The announcement by Curragh chief executive Derek McGrath that he's leaving the post in October sees a lightning rod figure depart the equation at Irish racing's controversial HQ. Many, it seems, within racing won't weep at his departure, just as one suspects few tears will be shed by McGrath himself. What remains though is the quandary of getting people to engage with the Curragh.

Killarney is a place I have fond memories of, having ridden my first winner there for my dad Eric last August, so it was great to boot home a winner around there again yesterday (Thursday) on Lucky Road for Gavin Cromwell, who has been so good to me.