Going - Soft. Fine
Jackpot Pool - 5,000.00 Dividend - 3,750.00 Winning Units - 1. Placepot Pool - 51,256.18 Dividend - 341.40 Winning Units - 112.58. Days Aggregate - 100,193.00 (6 races). Last Year 47,754.00 (7 races).
Navan Forges ahead despite cold snap
the horse which beat him the last day (Oscars Well at Punchestown) is highly regarded so we were hoping he could pick up a maiden hurdle. he should make a nice chaser in time and he is more of staying type than a two miler.
Oscar claims Grade 1 prize
I know Hidden Cyclone came out of the race but my horse couldn't have done any more than he did. Robbie (Power) even said he hated today's tacky ground. he travels very well in his races but we may have to get him to switch off a little. He'll go for the Grade 2 novice hurdle at Leopardstown at the end of January next and hopefully he'll be capable of carrying his Grade 1 penatly. The Neptune Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham is his longterm target.
Rigour Back to best
Rigour Back Bob lives out in a field and today's cold weather wouldn't have bothered him!. the horse did us proud last season but Edward said he couldn't believe how well he did during the summer and it took him two runs to get him back fit. The World Hurdle at Cheltenham is my favourite race at the Festival and hopefully he might be good enough to run in it some year.
Bale O'Shea lands gamble
Bale O'Shea always worked well at home but never showed the same form on the track. I hope there's more improvement to come now and he may go to Leopardstown over Christmas for another handicap.
Lucky Spring scores for Martin/Thornton
Lucky Spring cracked a bone in a joint and has taken a long time to get back right - he was a fairly decent horse at one stage. The ground was too deep for him at Clonmel the last day and he didn't get home and he is better with a gap between races. Andrew (Thornton) rides very well and deserves more opportunities and, obviously, I'm delighted the meeting went ahead and the lads say it rides well.
Harrington doubles up
that has rounded off a great day! True Character had a good run at Gowran the last day and we may go straight hurdling now - he is a great lepper.