Ascot-bound Powerful Nation gains maiden win

I think he is a very good horse and he idled in front. I'll get him another run before going for the Windsor Castle (Royal Ascot), as he was doing nothing only looked around. I was hearing so many things coming down here, I thought I was actually running in the Windsor Castle! . He had 9st6lb on his back and was giving a stone-and-a-half to some, so he is a fair horse. He was a bit green the last day, I think today's race was a proper one and I don't think ground is an issue for him. Kevin Walsh bred him, owns him with his sons and is from over the road in Dualla. Kevin has had horses with me for 10 years and while this is his best horse, he is lucky. I was with him at Goresbridge (in 2017) where we bought this lame filly by Society Rock for just €3,000 but she was from a really good family and she bred Powerful Nation.

Scorchio springs 28/1 upset in Cork sprint handicap

The whole family perform well on turf and she had been working well on turf so I couldn't see how she was so big in the market, but I was her friend anyway!. The family are better on turf and Thunderbear (Group 3-winning half-brother) doesn't go on the all-weather but Scorchio does. I'm really happy with her and being her first run of the year, is entitled to sharpen up.

Gerrit's proves a real Gem for Cotter and McCullagh

He is buzzy, is a work in progress and it took a while to get his head right. We always thought he was a decent horse, he is a half-brother to Power Under Me (Group 3 winner) but he boiled over the last day in the Curragh. We had to get his head right but at the Curragh there were a few other issues that back-fired.

Distillate swaps Down Royal date for Cork win

Distillate had slipped down the handicap which is a huge help to horses like these, as they always go to a level and then they struggle. It is only when they come back down that they get competitive again and she had come back down to 65 today, which made her competitive. We stepped her up (in distance) and he gave her a good ride as he had to kick when she did as she travelled very easily. She just held on but were in front where it matters. we'll potter away in similar races and the boys (Devlin, O'Hare and Smith) are from the north of Ireland and love running horses up in Down Royal. Actually I had Distillate in at Down Royal last weekend but I forgot to declare her, as I messed up my phone! I told them we were running in Cork instead so it was all for the good!

Ferrari has too much boot for apprentice rivals

Sixandahalf a fourth on the day for Gavin Cromwell

Barretstown makes all under well judged Billy Lee ride

He was bought as a little fun horse and he won first time for Hugo and Anne in Dundalk but had never won on the grass, so tonight was a breakthrough. Billy (Lee) was superb and I said to him he'll ride for a long time before he gives one a better ride. I love getting him when I can. We'll keep to those sort of races and over that distance and hopefully we can pick up another one. He won't jump a hurdle but will go on for the summer. Hugo and Anne are unbelievable owners to have, they get a good kick out of it, go everywhere to see their horses and we'd be lost without them.

Eagles flies in to complete great week for Donaghue-Leahy