Bumper crowd expected for Midland National

An improving weather picture, with the highest temperature of the summer forecast, is likely to swell the attendance at Kilbeggan Races later today. The fifth meeting of the year, today's meeting will feature the Midlands National while there should be plenty of colour about as it is also Ladies Day.

Two of the great supporters of Irish racing, Westmeath native, Michael O'Leary and JP McManus are well represented in the race with the former's great First Lieutenanty, an Aintree winner in the past, set to tackle the Loughnagore track once again.

The action gets underway at 5.50pm when the first of seven races sets off, with the feature, the Midlands National, timed for 8.30pm. First Lieutenant, the mount of Rachel Blackmore, is one of five Gigginstown horses entered for the race, with four horses carrying the colours of JP McManus.