Bossofthebrownies wins Fairyhouse's opener

he has a bit of age and fences made a difference as he was crying out for them. He had some good form, he was second a few times but you can’t beat age. That’s his game anyway, he jumped great for his first time out. I’ll play it by ear now. The three-milers are hard to find and he’ll have to prove himself to be a graded horse before we think of that.

Fairyhouse win for former trainer of Special Wan

we’re delighted with Castle Field Boy as we didn’t think he’d be fit enough. On his first run back, after the length of time he was off and on ground that’s as soft as it is, I did worry. I suppose he did something similar when Michael O’Sullivan won on him in Clonmel off a good break, so maybe I should have known better. I thought Eoin was very good on him, as going down Ballyhack when the other horse kicked, I was saying to myself that I hoped he didn’t go and follow him. Eoin had the sense to let him on and filled him up every step of the way. He had a bit of a stop-start season last season and we didn’t get a clear run with him but that’s a good start this season and it’ll do his confidence the world of good.

Homebred Adrienne scores for Walsh and O'Callaghan

Adrienne’s run in Punchestown (finishing third in October) was a good run and she followed it up there. She was entitled either to win or go close and Slattery’s horse (unplaced 6/4 joint-favourite Whats New) is a bit kinky and he was favourite. She likes jumping so she’ll stay jumping at the moment. she was second one day at the Curragh and the handicapper jumped her from 70 to 84, despite her being well exposed. She’s a 70 (rated-horse), not an 84, so she will have to work her way back down. She’s a fine big mare, Helen bred her and we had the dam. She stays well and will probably win a maiden on the Flat.

Nallen wins second Academy Hurdle race

From Flemington to Fairyhouse - so near yet so far

Sticwiththeprocess was entitled to win when Gordon’s horse (fourth-placed Whinney Hill) didn’t operate. He’s rated 114 and had handicap experience, so he’s entitled to win that kind of race. The horse that beat him (Grann’s Boy) here in April is now rated 130 and they were well clear of the third that day. He got 9lb for that but that’s his mark and that’s what he is. He was getting 8lb off the winners today, so you’d have to have a 122 horse to beat him. He should jump a fence, he’s a big old fella. You always think they’re going to jump fences but it’s a different ball game and they have to be a bit more of a man about it. He’s a big lairy so-and-so and just does enough.

Special Wan's former trainer Foley registers first double

I’m delighted for Richard and Suzanne (Kennedy) who are fantastic owners and we recommended Far Eadrainn to them a couple of years ago, so it’s after working out well. He was racing a little bit idly in the first half of his races and that’s why we stepped him up to three miles on his first run back in October. We thought three miles would suit, but we were wrong and he didn’t have the stamina for it. We dropped back to 2m4f today, knowing that he should get it, but I was a bit surprised how easily he won, given the horses he was taking on. He always had the ability and we’ll see where we go with him now and see what the handicapper does.

McManus and Tyner combine to win Fairyhouse finale