McNiff takes pride in Vinnie

we debating all week whether to go for the handicap or maiden hurdle here but we figured he had a better chance in this. Eventhough the favourite (Fantasy King, eventual third) was second to a good horse at Cork the last day, there was nothing behind the pair and we thought it would take less winning than a handicap. Mikey gave him a very good ride and if he went with the favourite, he wouldn't have stayed the trip as he wouldn't be the strongest stayer. He's entered for Galway on Wednesday and may look at the apprentice handicap at Down Royal on Friday too. He ran well first time on the flat and disappointed afterwards but could be worth a chance off a light weight.

Favourite backers get a scare before Bid wins

he would have been an unlucky loser but he won anyway so that's grand. He is what he is and that's his level and he wants quick ground so he hasn't that much time left this year.

Easy Kilbeggan win for Cailin Annamh

she was good and settled better without the cheekpieces today and jumped well. We'll keep her going as long as the ground is alright and she'll go for the 2m4f novice hurdle in Listowel next. She'll have to take on the geldings there as she isn't eligible to run in the mares' race.

Cummins wants Big Buck's, Cooper returns

Alexander scores for McManus/De Bromhead

that was grand, he jumped grand and goes on that ground. He'll probably go handicapping now and Mark said he jumped very well and that helped. It wasn't a great race but he did it nicely and we're delighted with him.

The Book Thief snatches late win

that's been a long time coming! He won a bumper here a few years ago and has run well here a few times but is a long time trying to win a chase. He had a nice low weight and Philip gave him a good ride to get him up. There's a race at Listowel for him and hopefully the handicapper doesn't give him too much for that.

Mullins newcomer wins Kilbeggan bumper

my grandmother bred her so we knew the pedigree and knew she'd stay well, that's why we started her in a 2m3f bumper. She showed more on the track today than she has shown at home but was still green on the first circuit today. She learned as she went along, won snug enough in the end and should stay two and a half or three miles.