Dorans Pride may be rising 11 years of age, but on the evidence of what we saw at Down Royal a fortnight ago, he still retains a goodly share of his former ability. His one win this year was on the flat at the Curragh but it will be a let down for his fans if he cannot beat his five rivals in the Morris Oil Chase at Clonmel tomorrow.

In what was the richest steeplechase ever run in Northern Ireland, Dorans Pride got within two and a half lengths of Florida Pearl. There was a Tote Gold Cup gamble on Florida Pearl earlier this week, and while it emerged that the money did not emanate from the stable, it was inspired apparently by one of the more reputable of the telephone tipping services.

Carrigeen Lily has been running well in bumpers lately in the hands of the trainer's daughter. Now that the mare reverts to jumping, the mount has gone to Neil Mulholland, whose handling of Experimental at Cheltenham last week earned him the commendation of John Francome.

She may profit from Mulholland's 5lb claim and is napped to beat Truckinabout and Paddy's Pet.

R V Shaw whose stables are in Kill, Co Waterford, belongs to a dwindling band of sportsmen who breed, own and train their horses. His The Boy King achieved a 33 to 1 success on the flat at Tramore but he is a more potent operator over jumps.

It was a fine run to finish fifth to Musical Mayhem over hurdles at Listowel, while in his first chase, he made much of the running and finished third to Fadoudal Du Cochet at Fairyhouse. This is a piece of form that could be advertised by the runner-up Snow Dragon at Naas today.

Japanese racing yesterday opened its doors to a wider level of foreign competition with the announcement of an enhanced programme of international races for 2000. A total of 15 races will be open to overseas challengers next year.