Keith Melrose: entries suggest we should be ready for lift-off at Haydock

There are three Irish-trained entries in this year's Betfair Chase, up from one last year, and 11 in the King George when in 2020 there were six. Amid the wider Irish dominance in jumps racing, it would be easy to draw conclusions. You can imagine the political commentary, with credulous, breathless talk of 'tanks on British racing's lawn' and other insults to our collective intelligence.

This is still politics in a sense, but it is realpolitik. The reality is the big trainers and owners are just trying to spread around their talent. Besides, the entries received this year, while on the high side historically, hardly seem likely to break the dam.

Yes, they are up on 2020, but last year was exceptional in many ways. The 2019 figures make a fairer comparison. Then there were two Irish-trained entries in the Betfair Chase and 13 in the King George. Willie Mullins alone entered nine of those 13, but only Footpad actually ran.