Felix gets the cream

Springfield shows the Way

to be honest I thought we were coming here for third place! . I blame myself for his run the last day as we didn't jump out in front and he pulled the arms out of Tom. I have a three miles novice handicap hurdle at the Fairyhouse Festival in mind longterm and he'd prefer better ground.

Selection Box a Christmas winner

the Ulster National is the lonterm plan. It's very important that he has to go right-handed, and while we'll see what the handicapper does now, we'll probably find a race in the middle of January next. He's a versatile horse distance-wise - it was only 2m2f today but he does stay well and from the bottom of the hill he wasn't going to be beaten.

Christmas Party starts early

Mae makes winning racecourse debut

Mae's Choice is an honest mare but it wasn't the greatest race and I wouldn't be getting too excited. We'll find another mares' race for her, either here or in England. She is owned by her breeders Michael Sammon and his wife Sheena, from Co Meath.

Dafa delights as Elliott doubles up

Paul gave him a great ride . Al Dafae is a monkey and he could have pulled up a mile out. It's great for Sean Gallagher (not to be confused with this year's Presidential candidate of the same name) who is one of our best supporters - it's nice to get him a winner just before Christmas.

Not Before Eight leaves it very late!

that's the way he has to be ridden! He has loads of ability but he has to hit the front as late as possible. Barry (O'Neill) still had a pile of horse under him at the second last. He has been in such good form lately that my biggest worry was that he would unseat Barry on the way to the start! We'll mix it between Open point to points and hunter chases now and maybe look for a winners' hunters chase at a good staying track. It might have been a bit sharp for him here but the testing ground and the uphill finish worked in his favour.