Murcia

“I wasn't expecting that! I was hoping better ground would make a difference, I was hoping Murcia would finish in the first four - you never know, looking at the drama in jump racing, between Cheltenham and whatever - anything can happen, and if you're not in it you can't win it. That was a big, improved performance; nicer ground, and physically the weight - she'd only 10st 9lb, I think she'd been carrying a lot more weight in her other races, and this was more a mares' weight, which was a huge advantage to her as well. She'll go to Punchestown as long as she comes out of it well, but she seems a tough mare - we haven't spared her this winter, and to come out and put in a career-best performance in April, that's a good sign, a great sign. I wondered if Paul had gone too soon, because it's a long way up that straight, especially from the last hurdle home, it's a long way, but he'd put it all to bed by then. There's a good programme for mares - we'll find something for her [next season]. She'll have a long holiday after Punchestown - unless we go to Auteuil! - Willie Mullins, trainer.”