Going - Soft (Heavy In Places). Overcast and windy
Trifecta Not Won. Pool of 735.63 carried forward to Curragh on Saturday 30th June. Jackpot Pool - 14,613.00 Dividend - 2,739.90 Winning Units - 4. Placepot Pool - 21,803.11 Dividend - 263.80 Winning Units - 61.97. Days Aggregate - 133,630.87 (7 races). Last Year 119,242.00 (6 races).
Oxx newcomer takes Curragh opener
the going is testing and Sinaniya tired a bit at the end but she hung on. I didn't think she'd win on the ground as both sides of her pedigree suggest she wants it better. We won't be in any hurry with her and we'll then try to get a bit of black-type.
Soft touch for Regulation while also defying absence!
Regulation is a nice horse but was a bit slow to come to hand so we said we'd wait and give him more time. He's a laid back horse at home but he worked well early in the week. He went through the ground well today although I wouldn't have any worries about running him on good ground. Shane (Foley) said he got into the race so easy today and we'll step him up in class now.
Shamiran wins Apprentice Derby for Enright
Shamiran ran in the Ulster Derby last Saturday where he got a bit of a squeeze three furlongs out and his race was over after that. He was well the next morning . mad fresh, so we decided to come here. He was going to the Galway Festival and he needed a run before then anyway. Mark (Enright) gave him a super ride and was very strong. Shamiran has a couple of options at Galway . if it is 'soft', he could go for the Galway Hurdle and if it comes up 'good' he could go for the 2m5f handicap hurdle on the Saturday.
Ursa Major gains starring roll
Ursa Major has progressed from Day One and keeps improving. He could go for a Listed race now and depending on how he gets on, maybe a Group 3 after that.
Doubles all round for Massiyn's connections
Massiyn surprised me a little bit today as I didn't think he'd go on the ground with that much weight. He's been in such great form at home and Shane gave him a great ride; he let him find his way and they picked up well. Massiyn is going the right way and we'll see what Gary (O'Gorman, handicapper) does with him now. He'll probably go for another handicap but I think there is plenty more to come from him and he will stay further.
Princeton Plains lands gamble
I was a bit disappointed with him at Roscommon and maybe dropping him back in trip and the softer ground made the difference today.We'll look for something similar next and we'll stick to the Flat for the moment - he'll probably mix it with hurdles later in the year.It's nice to have a winner on the Flat for Mr McManus and Princeton Plains' half-brother Baron De'l ran a cracker earlier (third in the Premier Handicap).
Warwick Avenue wins Curragh finale for Ballydoyle
Warwick Avenue did that nicely. He had a good run the last day and is progressing.