Cheltenham Fri, 13th Mar, 2020  Al Boum Photo At the top of the hill he started to jump better — I ended up in front sooner than I wanted, but I was able to hang on and he produced at the last. It was completely different to last year, but most importantly it was the same result. He’s a legend, he has everything — guts along with class. It’s fantastic, an absolutely unbelievable day. That man there on the screen, Paul Townend — people said he was under pressure. Paul does his own thing, he probably rides better under a little bit of pressure — really really good from him. It’s not easy to take over from someone like Ruby Walsh, but Paul’s gone and stamped his authority this season in Ireland riding for our yard, so I’m really delighted for him. I left him alone, I asked what he was going to do. I think the horse wanted a bit more of the action as it unfolded, he didn’t disappoint the horse. He let the horse do it and that’s a rider riding with huge confidence. It worked out, so I’m really happy and delighted for Paul.

Cheltenham Fri, 13th Mar, 2020  Saint Roi It’s what you dream of, you come here and one winner is all you want. It’s brilliant when they keep coming. There’s no doubt about it, it’s a privileged position to ride such good horses for good people and it is a pleasure. It’s a fun game in this sport, I enjoy it. I enjoyed that a bit more than the last one (fortunate victory in Triumph Hurdle). It was a proper race — he is a good horse. We were very lucky to win the last one. Barry is riding out of his skin. I said to JP on Monday evening we might have one for you. This fellow did a lovely bit of work during the week and I think he said to me he wouldn’t back him in case he stopped him. He did what he showed me in his final bit of work the other day, which was way better than before, and Barry executed the job fantastic. They all arrived down at the second last with fighting chances and you wouldn’t know which one to back. He is better than that, but he was handicapped nicely — I thought we had enough ammunition for the Supreme, but there we are.

Cheltenham Fri, 13th Mar, 2020  Burning Victory I just feel very sorry for Gary and Jamie. Jamie did everything right and rode the perfect race. He had the race in the bag and asked the horse all the right questions at the last, but the horse didn’t answer and he just got unbalanced. I’m delighted we’ve won for our owner, but I feel hugely for Gary and Jamie — a father and son team. I know them fairly well, this was their one shot at a winner at the Festival and the work was done. I was just thinking of myself and Patrick and we’ve been there with Ruby (Walsh) as well. I know what it feels like. It’s not a victory I’m going to celebrate hugely — we got the rub of the green.

Cheltenham Thu, 12th Mar, 2020  Min He’s been a super horse for us and it’s great he’s had his day here. We used the wrong tactics on him in the Champion Chase last year and it didn’t work out. He likes to be up there, Paul let him do that and here he is again at the top table. I was very worried when Saint Calvados came up — we seem to be opening the door up the inside a lot this week! I did get very worried, but he threw a lovely leap at the last and put it to bed. He still had a little bit left in the tank. I’m wondering does he just get that trip, is that the extent of his stamina? I think he could come back to two miles, but this seems to be his optimum.

Cheltenham Wed, 11th Mar, 2020  Ferny Hollow He just ran too free on his first two runs and putting a hood on him has changed him, as have more drastic tactics in holding him up. He is lovely at home, but he takes a pull. In a race he gets a little bit upset so I think jumping will suit him a lot better. We will probably go for the Champion Bumper at Punchestown now and maybe the same for the other horse, Appreciate It.