Columbus Sets Sail in Galway

We held him up in Killarney as he hadn't any experience over hurdles but, with that experience under his belt, we decided to change tactics and to make the running today. I thought he gave an exhibition of jumping for a horse having only his second run over hurdles. I don't know why he disappointed at Royal Ascot but Colin (Keane) said he just didn't stay, and maybe he was right. The Ebor in York is his next run and we'll see how he gets on there, but I'll be looking at mixing a Flat/jumping campaign. We'll see what happens on the Flat and if he looks good enough, we'll pursue that, but I'd also like to have him for the spring festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree.

Fiveonefive Gives Cian Collins First Galway Success

Cartmel had been the plan to hopefully win a race for the fourth year in-a-row but it didn't go to plan. I told the lads that he'd win in Galway instead and thankfully it worked out. It was a masterclass from Jack and only for him, I don't think he'd have won. I know Jack since our pony racing days and we've had good fun through the years. He was the first horse I ever bought. He was initially one of three horses in my yard and is the yard favourite. He isn't an easy horse and Ray Loftus has always ridden him out, but he was cheap and I got two great owners, Salvatore Giannini from Wales and Tony Lagan from the north, involved. The horse has seen it all happen in my yard and this is my first Galway Festival winner, so to get one over the line is brilliant.

Grann's Boy Enjoys Galway Success

Queally Enjoys Further Galway Success

Barry Stone had been riding for me in bumpers and recommended this mare, so we bought her from Benny Walsh. She had some niggly problems after she arrived but the last three weeks have been golden, and I've been happy with her. The boys were shying away from coming to Galway but I could feel her ability at home and it worked out well. The lads (ten-member syndicate from Dungarvan) have just asked is she as good as their other mare Mozzies Sister but I won't go insulting Mozzie just yet. She has big races to win to be as good, but we'll look at the Listed Mucklemeg Bumper (Gowran, November) as a target now and she is a nice filly.

Victory Speech Makes No Mistake at Galway

Rest Your Mind Gives Lee Another Winner at Galway

We were hoping for her to just come home well and have her for another day but Billy (Lee) said he had loads of horse and was happy to kick on, so it worked out brilliantly. She is great to break from the stalls so I told Billy that, but to then get her settled. He did exactly the plan, is a brilliant rider and has had a fantastic week. I'm not too far from the Gleesons and have been friendly with Damien for many years. He has been a great friend and, more recently, John has been calling to ride out and we're great friends as well. The filly came, I was delighted to keep her and she is a beautiful filly, is beautifully bred and is so placid. The kids even ride her in from the paddock, and she is that kind of filly. Today is unbelievable and is my first winner on the Flat so we'll have to regroup now. I have 12 in training, split between Flat and National Hunt, and I have a great team at home so I want to keep it that way. My dad Eddie puts in trojan work and 'Paddy the Painter' Patsy Leahy rides out, so we have a small, tight-knit team.

Faoladh Edges Out Rivals for Slattery

We got his palate cauterised a month ago but he has run absolutely terribly since and we only ran here as the lads (owners) wanted a runner, as they were staying up. He ran on Tuesday night when he didn't stay and the ground was too soft, but was due to be dropped 2lb and I said we may as well run again. It was a surprise but is great and he isn't a bad horse at his best. Adam gave him a brilliant ride as well. The two (syndicate) lads, Donie O'Connell, who won two hurling All Irelands for Tipperary, and his friend Pat Leahy, are knocking a fair bit of fun out of him and are with me a long time now. They started off with (12-time winner) An Saighdiur and still have the interest, which is great.

Sir Jeremy Strikes in the Finale for Meade

I told Paddy to take his time, but he surely did! I thought he blew it to be honest but his 5lb claim was a big help and the horse stayed really well. He could go further as well and the first-time blinkers helped him. He would probably hurdle at some stage although when I schooled him, I wasn't delighted with the way he jumped.