It would be remiss of me to deliver today’s message without paying tribute to Malcolm Jefferson who sadly passed away yesterday.

Malcolm was one of the north’s greatest ever trainers- who can forget Dato Star.

He was also a great man.

Today sees the start of the 2 day Dublin Festival - a great initiative with 7 Grade 1 races.

It is really dissappointing to see the lack of support from Messrs Henderson, Nicholls and Tizzard.

The Dublin Festival should see a titanic duel between Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott

Bleu Berry could give Willie a big price winner in the 4.05

Over at Musselburgh Sir Chauvelin can win the Scottish County Hurdle