Downpatrick Sun, 29th Mar, 2026  Better Times going up in trip and that better ground is what he wanted. It was holding ground in Leopardstown the last day, which he doesn't like, and I'd say he would probably go on better ground again. That trip (2m6f) give us options now and he has just taken a while to learn to settle before his races. He is A1 once he is going, but used to run his race before he ran. He is doing everything well now. We'll get him home, see how he is and we'll make a plan from there. His owners (Sandra and Peter McCarthy) picked this race out, so deserve the credit.

Naas Sun, 22nd Feb, 2026  Melbourne Shamrock It was a gritty performance. He’s been knocking on the door in a few nicer races,. It’s a great win to get for Robert, to get him qualified for Cheltenham. I’d say he should take his place in the Pertemps Final, once he gets into the race. Hopefully that won’t leave a mark on him but he is a tough, hardy, horse. Fingers crossed we can be competitive. If it was slower ground he is a thorough stayer. Ground dependent, I’d give him a chance. He’ll be a real nice staying chaser next year. Fingers crossed there might be a nice staying handicap chase in him somewhere along the line.