Lightning strikes twice at Punchestown

I'm dumb-founded. I actually fancied Enniskillen more but the ground got him. I didn't think Johnies Star would go on it either but it's loose and he got through it. That's brilliant, I can't believe it. I didn't think lightning struck twice but it does. My friend that owns him, Peter Lawler, is a hunting man like myself so that's how I have him.

Madam an appropriate winner at Punchestown

I said to the owner when she won here in January that we'd go for this novice handicap in Punchestown. She lost her way a bit then but the ground was too quick the last day at Fairyhouse. She loved that mud today. She fell at Thurles, then she didn't go left-handed at Naas where her jumping was appalling. She was spot on in the handicap and Robbie said he'd do the ten three though there was a lot of complaining from him with the light silks. She's like the dam and it's great for Dermot to have had a winner here and to have bred it. It means an awful lot to him.

Huge win for Flynn on Goonyella

I thought he had a chance in the Irish National but for the second time in my life the saddle slipped on a horse. It was entirely my fault. He's not the quickest but he's never yet finished a race tired and that's extraordinary in a horse. I think he might win an National yet . it could be at Listowel or it could be at Aintree.

Fly equals world record in Rabobank

He just can handle any conditions and he's got a guy like Ruby riding him. Paul (Townend) does all the home-work with him and last Saturday himself and Quevega worked and they blew me away. Champagne Fever worked well too but he was disappointing on Tuesday for whatever reason. We were keeping our fingers crossed then all week that we'd get Hurricane Fly here in that kind of form. I'd love to have a crack at the French Champion Hurdle but I have two or three for that including Thousand Stars who ran a cracker there. Dawn Run did the treble, and I've no doubt he could, but we'll probably put him away. Hopefully we get him back in the same form next autumn. You always have to be scared of these younger horses coming through, they have to be respected. They could improve a stone whereas my fellow won't.

Un Atout wins Grade 1 small field thriller

He showed the trait of his brother there . Sir Des Champs. The beautiful thing about today was the way he jumped his hurdles leading towards chasing. A couple of strides after the last I thought I was beaten. The minute the other horse gave him half a chance my fella dug in and we had enough time then from there to the line . in the last 150 or 200 yards I was pretty sure I was going to get by him. He was good. He's a three-parts brother to Sir Des Champs and toughness is their middle name. I was surprised when the others wouldn't make the running . I thought we'd drop in last but he's done some of his best work at home from the front so I wasn't too worried. He missed a couple of days with a stone bruise and I was a bit worried that might impact on him in this ground. He hasn't the best feet and we have to constantly mind them. I love the way he came back when he was passed . I thought the game was up at the last. He got a second wind. My French connections always thought that he could be a better horse than Sir Des Champs. That's the potential we hope he might have. He's a good jumper and obviously he's going to be a staying novice chaser but we could even start him over two next autumn . we'll just take what we get. Davy was very very good on him. We hadn't discussed tactics so I left it to him to make his mind up.

Astounding performance from Un De Sceaux

Tropical a good one like her 'aunty'

She ran in Listowel on terrible ground and all she did was stay on. I was running her over hurdles to keep her for this race. I was very worried about the ground but it all worked out well. I had no confidence. I knew she was well but I couldn't control the ground. She won a point-to-point and I told Johnny to pop her out and be handy. I said to him if she stays there she stays there as I knew she would stay. I said to him don't be trying to come through horses. She has a wonderful pedigree . she'll probably get a break now and start fresh at the end of September.

Salsify wraps-up brilliant day at Punchestown

The horse did the talking. He's grand in his own company. Like Fiery Oscar, the other side of Cashel!