Going - Heavy. Partly cloudy
Jackpot Pool - 5,909.11 Dividend - 1,719.30 Winning Units - 2.42. Placepot Pool - 38,031.64 Dividend - 434.10 Winning Units - 61.35. Days Aggregate - 258,022.01 Last Year 342,206.07
Rath Gaul Boy impresses in Fairyhouse maiden rout
Lyreen proves Lucky for Gilligan and Elliott
We were a bit fortunate with the other horse making a mistake but we were in front plenty soon enough. He will a jump a fence in time.
Jade De Grugy digs deep to land the Grade 1 Honeysuckle Novice Hurdle
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.
Captain Cody a notable Grade 2 Hurdle winner for Jody Townend
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.
Mirazur West impresses from the front in Grade 2
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.
Captains Nephew shows battling qualities to land Listed race for Rothwell
James felt that there was no touch or bump and is reasonably confident that everything should be okay. Tom (Doran) has been a huge supporter and I’m delighted for him. The tongue tie slipped in Thurles the last day and he didn’t see out his race. Maybe the ground was too quick for him. His form up to then was mighty and this race was the aim for a while.
Tower has Mangan back in the big time at Fairyhouse
From day one we’ve liked this horse and he’s taken to fences really well. I so delighted for the lads at home in the yard, Pat Murphy rides him every day, and the McManus family for sending him to me. We only have about a dozen horses and most of them are pointers. He’s only a six-year-old and his future is ahead of him. When the ground dries he’ll go home to Martinstown and next year will be the plan. I couldn’t see why he wouldn’t stay three miles but that will be for next year. He’s by a great sire in Walk In The Park. I spoke to Jody Townend and she said the ground is a bit tacky more so on the hurdle course than the chase so I was happy enough. Willie is an incredible trainer and a gentleman into the bargain. He even wished me well before the race today and visa versa I wished him well.
Kopek Des Bordes completes Mullins five-timer in bumper rout
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.