The Liz Doyle-trained Feelgood Island© Photo Healy Racing
Wexford is known colloquially as the sunny south-east but the weather will be nothing like summery this afternoon with rain and high winds forecast.
A Status Yellow National Wind Warning has been issued by Met Eireann from mid-day through to tomorrow morning with further rain showers (approx 4mm) predicted.
There was 8mm of rain overnight and the situation regarding weather conditions will be monitored throughout the day.
Local trainer Liz Doyle is enjoying a good season with a total of 13 winners leaving her just outside the top ten jumps trainers numerically, and she has a couple of decent chances today in Feelgood Island and Silk Worm
Feelgood Island faces nine rivals in the featured Micheal O’Murchadha Memorial Handicap Hurdle (3.25pm) and the six-year-old gelding should appreciate this drop back in trip.
Sean O'Keeffe's mount won a Down Royal maiden hurdle just before Christmas and only gave best in the closing stages over 2m3f at Naas last month.
Doyle, who trains only about 10km from the track at Crossabeg, also has strong claims with Silk Worm in the M2 Construction, Wexford Novice Handicap Hurdle (2.55pm).
The Tramore bumper winner has filled the runner-up spot on her latest two outings and remains on a competitive mark with James O’Sullivan claiming a valuable 7lb. Hybery looks one of the chief threats to Feelgood Island, and the powerful Willie Mullins/Paul Townend combination are also represented by Gelee Blanche in the opening Wexford Mares Maiden Hurdle (1.50pm). Calthor looks an interesting runner in the Eoin O’Gorman Solicitors Maiden Hurdle (2.25pm) as Gavin Cromwell’s charge reverts to flights, while Opposites Attract may continue a good recent run for trainer Dermot McLoughlin in the Tomcoole Farm Ltd Beginners Chase (4.35pm).
The going is currently soft and the seven-race card gets underway at 1.50pm.
