Poignant win from Ifiwerearichman

a member of the (Capital Racing) syndicate Phil Byrne — who had owned Feetofadancer, died suddenly not so long ago and he was a great friend of ours. It will be an emotional win for all the lads involved today as Phil organised the syndicate and got all those lads together. I hope it gives Cathy and the kids a lift, that's the most important part of it.

Triple Grade 1-winning hurdler scores on chase debut

James’s Gate swings fortunes for connections

James’s Gate has had his problems but he's been in a good place since he came back this summer. We know he has raw talent from his bumper days and we'll see how much we can capatilise on that. I'd like to see his jumping improve a bit but he could be a talented horse going forward. He's a nice horse to have around the place, he's a lovely individual.

Progressive Hey Sunshine completes hat-trick

in fairness to Hey Sunshine she's improving with every run, has a lovely attitude and really wants it. The gap opened for me (on the inner) but you need the animal to take you there. The step up in trip helped and she hit the line strong again today. The ground was a bit of an unknown but she handled it well and that opens more doors. I don't know if she'd handle heavy ground but she'll handle nice winter ground. I'd say she's just improving all the time and she's tough.

Second-string scores in battle of flip-floppers

You Oughta Know was good but it was a funny race with Paul's lad (Port Joulain) pulling up lame. I was a bit raw in front but ability shone through in the end and it was a good performance from him. He started off last season very well but whatever went wrong he seems to be back showing what he can do now. He's well able for that ground and his form last year says when it gets slower he should have no problem with it as well.

Mullins completes four-timer, with impressive Kitzbuhel

Sammy Smart scores maiden success

it's great and I'm delighted to get the winner for Kevin (Haigney, owner) as he's been very patient. We hadn't bought him long when he got injured so was out for a while. We thought he could do that a long time ago but we got there in the end. He had a real solid run here before. He just seems to need plenty of time between his races, it's taken me a long time to work that out.

Cromwell and Donoghue win Punchestown's finale

she won a point-to-point and the step up in trip was a big help to her. Keith was good and confident and forward on her. She was long at the last couple but got away with it: she's only a small thing and is brave. There is a 0-110 handicap at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day so we might look at something like that next.