Going - Good to Firm, Good in places. Overcast
Jackpot Pool - €21,459.00 Dividend - €1,877.60 Winning Units - 10. Placepot Pool - €26,528.82 Dividend - €35.20 Winning Units - 527.5. Pick Six Pool - €175,657.50 Dividend - €15,370.00 Winning Units - 8. Days Aggregate - €213,188.00 Last Year €595,706.28
Vicky impresses on Irish debut
She came with a nice reputation from France last November but disappointed when we brought her home. We decided to put her away and she's been far better since. She looks alright now on her homework, and will stay on the novice hurdle route. Her form is on soft ground in France but she has been showing us plenty on faster ground at home.
Ross is the boss for Walshs
He ran alright in the big amateur handicap here but didn't handle Downpatrick, where he was never going. If you backed him you knew your fate with a circuit to go. He likes Galway but keeps plenty for himself and pricked his auld ears coming up to the line. He's not a 7lb claimers ride but has plenty of ability. After he won his maiden here, I didn't think I'd be waiting two years to win a maiden hurdle with him. He's a big scopey type and seems to be on the right side of the handicapper, so he'll go handicapping now.
Pasa continues on the upgrade
She got a great ride and Barry rode her with loads of confidence. Missing the second last might have helped as she didn't get there too soon. When she can go she can really go, and we should have a lot more fun with her. We'll look at the Grade 3 mares novice in Down Royal and there is also the Grade 3 novice at Tipperary. Then she'll get a break. We'll take it one step at a time but she may come back for Cheltenham in March. Barry was quite impressed with her.
Fogarty opens his pro account
I have to I thank a vet, Declan Gill, who is local to me and has worked wonders with him and turned the horse inside out. His shoulders were all caught up and I also got his teeth done. He jumped great today, and Mikey gave him a lovely ride. He's been lucky for me, and rode Letter of Credit in the past.
Fitz routs rivals to complete four-timer
Barry said that he's some leaper. He asked him over the final four fences to ensure that he wouldn't get outpaced. He might want further, and may be more of a stayer. He thrives on his racing and was as ready as we could have him today but if he turned up again next week I'd say he could be better again. He collects every day and there is a possibility he might be slightly better going right handed. Having said that, the plan is to go to Cheltenham in October or November. There is a low grade novice chase in October, and he's more likely to go for that before the ground turns heavy. He'll have his three months off then.
Ballylibert in a thriller
Philip gave him a great ride and he jumped great. If you tried to plan it you couldn't plan it better as he got a nice lead and needed company. I thought he was beaten 50 yards out but he fought back.
Mangan seen to great effect on Fourni
My wife and father-in-law bred her but being a chestnut filly we couldn't sell her. This was going to be her last chance in a bumper and Jane stole it on the turn into the straight. I'm not sure about plans. She's only small but jumps well and she might run over a mile and six furlongs on the Flat. She pops out of stalls well.
