Ojay can make up for crushing defeat

A week can be as long a time in racing as it is in politics, a point that Ojay can emphasise to his trainer Dessie Hughes at Navan today. Two weeks at Fairyhouse saw the Curragh trainer experience huge swings in fortune. The high of Colonel Braxton's success in the champion novice hurdle was followed six days ago by Rathbawn Prince getting so close to victory in the Irish Grand National.

But not only did Hughes have to come to terms with Davids Lad overhauling Rathbawn Prince on the National run-in, the following race saw Ojay travelling like a clear winner in a handicap chase only to crash out at the second last.

Just to rub salt into the wound, the Hughes-trained Annaghmore Gale got touched off half an hour later, but at least Ojay looks to have a clear chance in this afternoon's novice handicap. Fairyhouse showed the ground should not be a problem and the way he travelled that day should see him at least go close with a clear round.

One team to follow at the Meath track should be Jessica Harrington and Barry Geraghty, who still trails Ruby Walsh in his bid to retain the jumps jockeys championship.

Ilaron's second at Fairyhouse to Toto Caelo was boosted by that horse at Naas on Wednesday while the Leopardstown flat scorer Courageous looks an interesting runner in the novice hurdle.

Today's other fixture at Tramore is hardly one for the purist but David Wachman saddles Derravarra Sunset for the second maiden hurdle on the card and his third on the flat to Dr Torus at Wexford at least boasts recent form.

Pat Hughes gives Fiery Madame a spin in the handicap hurdle and could have another winner given Fiery Madmane didn't run too badly behind Keevers at Cork.

Willie Mullins runs Ixion in the first divison of the bumper and the Tipperary third to Brave Thought looks good enough for this while Defence Forces just gets the nod in the Beginners chase.