She Must Be Obeyed in Punchestown

That’s a nice way to finish off the year. It’s been a bit up and down recently so we are delighted to get that anyway. For all her antics beforehand and everything else, the racecourse is where she has always been the easiest. Once she gets out there and gets going she’s a hundred per cent. I didn’t know if she was up to winning that to be honest. I knew she would love the ground and we’ve been looking to try her over a trip for a good while. Staying chasing is what we always hoped she would end up doing. I said to Darragh going out it would be a fair test of stamina today and it suited her. She jumped well and looks a chaser. I’m not sure where we will go now but I’m delighted with today.

Notice To Close repels Angels Dawn in thriller

Slattery eyes Cheltenham for Sir Allen

He was my only runner over Christmas and was one we thought might win. He’s a nice horse and since the first day he started jumping hurdles he seems to enjoy it. I think there is a four-year-old novice in Naas in mid-February and we’ll go there and give him an entry in Cheltenham. We’ll see what happens with the handicapper. He stays all day. Cian was saying he needs to run in a better race because they are going too slow for him. He’s too free and needs a faster pace. He was always a good jumper but is jumping a bit high. I’ve never had a runner in Cheltenham, so I might have one this year.

Saint Sam impresses from the front on return to hurdles

We decided to come back over hurdles with him and it might be the right thing to do going out in trip with him. He likes to get on with the job so Paul let him get on with it today. He put in some tremendous jumps and I think if he settles a little better over hurdles that might be his career for the near future. Otherwise I’ll mix it with him over fences. I want to get him out in trip. He’s bred to stay further but he races a bit keenly. I think he’ll settle down once he gets used to racing over a longer trip.

Slevin doubles up with San Salvador

He ran very well the last day in Cork (in second last month) and this is a nice pot (€24,000) to win. The race worked out lovely for him. He got a nice position, made one mistake down the back, but otherwise jumped very well through the race. We’ll see what the handicapper does and he’ll be going for another good handicap somewhere. JJ is riding great. He’s been a very good, solid rider for years and is getting the opportunities and confidence with winners.

In form Little Mixup carries big weight to victory

He missed a year with an injury and it took a while for him to get into gear. I’m delighted for Mark and Lorraine (McDonagh). To be fair, after the injury Mark offered me the horse to keep. I put him away for a year and when I got him back I told him he was ready to go again if he wanted him back. It’s great that he’s stuck with him and hopefully he’ll win again. It was a great performance under the weight. He’s only 15.1 and the jockey couldn’t claim in the race. He’ll have to go up a grade now and he might be better in a better race with a lighter weight. He jumped super and Tommy gave him a lovely ride.

Hickey's decision to keep Magic Dawn reaps dividends

She has a great pedigree. That’s three runners out of the mare now and three winners. She quickened up well in the straight. She’s a fine big mare and I’m glad I didn’t sell her. She was only making 12 grand at the sales and will make a nice broodmare.