Ground dictates Ol Man Dingle plans

Eoin Griffin is savouring the journey with Ol Man Dingle who holds a host of steeplechasing options over the next few months.

The Ol' Man River gelding was useful over flights in winning three times, but has taken his game to a higher level since tackling the bigger obstacles.

He got off the mark in a beginners' chase at Galway in October and then landed a Grade 3 novice chase at Cork in early November. He could make no impression on slower ground when upped in class for the Grade 1 Drinmore in Fairyhouse at the end of November, however, that hasn't deterred Griffin from targeting other top-level assignments.

The trainer said: "He has an entry in the longer Grade One novice (2m5f) at the DRF (Dublin Racing Festival). We'll have a look at Sandown nearer entry stage to see what the ground is like. Traditionally the ground on Scilly Isles day over there is heavy, but we'll have a look there. The ground at Sandown in a recent meeting there was fairly good, so he might get an entry there as well but he is very ground dependent.

"We took a chance on him in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse and it just didn't work out. We just have to accept that he is not at his best on that type of ground and we have to plan accordingly.

"Cheltenham is potentially on the agenda - he will get an entry there in the Grade One which will be a step up trip-wise for him, but I don't foresee that being any issue. He will also get an entry in the two and a-half mile novice handicap.

"Plans are fluid at the moment because of the ground. We may end up missing Leopardstown.

"He has done well for us this year, the only blot on the copybook was at Fairyhouse. He was very impressive at Galway and again down in Cork.

"There was a whole load of emotions for me in Cork, I suppose relief being the overriding one. I don't think you can underestimate relief as an emotion, I think sometimes it is better than happiness! Naturally, we were delighted with him. It was a long time since I had won a graded race, a long time between drinks. The owners, Dunglen Racing Syndicate, are really enjoying themselves which is great to see.

"I said it to a few people recently - my career has been a game of two halves. The first half was very good and very promising with plenty of graded winners and promising horses, big handicap winners and all that. Then we got wiped out in the recession and a few other bits and pieces. The second half hasn't been too good up to this, and we are entering into the third half!

"What I have really noticed this time around, is that I kind of appreciate the good days a bit more. It all kind of flew by a little bit in the first part of my career. The horse was past the line then and it was gone, you were thinking of the next day - not really savouring the moment.

"We have some nice young horses coming through as well, although we have a very small team. We would love to have more horses - owners are difficult to come by. We are definitely open to more horses, we are always looking to add to our team - both equine and owners. It is challenging, but that is the nature of the game and it has always been that way."