Cool And Clever digs deep to justify favouritism in opener

He battled back well and was very courageous. His previous experience helped. We’ll probably step him up from seven to a mile and maybe look for a Listed race. I’m particularly delighted as he’s owned by my uncle Paddy and aunt Marguerite. Paddy hasn’t been so well lately and I’m sure he’ll be looking in on the telly.

McDonogh doubles up on Max Mayhem

Soaring Monarch brings up Manning's double

He’d good form last year and was placed twice in Galway. Basil Holian bought him and our plan is to go back there for something this year. He’s strengthened up a good bit and is a nice horse to have for the good handicaps. Kevin gave him a great ride and he suits him. He was placed in Galway on softer ground and stayed a mile well there. We’ll see what the handicapper does and he could run again before Galway or wait and maybe get in off a low mark in a good handicap.

'Real pro' Me Too Please impresses in Connacht

I’m thrilled with that. There was a lot of pressure because we like her so much and she’s delivered. JD bought the horse that was unlucky in the Whitbread (Kitty’s Light), Sea Ducor and herself all the same day at Newmarket all for 30,000. That was a fair day’s work!. I’d say it will be a while before she jumps a hurdle. By right she should be having a break but she’s so well in herself. Gary (O’Gorman, handicapper) tells me I’ll have to run her again in a conditions race before he’ll handicap her. She could run in a good handicap down the road. She’s only ever worked with one other horse at home and was just away one time at the Curragh for some work before Down Royal. She was never out of stalls before today — she’s a real pro. She has a beautiful attitude. We’ll take baby steps but with her pedigree it would be important to look for some black type on the Flat later in the year.

McDonogh seals 54/1 treble on Vultan

Social Distance an aptly-named winner