Qahwa looks smart in Leopardstown opener

He came on plenty from Naas and was smart away from his wide draw,. He got a nice lead and we were glad there was something to lead him. It all worked out well, he picked up well and was very professional. We've always liked him and he's typical of one of ours in that he came on from his first run. We'll see where we go now and see if he progresses. He could be smart. Shane felt he he hit the line very well and would go seven in time but on first impressions watching it there was nothing going better turning in and he didn't seem to need it (7f). He's very straight-forward and has a great attitude.

Gossip gets off the mark

She had the two runs which probably stood her in good stead and she knew what she was doing today,. I just said to Niall to keep it simple. She stays really well and has the experience so we might as well use it. She's in the Silver Flash next week and I also put her in the Debutante as I thought she was quite smart. I thought the bit of ease helped her although she has also gone on good to firm.

Cognitive stays on best to beat Griko

He was back off a long break. He's a very genuine, nice horse and probably needed every yard of the trip.

Twinkle scores in first time cheekpieces

She ran too freely in Roscommon last time with blinkers on. She didn't run too badly but obviously couldn't win the way she ran. We took the blinkers off, put cheek-pieces on and dropped her back in trip. She settled well and came home well. Gary gave her a nicely judged ride and he won the race last year for me. It's no disadvantage to him having no whips as he gets behind them well.

Athenry impresses in the Challenge

Korbous bounces back to his best

I'm a bit shocked. He's so lazy at home that we don't know what to think.