99 Winners – Bring On Cheltenham

We hit the 99 winner mark for the season over the weekend and I couldn’t be happier with how the season has gone.

99 Winners
We’ve had 25 winners in the UK too and beating the previous season’s total is always a good aim! 96 was my best total in Ireland before now. We are in a very good position but no doubt I’ll be striving for over 100 winners this time next year!

In terms of highlights, No More Heroes and Don Cossack have been the stars so far.

No More Heroes’ win in the Drinmore confirmed that we had a top novice chaser on our hands. Don Cossack has had some soft touches at home this season but it’s all systems go now for Cheltenham – we have our eye on one target!

Noble Endeavor
I was very pleased with Noble Endeavor in the Ten Up at the weekend. It was a step up in grade for him and I feel he acquitted himself well. He has entries in a few races at Cheltenham but the likely target is the National Hunt Chase.

Four miles is unknown territory but on better ground, I think he should stay it.

Grand National Weights
I’m in London for the unveiling of the Crabbie’s Grand National weights today. It’s being held at the Sky Garden in London and it’s always good to meet fellow trainers in a social environment too.

I’ve six entered in the race – the two most likely to run are Ucello Conti and Cause of Causes. I’m training Our Father now for the Johnson Family – they felt a change of scenery would do him good. I trained Jessies Dream for the late David Johnson and it’s great that they have another horse in the yard.