IT was interesting to note a comment on social media re the Cheltenham winners who turned out again this season. Up until yesterday evening, of the 28 winners, 16 have run again (not including Billaway in the hunter chase, Vauban and Marie’s Rock tomorrow). Of those 16 only six have won. Apart from Honeysuckle, all trained by Willie Mullins. Add in wins by Capadanno, Klassical Dream and Blue Lord, who also ran at Cheltenham and that’s precision aiming at the big Festival targets.

WE are used to making comparisons when we see the progeny of some top mares back on the track. There is no similarities between Facile Vega and his dam Quevega but I have never seen too full siblings with distinct but similar markings as Polished Gem’s progeny Search For A Song and Kyprios who finished first and second at Navan.

Richie O Keeffe@RichieOKeeffe1

Trainers Title after 7 races at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott 4

Willie Mullins 2

RP O’Keeffe 1

It’s game on.

[You gotta dream big!]

Tony Mullins@tonymullins84

Princess Zoe is now one of a select group of horses that have won group races on firm ground and heavy ground. An amazing horse in my life.

Michael Harris@mjyharris

Superb from Allaho. Horses who consistently achieve at the highest level are rare. Appreciation of Allaho who wins his 6th race out of his last 7, including 4 Grade 1s and 2 Grade 2s. Fantastic. Some horse.

Kate Harrington@kateharro1989

From the first day you came to ride out I tricked you into mucking out my pony to winning a Midland National, Cheltenham winners and a Gold Cup along the way with John. It’s been a great journey and delighted to been a part of it. Happy Retirement @Robbie_Power_

Mark Walsh@MarkWalsh

Ballyboker Bridge winning the La Touche at 15 years old. Be still my beating heart.

Sonic Lady@Sonic_Lady

Oh bless him, they retired Ballyboker Bridge after his victory today! Always the plan apparently but what a way to go out in style! Still buzzing from watching him, he was just perfection round there and so clearly loved it. Dude!

Denis@carvillshill

Moment of the Festival for me, 15yo Ballyboker Bridge gets the king of the banks Peter Maher off the cold list!