No sooner has racing restarted than the industry finds itself in a sweat about the escalating foot-and-mouth developments in the North of Ireland.
Three confirmed cases and a nervous wait for two more results resulted in the Department of Agriculture adopting an "under review" stance on racing yesterday although the Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, in attendance at Cork races, appeared to dilute that by saying the sport can proceed if disease precautions are followed.
The Turf Club has yet to hear any definite news and its chief executive, Brian Kavanagh, said: "We will be guided by the Department. It's their decision but we have not heard anything as yet."
It was hardly the call to arms the industry had wanted after 50 blank days, but the seriousness of the situation was emphasised by three horses not being allowed to run at Leopardstown because disinfectant mats at the course entrance had been taken up by the time they arrived.
It was also hardly the start of term bonanza which had been expected for Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle team. Three favourites, including the 1 to 4 Mozart in the 2,000 Guineas Trial, were blown out of the water before Galileo's winning performance in the Ballysax Stakes saw him made the new Epsom Derby favourite.
"He must be very good," smiled a relieved O'Brien after Michael Kinane guided the Sadler's Wells colt to a three-and-a-half length defeat of stable companion Milan.
O'Brien added: "Michael has said they're all unfit and getting very tired in that ground, so I have to be very happy with this horse . The second horse ran a blinder too."
The fitness question is now a major consideration around Minardi's tilt at the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas, and O'Brien conceded: "Minardi wouldn't have had a run beforehand anyway but the race will come plenty quick enough. We've had a very wet time."
It wasn't enough to stop Galileo, however, who was cut to 8 to 1 Derby favourite by both Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, ahead of the top quoted English-based duo of Nayef and Golan. Galileo will follow the Sinndar route to Epsom via the Derrinstown Derby Trial over yesterday's course and distance.
The well-touted O'Brien newcomer Pebble Island later drifted out to 4 to 5 but still won his maiden impressively. However, it was a very different case for the other Ballydoyle hotpots.
Mozart was well beaten behind the maiden, Dr Brendler, who will be aimed at the Tetrarch Stakes by trainer John Hayden; and Imagine couldn't get to grips at all with the ultra-impressive Irish 1,000 Guineas hope, Rebelline. The latter's trainer, Kevin Prendergast, also won the first race of the season with Master Papa.
At Cork, Give Over just got the better of top-weight Mr Red Banner in a thrilling finish to the Murphy's Handicap Hurdle. Kieran Kelly's mount was in front some distance from home and was all out to hold on.
