Soldier Solid secures dramatic success

Connors Cross completes a chaotic double

I thought he'd win his point-to-point first time out but his jumping let him down. I then thought he'd run a lot better in Naas but he actually struck into himself, either going to the start or during the race. he's a very nice horse, gallops all day and is for sale. He has a very good pedigree as he's a half-brother to Roseys Hollow. He's a grand horse and is learning the whole time. He's going to get better and better as time goes on and I'd say he'd actually like the ground a bit softer. If we can get him to learn to race early on he'd be better, just to switch off a little bit. I'm delighted for the boys (owner Philip O'Connor and friends) that it worked out and I think they had a few quid on him - he was 100/1 this morning.

Queens Brook wins Quevega battle

Queens Brook is very good, her form is rock solid and she enjoyed it around there. I thought from the bend to the last that she picked up very well and it's nice to see her doing that. That inside track is riding very tight today to be honest. She's a mare that is consistent and she's there every day.

Connell continues good spell with Graces win

that was pleasant because we were just going down the wrong route in bumpers and we had bought her out of a schooling hurdle in Tipperary about two years ago having run well in it. I ran her in three bumpers, she ran okay the first time but ran worse the next time and then worse again next time. She hated bumpers so we said we'd go back to square one and put her over an obstacle. Today was 2m6f on tacky ground so you'd imagine she'll get three miles and that opens up plenty of doors. She has a good pedigree as well. She surprised us the last day in Fairyhouse and she was very good to jump today - she was very aggressive. I think obstacles make all the difference to her. she's having a good blow and I'd imagine she'll probably improve again. We were getting 8lb from the second and had Mikey's 5lb, so we're not getting carried away. There are novice handicap hurdles at Fairyhouse and Punchestown and if she improves further the mares' program is there for her. The way she attacks the hurdles I think she could be a graded mare over fences in time.

Harvey lands another long-distance Punchestown prize

I was very disappointed the last day here when he cut out but we scoped him and he was full of muck. It was clay and went down his throat and that's why we put a cross noseband on today to give him a bit of a chance. I felt if he produced his Fairyhouse run he'd win but he had to produce that. Ben rode him last time and said the ground wasn't the problem, he's versatile enough and will go on nicer ground as well. I'd say the key to him is the (three-miles) trip. He'll be a nice horse jumping a fence for three-mile handicaps.

Rochestown keeps rookie rolling

that was great and Ambrose (McCurtin, jockey) gave him a great ride. I'd say he just idled going to the last and nearly got beaten. The last day he ran over three miles here when it was his first run back and he ran into a bit of trouble turning in, before running on to finish a moderate third. Today's race wouldn't have been a great race but hopefully we might find another little race for him. Maybe he could go back up in trip as he stays well. Dave O'Meara is from Limerick and he has been very patient with him so it's great that it's paid off for him.

McManus' homebred wins handicap for Hourigan

at least he had his day in the sun; he's promised so many times and I always thought he was well rated but the handicapper had him right. If he had another 4lb he wouldn't have won and the handicapper is never wrong really.

Gigginstown lands Punchestown bumper