HARD to believe we are heading into the month of June, bringing with it a host of top-class flat racing action at home and away. As we do so we have a weekend of classic action at the Curragh, with Tattersalls taking centre stage with their sponsorship of the three Group 1 races.

Sadly, Minding’s late defection has robbed the Gold Cup of its star turn, but the race has nonetheless attracted a competitive field.

Churchill and Winter both attempt to add the Irish equivalent to their recent victories in both the 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. Their presence alone would be worth the entrance fee to the races.

The Epsom classics will be followed shortly by what is surely the greatest week of flat racing in the world, the Royal Ascot five-day meeting. It never disappoints in terms of spectacle and quality and is the making, and breaking, of many a stallion career.

While one salivates at the prospect of such high-class racing, it is also a very important month on the eventing front in Ireland. Since its inception The Irish Field has been associated with the Tattersalls International Event, the brainchild and vision of the late George Mernagh. He saw the event grow steadily under his stewardship until his untimely death six years ago. Thanks to Edmond Mahony and Roger Casey, George’s dream continues to be realised and it also continues to grow in popularity and quality. Wednesday sees the start of five days of action at Fairyhouse and I hope that as many as possible will attend during the course of the few days.

The event is previewed on page A64, but just consider the following. A total of 18 Olympians are set to compete in the eight classes, with riders from eight different countries due to tackle the three-star CCI event we are sponsoring.

The riders’ list is a Who’s Who of the eventing world, and even casual observers will know of William Fox-Pitt, Mark Todd, Pippa Funnell, Bruce Davidson and Zara Tindall.

That is in no way to overlook the strong home contingent, but all the Irish riders will equally appreciate the need to attract the world’s best riders to this country as we continue to improve the standing of our major events.

I wish all competitors a safe and successful few days at Tattersalls and I invite equine and equestrian supporters of all hues to make it to Fairyhouse before the event concludes on Sunday.