Autumn in Closutton. So many questions. So few answers. For now . . .

“They never come back, do they?” “Some do, some don’t. It depends.”

Monkfish walks out of the yard and across the road to the gallop, his tall chestnut frame supported by four long legs. Four good legs at the moment. So far, so good.

Allaho and Paul Roche follow him up, a great black hulk. Think Jurassic Park and those wobbling cups of water. The John Durkan is his usual season starter, has been for the past two years, and then on to Thurles. But after his Punchestown demolition over three miles going right-handed, could he go to the King George? Do you want to change Allaho’s programme? If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, some guy once said. The King George is the King George, though.