Let’s sign off in a blaze of glory
It has been a long campaign and I just hope readers have knocked plenty of satisfaction out of my offerings over the last few months.
We’ve had our ups and downs, there have been days when I'm sure you all showed a half-decent profit and others when it wasn’t so good.
The highlight, of course, had to be Cheltenham, when I managed to ride seven winners. Judging by the reaction I got afterwards, I'd say there were loads of punters who ended the week substantially better off.
From a personal point of view it was quite unbelievable. I’ll certainly never forget those magical days and doubt will ever experience anything like them again in my career.
This week we have been totally focused on Punchestown and that hasn’t been bad to us either. The plan today is to finish in a blaze of glory.
Let’s start with Mourad in the Grade 1 four-year-old hurdle. He ran a blinder to finish third in the Triumph at Cheltenham and, if turning up in that sort of mood, will take all the beating.
I took my time with him at Cheltenham and he seemed to very much appreciate being ridden in that manner.
He’s looking great at the moment and is working well to the eye. Why to the eye, I can almost hear you ask?
Well, there’s a simple explanation. You see Mourad is tiny and Willie Mullins never puts me on him at home, I’m just too big for the horse. So, I only get aboard in a race.
Small he might be, but Mourad does possess both a big heart and a good engine. He stays well, the ground is not an issue and I have to be hopeful.
Serpentaria has a live chance in what appears a fairly competitive Grade 3 mares hurdle.
She’s extremely versatile, winning over two miles at Leopardstown, two and a half at Cork and three the last day at Fairyhouse.
I'd say three tested her and she will be far happier dropping down down to this two and a quarter.
SHE has had a light season, but the worry I have now is that Serpentaria has had three runs in a relatively short space of time.
One or two of your eyebrows may be raised this morning when you note I’m on Arbor Supreme, rather than Pomme Tiepy, in the three miles plus handicap chase.
There is, however, a ready explanation. Pomme Tiepy is going to Auteuil for the French Gold Cup, when she will have less than 10-0 to carry.
David Casey, who rides today, will have no trouble doing the weight, whereas I would have no chance.
And so it makes sense for David to partner the mare today. You would have to say she has a real life.
Pomme Tiepy ran a fine race for me in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse to take fifth behind Niche Market.
Dropping down four furlongs in trip and much softer ground can only work in her favour.
Arbor Supreme has no chance against Pomme Tiepy on National running.
He did, though, run a cracker in the Thyestes at Gowran on heavy ground and I’m hoping that’s the horse who will arrive today.
I end the Festival on Sesenta in a 24-runner savagely competitive handicap hurdle over two and a half miles.
I had a choice between her and Clear Riposte and it was not an easy decision. Clear Riposte made a fine return at Cork, but the “bounce” factor just got me thinking.
Like Mourad, Willie Mullins doesn’t allow me on Sesenta at home either, again on the basis she is too small.
She is a tough little lady, who gave me a super spin when a close third at Fairyhouse. Softer ground now and another four furlongs are likely to suit.
The problem with Sesenta in a big field, however, is that you really have to be a bit wide on her.
She is so small that going down the inner isn’t an option. Sesenta is not like a hardy gelding or a bigger mare, you cannot barge your way through. I’ll be making it up as I go along and, maybe, I’ll get it right!
