Conyers Hill strikes for Wexford connections

The race was for horses rated 109 or less but he won it handy and jumped well. Dropping him out cold and settling him is probably the way to ride him. He works very well and while his work hasn't materialised, he showed up today. It was absolutely beautiful ground out there. He has savage scope for eventually jumping fences but will stay over hurdles for the winter. The syndicate has 20 members, are Wexford-based and I'm delighted for them.

Starman shines in claimer

He was for in small money as he has had a couple of niggly problems and he is keen. However seven runners suited, James (O'Sullivan) knows him so it was grand. He might be claimed so we'll see what happens. His owner Michael Ronayne passed away before the Galway festival and it is nice that the horse has won.

Ryan delivers on first ride for Queally

she received 8lb for winning at Listowel so I wanted to claim off her and Neil (Ryan), who is with Noel Meade, came well recommended. she is a progressive mare and the ground was a lot better than I thought it would be, which was a big help to her - it is beautiful jumping ground. We'll run her once more and give her a break as she has been busy all year. She has got strong this year and will jump a fence maybe after Christmas.

Brianna Lily off the mark over hurdles

She has always been a good jumper but has been slow to come to hand although cheekpieces have made a big difference to her. Even in her bumpers she raced idly and while you can't get away with that over hurdles, cheekpieces have sharpened her up. The step up in trip was also a big help but she is better going left-handed. She hung badly in a maiden hurdle at Limerick once but as long as you leave her alone, she is fine. She hung left on that bend twice today but once Mark left her alone she was okay. I don't think the handicapper can be too hard on her with the way the race cut up and she might go again.

Captain Christy win for Byrne, Blackmore and De Bromhead

I'm delighted for the Byrnes as we chose not to go to (local) Listowel last week because of the ground. We ended up here and while it wasn't ideal for him, he handled it well. He was keen early but Rachael was very keen to hold him up as he ran so blind in Galway. Once they went on, he jumped great and she was brilliant on him. It was lovely to see him pick up after the last. I haven't really looked ahead as we said we'd start today and get him jumping. It is great he handled that softer ground though so that will help him.

Cave Court on a serious upward curve

John Queally doubles up with Jet Setting Jim

He is a chaser and it was a bonus to win a bumper. It probably wasn't the strongest of contests but he'll probably go straight over fences - he is a real chaser. He'll get a break now and go chasing in the spring. It's been a nice day.