Clonmel Thu, 13th Feb, 2025  Mount Shenshan Charlie is a big fella so lucky to be riding at all due to his weight. When I got him to win his first bumper I thought that was my job done, as I thought he wouldn't be riding any further but he was bitten by the bug and keeps at it. Charlie likes hurling, plays indoor soccer and works hard at his weight. He gave that horse an exceptional ride as he took his time on her. She had a great run the last day when only beaten 14 lengths by Maughreen so we were hopeful coming back to a handicap, with the 7lb claim. She is well-bred, is out of a half-sister to Our Vic, is a very nice looking mare so I'm glad to get the winning bracket with her. The horses are going well and this mare could stretch to three miles.

Dundalk Wed, 12th Feb, 2025  Tropical Retreat the drop back in trip worked lovely, she has plenty of speed and there is plenty of speed in the family. She will get the six (furlongs) alright because she is very chilled out. She didn't do a stroke when she got to the front today, she was waiting for them. There was plenty of promise in the first run and she duly obliged. I was expecting her to come on from the first day. I was glad they put this race on at a late stage and was glad to get it. James (Ryan) is a lovely rider and has his head about him all the time: I often let him do his own thing, I wouldn't be instructing him too much at all.

Gowran Park Thu, 23rd Jan, 2025  Coral River I was worried that they were going too slow because he definitely wants a trip. He badly needed the run in Naas the last day both for fitness and experience over hurdles. The obvious thing now would be to get him right for the final in Punchestown. I don’t know what we’ll do in between, but that’s the main target.