Ireland sit pretty after openers but draws pose big challenges

SPARRING partners Jonathan Kay and Ian Fortune have once again met up to discuss the state of the respective UK and Irish challenges after the first week of Star Sports/TRC English Derby action.

Fortune expressed himself generally happy with a raiding party which now numbers 22 although three second round heats in particular containing four, three and three Irish runners give him case for concern.

Highlights of the opening round, mainly Irish-related it has to be said, were also dissected while Fortune turned the tables on JK and asked him about being the part-owner of a qualifier for round two.