Going - Good, Good to Yielding in places - changed to Good before R4. Overcast and breezy
Dallas makes perfect start for Amo over jumps
I've just had a quick call with Kia on the phone, and he is over the moon. He says he can't believe his first jumps runner is a winner. I said, 'we will start as mean to go on!'. It is great. We have only had him a few weeks and, to be fair, all we have done is just school him and he loves it. He enjoys his jumping. It was a big ask for him to change stables, and change codes as well, and get his head in front so quickly. He's a lovely, tough horse and he has probably been having a hard enough time of it in the high grades on the Flat. I would imagine getting his head in front won't do him any harm. It is great to start off on the right note. I only just have him, but I'd be fairly sure the plan will be to stay over hurdles and get a good novice hurdle season out of him. Next summer, he is a horse that will definitely be more than capable of switching codes. He has won his maiden, so he's only got the novice bracket for this season. I'd say we will try and get as much as we can out of that. We have no time set in stone (over new premises) so, for the time being, we will concentrate on what we have got in Closutton first and I'm sure when the times comes, we will hopefully consolidate everything up there.
Grove grabs Lips late to make winning handicap debut
We thought he had improved a bit at home, he improved for the experience. You are always a little bit worried about going against handicappers. It was only his third run over hurdles. He's a game little fella and he takes his racing really well. He loves the game. I’m delighted with that and nice to get a winner at Navan as well, near home. I don't think he wants it too soft. We were talking the other day about maybe going to Cheltenham in October to see what is there for him. I think there is a race for him on the Friday. The ground at the October meeting could suit, and we want nice ground. Might be worth a trip over. I'll see what David (L'Estrange, owner) says. He's a cracking horse and I wish I had a few more like him.
Elliott off the mark at Navan for new campaign
He's had his few problems and things just didn't work out for him. He quickened up there and galloped well - I know it wasn't the best race in the world. This race was kind of made for him, and I do think he is better than what he has done. I'm glad he put his head in front today. We'll keep it small and try and win with him again. He's for sale.
