Maggie McGrath wins Dundalk's opener

we’re doing well with animals that want good ground. I’ve been away for a good many years but for me they over-water too much in this country. We went to Down Royal with her for good to firm ground but it was yielding and there was a heatwave at the time. I said to the owners please let me run her again here in Dundalk as she chipped a knee here last year and we gave her time off. She did that well and all going well she’ll run again here on Wednesday in a five-furlong handicap. The owners are from Portarlington and they will get a great kick out of that.

Dual-purpose grey Walhaan opens account on the Flat

He got into his own grade today and we were very pleased with him coming here. He’s been consistent all year both over hurdles and on the Flat and it’s just lovely to win on the Flat with him there. He’s been a great servant to us all year. He’s in a novice hurdle in Ayr on Wednesday and the plan would be to go there and maybe come back here before Christmas. He thrives on racing and is providing great sport for the syndicate.

Expensive yearling lands Dundalk maiden

Cooley Stakes won by well supported 78-rated filly

the top-rated horse was 98 but you know the old adage 'if your not in you can’t win'. Colin was brilliant, took his time from a wide draw and she was very impressive. Colin loved her at the start of the year and she’s grown another leg on this ground. She’s so honest which is half the battle. We ran her on every type of ground and that caught her out but we’ve found out that she loves the all-weather. A mile is probably ideal but she has enough speed for seven. She has an entry in the sales and black type is massive for a well-bred filly. A decision will have to be made now on whether she goes to the sales or if she goes and isn't getting well paid, there is always next year.

Champion Keane completes Dundalk double

we would like to have got that maiden win out of him before now but he got sore shins after we ran him so we had to let him mature. He likes good ground and has really appreciated that surface. He gets the mile and probably a bit further next year. We’ve always liked him and he’s one to look forward to next year. He has a lovely pedigree. The first two have pulled well clear of the third and I’d say they are two nice horses.

Punk Poet strikes again on the polytrack

Sarah rode him out yesterday and said he was in great form. We were afraid Brains might take us on and hassle us but Chris (Hayes) got him out good and sharp. He was okay until turning out of the back straight when another horse got carted with and hassled him a bit. Once they are going a good even gallop he enjoys it and that’s three he’s won this year. Aileen owns him and loves him and the girl that minds him, Winnie, adores the horse so it will be a happy team going home. Aileen sneaked off at the sales and bought him. I was wondering what she was doing but he’s better than the ones I was buying!. Once you go into the high 70s or low 80s you are kind of limited for options and that’s why there are not too many runners in these races because people don’t keep them in training due to the lack of opportunities. We’ll find another one for him and kick on.

Woods and Walsh win with 40/1 Chummie

it was great to get one for Ted as I started with him when I was young and was there for about eight years. When I took my flat license out I decided to go elsewhere as Ted wouldn’t have many flat horses and I’ve ended up back there. I’m in with him three days a week, it’s great to get one for him and in Helen’s (Walsh, owner) colours as well. she only has one style of running and there wasn’t too much other pace in the race. She jumps so fast it’s hard for anything to take her on. Ted told me to hang onto her until the two (furlongs pole) and I tried to hang onto her for as long as I could. She travelled great and picked up very well in the straight.

Airgead delivers for Dobbs in Dundalk's finale

he’s a seven-year-old and you never quite know how he’s going to run. He’s inconsistent but he pulls it out every now and again. For me he’s great as he’s actually my only Flat horse at the moment so hopefully I might get another few now. We’ll keep going with him for the winter now.