Blunt court judgment demands vital questions be asked of both racing organisations in Ireland

Horse Racing Ireland is responsible for governance development and promotion. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) looks after regulation. This year HRI gets almost €73 million in State funding, while IHRb gets €15.9 million to carry out its integrity functions. In Ireland, the regulator is solely responsible and independently responsible. The IhrB's position was vindicated in a 137-page Court of Appeal judgment. It dismissed the appeal by the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association. They had been awarded €300,000 in damages for defamation.

Chris Gordon was sidelined by the Turf Club because of a court judgment. The HRI board, chaired by Joe Keeling, exerted pressure on the regulator. Cayd Boyis is likely to be all the rage for Saturday's Dan & Joan Moore Chase at Fairyhouse. EPSON DU HOUX is a good value at 6-1. Made in the Wood ran twice at Limerick over Christmas and was supported both times. Testing conditions look likely in Punchestown on Sunday. J. McManus’s Cay d Boy is good bet at 2.12.