Going - Soft to Heavy (Hurdle & Bumper course), Soft (Chase course). Fine and sunny
Jackpot Pool - 2,588.64 Not Won. Carried forward to Thurles on Wednesday 29th November. Placepot Pool - 25,989.07 Dividend - 28.10 Winning Units - 646.86. Days Aggregate - 118,582.95 Last Year 140,590.37
Soldante defeats odds-on 'Jolie'
he had one go at the favourite although Eoin (Walsh, winning jockey) felt he struggled a bit on the ground. He felt it was heavy enough for him. He'd see out the two miles well and that was a big help to him today, he is probably a 2m4f horse really. I wasn't too happy when they omitted the two hurdles because essentially he is a jumper and those hurdles would have been to his benefit but he got away with it and we are delighted with that performance. Eoin just wasn't over happy with the way he travelled on that ground but he showed plenty of resolution to get the job done. His bumper form was strong - he didn't win one and was just a bit unlucky a couple of times. It's grand to win a hurdle.
Banprionsa wins for Honeysuckle's connections
it was tough work and it looks horrible out there to be honest. The lack of hurdles was quite frustrating but that's the way it is. She probably wasn't in love with the ground or the track but won anyway. She is a real staying type of mare and jumps really well. I'd say everything was against here and it was nice to see her win. We like her, she is a nice mare and we will see how she progresses.
Blossom De Mai gives 'late bloomer' a first winner
that's a huge, huge winner as Felix Byrne was a huge part of the syndicate but passed away a few months ago. This is the first time the mare has got to run since he passed away. Felix absolutely loved racing and it was his first time to be involved in a horse. His wife Veronica is still involved in the syndicate and I'm so, so pleased for her. Felix would have loved this moment and I would have loved giving it to him, but it wasn't to be. I hope Veronica gets a great kick out of it. Blossom De Mai promised a bit last year but went off the boil. We weren't quite sure why, so we gave her a good long break and I promised the lads there was something there with her. I told them I thought she had a place chance at 66/1 and so this is fantastic.
J.P. and Ted land Tramore gamble
he ran well first time out but then ran two stinkers. He went home then and didn't run for nine months so he hopefully he can progress. I got a bit worried when all the hurdles were taken out (due to the low sun) as he's a good jumper. With a bit of luck he can put it together again and win another one. He jumps well and idled a bit today but he beat the horse (Kiln Time) he had to beat.
Danny Mullins rides 500th winner
Jockey Mullins completes quick Tramore double
He probably ran into one (Evies Vladimir) the last day as it was 20 lengths back to the third. Thankfully Gavin (Cromwell, trainer) didn't have anything in today's races as he finished second here to another one of Gavin's last January - with 25 lengths to the third!. Danny gave him an unbelievable ride. Halfway around he didn't look to be going as sweet as he normally does, maybe it was a combination of the ground and the chase track on the very inside being tight for him. I'm delighted for the syndicate, who are a brilliant group of lads and are with me years. He will go for something similar now - maybe something at Limerick over Christmas or back here on New Year's Day. The track at Limerick would be more suitable but finding the right race is the problem. That's his second win and he has been placed a couple of times. He is a grand horse who was bought out of Scobie (Aidan) Fitzgerald's after he had one run in a point-to-point. Scobie recommended him and he has been lucky so far. Hopefully there's another day or two in him.
Third recent win for Mullins barn
I hadn't sat on him at home - Rachel (Robins), who is leading him up, does all the work with him at home and has had a good week as it's the third winner out of her barn. he was very good and was entitled to do it on his form. He settled lovely for me and to be fair he quickened out of the dip nicely as well. He gave me a good feel. He could only beat what was there but I liked him.