Getting chinned by Willie Mullins in the trainers’ championship should not define what Gordon Elliott achieved last season.
The campaign may have ended in heartache for Elliott once again but there was no shortage of success stories to console him.
There were the eight Cheltenham Festival winners, the joint-highest in the history of the March meeting. Or how about the 13 Grade 1s in all. And how could you forget the pint-sized Tiger Roll leaping his way to Grand National glory at Aintree. General Principle mopped up the Irish Grand National for him too and we haven’t even got to the exploits of Samcro yet.
You sense Samcro is the horse who has given Elliott most pleasure in the last 12 months. There was intense pressure heading into the Cheltenham Festival and the fact Elliott had drawn a blank on the opening day intensified that tension.
Samcro lived up to the hype by bagging the Ballymore and he now looks to be Ireland’s leading Champion Hurdle contender, unless of course connections decide to send him over fences.
Whatever decision is made, Samcro is sure to be one of the most talked about horses of the season.
“Last season was brilliant. To have eight winners at Cheltenham was incredible really. Our whole season is about Cheltenham. Everything I do centres around Cheltenham so to have eight winners there was magic,” Elliott says.
He adds: “We have an exciting team of horses this season but we wouldn’t mind a bit of rain so we can get them all started. Down Royal early next month is the meeting where I like to start a lot of my good horses so hopefully we get a bit of rain before then.”
There was an unusually slow start to the campaign. So often he is like a rocket out of the blocks and it is Mullins playing catch-up but this time around the roles are reversed after a bout of summer sickness descended on the camp.
“I missed six weeks. The horses were not right and we took a pull. I needed to do the best by the horses but by shutting up shop for two weeks we lost six weeks as the horses did absolutely nothing for a fortnight and then it took a few weeks to get them back to where they were at. It was the right thing to do, though, and they are back firing on all cylinders now,” he said.
Has the dream of becoming Ireland’s champion trainer for the first time been dashed already?
“It won’t happen this year but I am 40 years of age and it might happen some year. We are getting better quality animals into the yard and that is what matters,” comes the reply.
There is quality everywhere you look in Cullentra House. Samcro might be the star striker on the team but there are potential goalscorers in every stable. Exciting times these.
Stable profile
Yard Cullentra House Stables
Where Longwood, County Meath
Started training June 2006
Horses in yard 200
Members of staff 50
Head lad Simon McGonigle
Assistant trainers Ian Ammond, Davy Condon, Keith Donoghue
Feed man and head work-rider Shane McCann
Barn leaders Katie Young, Eleri Apps, Cossie McGivern, Georgie Benson, Seainin Mahon, Catriona Bolger, Jack Madden, Bobby McNally
Travelling head lass Camilla Sharples
Assistant travelling heads Mary Nugent, Barney Flood
Secretaries Alex Hutter, Leanne Halton, Lisa O’Neill
Account manager Conor McCafferty
Jockeys Davy Russell, Jack Kennedy, Keith Donoghue, Mark Enright
Conditionals Conor Orr, Liam McKenna
Amateurs Lisa O’Neill, Jamie Codd, Kevin Brogan
Stable sponsor Betfair
WINNERS IN IRELAND
2017-18 210
2016-17 193
2015-16 123
2014-15 92
2013-14 56
PROFIT/LOSS TO A £1 STAKE
2017-18 -£287.03
2016-17 -£285.47
2015-16 -£285.93
2014-15 -£126.35
2013-14 -£102.86
PRIZE-MONEY 2017-18
€5,158,751
A Toi Phil
Eight-year-old gelding
Day Flight (sire) – Lucidrile (dam)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Form figures: 21423-6
Racing Post Rating 162c, 152h Official Rating: 156c, 146h
He always gets himself out of trouble by winning one or two every year. He’s probably not a Grade 1 horse but he’ll mop up a few Grade 2s and 3s as he’s always done. He’s paid his way for the last few years and I’d imagine he’ll do that again. He’s a good, fun horse to have about the place.
Abacadabras
4g Davidoff – Cadoubelle Des As
Gigginstown House Stud
Unraced
He’s a half-brother to a winner in France. He’s been working nicely and will be ready to start off in a bumper in the next few weeks.
Allee Bleue
8g Mount Nelson – Murrieta
Adrew Cohen
773326-
RPR 141h, 124c OR 126h, 116c
He’s arrived from Philip Hobbs and he looks like he could be well handicapped to me. We’re just waiting for a bit of rain to get him going and I’ve been very pleased with what he’s showing me so far.
Alpha Des Obeaux
8g Saddler Maker – Omega Des Obeaux
Gigginstown House Stud
4646F-5
RPR 170h, 161c OR 151h, 154c
He could end up in the Grand National. Mouse [Morris] did a wonderful job with him and the horse probably just wanted a change of scenery more than anything. I was pleased with his run in the Munster National and all roads will hopefully lead to Aintree.
Ange D’Or Javilex
8g Puit D’Or – Ixia De Menil
Thomas R Coleman
3P6/07/0/
RPR 124h, OR 109h
He hasn’t been the easiest to train and he’s been off for a long time but he’s actually been doing one or two nice bits of work lately.
Anytime Now
6g Beneficial – Rag’s Lady
Allan Snow
423375
RPR 123h OR 112h
He won his bumper by a wide margin at Kilbeggan and has been a bit frustrating since. He’s definitely up to winning a maiden hurdle before the winter horses come out.
