the fresh new season with a few runners up in Down Royal where we hope to have 8 runners for their afternoon card.

In the opening race, an opportunity maiden hurdle over an extended 2m we have THE MEDIATOR and PAY THE TAB. The Mediator comes here off the back of a long break and he looked pretty talented before that. Danny Gilligan has been booked to ride and claims 4lbs in this. We have declared Pay The Tab and hope he gets a run with Paddy Cleary booked to ride and claim 4lbs.

BE MY HERO goes forward for the 80-95 handicap hurdle. This horse has been steadily dropping in the weights and will be absolute bottom weight here with Corey McGivern booked to claim 7lbs off 10st13.

LIEUTENANT HIGHWAY makes his return to the track for a summer campaign after a good break. He is another who looked talented and should appreciate the better ground on offer over the summer months. Danny Gilligan has been booked and claims 7lbs.

The same ownership is represented again with last time out winner THE FRIDAY MAN. He came out of that very well and goes to the well again in a beginners chase this time. He looks a nice chasing prospect and Danny Gilligan has been booked to ride and claims 7lbs.

THE ABBEY is still yet to win a chase but was very promising the last day when third in a beginners chase. He has a low rating and Danny Gilligan has been booked to ride and claims 7lbs.

Rounding things up in the bumper we have SMOKEY PUTNUM and YEATS STAR. Yeats Star showed promise on debut when coming home a solid 4th. Today he will be ridden by Harry Swan so has the benefit of a 5lbs claim. Smokey Putnum took a nice step forward the last day to get into the frame with a third place finish. He is on the upward curve and Josh Williamson has been booked to ride and claims 7lbs.