More joy for Holdens and Blackmore

His last three runs have been good. He's been thereabouts and is improving all the time. He's been working super at home, and I said to Rachael if he was keen to let him bowl along. I've no real plans. I've applied for a full training licence and am hoping it will be granted in the next few weeks. I've some nice horses for the summer.

Powerful performance from Paddy at Gowran

Well-backed Donegal Tuesday delivers

I'm delighted for Stevie who has been a great patron. I thought she was a certainty in Limerick but it looked like she didn't stay. That is probably her trip.

Bridge back in Kilkenny for biggest win

Off that weight I knew he had a huge chance. The trip (2m1f) was too short for him last time. It was 2m2f today on a bigger track and really he's a two and a half mile horse. He's as tough as nails. He's entered in the novice handicap chase at Cheltenham but he won't get in. I think that much of him. He's the real deal. He will probably go for the Aon Chase at Punchestown. That might be his next run, and he would prefer better ground. He handles soft but is better on good ground. He will campaign away for the summer. Draycott Place (stable companion, finished last) is probably not over his fall at Thurles last time. He didn't travel like he usually would.

Odds-on Principle beats 2 other finishers

Foxrock does the job in Tetratema

More than likely he will go for the Irish or English National next. Fairyhouse would look the more obvious as its only over the road and he's four pound better off but if it was going to be a very dry April then Barry (Connell, owner) might be tempted to run in Liverpool. At this stage it looks more like Fairyhouse. No horse likes that ground. It's bottomless. He goes through it but he does nothing, and is only lobbing along in front. They all thought that Enda's horse (On The Fringe) was going to beat him in Leopardstown but when you join him he finds more. That's the way he does things, and I wouldn't mind a few more like him.

Ministerforsport in charge at Gowran

All the credit should go to Noel O'Neill. Noel is a farrier and always keeps a few horses for point-to-points. He has done all the work and used my gallops but he's only arrived in my yard about a week ago. The syndicate (featured on page A15 of today's Irish Field) are mostly from Carrigtwohill, and they are enjoying it which is what racing is all about. He was a bit unlucky last year as he kept falling but this year it has come together for him.