Today we head to Thurles as our other plans for the week have been rudely brought to a stop. Torrential rain has caused flooding at our beloved Down royal so you’ll have to wait an extra week to see your national hunt superstars out in force for the first time of the season.

APPIAN WAY kicks the day off in the Gavinlynchracing.com beginners chase over 2m2f. This will be his first run over fences and this looks a very open race where he can gain good experience. He has blinkers on and Sam Ewing has been booked to ride.

For the mares maiden hurdle we have MOLLYS MANGO. This filly has some good from from bumpers last season and gained some blacktype. Again this looks another nice open contest for her and hopefully a good way for her to start her season. Jack Kennedy has been booked to ride.

In the mares handicap hurdle we have two runners; FAUX FUR and SEA ASTER. Faux fur was a winner last time out when winning at a big price. This is her first run in handicap company and hopefully she goes well with Jordan Gainford booked to ride. Sea Aster is the pick of Jack Kennedy in this and might be slightly the better placed of our two runners with cheek pieces fitted again.

Finally in the maiden hurdle we have SHANNON ROYAL. This horse was second on seasonal debut and he will have come on a great deal from that. This will be a strong staying race. He gives weight away to the field as he is a winner of his bumper.