• Smoking Mirrors
• 23rd, Jan

Not unreasonably, Horse Racing Ireland put the best side out last week when announcing their 2011 statistics. And in the circumstances a rise in overall attendance figures is something worth plugging. But putting that at the top couldn’t disguise some mostly grisly reading underneath. A ten year low in actual horse numbers will be particularly worrisome [...]

Injured Jockeys

• Mr J J Codd - Double fracture to left leg (femur) in a fall at Kilsheelan point-to-point Sun, 16th Oct
• Miss E A Lalor - Fractured C1 vertebra in a fall at Boulta pt-to-pt Sun, 27th Nov
• T C Carroll - Fractured arm in a fall at Leopardstown Thu, 29th Dec
• A J Fox - Fractured collar bone in a schooling accident Fri, 30th Dec
• S W Jackson - Fractured left foot in two places riding out Sat, 31st Dec
• P Carberry - Fractured a collar bone in a skiing accident Wed, 18th Jan

Suspended Jockeys

• G N Fox - 12 day ban for using whip with excessive frequency at Fairyhouse, starts Wed, 25th Jan

Leopardstown

Saturday

• 1.10 Hisaabaat Has the form to win this and should do so.
• 1.45 The Amarillo Kid Chance is taken on this well regarded horse who is better than last run would suggest.
• 2.15 Hidden Cyclone Tough, likeable horse who is sided with over Sir Des Champs.
• 2.45 Leah Claire Has to carry just 9-6 and off that light weight she should run a big race.
• 3.20 Stonemaster Decent hurdler who hasn't shown his true ability over fences of yet. Having his first run in handicap company here and could run a big race.
• 3.50 Far Away So Close Just beaten last time out at Navan but can go one place better here.
• 4.25 Jezki Half brother of stablemate and decent hurdler Jetson and should run well here on his racecourse debut.

Leopardstown

Sunday

• 12.55 Burn And Turn Good ground will suit this fellow who has the ability to score here.
• 1.25 Flemenstar Highest rated horse in the field and seems to be improving with every run.
• 1.55 Luke's Benefit Consistent sort who can make it three in-a-row off a light weight here.
• 2.30 Hurricane Fly The Champion and hard to see him been beaten.
• 3.05 Touch Back Well regarded by his trainer and can overturn his better fancied rivals.
• 3.35 Beneficial Spirit With Paul Townend aboard he could run well here at a decent price.
• 4.10 King Tara Interesting runner who could go close on his debut with top claimer aboard.