It's All In The Game

MICHAEL OSBORNE'S call, in his farewell address as senior steward of the Turf Club, for the pre race weighing of horses and the necessity for the correct recording of the state of the going will be warmly welcomed by many racegoers.

Another radical proposal he might care to examine is one put forward by John Oaksey recently that instead of horses working after racing, the gallops should be held, as in Australia, in the interval between races, with a commentary being provided. Surely anything that might help to end what seems a growing disenchantment with Flat racing is worth a trial.

Of course, it would only be practicable when conditions are favourable and not as at this afternoon's Killarney meeting, where the ground will be badly cut up after three day's racing.

The feature race there is the Menvier Handicap Chase, in which one of the bottom weights, All In The Game, is put forward as the likely winner. Twice successful this year, the nine year old ran a fine race at the Punchestown Festival on ground that was probably too fast for him.

Sent to the front by today's rider, Michael Murphy, three out, he was still in contention at the last, but was eased down on the run in when his chance was gone and was 15 lengths behind Triptodicks and Miss Diskin at the finish.

This three furlongs shorter trip and the ease in the going will be very much in All In The Game's favour and he is preferred to Ryhane, successful at Fairyhouse and Punchestown on his most recent starts.

Coolowen Flash made the running until a furlong out in a five furlong sprint at Navan on her reappearance. If she lasts out the extra three furlongs of the Baileys Irish Cream Handicap, she would have a first chance of beating Mystic Ring and Bright Lake.

. Pat Eddery will not appeal against the five day ban he picked up at Bath on Sunday, his agent Terry Ellis confirmed yesterday.

The suspension runs from May 20th to 24th inclusive, which rules Eddery out of the Goodwood three day Spring fixture which features Derby and Oaks trials as well as the first day of the Curragh meeting where the Irish 1000 Guineas is staged.

Eddery was found guilty of care less riding when adjudged to have caused interference aboard Intiaash, the winner of the Holsten Pils Handicap, at the furlong pole.