Going - Yielding to Soft on hurdle & bumper track; Yielding to Soft, Soft in places on chase track; changed to Soft after 4th race. Overcast and showery
Pete on song in Down Royal opener
that was good; I thought the ground might have been a bit quick but he jumped and travelled today. Bryan (Cooper) said that the horse that beat him at Gowran got a 'freebie' and in fairness to Guitar Pete he is getting better. He'll either go to Fairyhouse in a month's time or Leopardstown at Christmas next and might be a Triumph Hurdle horse.
Sparkling display from jumping Shadow
that was the way I hoped he would do it. He has done everything right, has loads of ability and his pedigree is all staying. He has jumped really well from day 1 and it was really about getting today out of the way; hopefully he could be one for the big chase here (JNwine.com Champion Chase) in a few years time.
Double for Sloan as Time For Work wins
I was very worried about the ground (for Time To Work) and we were lucky with Thomas Edison making a mistake (badly hampered). They're good owners and it's nice to win a big pot at their local track.
Roi Du Mee is king for a day!
he's some little horse! He's a real favourite around the yard and is like a little terrier! I thought he was in good form but thought we were on for third or fourth place today. I felt sorry for Mount Benbulben (stablemate of the winner) and I had my eye on him during the race; he appeared to be full of running when he fell and there should be another big race in him when he gets things together.
Nicholls hits a six with Rolling Aces
the pressure was on - I had to keep up the record for Mr Nicholls!
Punters love it as Plan comes together!
Ruby said to drop her back in trip and that'll open up more options for her in the future. She was always going well that was the plan to drop her out and do them for speed.
Elliott completes Down Royal treble
having three winners and a second today is brilliant! He's (Moonshine Lad) a big chaser in the making but we might look at a winners' bumper at Christmas and that'll be him for the year (season). It was a good race today.
