Racing folk are pulling no punches over the showdown in Vegas

It's a big day for racing, and it's a colossal day for boxing too, with Floyd Mayweather Jr and Conor McGregor finally putting hype to one side as they enter the ring. Here's what racing professionals had to say on the Las Vegas showdown . . .

Stevie Donohoe, jockey
I'd love to see McGregor win, and I hope he does win, but I think Mayweather will outbox him. He'll let it drag on a few rounds and then put him down – it can't be over too quickly, can it, with all that hype around it, so he'll play with him for a bit, he'll suss it all out, and then he'll just bop him one. Mayweather will be too quick for him – unless McGregor jumps up and kicks him!

Chris Hayes, jockey
I'd love to see McGregor put it up to him but I don't think he's good enough to beat him.

Patrick Mullins, jockey
Mayweather is the best at what he does conventionally so it will be interesting to see how he handles McGregor's lack of convention. That's what interests me anyway. I think Mayweather on points.

Patrick Mullins: 'I think Mayweather on points'Credit: Alain Barr

Willie Mullins, trainer
I'd be no judge and I wish both of them the best of luck. One thing's certain though, I won't be getting out of bed to watch them.

Paul Mulrennan, jockey
I fancy Mayweather all day long. He's the best boxer we've ever seen and he's taking on a complete novice.

Dan Skelton, trainer
Mayweather will mince him.

Wesley Ward: strong team for Royal AscotCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Wesley Ward, trainer
It would be interesting to see who would win the fight if it was in McGregor's ring. This one I don't think is going to be a contest. I'm a big fan of McGregor. He's a tough little bugger. He's promoted himself very well and is a true champion in his sport. But asking him to box Mayweather is a bit like Lady Aurelia running a mile and a half.

Jimmy Sullivan, jockey
I would love McGregor to win, he's an Irishman with a great character and so much self-belief. And I think he can do it as he has an age advantage; Mayweather is old for a boxer.

Pat Smullen, jockey
I'll definitely watch it. I don't know what to make of it, but I think if McGregor doesn't get something done in the first round or two I think he's going to be in big trouble. If he doesn't, Mayweather will outbox him.