Looking back at Cheltenham

The main thing is that Kylemore Lough was absolutely fine after last weekend’s race.

In hindsight, we got it wrong in terms of how we set out to ride him.

He jumped so quickly and fluently that we ended up in front after the opening few fences. He then switched off and Noel couldn’t get him to switch back on.

It was a disappointing run but we’re looking forward to changing the tactics and getting going again in the next few weeks.

We thought Melrose Boy was quite well-treated, hence why we kept him back for Sunday’s race.

He hadn’t run since January, so I’m pleased that Clare and Paul Rooney’s patience has paid off.

Hopefully he can build on that and we’ve now got plenty of options.

Misterton ran a career best in the Greatwood and I was delighted with the run. It’s always frustrating to go so close and not go on and win the race but you can’t get away from it being a great run.

Apple’s Shakira was probably the standout over the three days at Cheltenham. To win the way she did on her British debut was quite extraordinary and something is going to have to go some to beat her in the Triumph.

Three winners in the week

We’ve had a good week since with three winners: Old Harry Rocks on Monday at Leicester and then Acting Lass and Drumcliff on Thursday.

Acting Lass won on his debut over fences at Market Rasen. He had some decent form over novice hurdles last season and we always thought he’d make a good chaser.

After nine months off the track it was good to see him back and we’ll look to run him in novice company again in the next four or five weeks.

After plenty of starts over hurdles with no luck last season, it was great to have Drumcliff winning at the first time of asking over fences at Wincanton.

A change in discipline has certainly brought about a change in luck for him. He didn’t get the rub of the green last season and it was an encouraging start.

The ground was a bit soft for him, too, so for him to win despite that made for a very good day.

American had a school and gallop at Newbury on Tuesday morning. That all went very well and I was delighted with him.

That’s helped to put all the finishing touches on for Saturday.

Saturday at Haydock

Just the two runners for me over the weekend and both are at Ascot on Saturday, which works out nicely as it’s my daughter’s birthday party on the Sunday!

The stayers’ hurdle (2.25pm) has been the plan for Minella Awards  all summer.

He’s a very exciting prospect in his second season with us and this race looks ideal for him.

He’s got a nice weight and if he goes well off his current mark then we’ll step him up in grade. He also has the option to go over fences.

The Worlds End is only 4lbs higher than us and is a Grade 1 winner so he has to be respected. It looks a competitive race but we’re hopeful of a very good run.

Sir Ivan  has won his last two and we’re hopeful he can keep than run going in the 3m 1½f handicap chase (3.35pm).

We’ve been trying to run him in novice company with a penalty but decided that carrying an extra 10lbs isn’t going to work.

We’re back in a valuable handicap now and he’s in good form. He’s heading into this race full of confidence so hopefully he can make it count.

I suppose Minella Awards is marginally my best chance of the two but they’ve both got a squeak.