Going - Flat round course Good To Yielding, sprint track Good; Good to Firm (NH). Bright and warm
Placepot Pool - €19,333.53 Dividend - €197.30
Shemshal justifies odds-on favouritism
he's not the easiest horse but had a very good run at Punchestown, and then probably needed more time after that run. He was unlucky to run into one of Willie's (Mullins) ones in the past but was very good today and he's always shown that at home. He did it well and we'll get him home and then make a plan.
Protaras scores for Meade & Carberry
Valley Of Stars leads home Mulholland 1-2
He needs to run fresh. He wants good to firm ground and we were waiting on it. He was going well at home. We'll keep him on the go, but he likes three weeks between his races. I've 15 horses in training in Cootehill, Co Cavan. Valley Of Stars' owner Fred Wright owns the yard I'm in. He's originally from Portadown and has six in training with me. He's been very patient with this horse. He was only beaten three odd lengths on the flat by Our Conor and was gaining on him.
Primo Uomo leads the way at Down Royal
Pat (Smullen) said he's only learning to race and that he appreciated today's ground. He said he won easily and had plenty left and is developing into a Listed horse. He's in the Railway Stakes on Derby weekend and we'll wait for that as he's had three quick runs; we got the yearling bonus (worth Stg10,000) tonight so we're delighted.
Smullen at the double on Pirita
Chaos as stalls malfunction at Down Royal
the stalls didn't open, but it actually worked out well for us as a couple of pacesetters were taken out! In fairness he (Straits Of Zanzibar) was a good two-year-old and he knows how to battle and he certainly did there.
Martin doubles up with effortless h'cap win
they took off very fast from the flag start and then they all stopped crossing the road and came back to me. Tony (Martin) said he would go very well, but he was a bit worried about the trip.
