Aintree Sat, 13th Apr, 2024  I Am Maximus It was an excellent ride. I had said before the race that we didn’t know how good this horse was, today he showed that he’s better than he had been. I thought he still had a little bit from the handicapper after the Bobbyjo and he’s proved it today. Paul was excellent, he kidded him round the inside, he got chopped up a couple of times and probably didn’t jump as clean as he could, but he was looking for the gaps and when he eventually got it he was all right. I could see Paul’s body language and he was happy, so I was happy then. I don’t think I said anything until he got over the last and then I let go (and gave him a cheer). He’s a tremendous horse. He has his own way of doing things, he’s quirky and immature but he’s learning all the time. It’s extraordinary how we came to have him. Nicky Henderson had him before me, Michael Grech moved his horses to Ireland and Nicky said to me ‘make sure you get him’ and it was fine advice. Nicky could see the talent that he had and we just had to nurture it, so thanks to Nicky and also Henrietta Knight who organised all that. To win an Irish National and an English National is impressive. I think he could be a Gold Cup horse, but we don’t know how good he could be because he doesn’t do it at home. He’s quirky, but he has huge ability and until others get the better of him, we won’t know how good he is.

Fairyhouse Mon, 1st Apr, 2024  Redemption Day He's had his problems but he's coming right now, even on ground he didn't like there.

Fairyhouse Mon, 1st Apr, 2024  MacDermott He's been running over trips that were too short for him but we couldn't find races for him. Today was the first time he got his ground and trip. He's a horse that I'd be really looking forward to going over extended trips in the future, in some of the those bigger handicaps. . He could be an Irish National horse or one for Aintree, any of those extended races.

Fairyhouse Mon, 1st Apr, 2024  Implicit The pilot was very good again, as he usually is. It looked like they went very hard, Paul dropped her in got her relaxed and came with one run. Obviously he just got there and I thought it was a brilliant ride. I don’t know what way it would have gone if the horse didn’t run out, but she’s improving. I’d imagine she’ll go to Punchestown and you’ll probably see her through the summer as well, she should go on better ground. David Casey, representing

Fairyhouse Mon, 1st Apr, 2024  Implicit The pilot was very good again, as he usually is. It looked like they went very hard, Paul dropped her in got her relaxed and came with one run. . Obviously he just got there and I thought it was a brilliant ride. I don't know what way it would have gone if the horse (Boher Road, clear when exiting spectacularly three out) didn't run out but she's improving. . I'd imagine she'll go to Punchestown and you'll probably see her through the summer as well, she should go on better ground as well. David Casey, representing

Fairyhouse Sun, 31st Mar, 2024  Kopek Des Bordes He looks a nice type. He worked well at home and showed today that his homework was right. We’ll see if we go to Punchestown — maybe not as it might be too much to ask him. He’s a lovely type for the future. Doctor Steinberg also ran well in third and they are both nice prospects for the future.

Cork Sun, 31st Mar, 2024  Sir Gerhard Asterion Forlonge always likes to jump right, that's just his way of doing it but overall he jumped well. His jumping isn't going to change now with his age but it was a good performance. We went a nice gallop, didn't hang around and it is nice to get another win with him. I gave him a pop yesterday and he has always been a very good jumper at home and just has his own way of doing it. He is a high class horse and was bang there in those top Grade 1 chases so the ability is there. He has been around a long time, he has been a right horse and they (himself and Sir Gerhard) are two top horses so it is great to get the opportunity to ride them.

Fairyhouse Sun, 31st Mar, 2024  Mirazur West It was a good performance. Mark changed tactics today and it seemed to make a big difference to the horse. He likes to jump and gallop and looks tailor made for novice chasing next year. After the disappointment of Naas it was nice for him to come out and do that and we’ll look and see what’s left for him for the rest of the season.

Fairyhouse Sun, 31st Mar, 2024  Captain Cody The owner texted me during the week and said that I could ride the horse if Paul wasn't going to. I can't thank him enough. Jody kept her horse out of trouble, kept him balanced and jumping, all the things you’d want in a young jockey. She’s always there, rides winners all the time for us and when you consider how light she is. She must have to carry a stone and a half of lead every day.

Fairyhouse Sun, 31st Mar, 2024  Jade De Grugy That was a huge performance coming back from Cheltenham, she was very tough. Paul didn’t think he was going well a lot of the way but it just shows what sort of engine she has. It’s tough luck on Spindleberry. I thought she had it won at the last but as we saw yesterday so many races were lost between the last hurdle and the line. The extra half-mile was definitely a help to her and she does look like a two and a half mile mare. I’d imagine we’ll look at Punchestown with her now.