Going - Heavy (soft to heavy in places). Fine
Trifecta Not Won. Pool of 3,079.62 carried forward to Navan on Sunday 13th February. Jackpot Pool - 24,248.00 Dividend - 18,186.00 Winning Units - 1. Placepot Pool - 31,637.00 Dividend - 88.90 Winning Units - 266.72. Days Aggregate - 883,662.00 Last Year 784,903.00
Unaccompanied sets sights on Triumph
Unaccompanied will go straight for the Triumph Hurdle after that. She knows her job, loves jumping and there were lots of horses with plenty of form in today's race. it was probably a weak maiden hurdle she won the last day and if she didn't win today she we would have gone back on the Flat. I said to Paul (Townend) to let her stride on early to see if she would stay. She is adaptable ground wise . she won on good to firm at Galway and handles soft ground very well.
Angel wins second Grade 1
he is not the type to win by six lengths as he only does what he has to! I thought today's distance would be too short but Robert did the right thing by sending him on. he has now won two Grade 1s and is entitled to run in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham. He doesn't mind most grounds and will keep trying up the hill . he does need a good gallop in the race though.
Nolan team on the mark ahead of Hennessy
we were very disappointed with her the last day but she jumped big, faded away and was beaten a good bit. If that was how good she was we were going to send her over fences. Today she jumped well and got a loely split turning in. she has a lovely pedigree and is related to Alexander Banquet and Wither Or Which.
Harrington & Power complete Grade 1 double
Oscars Well travelled really well in his race and I couldn't believe how easy he was going and went away under ‘hands and heels'. I was a bit worried about bringing him back to 2m2f but they went a good gallop. He has plenty of pace, has now won over 2m4f and 2m2f and the 2m5f Neptune Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham is the next logical step. We've always said he will be better on better ground and its great for the yard as they all work so hard.
Kempes wins Hennessy Gold Cup
the surprises are always the best ones! I asked David (Casey) to go out and get him to jump around and if he'd any chance to take it. I said to him if he got around he'd have more speed than the others and he probably even arrived too soon!. I'm delighted for the horse, his owner and especially his jockey as he gave him a terrific ride. I'd imagine he'll go for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next and better ground should suit too - the ground might not be as bad as we thought today.
Carberry clan collect
Caolaneoin confirms debut promise
I'm delighted for Caolaneoin's owners after deciding not to sell him after his good debut run. He is a real longterm prospect and he needs a big galloping track. it depends what he is like after this win but all being well he'll go for the final of the Rockview Series at The Curragh next before then going for a bumper at Punchestown.