Apple’s Jade
6m Saddler Maker – Apple’s For Ever
Gigginstown House Stud
1/11133-
RPR 162h OR 158h
She’ll go an identical route to the one she took last year. She’ll start off in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan and then on to Fairyhouse for the Hatton’s Grace, a race she won so impressively last year. She kept coming into season during the second half of last season but we think we’ve rectified that issue now. She’s absolutely bombing at home at the moment and the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham is once again the ultimate aim.
Authorizo
3g Authorized – Street Lightning
Gigginstown House Stud
34-13 (Flat form)
Handled deep ground when he won at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in January. He’s schooled nicely and will go for a juvenile hurdle once we get a bit of rain.
Baby Twig
7m Network – Natty Twigy
Philip J Reynolds
1/
RPR 115b
She got a leg after she won her bumper by a wide margin in Punchestown around this time two years ago. She’s back now and working away nicely. She’s a nice mare and jumps particularly well.
Ball D’Arc
7g Network – Pretty Moon
Gigginstown House Stud
33/31U5-
RPR 149h, 162c OR 140h, 157c
Has thrived since we sent him over fences but hurt himself when favourite at Naas in February and it will probably be Christmas by the time we get him out. He always pays his way.
Ballydunblaze
4f Arcadio – Classy Conflict
John Lane
1
RPR 96b
We’ll look for a winners’ bumper for her in the coming week. She got the job done nicely at Navan and has come on for it too.
Baltazar D’Allier
7g Malinas – Kinoise D’Allier
JP McManus
12F/
RPR 144h OR 140h
We’re looking forward to getting this fella back out. He won his maiden hurdle at Naas like a nice horse and was second in the Challow at Newbury on New Year’s Eve. He then fell at Navan and has had time off since.
Battleoverdoyen
5g Doyen – Battle Over
Gigginstown House Stud
1/ (point form)
A lovely, big horse who won his point-to-point at Loughanmore with a bit up his sleeve. He had a little setback last season and we never got to run him but he’s ready to rock in a bumper as soon as we get a bit of soft ground.
Batts Rock
5g Fastnet Rock – Be My Queen
Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran
2
A useful stayer on the Flat who was a bit unlucky at Punchestown last Wednesday as the winner ran right across him at the last. Should have little difficulty picking up a maiden hurdle on nice ground.
Ben Dundee
6g Beneficial – Miss Dundee
C Jones
162000-
RPR 140h OR 133h
He’s a bit better than his form. He’s been a bit unlucky. He’s going over fences and you’ll see him sooner rather than later.
Best Of Dubai
6m Dubai Destination – Second Best
Lucky Shoe Part Three Syndicate
3422-31
RPR 103b
She won a bumper the other day at Galway and has never run a bad race for us. She’ll head for a maiden hurdle now in the next few weeks.
Black Tears
4f Jeremy – Our Girl Salley
Mrs Caren Walsh & John Lightfoot
2122-
RPR 110b
This filly is nice. She got a bit of a cut after Punchestown in April but she’s back cantering now and hopefully you will see her this side of Christmas. She already has black type.
Bless The Wings
13g Winged Love – Silva Venture
Adrian Butler/S P O’Connor
P1FP34-
RPR 133h, 152c OR 120h, 137c
He’s been some servant. He was third in the Grand National and hopefully he might end up back there next April. We’ll take the cross-country route with him again and I have the Pardubicka at the back of my mind for him.
Blow By Blow
7g Robin Des Champs – Shean Rose
Gigginstown House Stud
161147-
RPR 152h OR 150h
He’s ready to go and it will be novice chasing for him. He looks like a big winter horse who should relish deep ground but arguably his best form is on better ground. The RSA or National Hunt Chase is where we would like him to end up.
Boot Camp
5g Milan – Derravaragh Native
Gigginstown House Stud
274181
RPR 134h, 129c OR 130h
I liked the way he got the job done at Limerick. That was his first start over fences and we’ll look for a winner of one for him now.
Brelade
6g Presenting – Polivalente
DP Sharkey
243725-
RPR 145h, 143c OR 139h, 139c
He got a bad cut in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and it has taken a while to get him back. He doesn’t have enough confidence over fences so we’re going to aim him at the Greatwood at Cheltenham’s November meeting.
Campeador
6g Gris De Gris – Royale Video
JP McManus
4F/F/1F3-
RPR 154h OR 150h
He has a hell of a lot of ability and shows us an awful lot at home. He had a couple of silly falls to his name which didn’t help his confidence. He is back cantering away now and always works well.
Carter McKay
7g Martaline – Saxona
Pearl Bloodstock Ltd
06/1330-
RPR 140h OR 138h
We have had him about six weeks or so. If you look at some of his best form you would imagine he will develop into a nice, staying novice chaser.
If I could sum up last season in one word . . .
Brilliant
Cats For Cash
4g Mahler – Harvard Girl
Liam J Clancy
2
RPR 89b
Should come on for his debut second in a Down Royal bumper and we’ll look for something similar soon.
Champagne Classic
7g Stowaway – Classical Rachel
Gigginstown House Stud
321311/
RPR 153h OR 151h
He’s got some very, very good form. He’s certainly surprised us. He shows us nothing at home. You would like to think that chasing will bring out the best in him and he’s ready to go over fences now. I’m very happy with where he is at the moment.
Chief Justice
3g Acclamation – Freedom Pass
Cheveley Park Stud
2111
RPR 120h
He’s done nothing but improve since arriving here. He was impressive at Listowel and Gowran Park. He only does what he has to do. We’ll put him away for the thick of winter when the ground gets too deep and maybe have a go at the Fred Winter.
