Going - Good. Fine
Jackpot Pool - 2,944.07 Not Won. Carried forward to Curragh on Sunday 9th August. Placepot Pool - 24,244.37 Dividend - 139.30 Winning Units - 121.82. Days Aggregate - 171,693.00 Last Year 124,851.00
Weld's Emaniya wins maiden in good style
She ran very well from a bad draw on her first start at the Curragh and has put that experience to good use today and I thought she won nicely. She has had two quick runs now so we will give her some time now. She is a beautifully bred filly and we'll look for a Listed race now; she is entered in the Debutante Stakes (on August 22) but that comes to quick and we'll wait a bit longer. She got the mile well today but her dam was fast. We're hoping she has a good future ahead of her.
Stack's filly battles on well for Hayes
She had to do it the hard way on her own, she is very honest and is probably better off going back up in trip again. The plan was to get her ready for the Ballyhane Stakes (worth €320,000 but which doesn't carry black-type status) on August 23 so if we didn't run here, there weren't too many options for her over six furlongs. She has a nice pedigree and it is good for Craig (Bernick, owner) who gave a nice few quid for her at the sales last year. Ultimately the plan is to get black-type and to be part of Craig's broodmare band but we might have a shot at the money first!
Sixteen year old Ewing rides first winner
Sam, 16, is a great little kid who joined us this year and I worked with his father in Micky Hammond's 30 years ago. He has great and natural feedback, is a good kid and if he doesn't get any bigger or greedier like his father he has a chance!
McGuinness records first Listed success
I said he was a Stakes horse so he has proved me right; that's my first Listed winner and most horses I'd have for those races I'd usually sell, so it's great to be able to hold on to him. we weren't going to run and he was declared at the last minute as we found out Madhmoon and Sonaiyla weren't running so we said we'd give it a go. The big worry was he had two quick runs in Galway but he is tough. He is a smashing horse and we're going to have a lot of fun with him. He is progressing all the time and Gavin gave him a serious ride and settled him well. There is a Listed race in three weeks time at Leopardstown and then we'll probably find something for him on Champions Weekend and there's a Group 3 at Dundalk after that. He is very versatile ground-wise and I'm delighted for the lads that own him. He could go travelling later in the year, covid permitting.
Pearls Galore outclasses rivals on handicap bow
She is a handy filly and I was a little concerned about her carrying that weight but I thought this was the race for her and I hoped she'd win it. I think it is hard on a filly to step from a maiden straight into a Stakes race and I felt she could be competitive in a handicap. I haven't thought past today but the aim would be to try and win a Stakes race with her. She is nice filly and I'm thrilled she did what she did.
Finn's mudlark gains first win on good ground
It was a bit of a shock but Billy (Lee) did fancy him as our horses weren't right a couple of weeks ago and ran terribly. I was worried the ground was too fast but they went some pace on it. He is a paddly, bad mover but when they get a bit of age, they know how to mind themselves and the minute he started passing horses, he was flying it. We are running out of options as he is getting old but this is brilliant.
First winner for Jessica Maye on Lady Boomerang
Tarnawa shines in second Give Thanks triumph
It was a very pleasing return, she had a very productive year last year and not many three year olds win three Group races. She was impressive in this race last year and she was equally impressive today. She has strengthened from three to four and is just a good filly. The plan was always to start back today, she has a multitude of entries for the autumn but we said we'd come here and then play it by ear. She had possibly gone over the top by Ascot's Champions Day last year but the plan was always to start here today for an autumn campaign.