Clonmel Tue, 3rd Dec, 2024  Franciscan Rock My horses were just arse-ways for six to 12 months, but hopefully have turned the corner now. I don't know what it was, but they just weren't finishing their races although some weren't any good. We had to clean out the whole place, changed water pots - did everything possible. Franciscan Rock had some good form and there were no slouches for today's four-horse race - any of the four could have won. He is qualified for the Pertemps (at Cheltenham), but a lot of water has to flow under the bridge first. I'll give him a break now.

Punchestown Sun, 24th Nov, 2024  Franciscan Rock The horses have been running well for the last couple of months and it’s nice to get a winner for the O’Flynns who have been with me for years and are lovely people. They are salt of the earth. He ran well in Cheltenham last season and also in a Grade 1 here. He’s qualified to run in the Final but it’s a long time between now and March.

Navan Sat, 16th Nov, 2024  Home By The Lee He ran well in the race the last couple of years and he was a good bit better off at the weights this year. It is very much his first run of the year, but I thought he really went through the race well and jumped well. Danny was impressed with him. I couldn't be happier. We always keep him fresh, so we will wait for Christmas (Hurdle at Leopardstown) now and then he will go from Christmas to Cheltenham. His path kind of plots itself.

Naas Sun, 10th Nov, 2024  Farren Glory Jack said his best was from the last to the line. He didn't get pulled up until down below and its job done. We probably would have preferred a bit more competition. They didn't go quick, and he was looking around him. He said it was actually slippy and he slipped a bit and then was a bit careful. I'd imagine, with horses not getting out, he'll head straight on to the Drinmore now. In fairness he was better on that ground - Wexford was horrible ground.

Galway Sat, 26th Oct, 2024  Sporting Glory It was his first start for the yard and he was entitled to do that as he obviously had good form before coming to us. While he was more than entitled to win a maiden hurdle, it was still nice to see him go and do that. He should improve plenty from it and he also lost some ground when landing awkwardly at the second-last. Sam was happy with him and gave him a lovely ride. It is great for the owners who are great supporters of the yard and hopefully it is onwards and upwards with him. There will be plenty of novice opportunities for him and the fact he has already proven himself in top novice company in the past, you'd hope he will do so again.

Limerick Sun, 20th Oct, 2024  Spring Meadow I'm delighted for John Devane and his family (owners) as they have been great supporters since they joined the stable, are lovely people and deserved this as he is a very very tricky horse. You can't get up on the horse in the parade ring although he is getting better. He loves good ground so we'll run him again sooner rather than later but you won't see him back here during Christmas. There is no reason why he won't jump a fence in time.

Tramore Thu, 10th Oct, 2024  Be Fierce He had his chance today in against a bunch rated between 0 to 95. The dam (Summer Star) was a good mare and Katie won plenty on her. She's been a moderate broodmare but has had a few winners now. Hardwired won a few chases last year and this fella will win over fences too, he is a good leaper. . He is owned by very good friends of mine, the son and daughter-in-law of Betty Moran who owned Papillon. When they bought him I thought he was going to be a nice horse but now he is only just an ordinary horse. He is a winner anyway.  . Anne and Michael are great people and they came working with me one winter when they were only going out, so I know them a long time.

Sligo Wed, 2nd Oct, 2024  Gladiatorial Everyone needs a bit of luck sometimes. He was running well here one day a couple of years ago when he came down at the last, and today the other horse made the mistake and we got up. You need luck and we've had plenty of it this last couple of months. I said to Dara to get a breather into him and that if he was travelling coming up the hill, to hold onto him as long as possible. This is a lucky place for me and my first winner was here with a horse called Mighty Whitey who won a bumper under Derek Fox. Dara, and his brother Oran, never let me down. I used to tell them what to do but now they're older they tell me what to do!