Race in focus
I was watching the Pardubicka the other day on the television and I thought to myself ‘that’s a race I would love to have a good at next year.’ Maybe something like Tiger Roll or Bless The Wings might be suited to it. It would be some buzz to have a runner in that.
Coeur Sublime
3g Elusive Pimpernel – Love Knot
Chris Jones
1 (Flat form)
I’d say this fella is a fair horse. He beat Southern France in a Navan maiden last April and that form doesn’t look too bad now, does it? He’ll start off in a juvenile hurdle as soon as we get a bit of rain. I can’t wait for that.
Column Of Fire
4g Robin Des Champs – Ghillie’s Bay
Gigginstown House Stud
2-
RPR 119b
He chased home Commander Of Fleet in the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He’s got very strong over the summer and will start off in a bumper in a week or two.
Dark horse
Commander Of Fleet
4g Fame And Glory – Coonagh Cross
Gigginstown House Stud
1-
RPR 132b
You’d have to love the way he won the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He’s strengthened up a lot over the summer and the plan has always been for him to start off in a maiden hurdle at Down Royal early next month.
Commentariolus
4g Frankel – Apsara
M Booth & Miss Rachael Evans
13-5
RPR 120h OR 124h
A son of Frankel who hasn’t been the easiest to train. He shows us plenty in his homework. We will be on the lookout for a winners of one hurdle race for him over the next few weeks.
Cool Getaway
6g Getaway – Coolnacarriga
JP McManus
1/ (Point form)
Won a point at Tattersalls for Stuart Crawford back in November 2016 and the form of that has worked out very well. He’ll start off in a maiden hurdle soon and seems nice.
Count Simon
4g Rip Van Winkle – Wedding Cake
Mrs P Sloan
214225
RPR 128h OR 124h
He wasn’t a bad juvenile and he’ll probably head to Down Royal for the valuable 2m handicap hurdle.
Cracking Smart
6g Great Pretender – Maya Du Frene
Gigginstown House Stud
21/1122-
RPR 153h OR 150h
This is a smart horse. He could be a proper 3m staying chaser. He got a little chip which kept him out of Cheltenham but he’s back cantering now and you’ll hopefully see him this side of Christmas. He’s a horse we like a lot here.
Creadan Belle
5m Vinnie Roe – Aliceaneileen
James W Power
642
RPR 88b
She’s not the biggest mare you’d ever see but she’s got a massive heart and she tries hard. Hopefully she can pick up a bumper.
Cubomania
5g Halling – Surrealism
Cubomania Syndicate
52-16113
RPR 117h, 139c OR 114h, 132c
A cracking syndicate horse, a real money-spinner. He’s a model of consistency, is versatile and we’ll continue to vary it with him.
Dakota Moirette
5g Voix Du Nord – Rahana Moirette
Gigginstown House Stud
700/337-
RPR 114h, 126c OR 122h
Might be better than his form suggests and you’ll see him in a beginners’ chase in the coming weeks.
Daylight Katie
5m Bonbon Rose – Sirani
David Dunsdon
F/1- (point form)
She won a Lisronagh point for Aidan Fitzgerald and has been showing me decent things at home. She’ll be ready to go in a bumper in about three weeks.
De Plotting Shed
8g Beneficial – Lady Willmurt
Ives Ashley Vasey Partnership
2P-F444
RPR 153h, 140c OR 143h, 140c
He shows a lot more at home than he’s been showing on the track of late. He’s frustrating. We’re thinking of sticking to hurdles for the time being anyway and there’s a handicap hurdle at Navan next month that we’re thinking of for him.
Defi Bleu
5g Saddler Maker – Glycine Bleue
Gigginstown House Stud
18-
RPR 119h
A nice horse who won a Navan bumper before we threw him in at the deep end in a Grade 2 hurdle at Naas in February. A maiden hurdle at Down Royal early next month is on his agenda now.
Star quality
Delta Work
5g Network – Robbe
Gigginstown House Stud
324312-
RPR 150h OR 152h
I’m really looking forward to seeing this fella over a fence. He could be a lovely staying novice and it was always in my head to start him off in a beginners’ chase at Down Royal early next moth but we will need some rain for that to happen.
Destin D’Ajonc
5g Martaline – Fleur D’Ajonc
JP McManus
1/6360-
RPR 135h OR 133c
He has bits and pieces of form but was disappointing at Fairyhouse in April and needs to bounce back from that.
Diamond Cauchois
7g Crillon – Diamond Turtle
Danny & Eamon Partnership
313126-
RPR 155h OR 150h
He brings home a cheque every day he runs and I love that about horses. We will keep him over hurdles and you could see him end up in the Boyne Hurdle later in the season, he won that nicely last year and seems to love Navan.
Diamond Turf
5g Diamond Boy – Lovely Turf
Gigginstown House Stud
31-
RPR 114b
A big staying chaser in the making. He made big improvement from Limerick to win by a long way at Navan and the plan is to start him off in a maiden hurdle very soon once the rain finally arrives.
Dinaria Des Obeaux
5m Saddler Maker – Indiana Jaune
Gigginstown House Stud
461325-
RPR 134h, 139c OR 131h, 140c
She has a smashing season last term. She won three times over fences and really took to it. Mares chases will be her bread and butter.
