Delight in certain political sections this week at the postponement of the Fine Gael Ardfheis and the Tipp South by-election was spoiled by the realisation that the Dail horse, Arctic Copper, owned by 17 Oireachtas members, would not have its day out in Cheltenham. Chairman of the syndicate, Senator Liam Cosgrave, suggested that the horse should run in the Waterloo Cup, which not all realised is actually for greyhounds. But trainer Noel Meade activated plan B: Arctic Copper will be entered in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on April 16th.
Quidnunc can be contacted at rholohan@irish-times.ie The Quidnunc column is also available on The Irish Times website at www.ireland.com