Diamond delivers in opening race at Naas

we thought he’d have won a long time ago but I never lost faith in him. We started schooling him over fences a month ago and I thought this is his game, rather than hurdles. He had his hurdle mark (of 92) today. He let us down a lot of days over hurdles and I’m happy to keep him at this game now. He was very professional and I hadn’t brought him away schooling anywhere. He does it well enough at home and is a natural jumper. I didn’t look beyond today. I was hoping he’d run well but didn’t expect him to do it that well. He’s versatile over a trip as he could go further or come back in trip.

Slade Steel continues Robcour's roll

Slade Steel was a nice bumper horse last year, we didn’t run him too much and it is nice to see him come out and do that. He really stayed at it. He won his point-to-point and I’d say he’s adaptable, he has a bit of pace as well. He has an entry in the Royal Bond and we’ll find a novice for him somewhere.

Smooth Tom wins Fishery Lane Hurdle

Smooth Tom is a 90-horse on the flat and I was surprised how big a price he was. He handles soft ground but you would always be a big worried about a flat horse on winter ground. Andy (Slattery) was talking about giving him a rest and if he runs again it will probably be Leopardstown at Christmas. He’s going to have to step up again.

Expensive point-to-pointer scores for Gold Cup connections

Course specialist bags the Brown Lad

Dinoblue collects in Naas chase as Sir Gerhard falls

she (Dinoblue) jumped well and handled the ground well. It’s a nice start to the season and you couldn’t be happier with her. I’m not sure what plans Willie has for her but I’m sure there will be similar (races) down the road. She was getting all the allowances which was a huge help. She will come on from the run and Mark (Walsh, winning jockey) was delighted with her.

Grangclare West wins well on chase debut

Mullins completes treble with bumper second-string