Dinons
5g Balko – Beni Abbes
T O’Driscoll
3F1111
RPR 145h OR 135h
Needs a trip and nice ground. He won four on the bounce over the last few months and we’re bringing him over to Cheltenham this week for a novice hurdle.
Doctor Phoenix
10g Dr Massini – Lowroad Cross
Nick Bradley Racing Club
0112F5-
RPR 131h, 166c OR 133h, 156c
He’s probably not quite a Grade 1 horse so we will aim him at Grade 2s and 3s over two miles. If he has as good a season as he had last year then we would be thrilled.
Don Poli
9g Poliglote – Dalamine
Gigginstown House Stud
32/3P23/
RPR 153h, 168c OR 152h, 161c
Back in mighty form. He was absolutely flying before the Gold Cup in 2017 and unfortunately got a leg. He’s back bouncing now and we’re heading to Down Royal for the JNwine.com Champion Chase.
Dona Katharina
4f Stowaway – Western Whisper
Edward M Walsh
532
RPR 90b
She has a good pedigree. She’s a sister to Outlander and should be up to winning a bumper in the coming months.
Dortmund Park
5g Great Pretender – Qena
Gigginstown House Stud
611481-
RPR 152h OR 148h
We haven’t made up our minds whether to go chasing or stay over hurdles with him for another year. He’s only five but is every inch a chaser when you look at him. He finished last year on a high and has summered well.
Dounikos
7g Smadoun – Baby Sitter
Gigginstown House Stud
114PPP-
RPR 124h, 155c OR 121h, 150c
He could tailor-made for the Troytown at Navan next month. His form fell apart in the second half of last season but he is still a Grade 2 winner over fences and is a lot better than his form says.
Duca De Thaix
5g Voix Du Nord – Nouca De Thaix
Gigginstown House Stud
16090-2
RPR 142h, 129c OR 132h
He works like a very, very good horse at home but he’s disappointed us. I was happy with the way he jumped at Punchestown on Tuesday and he’ll come on for that.
Edene D’Arc
4f Meresca Sorrento
Kenneth Alexander
13-
RPR 112b
A nice mare who we’re waiting on a bit of soft ground for to run her in a maiden hurdle. She won a bumper at Gowran which worked out well.
Elwood
4g Martaline – Robbie
Gigginstown House Stud
644-1
He’s a brother to Delta Work who came from France and works nicely. He’s nice and just needs a bit of rain.
Empire Burleque
6g Cape Cross – Mowazana
Gigginstown House Stud
1/9-
RPR 117b
We decided to take him out of a maiden hurdle at Punchestown on Wednesday as we felt the ground was a shade too quick for him. He’s working well.
Dark horse
Envoi Allen
4g Muhtathir – Reaction
Cheveley Park Stud
1- (point form)
A gorgeous horse we like. He looked good when he won his point at Ballinaboola. He’s doing everything right at home and he’ll start off in a bumper as soon as the ground comes right.
Enzani
7g Cape Cross – Eytarna
Shane Reville
72/2/11-7
RPR 119h OR 116h
A good, fun horse who will pay his way over hurdles in the coming months.
Everybreathyoutake
4g September Storm – Ashdale Lark
Neville Reid
P2
RPR 96b
Improved at Roscommon and is up to winning a bumper. Doesn’t want real deep, winter ground.
Falak
5g Teofilo – Family
Bredan Scully
52S-013
RPR 124h OR 122h
He’s having a break at the moment but will be back for the spring festivals.
Farclas
4g Jukebox Jury – Floriana
Gigginstown House Stud
2215-
RPR 149h OR 152h
I know he won the Triumph Hurdle last year but I think he needs a trip and we’ll be trying him over further than two miles this season. He’s had a wind operation and we hope to start him off this side of Christmas, but I’m convinced he wants a trip.
Feel My Pulse
4g Stowaway – Zenaide
Gigginstown House Stud
1- (point form)
Won his point at Lismore by a long way and looks a nice prospect. We’ll start him off in a maiden hurdle sooner rather than later. He’s ready to go.
Dark horse
Felix Desjy
5g Maresca Sorrento – Lamadoun
Gigginstown House Stud
1165-
RPR 135b
He qualifies for some of the valuable novice hurdles and we could aim him for the final of that. He’s a very nice horse and could develop into a Supreme Novices’ contender once he learns to settle.
Final List
4g Doyen – Lady Goldilocks
Gigginstown House Stud
5-
RPR 101b
He was fifth in a Punchestown bumper but he’s got very strong over the summer and is a nice horse going forward.
Flat To The Max
3g Maxios – Another Name
Gigginstown House Stud
U
A three-year-old we got off Ger Lyons. He unseated Jack [Kennedy] at the first at Ballinrobe but that was out of character as he jumps very well at home.
Flawless Escape
5g Sagamix – Sainte Kadette
T O’Driscoll
12130-
RPR 138h OR 133h
This guy has got seriously strong over the summer. I like him. We’re going to go novice chasing with him and he should do well at that game. He’ll probably start off over 2m4f but will get 3m no problem.
Folsom Blue
11g Old Vic – Spirit Leader
Core Partnership
144140-
RPR 154h, 148c OR 128h, 145c
He was very unlucky in the Irish Grand National and the plan is to run him in what used to be the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock on Betfair Chase day.
Fury Road
4g Stowaway – Molly Duffy
Gigginstown House Stud
41 (point form)
Won his point at the second time of asking quite easily at Dromahane and he’s another ready to run in a bumper once the rain arrives.
