Quotes of the week

“We’re all friends in the weigh-room but I’m sure Paul might not be too happy with me but as soon as we are out on the racecourse, it’s every man for himself.” Jack Kennedy after a bit of ‘race riding’ in the Grade 1 novice hurdle on Mighty Potter

“It was hard in Cheltenham and probably even harder here because I know how good Chacun can be around here. The way I put it was if I rode this lad and Chacun beat me, I wouldn’t be as upset as if I rode Chacun and got off the Champion Chase winner.”

Paul Townend after winning on Energumene

“He learned so much in Cheltenham with Paul and he put that to use today on better ground. We thought he was another Un De Sceaux but he doesn’t have to do that.”

Willie Mullins on Energumene<>

“He’s just a monster, isn’t he? I didn’t dare turn round and have a look at the back of the last though. He can take horses out of their comfort zone. Fair play to Willie for rolling the dice. He’s obviously and older and stronger horses now. Any winner here with the crowd back is brilliant and it’s even better when you are riding for Willie Mullins.”

Paul Townend after winning on Allaho

“Bryan Cooper who rode Al Boum Photo said he’d never ridden in as fast a Gold Cup in his life.” Willie Mullins after Allaho’s success

“He never shows me anything at home. In the morning at home, he’s absolutely useless. You’d sell him every day of the week.” Willie Mullins on The Nice Guy on RacingTV

“We tried money before, it didn’t work for us so there was no point in accepting any offers. This woman would divorce me if I sold him. It’s all about the people, the ordinary lad from every county in Ireland.” Sean Deane on owing part of Facile Vega

“Look around here. Money doesn’t buy this. The enjoyment and the fun that this brings us and a lot of others, why would you not want to be part of it.” Ger O’Brien of the Hammer and Trowel syndicate after Facile Vega’s win

“I didn’t want to go out on a fall at Tramore, so I had to fight to get back and go out on some sort of high. It’s been a fantastic career with a lot of highs and lows, but the highs outweigh the lows and I enjoyed every minute of it. Robert Power

“I’ve been doing it 21 years and if someone said I’d ride the winners I have I’d have taken it. To ride for Jessica Harrington basically my whole career, I’ve been very lucky. She took me under her wing and nearly all my big winners were for her.

She stood by me through all the highs and lows and has been an unbelievable mentor to me.”

Robert Power on his time in the saddle

Best of luck today @Robbie_Power_

having his final rides before retiring after a brilliant career a top class Jockey who always shone on the biggest days. End of an era #Wolfpack

Barry Geraghty on Twitter

My favourite @Robbie_Power_moment was his win on Our Duke for @Jessica_Racing & Cooper family in the @BoyleSports. He was genuinely delighted to win his local race. An absolute gentleman to work with & wishing him well in his retirement.

Peter Roe on Twitter

Wishing @Robbie_Power_ a happy retirement. Took the trouble to walk every yard of the Aintree track with a group of @GCC_NewRoss students a few years back, pointing out the specifics of every fence and the best line to take at each one. A proper gentleman.

Aidan O’Brien on Twitter

We’d like to wish @Robbie_Power_many congrats on a wonderful career as he retires from the saddle at the end of @punchestownrace‘s. An absolute gentleman; and we’ll always remember the Irish Gold Cup here in 2017 with Sizing John, which began the most incredible year for both.

Leopardstown Racecourse on Twitter

“He won this race here before for me and when you come here and have one bullet to fire you try and put it where you can do the most damage. We always had faith in him. He likes it here and he likes that nice ground.”

Denis Cullen on winning with A Great View

You’d have to be made of stone not to appreciate Ballyboker Bridge at @punchestownrace. 15 years old! What a horse