'I thought he put the race to bed in a matter of strides'

Vado Forte – Sussex Champion Hurdle, April 1, 2018, Plumpton
He’s a particularly hard horse to train at home, very fractious. He could easily have not gone as planned, but thankfully he’s gone the right way. He’s been a real challenge, and absolutely disgraced himself first time up at Worcester over hurdles — he did everything apart from jump the hurdles, it was embarrassing! But to then go on to win the Sussex Champion Hurdle prior, there’s nothing better than seeing a progressive horse. He has been difficult, but worth it.

Dorking Boy – Smarkets Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, Market Rasen, April 11, 2018
It was an impressive performance for a debut. He ran this week at Punchestown and was only beaten two lengths by Relegate, who won the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. He’s a four-year-old with only his second run on a course, but he was at the top table. You can’t find stronger opposition anywhere than a Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown. He was on their coat-tails down the back and was only found out through lack of strength, immaturity, and probably lack of experience as well. He’s a really exciting horse to go forward with as well.

Jester Jet – Alder Hey Children’s Charity Handicap Hurdle, Aintree, April 13, 2018
That’s particularly special in the sense she’s homebred, and we’ve seen her rise from 108 to 139. She’s not necessarily finished for the season, but to go and win at Aintree, that’s absolutely phenomenal isn’t it? You could try for the rest of your life to train two winners at the Aintree festival and you’d never do it again.