Going - Soft, soft to heavy in places. Overcast
Jackpot Pool - 1,115.27 Dividend - 470.20 Winning Units - 1.66. Placepot Pool - 19,975.93 Dividend - 26.10 Winning Units - 535.68. Days Aggregate - 130,676.72 Last Year 106,061.44
Gateau De Miel wins Fairyhouse opener
I was delighted with that and Rachael Blackmore gave him a super ride. John (Byrne, owner) is here as well as and Hugh Bleahen, who we bought him from, so we're getting a real follow up service. I was a bit concerned about the ground but he handled it well. He looked to be running very well the last day but I'd say I was getting the ground wrong, to be fair to him. He came back a bit sore so we said we'd try him with a bit more ease. This looked a very suitable race conditions-wise and while he's been in a while, we'll definitely look for something else in the next few weeks.
In-form Lee wins with long-standing maiden
Mullins juvenile enters Triumph Hurdle picture
Diamond delivers for Caldwell Construction
he's a big baby; you can see why he didn't win a bumper, he's so big. To be honest we thought he would come on from the run. He was half off the bridle at the third-last but he galloped.
Championship leader hits 50 wins
he's a hard horse to get fit, he's massive and Jack said there is plenty of improvement in him: he gave a good blow. He does everything easy at home and I'd say he'll come on from it. I was thinking about going chasing with him but just found that race and he could now go chasing, he's a grand horse. It's Jack's 50th winner of the season so it's great.
Hurdle success for 'head scratcher' Clody Valley
he's a bit of a head scratcher this fella, he has wind issues and I wasn't sure about the ground or trip but we were trying something new as his pedigree is about stamina. We were going to let him off but we won't now, we'll tip away with him. He's hard to get healthy sometimes but he seems in a good spot at the minute. We rode him to get the trip, I told him (Deegan) to drop him out and see what happens and it just fell the right way as they stopped a bit in front. I'm pleased as he's given me grey hairs over the years trying to figure him out.
Deja vu double for O'Sullivan
he won like a 6/4 shot, maybe even a 4/6 shot!. They (TerenceOBrien Racing Club) are very happy owners. He won six weeks after we bought him so was a savage buy in fairness and we've had super fun with him. He had two further runs over hurdles and was a bit disappointing but it was the end of a long season and in fairness to Donie and Brian Hassett (previous connections), they told me he probably had enough done. They said to put him away for soft ground, which we did. It was the horse's first long break for a while and it obviously did him good. I wasn't 100 percent sure, coming here, how fit he was as he hasn't been away from home but I suppose it didn't look a great contest to be fair and he was 6/4 for a reason. He's very good over a fence so he has plenty of options although I probably wouldn't run him too quickly again as that was his first run of the season. I'm sure the handicapper won't miss him this time.
Six wins since Saturday for Sweet Will's trainer
that was grand, he goes on that ground. It probably wasn't a great race but it's nice to get his head in front again. He stays going well. Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him and he can remain competitive.