Spotlight on the Irish scene reveals past and present glories

Given the vast range of opportunities available to punters these days, it would be a gross exaggeration to claim that Irish racing had the stage to itself over a four-day period last week.

Yet it is probably fair to assume that Ireland's racing product received more than usual attention between Thursday and Sunday during the British shutdown, which has now thankfully ended.

Last week's action provides only a passing snapshot of the current state of play on this side of the water. However, it may be instructive to reflect on what sort of flavour a British viewer may have obtained in observing jumps meetings at Thurles, Naas and Punchestown and an all-weather fixture at Dundalk.