Operating wins Leopardstown opener

Operating has just been crying out for better ground - I thought he might get it at Christmas but we had this maiden hurdle mapped out for a long time. He jumped brilliantly, it was his first time at two and a half miles. We'll go chasing next year but the idea is to go to Fairyhouse and Punchestown - Michael (Buckley, owner) will be over for those meetings and all being well he'll run in both. We'll start him off early next season over fences and he'll be a stronger horse next year to deal with the testing ground.

Fosters gains revenge on 'Mountain

Another late later show as Summer Stars

if you were betting in running she would have been some price (79/1 on Betfair)! When it works out its some ride but if she was beaten a neck you'd say she was asleep!. She could never get any closer at any stage and also she 'missed' a few . the horse in front got a bit lonesome and she nabbed him on the line. She went up 10lbs for winning the last day and I'm sure she'll get a few more after this but it's just nice to win - if you're second you'll still get six or seven pounds. She has won two nice little handicaps and may be able to win a nice Flat handicap during the summer. It's always sweeter having Katie on board a winner!

Savello wins as Martin gears up for Chelt'

Savello used to be very difficult and very free but the hood has helped a lot. I've always liked the way he jumped from day one though and touch wood things are coming right today. He has copped on and has grown up a lot having been was very stupid last year. I'd say that is his ideal distance (2m1f) but he could step up half a mile - I thought he was a handicapper in amongst novices today.

Willie's farrier is even training winners!

Down Under causes 20/1 upset for McManus

that was a welcome shock and I didn't expect it! . Mark said he appreciated the better ground . it was very testing the last day at Thurles and he didn't seem to cope with it. He was galloping well across the top of the hill then but it (the ground) just got to him. It was an extraordinary day when very few horses finished.

O'Brien to return to Cheltenham with Shield

Sarah (O'Brien) is starting to ride in bumpers now and that's the reason I have a few horses for bumpers. I'm delighted with that and Kate (Harrington) thought that she wanted to drop him 'in' a bit more after Punchestown (when fourth) while Sarah wanted to be more forward on her horse (Egyptian Warrior, fifth then) but he was very green. Kate gave him a great ride and he travelled well and quickened well. He was just ready to run the first day and just ran a bit green. Joseph (O'Brien, son) and the lads got him ready for Punchestown but were forcing him a little bit to get there as he had to finish in the first four to be qualified to enter for Cheltenham. I think Joseph is able to get special permission to ride him in the Cheltenham Bumper . he inquired about it during the week. Shield is a homebred and by Dylan Thomas, they get better with every year. He is a lovely, good looking and I have a few more bumper horses also ready to run.