Rekindling Will Contend In The Summer Classics

I was delighted with the performance of Rekindling in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Rekindling
We were expecting a good run from him, I would have been happy with a place beforehand, so it was a pleasant surprise to see him produce that performance to win. All of my father’s horses that finished behind had solid form as juveniles and…

I’d hope Rekindling will be a contender once the classics come round in the summer.

He’s got an entry in the Dante Stakes at York, he’ll also get an entry in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown next month. We’ll also consider the trials at meetings such as Chester and Lingfield. I’d certainly like to get another run into him before Epsom.

Aintree
Katnap ran a blinder in the Topham at Aintree. Danny Mullins gave him a superb ride. He made a bad mistake mid-race and lost about eight lengths, that in hindsight probably cost him the race. He’s a 10-year-old now so we’ve limited time remaining. I’d like to freshen him up and target the Galway Plate during the summer. He enjoys a bit of better ground.

A couple of people mentioned the Grand National as a possible target next season.

But I wouldn’t be confident he’d get the Grand National trip.

Puppy
I want to acknowledge Robert Power’s achievement in winning the leading rider award at Aintree. ‘Puppy’ as he’s known by his colleagues; he’s from a show jumping background and horses seem to jump and travel well for him.

He’s always been a top class rider and it would be great to see that winning run extended into next season. He’s got a smashing bunch of horses to ride for Alan and Ann Potts.