Downpatrick Fri, 8th May, 2026  Finnians Row First-time blinkers obviously, we just said we would try them. We just changed the headgear as he seemed to lose a bit of interest, so we just said we would put them on him. I'd say that is probably the difference in him. The ground was a help - he ran in a bit of slower ground the last two times and it didn't suit. He didn't enjoy it and obviously today he enjoyed it and he kept going well. He (McKenna) said he just took off with him, he said he jumped super and travelled well. He got a lead and utilised it, and kept going.

Punchestown Sat, 2nd May, 2026  Barry Lyndon He isn't a winter-ground horse and wants nice ground so he obviously got it there today. It makes a big difference to him and he wouldn't carry 12 stone either, so it was grand only having 10st 8lb today. JJ (Slevin) said there is a good pot in him and we'll look at some of those Nationals now and could bring him to England. Today was the plan so now we'll work on the next one. any winner is nice and we had a lean enough winter, so to win a race with the 'Taaffe' name on it is great. My father was the first person to win on Arkle in 1962 and was a lucky man. He was one of four to win on Arkle, along obviously with Pat Taaffe. I wouldn't have many winter horses and have more nicer-ground ones so hopefully they're starting to click now. It is a great festival, I've been watched it on television all week and there have been great crowds. It is nice when it works out well although I'm on chemotherapy myself at the moment, but am getting through it well.