Champetre wins Cross Country race

Garde Champetre got the job but wasn't as sharp as usual. He isn't getting younger but jumped adequately and while we'll see how he comes out of this, the Cross Country race at Cheltenham will be his next step.

Roi rules at Punchestown

Roi Du Meee did it well and, like a lot of mine at the moment, seems to be improving a lot. He has really come on a lot on his last couple of runs and will go for Grade 2 Nas Na Riogh Novice Steeplechase at Naas on February 20 next.

Farmer scores for Brassil/Madden

Mister Farmer always threatened to win a hurdle off his mark and while I though he would improve from his second last start, didn't improve in a similar type race at Leopardstown on his next start. The switch back to fences made the difference and he seems to enjoy chasing . we'll find something suitable again next.

So Young so good

Willie was in favour of coming here instead of taking on his Zaidpour in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle on Hennessy Day as he says it better to win two races than one!. he showed today that he isn't slow but we'll more than likely go for the 2m5f Neptune Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. He is very exciting and Paul (Townend) was impressed.

Russell & Giggs combine for double

Turner now set for Cheltenham

Turner Brown likes it around here and while I had been planning in sending him to run in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, he needed to win today to get into that race. He did it well today.

Alwaystheoptimist scores for Cox/Kennedy

Dazzling double for Suzie

Dazzling Suzie is a good mare and improved from the last day when she needed the run . I was worried about the bounce factor today. if the original favourite for the race, Valleymount, hadn't been a non-runner then things would have been more interesting. We may now go for the Aintree Mares Bumper next . she has booked her ticket today and may even be better on better ground as she has small feet and has a free action.