The Tanaiste is not known for her knowledge of horses, but last week on a visit to Paddy Power's bookmakers in her Dublin South West constituency they offered to place a £500 bet on a horse of her choice. She picked Linden's Lotto in the 3.35 at Cheltenham. By quite a fluke - approaching the winning post, the favourite took a wrong turn and disappeared into the mist - Mary Harney's horse came in a 14/1 winner and £7,500 made its way to local charities. What wasn't noticed is that Linden's Lotto is owned by one Mick Bailey. This is none other than Michael Bailey, director of Bovale Developments, the house-builder at the centre of the Flood Tribunal inquiry into planning irregularities.
Meanwhile, one horse being kept under wraps for the time being is the as yet unnamed national hunter that 17 deputies and senators have clubbed together to buy. It will be running under Leinster House colours, yet to be thought up, next spring and is currently in training with Noel Meade in Co Meath. And incidentally the photo of an old nag circulating in certain quarters in recent weeks is not the aforementioned thoroughbred, but an attempt to frighten one part-owner into believing that this was what he had invested in.
The owners, who are cross-party and call their syndicate the Grand Alliance, don't want to be identified, but think of the usual suspects.