Vital Island rolls back the years with Cross Country win

Danny Mullins rewarded for thinking outside box on Shanbally Kid

He's just a little horse that, always over hurdles, I actually thought he was going to run a big race in a Coral Cup one year going to Cheltenham and never fulfilled that. He loves a bit of room; he's a little bit timid I suppose and being out there on his own he's just relished it and what a feeling you know, That trip, getting a bit of space away from horses and typical of Willie, you know, placed him right. I said to Willie I want to keep space on him and he said .if you think he'll jump for you doing that, go ahead and do it.

Jade De Grugy lands Grade 1 Mares Champion Hurdle

She stays well but at least I was able to pull the trigger then from the front end when I wanted to. She jumped great, she's a dinger. She has plenty of size about her too if you wanted to jump a fence she'll have no bother. She’s a mare that’s been improving all year. Nicer ground was a big help and tactically Paul was brilliant. Brighterdaysahead probably just had a very hard race at Christmas and she never really recovered from it. We’re delighted to be able to win a Grade 1 with a filly like this. I’d say we’ll probably train her for the Mares’ Hurdle next year.

Bill Baxter makes it a magnificent seven for visitors

He's a fantastic jumper and I was basically a passenger all the way you know. Warren(Greatrex-trainer) was keen to go wide and he seemed to enjoy being in his own comfort zone and his own rhythm. It panned out beautifully for me as I said. Very lucky. We came over this morning and back at 7pm tonight. It's another day but it's got that extra special tinge to it being Punchestown. We’ve always been keen to come here if we have the right sort of horse,. This horse has just been a star for us. He won the Topham two years ago and has found it hard since then, but he was on a dangerous mark today. I was a bit worried about the ground but Harry’s given him a great ride. We had a runner in the first chase and James (Bowen) came in and said ‘if I had been wider I would have had a right chance’. He came over on Tuesday and he’s a horse that loves going on a trip, like I do. He’s thrived since he’s been here. He was squealing in the morning. He almost ups his game when he goes away and we knew we had him in good shape. I was a bit worried about the ground, he does like soft ground, but as I said he was on a dangerous mark and he’s gone and done it so it’s brilliant. I’m all for having a go and it’s important that we all have a go if we have the right sort of horse. It pays off every now and then. It’s what it’s all about, competition is good.

Lulamba takes final Grade 1 of Irish jumps season

Paul(Townend on Poniros) joined me on my inside which I wasn't too worried about and he's stayed all the way from turning in. He wouldn't be the quickest horse in the world but he's got a high cruising speed and he's probably be one for a bit further next year. He's well able for this trip at the minute. He jumping was good all the way around. I got in underneath three out a little bit but I dropped the revs on him a little bit there. I got to the front but I didn't want to be doing too much from there to turning in. He was just filling himself there and he's kicked off the bend. These are big days, it’s been a big week and a great week for the Donnelly family. Two winners like that is pretty special. We tried to get in the way yesterday, it was a bitter pill, but well done them. Now we’ve done it together. This is a fantastic place, we love it. This is a proper horse for another day. He deserves it as much as everybody. I wouldn’t say he was unlucky not to win in Cheltenham, he couldn’t do anything about it at the time and we got a bit of revenge there. He’s a lovely horse for the future, you wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t come back over fences next year. I don’t know, it’s early days and it’s only the fourth race of his life. He’s a big baby to be doing juvenile hurdles against Flat horses so fair credit to him.

Hey Sunshine lands Listed prize for Mullins and Townend

Victorio Piel another well backed bumper winner for Mullins

That’s brilliant. He had been showing plenty at home. He’s a lovely big horse, straightforward and uncomplicated. John said there wasn’t much pace so I gave him free reign to just bounce out handy and see how he found it. I’d say he’s probably more of a top of the ground horse than yesterday’s guy but he’s an exciting horse too. You have to keep looking forward and they are two fair bullets to have for novices’ next season. It’s huge to finish strong. It’s was a frustrating enough season up to now but it’s nice to go out and finish it off well.

Dark Note wins Punchestown Charity Race for Sarah Costello