Going - Chase: Good To Firm Hdle/Bmp: Good (good to firm places - firm last 2f). Overcast
Makhaaleb battles to take Down Royal opener
He got a fright in Gowran Park earlier in the year when he refused at the third hurdle and had a nice confidence boost at Perth last time,. Paul knows all the horses so well and there is no need to say anymore about him. He might go back to Perth for a novice hurdle in a few weeks time. He's a low grade horse and today might have been his day. There might be something back on the Flat for him.
Striking Force battles on
The horse is a brilliant servant. He battled on well today.
Grimshaw impresses for Lambe
I was a little bit concerned about the trip as he won over 2m2f at Downpatrick and was placed over 2m4f at Sligo,. He was a bit unlucky at Sligo as he missed the second last and last. He might not have won be he would have been closer. I quietly fancied him here today but was afraid of Baracas and of Tony (Martin) and Ruby's horse (Tijuana Dancer). He's not a bad horse. He won on the Flat for Barry Hills and also won up the Curragh. Barry (Geraghty) thought he could be competitive in a novice hurdle or a high grade handicap off a low weight. We'll look at Listowel but there are no plans.
Eventide powers home for Thornton
We've only had the mare for three weeks. She ran ok at Ballinrobe last time out but we didn't fancy her today. A lot of credit must go to my son Karl who does all the work with her at home.
Norther battles to beginners success
He stuck at it well. Barry suggested going two-and-a-half miles but I wasn't fully convinced to be honest as I thought he was an out-and-out two miler,. Barry gave him a lovely ride. He can be very keen but we put ear plugs into him and he settled well. The slow pace helped as well. I didn't think we'd be waiting this long to win a beginners chase. He's probably his own worst enemy because he's so keen. He has run well in good company and hopefully can go on and build on this. Unfortunately he's a fast ground horse and we may run out of time with him. We'll look and see what's in Listowel. After today we'll stick to two-and-a-half miles.
Olifan D'Oudairies takes full advantage
He had the form in the book to do it. I think he would have given the favourite a run if he hadn't fallen.
Avida gains all important success
She's awfully well bred and I was disappointed the first day (at Sligo) as I thought she would win,. In fairness she was beaten by a better filly on the night. This family have been awfully good to me. She is a potential broodmare. I doubt she'll run over hurdles - I don't think she'll be risked as she's the last of a line. We might have a crack at the Flat with her. This family don't know when they are beat and are a dream to train. I've also had the likes of half-brother Canary Wharf - they've all won bumpers for me. The owner Frank O'Malley is originally from Galway but lives in Straffan. He's a great breeder and is very patient.
