Punchestown Sat, 23rd Nov, 2024  Stellar Story It was a competitive race and probably neither horse wanted to be in front. They are big, three-mile staying-chasers and idle in front. Sam’s lad wasn’t doing much in front and then when Jack got in front he wasn’t doing much either. At one stage they were only going 23 or 24mph. It was an exciting finish and all credit has to go to Michael O’Leary for running all three runners in the race. Search For Glory had a run and Stellar Story hadn’t. I’d say if Jack had another go he’d probably sit behind Sam and have one go at him. In fairness, both horses had a good school around. I’d imagine Stellar Story will run over three miles at Christmas and Search For Glory will probably be going for similar races.

Thurles Thu, 21st Nov, 2024  Minella Sixo He stays galloping and even in Cheltenham the last day, he was off it with a mile to go but stayed going. He is an honest horse who will win loads of races. He mightn't run on winter heavy ground but there could be a race back at Cheltenham for him in December. There are a couple of lads from America involved (with Pioneer Racing), this is their second horse so they're having some luck, which is great.

Clonmel Thu, 7th Nov, 2024  Plains Indian I suppose he was the class horse in the race being a Listed winner and I know he has been disappointing but the ground was too soft for him all year. He had a good first run back this year and if he hadn't run twice since on ground which was too hard, he'd have been favourite today. We think he is well handicapped on the flat but can't get the ground for him. We'll try for another 0-140 handicap now and he could either go to Cheltenham later this month or to Leopardstown over Christmas.

Galway Sat, 26th Oct, 2024  Scotcantou He is by Shantou, who is a great sire and this horse is tough and genuine. He probably won't want the ground any softer, but he stuck at it. You can't beat a young lad riding with confidence, and I'm delighted for John (Moylan, owner) who is with me for a few years and we've had a few winners together. We're picking up two bonuses today and I think this series is a huge help. I favour this big-time as it encourages trainers to buy at the sales. I can't afford to buy expensive horses, so have to go to the grassroots to purchase and this is a great way of encouraging owners and trainers into buying store horses.

Fairyhouse Mon, 7th Oct, 2024  Minella Sixo He’s a nice horse and Jack said there is plenty of improvement in him.

Sligo Wed, 21st Aug, 2024  Morricone He's a very game horse and battled back well. On winter ground he's okay over two miles but it's a bit sharp for him when the ground is better, and he gets this trip well. He missed his prep for Galway when the ground was too quick at Killarney, but he still ran a solid race there. We might give him a short break and then head to Listowel. The lads had a couple of horses with me before that were so moderate, they wouldn't even bring in the cows for you, so they're having great fun with this lad. He was inclined to strike into himself at his front shoulders and a physiotherapist recommended that we use elbow boots which are used on trotters in France. We had to get permission to use them and they seem to have done the job.

Cork Mon, 5th Aug, 2024  Champagne Dawn He won easily, isn't a bad horse and I was hopeful,. . We'll see what happens from here but he is a seven-year-old now so we might find a novice hurdle for him in Killarney. Hopefully he keeps going forward and everything will be fine. We just have him and a few more horses ticking away at the moment and don't have too many to run.

Galway Thu, 1st Aug, 2024  Ashdale Bob I'm delighted for the horse as he had been running around in hurdle races running against all the top horses without getting his head in front,. After Punchestown I said to Diarmuid (Horgan, owner) that we'll have to go back jumping fences. He is a model of consistency, is a beautiful sound horse and is a joy to train. He is a right character and really wanted it today. My worry was the trip today as he needs three miles but we have come here now and he is two-from-two. Jack said he needed company and if he had company he'd have carried him into the fences but he is very clever. We'll give him a break for the winter, bring him back in the spring and you wouldn't know what lies ahead - maybe the Galway Plate next year.