RACING: The Gold Cup and Grand National winning rider Jim Culloty has been presented with Ireland's National Hunt Personality of the Year award, writes Brian O'Connor.

The Killarney-born jockey received it at a ceremony on Saturday night at which the local champion Paul Carberry received the leading jockey award.

Culloty won the Gold Cup on Best Mate and followed up in the National on Bindaree.

Noel Meade was named champion trainer and there was a hall of fame award for racing journalist Tony Sweeney.

No problems are expected for the start of the four-day festival at Killarney which begins this evening.

There may be no steeplechases but that won't bother the championship seeking Pat Smullen who can kick things off with the Bellewstown runner-up Blue Corrig in the two-year-old maiden.

Smullen could also be the man to side with in the two mile handicap where Periwinkle Lad races off a 15lb lower mark than in his last flat start.

Ikdam Melody could emerge as the banker of the night in the maiden hurdle and the Bellewstown winner Celtic Project can double up in the 11-furlong handicap despite a stone hike in the weights.