A J Martin

Curragh Sun, 13th Sep, 2026  Orandi What a little horse. A great man from Trim, CJ Murtagh, and his assistant ‘Chivers’, John Andrews, two great fellows. It couldn’t work out for a better man than CJ. Chivers is the racing manager!. We were stepping up to a mile-and-two and we just didn’t know. It was a trial and error situation. I just said to the boys that he was in great order and would run a big race but didn’t know whether he’d get that extra two furlongs. I thought he would because he has a relaxed way of racing. The jockey was absolutely superb. I thought we were a bit far out of it, but he knew what he had under him and fortunately enough it worked out. We got him from France, and it took him a year-and-a-half to get moving. He was very jarred of his action. Fortunately enough it all came right. The plan was to go to Ascot for the mile, but when we get a mile-and-two now I don’t know. I feel sorry for Robbie Colgan, he’s in a bit of bother at the moment but hopefully it’ll all pass. He’s a great man.

Downpatrick Mon, 31st Aug, 2026  Eben Zaabeel He was very keen and free, and he had only one run over hurdles. The track's undulations might not have been in his favour. They have done a great job on the track; it is watered and credit to them as it is as good as I've seen all over Ireland. We were happy to run him and take his chance. It all worked out well. He was a bit keen, but during the race Dan got him switched off. He was a bit novicey but, overall, you'd be very happy and he won well. There is only one winning post and it is fair stiff from the furlong (pole) home, you see an awful lot of results changing at Downpatrick and Galway and all those places with a stiff finish. That man (King) is one of the best lads riding and he knows where the winning post is and that is what counts.