Clonmel Thu, 27th Mar, 2025  Volez Vous Ben rode her brilliantly and she jumped great. She is improving and as I had said, the Yeats' take that extra bit of time. The recent dropping of the ratings (by the IHRB) below 80 helped her.

Clonmel Thu, 27th Mar, 2025  Rachel's Secret She had been knocking on the door, had finished second in a four-year-olds point-to-point, second in a maiden hurdle and third in a bumper so had some very solid form. She also had some wind issues and had operations but deserved it and Philip got on great with her. She is a big old mare, is 16.2hh and you could see her go over fences.

Navan Sat, 1st Mar, 2025  Dunboyne I was at Stephen (O’Connor, owner) last year when this horse was pulling up, hoping to get him as an Open point-to-point horse. We have had horses for Stephen for the last three or four years and when Dunboyne pulled up in Leopardstown during Christmas, he said he’d then try a change of scenery.

Clonmel Thu, 27th Feb, 2025  Volez Vous We had her half-sister De Lady In Red (dual winner) who came a lot quicker but this filly has just taken longer. Ricky Doyle rode her one day and said the Yeats' all take a bit of time,. We were just hoping to see some improvement today as she was nearly on her last chance, so it was a surprise and I'm delighted. We claimed Ben's 7lb as well and every little helps. We also have some point-to-pointers and store horses for the sales, so we had a few inspected this morning. . This mare is owned by my father William, who along with my mother, is unfortunately in a nursing home.

Punchestown Mon, 3rd Feb, 2025  Lucky Viv I didn’t think the ground would suit her at all, so I was a bit surprised. I thought it might be too tacky for her, but she seemed to stay the trip well. She ran in a few point-to-points, and we might go over fences with her.

Cork Fri, 17th Jan, 2025  Pure Steel I’d never have won the National only for Mike Futter as Monty’s Pass would not pass a vet for anybody but he rang me up and said ‘if he’s healthy, I don’t want any vet near him’. He bought him on my word over the phone and the rest is history. Mike was a colourful character and gave me full control of what I wanted to do with the horse. After he finished second in the Topham Trophy, I knew then I had a horse for the National. I hadn’t much connections with him afterwards but some of the syndicate were involved in Whinstone Boy with me and I won the Thyestes Chase for them and Mike went other places.

Naas Sun, 5th Jan, 2025  The Yellow Clay He just knows how to win and is improving the whole time. I was very worried about the ground and was undecided about running him but I rang Noel (Moran, owner), who is in Turkey, and he gave me the green light. They went a good gallop all the way and Wingmen ran a good race as well. I’d imagine he (The Yellow Clay) will go straight to Cheltenham now. I loved the way he travelled today and if anything, he probably got there plenty soon. Sam said he hated the ground. The race in Navan, where he was a bit behind the bridle, probably helped to wake him up.

Naas Sun, 5th Jan, 2025  The Yellow Clay He just knows how to win and is improving the whole time. I was very worried about the ground and was undecided about running him but I rang Noel (Moran, owner), who is in Turkey, and he gave me the green light. They went a good gallop all the way and Wingmen ran a good race as well. I’d imagine he (The Yellow Clay) will go straight to Cheltenham now. I loved the way he travelled today and if anything, he probably got there plenty soon. Sam said he hated the ground. The race in Navan, where he was a bit behind the bridle, probably helped to wake him up.

Fairyhouse Wed, 1st Jan, 2025  John Storey We were watching it on telly and when I saw him fall out of the picture I thought ‘oh jaysus, this is a pu (pulled up)’ but, when he came back into the telly, he just started picking them off. All he does is stay,.

Navan Sat, 7th Dec, 2024  The Yellow Clay He had his head in front at the right time which is always a good sign in a horse. I'd say the second horse got a good ride, he got the fractions right and he kicked at the right time. He nearly caught us. I told Sam not to be in front too soon, he rode our horse to instructions. He is winning, so that is all that matters. He's learning how to race.

Fairyhouse Sat, 30th Nov, 2024  William Butler Not the one we expected but it's not the first time it's happened to us. He showed a good attitude and galloped away to the line so we're happy enough. He's a grand horse, he's a baby, and it's great that he won. I'd imagine he'll go for another bumper. John Doyle is a big supporter of the yard so it's great for him.

Navan Sun, 17th Nov, 2024  The Yellow Clay he's a nice horse and has always done everything well at home. I loved the way when he made the mistake at the second last, he (Kennedy) squeezed him and he let him back on to the bridle: I’d say he is a nice horse. I thought it was a good performance, he quickened away from them. He has a great attitude and a great way of racing, he is so laid-back. You'd imagine we would go to the Lawlor's now (Grade 1 at Naas in January).

Navan Sun, 17th Nov, 2024  The Yellow Clay He’s a nice horse and has always done everything well at home. I loved the way when he made the mistake at the second-last, he (Kennedy) squeezed him and he let him back on to the bridle. I’d say he is a nice horse. I thought it was a good performance, he quickened off them. He has a great attitude and a great way of racing, he is so laid-back.