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.

Navan Sat, 18th Jan, 2025  James's Gate He did (rally well after the mistake at the last), he seemed to jump the hurdle perfectly but landed on his hind ones first, awkwardly. He jumped really well, it was the only hurdle that was any bit of a blip. We are very pleased with him. He's a good traveller. He was a classy horse in his bumpers - third in a Cheltenham bumper and that was only his second run. He's a horse with a bit of class. We might enter him for probably a Coral Cup or maybe even one of the novice races, we'll see how he is.

Punchestown Tue, 10th Dec, 2024  Shantou Princess 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.

Punchestown Tue, 10th Dec, 2024  Hey Sunshine 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.

Punchestown Tue, 10th Dec, 2024  James's Gate He’s 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 capitalise 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.

Punchestown Tue, 10th Dec, 2024  James's Gate 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.

Punchestown Sat, 23rd Nov, 2024  Stellar Story It was a competitive race and probably neither horse wanted to be in front. They are big, three-mile staying-chasers and idle in front. Sam’s lad wasn’t doing much in front and then when Jack got in front he wasn’t doing much either. At one stage they were only going 23 or 24mph. It was an exciting finish and all credit has to go to Michael O’Leary for running all three runners in the race. Search For Glory had a run and Stellar Story hadn’t. I’d say if Jack had another go he’d probably sit behind Sam and have one go at him. In fairness, both horses had a good school around. I’d imagine Stellar Story will run over three miles at Christmas and Search For Glory will probably be going for similar races.

Thurles Thu, 21st Nov, 2024  Minella Sixo He stays galloping and even in Cheltenham the last day, he was off it with a mile to go but stayed going. He is an honest horse who will win loads of races. He mightn't run on winter heavy ground but there could be a race back at Cheltenham for him in December. There are a couple of lads from America involved (with Pioneer Racing), this is their second horse so they're having some luck, which is great.

Clonmel Thu, 7th Nov, 2024  Plains Indian I suppose he was the class horse in the race being a Listed winner and I know he has been disappointing but the ground was too soft for him all year. He had a good first run back this year and if he hadn't run twice since on ground which was too hard, he'd have been favourite today. We think he is well handicapped on the flat but can't get the ground for him. We'll try for another 0-140 handicap now and he could either go to Cheltenham later this month or to Leopardstown over Christmas.

Galway Sat, 26th Oct, 2024  Scotcantou He is by Shantou, who is a great sire and this horse is tough and genuine. He probably won't want the ground any softer, but he stuck at it. You can't beat a young lad riding with confidence, and I'm delighted for John (Moylan, owner) who is with me for a few years and we've had a few winners together. We're picking up two bonuses today and I think this series is a huge help. I favour this big-time as it encourages trainers to buy at the sales. I can't afford to buy expensive horses, so have to go to the grassroots to purchase and this is a great way of encouraging owners and trainers into buying store horses.