Cian Collins on Jazzy Matty: "He’s growing and getting stronger every year"

Cian Collins is hopeful that Jazzy Matty is still improving as he returns to action this weekend at Thurles. He is following the same route as he did last year, and Collins is hopeful that a repeat performance will put him in a strong position before returning to Cheltenham in March as he looks to reclaim his Grand Annual title.

Collins spoke to Niall Tierney from irishracing.com on Friday and said the seven-year-old is in great form after a small break since Cheltenham, where he finished fifth, and the main aim is to have him arrive at the Festival in one piece on the big day.

Do you feel he is still improving after every run?

He hasn’t stopped improving. He’s only seven this year, so he’s still a young horse, and I still think he’s growing and getting stronger every year. He’s unrecognisable from when he first came in, to be honest. He’s definitely got bigger and stronger, and I’m very happy with him.

We’re looking forward to getting him back out. He’s in great form, and if he runs as well as he did last year, I’d be delighted.

We haven't seen him since Cheltenham , how has he been since and have you been able to get a clear run?

I was delighted with his run in Cheltenham. He got a small break and he’s back in now. This is just a stepping stone to March.

Hopefully we get a good run out of him on Sunday. I’m looking forward to getting him out again and back home in one piece.

On what it is like to have a two time Cheltenham Festival winner in the yard

It’s brilliant. I wish I had a couple more like him, but hopefully in time I’ll have a few more. The main thing is just getting there in one piece, and I’m really looking forward to it.

A word about the man on Board Danny Gilligan who is having another great season

Danny is absolutely brilliant. He never panics, very laid-back. He rides out for me, and he rides Jazzy Matty in all of his work. He’s just very, very cool.