General Principle
9g Gold Well – How Provincial
Gigginstown House Stud
470461-
RPR 142h, 146c OR 132h, 144c
Irish Grand National winner who is going to be very hard to place now. I suppose we’ll aim him at the Grand National in Aintree this time and he could start off in the Troytown at Navan and run in all those valuable staying chases along the way to Aintree.
Getaway John
5g Getaway – Present Your Own
John F Doyle
3/2110-
RPR 136b
He wasn’t right at Punchestown but he was very good at Fairyhouse when he won a proper bumper. He’s been schooling nicely and you’ll see him in a maiden hurdle soon. He’s nice.
Glenloe
7g Kayf Tara – Mandys Native
JP McManus
5/22325-
RPR 146h OR 142h
Went very close in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. He could develop into a nice staying chaser this season.
Grand Mogul
4g Presenting – Oligarch Society
John Lightfoot
4-
RPR 106b
He’ll be up to winning a bumper as soon as we get a bit of rain. He’s come forward since finishing fourth in a bumper at Punchestown.
Great Vizier
3g Sir Percy – Special Green
Simon Munir & Issac Souede
629- (Flat form)
Schooling well and doing everything I have asked of him. He will go for a juvenile maiden hurdle once we get rain.
Grotesque
7g Kayf Tara – Princess Timon
Gigginstown House Stud
21/60/33-
RPR 121h OR 116h
I would say he’s well enough treated to win a few handicap hurdles before going chasing.
Hardline
6g Arcadio – Hidden Reserve
Gigginstown House Stud
31138-1
RPR 140h, 139c OR 140h
I loved the way he won at Fairyhouse. The second is a good horse. He could be even better over fences than he was over hurdles and we’ll have to step him up in class now.
High Expectations
7g High Rock – Tashifiya
MJ Wasylocha
1P-4521
RPR 133h OR 128h
Has a good strike-rate and always wins the races he should be winning, as he showed when getting up late to score at Sedgefield. He’ll mix and match between Flat and hurdles. He’s a good, fun horse to have around the place. You can bring him anywhere.
Holy Motivation
5m Kalanisi – Teffia Rose
Pioneer Racing
796322
RPR 105h OR 95h
She’s been placed on her last couple of runs and hopefully she’ll get off the mark sooner rather than later.
Invincible Cave
5g Court Cave – Bespoke Baby
Gigginstown House Stud
14-
RPR 116b
Bit disappointing at Naas having won his bumper at Navan but I do think he’s a nice horse and will appear in a maiden hurdle soon.
Isle Of Destiny
5m Gold Well – Young Amelie
John F Doyle
-533318
RPR 115h OR 105h
You would have to be a little disappointed with the way she ran at Cork on Sunday, but she’s better than that. I loved her attitude at Hexham when she won the time before and I’m sure we will find a suitable race for her, perhaps on the other side of the water.
Its All Guesswork
6g Mahler – La Lambertine
Philip J Reynolds
4-3221F
RPR 128h, 131c OR 124h, 130c
He would have been placed in the Munster National only for coming down at the last. He was a bit sore after it so we’ll give him a bit of time to recover. He could pick up one of those nice staying handicap chases, maybe something like the Troytown at Navan would suit. He won his beginners chase there.
Jury Duty
7g Well Chosen – Swan Heart
Sideways Syndicate
U3-3721
RPR 150h, 157c OR 147h, 152c
We couldn’t have asked much more from him on Saturday night. We thought he would be the ideal type for the American Grand National and he proved just that. He was a high-class hurdler but he has progressed into an even better chaser and hopefully someday he might be the sort of horse who would suit an Aintree National.
Kuiper Belt
4g Elusive Quality – Youre So Sweet
Melissa Margolis
211216
RPR 122h OR 123h
Was a little disappointing at Punchestown on Wednesday but he’s had some summer and won loads of races. He won’t race through the winter but could go for a handicap at Cheltenham if he gets in.
Kuraka
4g Cacique – Puzzling
Susan Frost & Mrs Caren Walsh
23316-6
RPR 115h OR 119h
He’s won two for us. He got a little setback in the summer but he’s back working now and we’ll find a little hurdle for him somewhere.
Lackaneen Leader
6m Oscar – Shandora
Mrs Caren Walsh & Grant Mercer
21112P-
RPR 137h OR 133h
Didn’t do a whole lot wrong last year and she’s going over fences now. She has the size and scope to do well chasing.
Larquebuse
4f Saddler Maker – Sirene Du Rheu
Cheveley Park Stud
1 (point form)
Won her point at Durrow nicely for Colin Bowe. She is a big, strong mare we like and you’ll see her in a bumper this side of Christmas.
Last Minute Man
6g Yeats – Ella Watson
Paul & Clare Rooney
1/22-0
RPR 121h
A nice horse and you can forget his run at Clonmel in the summer when he wasn’t right. He’s a nice horse who’s up to winning a maiden hurdle.
Lethal Steps
3g Lethal Force – Tanda Tula
Cheveley Park Stud
54-45040 (Flat form)
A nice juvenile to go hurdling with, he’s rated 102 on the Flat. He jumps really, really well and we like what we’ve seen from him so far.
Rival to watch
Willie Mullins. He has caught me late for the last two seasons but we had a slow start this season so I have no chance of winning the title. What can you say about the man? He is a legend.
Make My Heart Fly
6m Stowaway – Poppy Maroon
Twenty Syndicate
111124
RPR 130h, 114c OR 130h
A star through the summer. She won four in a row and acquitted herself very well in a Listed event at Gowran. She’ll mix it between chases and hurdles.
