Pointers shine on the biggest stages over the festive period

I skipped the first point fixture of 2020 at Ballindenisk on Sunday to ride Longhouse Poet in the Grade 1 Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle. I was really happy with his effort in finishing third behind Envoi Allen.

Mark Walsh set a good pace on the eventual runner-up Elixir D'Ainay and my fellow gave a good account of himself for a horse having his first run out of maiden company.

He jumped well and travelled well. All that was missing was that extra bit of experience a horse needs when the pace starts to pile on in a race of this standard.