Going - Changed to soft after fifth race. Overcast
Jackpot Pool - 5,792.00 Dividend - 1,448.00 Winning Units - 3. Placepot Pool - 14,156.89 Dividend - 161.40 Winning Units - 65.74. Days Aggregate - 62,429.47 (7 races). Last Year 72,692.16 (8 races).
Shadow made to battle in Bellewstown opener
She got in a bit close to the horses in front of her going down the back (referring to the mistake she made four out) but she jumped the last two super. I dropped my gum shields after crossing the line, that's why I got down off her. She had to work a bit hard today. It was easier for her in Galway. The ground was a little holding for her but she is so honest and so good. I think she might prefer the Easyfix hurdles. She could go for a flat race at the Curragh now but we will see how she comes out of this. She is a great one to have in the yard.
Vendome records his third career success
I kept wide as there seems to be the best ground out there. I went on the inside in the first race and Andrew McNamara kept on the outside and won. He had loads left at the finish. Last time out he just couldn't handle the heavier, gluey ground.
Rawnaq lands on-course gamble
I'm delighted for his owner Kevin John Smith. His son rides out for me at home. Kevin had a share in a few horses before but this is his first winner with me. He is from Kilmessan and he is a very enthusiastic owner. That horse has been knocking on the door and Barry gave him a super ride. Barry won this race for me last year (Magnetic Force) so we are two from two in it. We might come back again for it next year!. It's not too soft out there and everything worked out well.
Caim Hill bounces back to form
Double for Geraghty as Westwood's Hoof wins
He was unlucky that the horse (Hello Louie) fell in front of him at the second last. He is a baby.
Heaney gives Taaffe Bellewstown double
Aranhill sends favourite backers home happy
He is way better on good ground. When we declared him yesterday we were expecting good to yielding ground and but for his run at Clonmel on soft (fifth behind Reafadda) I would have pulled him out. He has run in two point-to-points but I'm going to be concentrating more on bumpers with him. He is a tricky ride and I told Aine to play him as late as you can. She gave him a lovely ride and to be fair he was off the bridle turning in.