Dark horse
Malone Road
4g Kalanisi – Zaffarella
Cheveley Park Stud
1 (point form)
There was a lot to like about the way he won his point at Loughanmore for Stuart Crawford. This fella could be a seriously nice horse. We like him a lot.
Master Of Tara
5g Kayf Tara – Ryme Bere
Gigginstown House Stud
61-
RPR 127b
An imposing individual we like. He’ll start off in a maiden hurdle very soon and I’m looking forward to it.
Star quality
Mengli Khan
5g Lope De Vega – Danielli
Gigginstown House Stud
11RO233-
RPR 151h OR 150h
He was one of our leading novice hurdlers last season and he goes chasing now. I like what I’ve seen of him schooling so far. He’s not slow so we’ll probably keep him to two miles with the Arkle being the ultimate aim next March.
Minellafordollars
6g King’s Theatre – Another Dollar
JP McManus
1/31-
RPR 136h
He’s back cantering away and is a nice horse to be heading into the winter months with as he handles deep ground really well.
Miss Aloud
4f Azamour – Key Stage
Oghill House Stud Limited
62233
RPR 102b
You cannot fault her consistency in bumpers and surely one will come her way in the coming weeks.
Missy Tata
6m Astarabad – Queen Running
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
4/11111/
RPR 144h OR 145h
She’s back cantering away and it’s great to have her back around the place. She’s a classy mare who will head over fences once we get a bit of rain. She gives you everything.
Mitchouka
4g Creachadoir – Minaloushe
Gigginstown House Stud
1P26-F5
RPR 140h, 123c OR 140h
He had jumped brilliantly before he fell at Gowran Park, which was an awful pity. That seemed to affect his confidence at Punchestown but hopefully we can get him back on track.
Monbeg Notorious
7g Milan – Borleagh Princess
Gigginstown House Stud
211182-
RPR 138h, 155c OR 132h, 151c
He looks an ideal type for the Grand National at Aintree. He won the Thyestes in real heavy ground at Gowran and loves those testing conditions.
Monbeg Worldwide
6g Lucarno – Molly Duffy
Gigginstown House Stud
111/23-5
RPR 128h
He got incredibly tired at Tipperary last week and he’ll come on a ton for that. It goes without saying he’s better than the bare form of that and you should see a different horse next time.
Monkshood
6g Stowaway – Flirthing Around
Gigginstown House Stud
1/1145U
RPR 136h OR 136h
He’s better than you have seen so far. He had an operation on his back for kissing spines but he’s back cantering away now and we’re looking forward to sending him over fences.
Moonlight Escape
5m Court Cave – Festival Leader
F Donnelly
1U9-015
RPR 122h, 125c OR 118h
She’s a grand, honest mare who should do better over fences than she did over hurdles.
HORSE TO FOLLOW
Dortmund Park
Winner of both his bumpers and a three-time winner over hurdles last season, this five-year-old ended his campaign with a ten-length win in a Grade 1 novice over 2m4f at the Punchestown festival. There was an element of good fortune involved, to the margin of victory if not the result, as two of the leading contenders were knocked out of the race two out. However, the son of Great Pretender looks the type who should take well to fences and should enjoy a successful campaign in staying novice chases this season.
Tony O’Hehir
Ned Stark
10g Wolfe Tone – Last Moon
Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran
68P52/0-
RPR 119h, 147c OR 124h, 130c
He’s been a long time off the track but he’s got a big engine and could be well handicapped. He’s on the teamsheet for the Troytown at Navan.
Noble Endeavor
9g Flemensfirth – Old Moon
C Jones
P54136/
RPR 151h, 160c OR 145h, 154c
The long-term plan for him is the Grand National at Aintree. He hasn’t run since the Irish National in 2017 as he chipped a bone but he’s back now and will tip away in handicap chases this season. He’s got some really good form.
Ocean Voyage
3f Most Improved – Minshar
Arion Racing Club
142-06 (Flat form)
A nice dual-purpose filly who we’ll go juvenile hurdling with soon.
Our Father
12g Shantou – Rosepan
Ives & Johnsons Partnership
59U/92/0
RPR 147h, 154c OR 130c
He never let himself down on the ground at Limerick in the Munster National. He works well at home so we’ll have another go at one of those nice staying handicap chases.
Out Sam
9g Multiplex – Tintera
D Charlesworth
9/06P33-
RPR 140h, 151c OR 127h, 132c
We have him pencilled in for the Cork National so that’s where he’ll go. He has some good back form and might not be badly treated if we can get him back to his old self.
Outlander
10g Stowaway – Western Whisper
Gigginstown House Stud
32PP8-2
RPR 147h, 170c OR 145h, 161c
He owes us nothing. He’s won ten times and I was thrilled with his run in the Grade 3 at Punchestown the other day. He is entered in the JNwine.com Champion Chase, a race he beat Road To Respect in last year, so he deserves a shot in that.
Pallasator
9g Motivator – Ela Athena
Qatar Racing Limited
54115-
RPR 151h OR 147h
He did nothing but improve last season and won the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse over Easter. He seems in great nick and we might even try him over fences.
Penny Jane
6m King’s Theatre – Shannon Rose
Paul & Clare Rooney
2231-11
RPR 118h, 122c OR 124c
I was absolutely thrilled with her win at Cork and Denis [O’Regan] gave her a terrific ride. That’s the way she likes to be ridden. She has taken really well to fences and she should continue to progress. Hopefully we can find something for her at the spring festivals.
