Gowran Park Sat, 26th Nov, 2022  Classic Getaway the ground is perfect for us so I wanted to get the three of them out. It’s not ideal but we let them take each other on and have them ready for Christmas so we know where we are going now. Paul (Townend, on Minella Cocooner) was a shade unlucky having to make all the running and the horse was a little green in front which cost him, as well as the mistake at the last. Take nothing from the winner, who travelled the whole way and jumped well. He had the benefit of getting a lead but did come through and jumped well. He did everything right. Whatdeawant might need a longer trip but was a little more novicey than the other two. They are three nice novices to go to war with at Christmas.

Down Royal Fri, 4th Nov, 2022  Carnfunnock He's a very, very good horse. We were very disappointed whenever Facile Vega beat him as easily as he did back in Leopardstown, but you just have to take that on the chin and go on. He wasn't quite right in Punchestown and I probably shouldn't have run him that day. He's had a good break and has strengthened up well. The plan was always to go hurdling with him but, just the way this race cut up, I stuck him in it. Our hand was forced really, we had to go and run. I'd imagine now we would be straight over hurdles with him, he has his schooling all done and he is ready to go hurdling unless there is another bumper for him. I'm friendly with Warren (Ewing) who had sold the horse (runner-up Better Days Ahead) to Gordon (Elliott). Both Gordon and Warren were very sweet on that horse and he could be a very good horse too. It was grand to get it. If he could improve from his bumper form and, touch wood he has been a good jumper, he could be exciting. It is good for Ben (Crawford, brother) to get a winner, he works hard at the weight.