Galileo-sired 'slow boat' wins Punchestown's opener

Lights, camera, action - starter is credited at Punchestown

Robcour's Crystal collects in Academy Hurdle series

she was very impressive and put some distance between herself and the second horse. She had done plenty at home, we knew she was forward and she jumped well, but it’s a nice surprise to see how well she has done it. It was testing enough conditions on her first-time, but she’s made a good start and Jordan (Gainford, winning jockey) thinks there’s plenty more left in her.

Gainford completes double as O’hEochagain wins again

Sopelana loves the heavy ground but disappointed in Down Royal the last day. The strong gallop probably didn’t suit her whereas she got a chance early-on today and Jordan gave her a great ride. She finished out the race well. She was very lowly rated on the Flat so I didn’t expect her to win two three-year-old hurdles. We may now go for a black type race in England on soft ground.

Elliott completes Punchestown double

Koktail Brut was very good, he was a lovely horse last year and I think he’s matured since the summer break. Danny (Gilligan) said he had a bit of a blow from the back-of-the-last so should improve plenty. He’s always a horse that we’ve really liked, he’s straightforward and professional about what he does. Danny was impressed by how well he picked up in the home straight. He should be capable of stepping into graded company.

Powerful homebreds give McManus another double

he is a lovely horse and is a work in progress. We’ll go baby steps with him, and he’d probably prefer the ground a bit better.

Slevin steers Yeshill to win for De Bromhead

he’s a lovely young horse and ran well in the Land Rover here a year and a half ago. He was just a bit babyish last year and has really developed now. The bit of time has really stood to him and the step up in trip as well.

It's Never Simple - McManus treble comes with confusion