Poli Roi
6g Poliglote – Belle Du Roi
Gigginstown House
215P85-
RPR 136h OR 133c
He didn’t really live up to expectations after winning his maiden hurdle at Down Royal around this time last year. We’re sending him over fences and hopefully that will spark a revival.
Poormans Hill
7g Stowaway – Sharps Express
Vincent Caldwell & Mrs Kathleen Caldwell
161P7-4
RPR 124h, 133c OR 119h, 130c
He’s won eight races for us now and kept improving all last season. We’ve had the Cork National in mind for him for quite a while so it’s all systems go for that now.
Portnablagh
5m Well Chosen – Countess Trifaldi
Gigginstown House Stud
10-
RPR 104b
She’s a great big galloping mare who loves soft ground. We’re looking forward to her going over the hurdles and winter conditions will really suit.
Prince Of Scars
8g Flemensfirth – Spirit Leader
Gigginstown House Stud
3/236P3/
RPR 163h, 139c OR 150h, 139c
He is a dual Grade 1 winner who has had plenty of problems. He is back cantering away and is ready to return this side of Christmas. He likes winter ground and we’ll look for a nice chase for him somewhere.
Rakhine State
5g Arakan – Oiselina
Armagh Bhoys Partnership
32464-
RPR 118h
He has been placed in a few bumpers and hopefully we can spot a nice opportunity for him somewhere in a maiden hurdle.
Rogue Angel
10g Presenting – Carrigeen Kohleria
Gigginstown House Stud
PP2-136
RPR 135h, 150c OR 135c
He tanked through the Kerry National and they probably didn’t go quick enough for him at Limerick and it didn’t really turn into a test. Hopefully he can land a big pot at some stage this season.
Star quality
Samcro
6g Germany – Dun Dun
Gigginstown House Stud
1/1111F-
RPR 159h OR 160c
We’re really looking forward to getting him started. He’s got a lot stronger over the summer and will definitely return at Down Royal – whether that’s in the WKD Hurdle or the beginners chase over 2m4f I’m not 100 per cent sure yet. I’ll have a chat with Michael and Eddie [O’Leary] over the next few days and we’ll make a decision together. He didn’t do much wrong last year, his only blip came at Punchestown and that could happen to any horse. Everyone knows what I think of him and hopefully he can continue to show everyone how good he is.
Santana Plessis
4g Saint Des Saints – La Passeroie
D Charlesworth
3-
RPR 115b
Third to Commander Of Fleet – one of ours – in a Punchestown bumper. He’s a nice type who looks up to winning a bumper.
Star quality
Shattered Love
7m Yeats – Tracker
Gigginstown House Stud
RPR 141h, 159c OR 136h, 153c
We knew she would do better over fences than she did over hurdles but I suppose we never thought she would win two Grade 1s and be a Cheltenham Festival winner. In saying that, I did really fancy her for the JLT and I actually put her up at a few Cheltenham preview nights I was on. We’ll start her off in the chase for second-season novices at Down Royal next month and what she does there will probably decide what path we take with her. She probably needs to improve a bit to be a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender but it’s not out of the question.
Silver Star
5g Silver Frost – Suerte
Royal’s & Blue Syndicate
Silver Star
RPR 126h OR 119h
Really consistent sort who will hold his own in his own grade.
Sire Du Berlais
6g Poliglote – Royale Athenia
JP McManus
130/248-
RPR 144h OR 142h
The best of his form is quite useful. He was fourth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and he’s not a bad sort.
Smiling Eliza
3f Rock Of Gilbraltar – Gift Dancer
Gordon Elliott Racing Club
22121
RPR 112h
She keeps winning. The plan is to go to Aintree with her now for a mares’ Listed hurdle and try pick up some black type.
Soldier At War
4g Soldier Hollow – Sag Sun
Gigginstown House Stud
2- (point form)
Second to Malone Road in a Loughanmore point and looks suite useful. He’s ready to start off in a bumper soon and has had a wind operation.
Sometime Soon
5g Shantou – Back Log
Gigginstown House Stud
1345-2
RPR 119h
His jumping was a bit novicey at Fairyhouse last time and it might not be the worst thing in the world that he was beaten as we would have had to go straight for a graded race.
Space Cadet
8g Flemensfirth – Shuil A Hocht
C Jones
9342PP-
RPR 134h, 136c OR 122h, 135c
There could be a big day in this fella and he’ll run in all those valuable staying handicap chases.
Squouateur
7g Martaline – Samansonnienne
JP McManus
6303BP-
RPR 141h, 141c OR 141h, 138c
It hasn’t happened for him so far but it will happen for him some day. He’s been frustrating but his luck has to change. There’s a nice pot in him.
Star Maker
4g Mastercraftsman – Snoqualmie Star
Thomond Racing Syndicate
43-6619
RPR 116h OR 117h
He’s coming along nicely and I think he can win again before the real winter stuff starts.
Stooshie
5g Fracas – Misty Native
Mrs Caren Walsh & John F Doyle
2513-32
RPR 130h OR 128h
I thought he ran well the other day at Punchestown and there will hopefully be a nice handicap in him somewhere along the way.
Sunsetstorise
10g Millenary – Otorum
Mrs Finola Murphy & Mrs Ann Marie McManus & Mrs Tahnee Grant
4P1/125-
RPR 128c, 120h OR 124c, 102h
We took him out of a race at Cork on Sunday because the ground was a little on the quick side. I have no doubt he will pay his way in 2m Handicap chases when there is a bit more cut in the ground.
