Vau will be too much For rivals
YESTERDAY was all about the magnificent Honeysuckle in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle.
It was also a day to celebrate the retiring Robbie Power, who bowed out after his ride on Teahupoo in the same race.
Robbie has had a very tough year with injury after injury and he got a great reception for his final ride yesterday. He’s a top fella, tough as nails and a very good rider.
He came into the sport with a big reputation as a horseman from his background in showjumping.
It’s one thing being a horseman and another being a jockey, but Robbie bridged that gap and had a fantastic career and I wish him every success in the future, he will be missed in the weigh room.
Next stop for me is Tennessee in two weeks’ time for the Iroquois Chase day in Nashville.
I have a couple of rides lined up with American trainers and Gordon is sending over the promising filly Burn The Evidence, so I’m looking forward to that.
I won a maiden hurdle on her at Fairyhouse in February and she has an exciting future ahead.
Season
I have one ride this afternoon at Punchestown on Fil Dor, who is another horse to look forward to next season. He hasn’t put a foot wrong all season, but he can’t get past VAUBAN (5.00) and I fear it will be the same again today.
The opener is the last banks race of the week and really you couldn’t rule anything out here after Ballyboker Bridge’s win on Thursday at the ripe old age of 15.
I’m going for a big outsider at a big price with LOGGAN LADY ( EW 2.35) for JP Walsh.
Edge
Jack Kennedy rides Glenloe for Gordon and JP McManus in the next, but SIBERIAN STAR (3.10) can edge it on the weights.
Epatante avoided a clash with Honeysuckle yesterday, but she faces another good challenger from the same connections in TEL ME SOMETHING GIRL (3.50).
Rachael Blackmore’s mount was travelling very sweetly at Cheltenham before being brought down and the pair can make amends today at the expense of the very talented Epatante.
Jack Foley is a talented young jockey who has done very well this season and looks like being named champion conditional jockey today.
He can seal the title with CAVALLINO ( 4.25) for Willie Mullins this afternoon.
Noel Meade’s horses are running well and HES A HARDY BLOKE (5.30).