Curragh Sat, 20th Jul, 2019  Star Catcher When I suggested it to Mr Oppenheimer he was very brave and said 'go for it if you think it's right', so he gave me full support. I think Frankie was aware that his filly showed her best in the last furlong of the Ribblesdale and he was determined not to see a falsely run race. He's gone out there, set his own fractions, and quickened off the bend. With a tail wind in the straight but a head wind in front all the way down the back. That's Frankie, you leave him alone when he has a plan and he can go to plan b usually quite quickly. He has to have courage to do that which comes from years of experience and having a clock in your head. He's rode a quite beautiful race and confirmed the Ribblesdale form. She's a lovely filly and she's really done well since Royal Ascot. It just seemed an obvious thing to come here. This is a classic, it's a Group 1 and it's the Irish Oaks. They do close these races too soon in my opinion which is why I never have entries in them and I always end up having to supplement if I have something good enough. I wish they'd close them a little later here and then more of us could play. I'd say that was the plan.

Leopardstown Thu, 6th Jun, 2019  Rakan Three-horse races are notorious and he’s an extremely idle colt. He had a hold up over the winter so he’s only on his way back. He needed the run in the Derrinstown and I think he’ll progress a lot from today’s run. He got there to win easy and got a bit tired again,. Ideally what he’d love is a real true run race where you can ride him from off the pace and produce him. We’ll see how he comes out of this race and speak to the owner but the Irish Derby is a definite possibility — the logical place to go with him. I’m happy because there is plenty of improvement in this horse. It was a workmanlike performance, and the ground doesn’t really matter for him. He’s a good actioned horse and handles good to firm ground well. That’s lovely ground out there and perfect for every horse. He’s bone idle and that’s why he’s difficult to get fit. He does absolutely nothing at home.