Going - Heavy. Overcast
Jackpot Pool - 8,899.00 Dividend - 196.30 Winning Units - 34. Placepot Pool - 42,692.72 Dividend - 62.50 Winning Units - 499.97. Daily Double Pool - 181.00 Not Won. Carried forward to Fairyhouse on Tuesday 5th February. Pick Six Pool - 3,980.25 Not Won. Carried forward to Fairyhouse on Tuesday 5th February. Days Aggregate - 335,890.88 (8 races). Last Year 1,048,656.50 (7 races).
Screamer for bookies in Punchestown opener
obviously there was something wrong then but we never found anything to explain it. He wasn't a bad point to pointer but I'm happily surprised but then again nothing surprises me in this game anymore!
Top drawer Mozoltov is Cheltenham bound
Mozoltov has been doing good work at home and I've been waiting for a nice race to get him out instead of taking on one of our own. I didn't think he'd be taking on as good a bunch as these and he has to go into 'the top drawer'. I'd imagine we're looking for the Supreme Novices hurdle with him and he can only be better on better ground and Ruby said he wasn't at home on that ground today.
Colbert Station on track for Aintree
I wouldn't say he was mad about the ground but he jumps and stays. If he is going to run at Liverpool we'll have to keep him ticking over and today served its purpose. We'll be looking at races like the Bobbyjo Chase, the Racing Plus Chase and the Red Mills Chase for him next but his only minus is his inexperience and he's only had five runs over fences. I'd say a horse has never won the National with only five runs over fences.
Sizing Europe wins Tied Cottage
Arabella Boy cut to Festival favouritism
Arabella Boy travelled well all the way and he'll go for the Cross Country Chase, on the Tuesday, at Cheltenham next. This is his track and he'll be back here at the Festival for the La Touche.
Lastoftheleaders wins Dan Moore Chase
obviously we're delighted to win this race and it's a lovely pot to win. Lastoftheleaders' owners have been very good and have stuck with him even though he's had a lot of niggly problems.
Spot The Boss lands National Trial
Spot The Boss put in a great round of jumping today . that was his problem the last day. The trip, the weight and the ground were all right for him today but his jumping was immaculate which made all the difference. He wants every inch of that trip but these races are thin on the ground. The Eider Chase at Newcastle (over four miles) could be a possibility if he gets into it. I've always viewed him as a long distance chaser on testing ground.
Fahey going places with Railway
it's brilliant for the syndicate who are all from Dunlavin and this is their local track and he's bred by Jimmy Whittle who is also part of the syndicate. We didn't really expect to win today but we wanted to run here as it was the syndicate's local track and the plan was to also run him at the Festival. He'll probably go there for a winners' race now and is definitely a nice horse.