Queen Maedbh looks genuinely exciting for Gavin Cromwell

The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Barrier Trials, such a success in the last three years, returned at Dundalk on Tuesday. Unfortunately, staffing issues mean the number of trials staged this year will be reduced to two from three, with the next scheduled for August 30.

With that in mind, it was disappointing to see the number of horses down to 62, giving us an average field of a little more than six. The numbers would have been quite grim were it not for the support of Joseph O'Brien, who sent 20 horses. The disappointment stems from how popular these trials have been and as one organiser told me, they would have been pleased with 40 horses when they began in 2019.

Outside of the O'Brien contingent, a mix of yards were represented, including a few that would not normally be associated with the trials, proof again these events are viable options.