Ballinrobe Mon, 22nd Jul, 2024  Presence It's a couple of years since I've been here but I love Ballinrobe. I love the racetrack, it's always a good atmosphere here and they do a wonderful job. It's no wonder that they've won Racecourse of the Year twice. The rain that fell probably played to her strengths and, also, the trainer kind of got it wrong, I was running her over a little bit far and bringing her back to a mile and one and a bit is obviously what she likes. I don't think this was the strongest of maidens but she did it well and will go for a handicap now, preferably a fillies' only handicap. (Owner/breeder) Harriet Jellett had never been to Ballinrobe before, so she did the driving and I did the navigating!

Fairyhouse Fri, 7th Jun, 2024  Kortez Bay I'm delighted, I've always loved him,. I was surprised I was able to buy him because he's a half-brother to Lady Kaya (runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas for Lavery). I met (breeder) John O'Connor and I laughed and said to him there's not a chance I'm going to able to buy a New Bay out of Kayak. . He said he wouldn't be anyone's cup of tea but when I saw him all I could see was athlete. He was a raw horse. . I feel that's a bit of a monkey off my back getting him to win but he's actually needed all the time. He's just strengthened and strengthened mentally. . Robbie said he loved that ground. I don't know how much he'll go up, or if he'd get in, but I'm going to put him in the Jersey. If he gets in brilliant, if not it's no biggy and we'll find something else. . It might have been stupid running him at two but he learned. . I think the way he's hitting the line, now that he's strengthened up, he'll get a mile but at the moment we'll keep him at seven as he's relaxing through his races beautifully.

Ballinrobe Tue, 7th May, 2024  Sorrentino I'd say Ballylinch (Stud, owner/breeders) don't have many six-year-olds!. He's obviously had a good bit of trouble - little niggly issues, nothing major, but sometimes when they get to his age they're stronger horses. I think he's only eighty per cent ready there and we weren't training him hard, as we just wanted to get him to the track. We took the very safety-first route (on the outer) there and it didn't matter. Obviously with his pedigree (by New Bay) he could go back to the Flat so that's an option. I'd love for him to win a winners' bumper, we'll see what's there, and he has the size and scope to jump hurdles. There's lots of options but there's a big engine there if we can keep the chassis in one piece.