While the National Hunt season hit full swing last weekend, the flat campaign came to a close at Naas on Sunday and it is worth taking a few moments to reflect on the last nine months. Aidan O’Brien carried all before him in a stellar season. Last month, the trainer bettered Bobby Frankel’s record for the number of Group 1 victories in a calendar year, while his dominance was such that he secured victory in eight of the 10 English and Irish classics. Furthermore, a host of quality juveniles means that he will once again have much to look forward to in 2018.

While O’Brien picked up another trainers’ championship, the honours on the riding front went to Colin Keane, who fought off Pat Smullen on a score of 100 to 88 to secure a memorable jockeys’ title success.

The understated Keane showed just what an outstanding talent he is by overcoming a determined Smullen and his achievement in landing a first title at the age of 23 says it all about this supremely assured rider.

The interest generated by the title battle and the memorable celebrations that greeted Keane’s two winners at Naas provided the most meaningful climax to the season for many years.

Keane’s success cannot pass without mention of his boss Ger Lyons, who enjoyed a tremendous year and was the central figure in his stable jockey’s title push. He sent out over 70 winners over the course of the campaign, which represents quite a feat, and only Aidan O’Brien recorded more winners in Ireland this season.

Elsewhere, Dermot Weld endured a frustrating time with his string being under the weather for part of the season. However, several notable winners in recent weeks point to the master of Rosewell House being a major force again next year.

Outlander bounces back

On the jumping front, all eyes were on Down Royal’s two-day fixture last weekend.

The opening Grade 1 of the season, the JNwine.com Champion Chase, played host to a surprise winner as a resurgent Outlander bounced back from a series of abject efforts to cap a fine weekend for trainer Gordon Elliott.

This contest witnessed the reappearance of Our Duke but he ran no race whatsoever, having been in trouble from very early on. It subsequently transpired that he had scoped abnormally so he can be expected to banish this effort to the distant past in due course.

On the same card it was hard not to be taken with the display of Disko in a Grade 2 for second season chasers. He jumped and travelled with his customary dash and there are some big days ahead for this grey. Indeed, he might well emerge as one of the foremost threats to Sizing John at the head of the staying division.

Lastly, mention of last week cannot pass without reference to Presenting Percy. He looked Grade 1 material when bolting up in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and his return in a warm beginners’ chase at Galway was eagerly awaited.

Pat Kelly’s charge did not disappoint and it will be fascinating to see what course the canny Kelly plots with his Cheltenham Festival hero.