Sit tight and enjoy the ride - international rivalry to the fore on epic day

On a day when old-fashioned international sporting rivalry will colour the landscape, racing will contribute to the bucolic palette of mud, sweat and tears with a throwback clash of its own.

The Six Nations thrusts its doors open once more this afternoon, kicking off with the seismic showdowns of Ireland versus Wales in the Aviva Stadium and Scotland versus England at Murrayfield.

Although the timing of the Dublin encounter makes for an unfortunate scrimmage with the opening salvo of Leopardstown's two-day jump racing gala, the prospect of hordes of giddy revellers descending on two of Europe's cultural capitals to scrum down in the name of sport is something to behold. How we have yearned for a day of fervour and merriment like this.