“It’s a credit to everyone involved – the staff at home, the vets at Cheltenham last year and J.P. and Frank Berry who gave him all the time in the world. It’s been a long road to get him back from where he was at Cheltenham when we thought he was gone.”
Joseph O’Brien after Edwulf’s memorable win in the Irish Gold Cup
“Last night I was trying to get a Ryanair flight home [after a winnerless day], and I was in bed by half past nine. It won’t be the same tonight.”
Gordon Elliott in party mood after Veneer Of Charm gave him a third winner on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival
“I was in serious trouble the whole way round. It’s not his ground at all. His jumping just kept him in the race. He’s exceptional. He’s just the best of the best. Boy, am I lucky to ride him.”
Nico de Boinville on Champion Chase winner Altior.
“I’ve given up race-riding three or four times because of my weight but Gordon always pulls me back and gives me rides where I can do the weight. If it wasn’t for Gordon, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
Keith Donoghue gives thanks to part played by Gordon Elliott in his career
“We never thought he’d make a chaser.
“He’s a little rat of a thing”
Michael O’Leary on Grand National hero Tiger Roll.
“That was very special. He has fooled me all season and then he comes out and does that. He proves he still has an engine and he showed such heart. The step-up in trip was huge and that win gave me huge pleasure.”
Willie Mullins after Faugheen bounced back to form in the Champion Stayers’ Hurdle at Punchestown
“Since I was told that I would be riding him I have been like Charlie when he got the golden ticket in Willy Wonka. I schooled him yesterday and even schooling him was some buzz.”
Patrick Mullins after winning the BoyleSports Champion Chase on Un De Sceaux
“The reception there meant a lot. I am trying to put yesterday behind me and move on.
“I have a lot of good people behind me, which means a lot in this game. Racing is great for that, a lot of people rally behind you.”
Paul Townend after Pravalaguna brought him back into the winners’ enclosure the day after his infamous manoeuvre in the Growise Novice Chase.
“I’m pleased to win but I don’t take any pleasure from beating Gordon because he is such a great competitor and I know how he’ll be feeling.”
Willie Mullins on winning his 11th jump trainers’ championship in a row.
“I’m disappointed that I didn’t win because if you don’t want to be champion trainer, you shouldn’t be training. I’m only 40 and hopefully someday I might be able to do it. It’ll take us a couple of years.”
Gordon Elliott had to settle for second place in the table once again.
“That’s the second best Scat Daddy in the world.” Reportedly said by Bob Baffert after watching Mendlessohn win the UAE Derby – we had yet to know how good Justify was.
“We’ve been struggling just even to get a winner. But we knew he was a lovely horse. How are you going to take on the might of Godolphin and Ballydoyle? I knew we were a longshot coming in here but I felt he was going to run a big race.”
Ken Condon after Romanised gave him a first classic win
“I’m relieved. I got very wound up. I was very nervous today. I’ve had Ascot winners, but I’ve never had a Royal Ascot winner and it’s absolutely fantastic.”
Jessica Harrington was another trainer to realise a long-held ambition this year.
“The fact that he’s been more contented and happy in the last seven months or whatever, dealing with this... and much easier to live with... says a lot about what the stress of competing and riding can do to you.”
Frances Crowley in an Irish Independent interview on husband Pat Smullen (below left)
“The deal is a very positive one and is in the best commercial interests of Irish racing.
“The benefits of this deal will be seen across the entire industry.”
HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh defends the move of live Irish racing from At The Races to Racing TV in 2019.
“I don’t think Ronan (Whelan) realises how good he is. There were other jockeys looking to ride this filly, more and more as the year went on, and I told Ronan going out that was a reason you are on her, because you’re world class, and he is”
Patrick Prendergast showing an unwavering belief in both Ronan Whelan and Skitter Scatter
“Coming back to my home country, it means the world to me. It’s one of my best days for sure and one I’ll not forget for a long time. It’s surreal.”
Oisin Murphy after his win the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes on Roaring Lion
“It was in all of our three yards. It was as bad as we’ve had in Ballydoyle.”
Aidan O’Brien, speaking at York in August, as his horses began to emerge from a mid-season slump caused by a virus.
“What she is doing for sport in Australia – we should all take a bow and say well done.”
Trainer Chris Waller in August after Winx had won her 26th consecutive race.
“I’ve had a difficult year with her and started with a bit more hair than I have now. It’s entirely down to the filly and her guts and a lovely ride from Frankie.”
John Gosden again, after Enable’s battling success over Sea Of Class at ParisLongchamp.
“Most of the people who own stallions are billionaires, and most of the people buying nominations are not.”
Luke Lillingston in the TDN
“When I was lucky enough to get the job, I said there were two things I wanted to do – win the Derby and the Melbourne Cup.”
Charlie Appleby achieved both his ambitions in racing in 2018.
“All we can do is leave the course in pristine condition, leave everything ready for the next team to come in and it’s in the hands of HRI now. I hope there’ll be a sign-up to maybe 20 years’ guaranteed racing.”
Jim Nicholson ends his term at Down Royal
“If horses behaved as if they were in pain, then the millions of people who watch the sport – and the thousands who take part and dedicate their lives to the care of these animals – simply wouldn’t accept it. They would be horrified.”
The BHA’s response to the Times article on the use of the whip inflicting pain.
“What are ya laughing at Joseph ha? “Good man yourself – the big baby
Jesus head on ya!”
Gordon Elliott drew a good laugh at Joseph O’Brien’s expense at a Cheltenham preview night in Dtwo nightclub.