Batt promoted after opener at Dundalk

You always think that when it is somebody else's horse (placings would be reversed) but, when it is your own, you are worried. On merit, I think he would have won and he is an improving horse. He went up 8lb, so it was a good effort. He's a very relaxed horse and he's a nice horse. We are hoping that he will probably have another run here, but we would also be hoping that would get a turf and an all-weather mark. He's a very kind horse and has a very relaxed attitude for a sprinter.

State steps up on third start

Appeal strikes again at Dundalk

He has paid for himself now anyway!. Jack gave him a lovely ride and timed it to perfection. We spotted him on the online sale and he was very obvious. Alpha Racing were moving him on in faith at the end of their contract. Obviously, we were looking for fresh recruits. He's still a young horse and he was third to City Of Troy in a maiden (at Curragh) all those days ago. They took their time, he obviously had his issues, he was off for a little over 12 months but they obviously nursed him back. He had very good form on the turf this year and he slipped down in the weights as well. He was a very obvious contender for up here and I think a mile definitely suits him well. There's not much of a programme now for these milers in this grade, so we might have to toy with the idea of dropping back a furlong. I think he has enough pace if they go hard - we might have to try another seven (furlongs) up here in the new year. He will be a horse for one of those Lingfield or Newcastle handicaps on Good Friday. We'll find our way with him, we will give him another couple of runs on the all-weather. We'll lightly campaign him there and see where we are in the spring time. I think he is a horse that appreciates nice ground. He'll have a break when the all-weather is finished and we'll bring him back for a nice summer handicap somewhere.

Matata back in winners' enclosure

She was a cheap filly at Goffs Horses-In-Training Sale. I bought her and the lads said they would take her - Mark (Devlin, part owner) has been very lucky for me, and Claire (Wylie) as well, they have had good fun involved with Nikki Swango and a few others. They enjoy these nights up here and that is what it is all about. She's in again on Wednesday, but I can't see the handicapper giving her 7lb. If she doesn't get 7lb, she won't run. I'll probably just wait because she will be guaranteed a run again in another race. She could be out of that bracket, but she should be okay. The draw killed her the last day, I think she was just a bit unlucky the last day. She was drawn 17, got caught wide. She has ability and I think she will be a good fun filly for the year. I think we will have five or six here next week and we will just tip away until Christmas. We have a few let off and the staff have done a great job all winter. Last couple of months have been rough with weather and our place is fairly exposed. We have to have a little bit of a breather at some stage. I'm looking forward to Christmas because we won't be that busy over Christmas, thanks be to God.

Bucky bounces back at Dundalk

He (McGettigan) is worth his 7lb and he is local,. He has had a lot of seconds for us, so we have changed tactics and put the noseband on and up he popped today. He was just pipped on the line five weeks ago and then we ran him too soon. We freshened him up. He is (off a competitive mark), but he is a pensioner now! He's a 10-year-old coming 11. If he keeps sound, we'll come back. He loves chasing horses down, he needs a strong pace and everything worked out okay.

Seola strikes for O'Brien

Donaghue-Leahy shines on Cielo

Gaucher impressive in Dundalk finale