The Dail horse, Artic Copper, came first in the 8 p.m. in Gowran Park on Wednesday and there was much jubilation among the not-so-secret syndicate in Leinster House. Senators Liam Cosgrave, Mick Lanigan and Rory Kiely were there to cheer but deputies were detained by a three-line whip for the Dail vote on political donations, so they celebrated in Dublin. When it was suggested that the horse should now take a rest for the summer, one wag came up with the brilliant idea of making it a senator. Not only is there ancient precedent, but two vacancies in the upper house are due to be filled next month and a lot of bother could be saved by following in the footsteps of Caligula.