War springs 100/1 shock in Down Royal opener

Further Down Royal joy for Opposites Attract

He got knocked into at halfway and unbalanced and he (Conor Maxwell) took time to get him going again. He liked the way he toughed it out though,. He said for a horse who wasn't enjoying himself and things weren't going right for he toughed it out well. He said they went a good gallop and it rode a good race. Onwards and upwards. I did say myself he would appreciate a bit of nicer ground when he won here on St Stephen's Day. He'll get further. I just thought at the back of the last he will stay at it and stay at it. He's tough, the more you dig into him the more he finds for you. He's in a few races at Cheltenham and the lads (owners, Slattery Bloodstock Limited) would love to go - we'll see how he comes out of this and we will assess it then sure. We might step him up in trip to three miles.

So Near So Farhh spot on in first handicap hurdle assignment

I had to renew the license and I . I didn't think it would happen that quick. We bought her out of Mick Channon's and we gave her a couple of runs and she was very novicey. We didn't know what to expect today, it was her first time in a handicap. He gave her a great ride, Adam, and schooled her well. I just told him to hunt away after them at the top of the hill and see what happens. She has just started to come to herself the last few weeks. It's great for the owner. The long-term plan for her is a mares' hurdle in Ayr in April over three miles.

A fortnight on and another win for Castle Oliver

He's improving the whole time, he's a fine big horse,. I'd say it wasn't the greatest race but he got his head in front and we are delighted with him. He's a fine big horse and he jumps and gallops. The track really suited him. He surprised us a bit as he doesn't show a whole lot at home. He seems to save it for the track which is a good thing.

Golden double for McManus as Sunset comes good

I think the ground was probably too heavy for him the last day (when pulled up in Fairyhouse). He stayed at it well today,. It was slow motion out there, he's a low-grade handicap horse. He'll go for something similar. I'm delighted for Simon (Torrens), he's done plenty of work for me.

Jurby makes it 2 wins in last 3 starts

Slow, jumps and stays! He loves it when he gets to the front, he enjoys himself and jumps great,.

Love rides 1st track winner as Fowler newcomer Lady scoots in at 66s

I tell you what there are good surprises and bad surprises and this is a very good surprise!. This was a hot race and I declared her when it was yielding to soft and I thought 'oh no, it's gone soft' but we have gone this far, so I let her take her chance. I said to the jockey to ride her to finish the race and if you finish in mid-division that's a great result. She has got the most phenomenal attitude and she loves her work. She does everything so easy but I was not expecting that and I am delighted. She is such a good filly at home and just loves to get down to work. It's a sign that the horses are in good form. I haven't had a runner for a good while and hopefully the others might run okay. She's a bit of a gauge for me. John, my late father-in-law, trained the dam and Tom (Bruton, owner) bred her. Today was meant to be a nice, educational run. She had to start somewhere but we said we would take our chance and see where we go. The phone can buzz away - it is totally up to Tom. I'm hoping we will have a bit of fun with her.