Sutton Place
7g Mahler – Glebe Beauty
JP McManus
1/11P/1P-
RPR 161h, 141c OR 158h
He has missed a bit of time but we are looking forward to getting him back on the right road. He is a nice horse and we have yet to decide what route we are going to take with him.
Swingbridge
10g Milan – Creative Approach
Noel Gerard Moran
F-041361
RPR 118h, 133c OR 109h, 124c
A very consistent sort who might go to Cheltenham at the end of the week for a handicap chase.
Synopsis
6m Azamour – Censored
David Spratt & Kevin McMunigal & Mary Hopkins
70123-6
RPR 126h, 120c OR 124h, 123c
A useful enough mare who did well over hurdles and didn’t take long to win over fences. She will probably mix and match between handicap hurdles and chases.
Takeittothelimits
6m Stowaway – A Plus Ma Puce
JP McManus
112/
RPR 107b
She is ready to in in a maiden hurdle once we get a bit of rain. She won her first two bumpers and was second in a Listed bumper at Gowran but she has had her fair share of problems since. It’ll be good to get her back.
Thatsy
4g Martaline – Rainallday
Gigginstown House Stud
12- (point form)
A big, strong, staying sort who won his point at Lingstown for Donnacha Doyle. We’ll pop him into a bumper as soon as we get a bit of rain.
The Big Lense
5g Court Cave – Megans Joy
JP McManus
63-816
RPR 121h OR 117h
He got the job done nicely in a maiden hurdle at Bellewstown and hopefully there is more to come. He won a point at Cragmore a few years ago so he could develop into a nice chaser.
The Storyteller
7g Shantou – Bally Bolshoi
Mrs P Sloan
137151-
RPR 148h, 161c OR 142h, 155c
Did us proud last year, winning at Cheltenham and then landing a Grade 1 at Punchestown, although I think we all know he was very lucky there given what happened to Al Boum Photo. He could be tricky enough to place this year but he’ll definitely start off in the chase for second-season novices at Down Royal next month and we’ll take it from there
Thisonesforollie
6m Scorpion – Toniberoli
B Mannion & Brendan O’Grady
69-4811
RPR 100h OR 90h
I’ve got a great kick out of her winning her last few races. I still think she’s quite well handicapped and could win a few more. She’s improving fast.
Tiger Roll
8g Authorized – Swiss Roll
Gigginstown House Stud
P/2P511-
RPR 150h, 160c OR 140h, 159c
He’s absolutely bouncing, you wouldn’t believe how well he is in himself. He’s loving life. It takes some horse to win at three Cheltenham Festivals and then a Grand National. I suppose we’ll go down a similar route to last year. We’ll keep him to cross-country races. He’s still only eight and we could get a couple more years out of him doing that job if we mind him.
Timber House
6g Golden Lariat
Gigginstown House Stud
4F1 (point form)
A nice type of horse who won his point at Ballysteen in April and will start off in a bumper very soon.
Timiyan
7g Ghostzapper – Timarwa
John P McManus
F-61D07
RPR 139h, 143c OR 132h, 132c
He was unlucky to be disqualified at Kilbeggan during the summer. He lost his confidence after an early mistake at Limerick last time. Hopefully we can get him right for the Troytown at Navan.
Tintangle
5m Yeats – Connaught Hall
Gigginstown House Stud
4113-
RPR 116b
She’s a grand mare who we’re looking forward to running in a maiden hurdle. She should have a good season ahead. She has ability and should have a good season ahead.
Tombstone
8g Robin Des Champs – Connaught Hall
Gigginstown House Stud
3626-51
RPR 153h, 153c OR 143h, 144c
We thought the world of him early on and he has been a bit frustrating as we all know what he’s capable of. It was great to see him get his head back in front the other day at Limerick and that will do his confidence the world of good. We’ll mix and match it between hurdles and fences.
Ucello Conti
10g Martaline – Gazelle Lulu
Simon Munir & Issac Souede
24U/2PU-
RPR 127h, 153c OR 139h, 147c
He’ll go hunter chasing and run in cross-country races. He should be a good, fun horse. It’s unbelievable that he has yet to win a race for us.
Viscount Wilson
3g Lethal Force – Highland Starlight
J A Mooney & Raymond Moore Jnr & Raymond C Moore
4
RPR 97h
Not a bad sort on the Flat for Ger Lyons and he will come on for his first start for us over hurdles at Down Royal.
Vision D’honneur
4g Vision D’Etat – Hembra
Gigginstown House Stud
1
He won in France and he looks like he could be a proper horse. We like the look of what we’ve seen so far.
Western Honour
6g Westerer – Cailins Honour
Cheveley Park Stud
844-4
RPR 113h OR 112h
Arrived from Jimmy Moffatt’s and hopefully there will be a handicap hurdle in him off his mark. They will have plenty of fun with him.
Westland Row
6g Oscar – Presenting Proform
Mrs Caren Walsh & John F Doyle
221010-
RPR 133h OR 129h
He might jump a fence sooner rather than later but he’ll pay his way over hurdles too.
Woods Well
7g Fleetwood – Millbrook Marble
Gigginstown House Stud
5P5P6-1
RPR 136h, 139c OR 134h, 133c
He showed a good attitude to win at Galway the other day and he will be part of my Troytown team.
