AFTER Crystal Black won at the Curragh on Guineas weekend, we began to think about (Royal) Ascot. On that performance he had earned his ticket to go. I never had any concern about stepping up in trip although faster going was the one unknown.

I was confident he could be in the frame provided he went on the ground but you obviously wouldn’t approach a meeting like that expecting anything more. To win was just brilliant, for the whole family and the Wear A Pink Ribbon Syndicate. Much has been written about future plans but for now we are just going to enjoy the win before sitting down together to discuss our options.