The latest entries for the QIPCO 2000 and 1000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket highlight the strong presence of Irish-trained runners. Following today’s scratchings deadline, there remain 21 entries in the 2000 Guineas with five Irish-trained horses, while the 1000 Guineas includes 27 entries, featuring ten Irish-trained runners.

Notable entries in the 2000 Guineas include heavy odds on favorite City of Troy, Diego Velazquez, Henry Longfellow, and River Tiber, all trained by the renowned Aidan O’Brien.

In the 1000 Guineas, notable Irish-trained entries such as Ylang Ylang, Brilliant, Buttons, Content, and Everlasting also hail from O’Brien’s stables, promising a strong showing from Ireland.

3.35pm, Saturday 4^th May

Al Musmak (IRE) 3 9 2 Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah Roger Varian

Alyanaabi (IRE) 3 9 2 Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Owen Burrows

Ancient Wisdom (FR) 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby

Ballymount Boy (IRE) 3 9 2 Wathnan Racing Adrian Keatley

Bucanero Fuerte 3 9 2 AMO Racing Limited/Giselle De Aguiar Adrian Murray Ireland

City of Troy (USA) 3 9 2 Mrs John Magnier,Mr M.Tabor & Mr D.Smith Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Dancing Gemini (IRE) 3 9 2 Fishdance Ltd Roger Teal

Diego Velazquez (IRE) 3 9 2 Smith,Magnier,Tabor,Westerberg,Brant Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Eben Shaddad (USA) 3 9 2 HRH Prince Faisal Bin Khaled & Najd Stud John & Thady Gosden

Ghostwriter (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr J. C. Smith Clive Cox

Haatem (IRE) 3 9 2 Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah Richard Hannon

Henry Longfellow (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Iberian (IRE) 3 9 2 Teme Valley & Ballylinch Stud Charles Hills

Inisherin 3 9 2 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Kevin Ryan

Night Raider (IRE) 3 9 2 Clipper K. R. Burke

Notable Speech 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby

River Tiber (IRE) 3 9 2 Tabor/Smith/Magnier/Westerberg/Brant Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Rosallion (IRE) 3 9 2 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Richard Hannon

Sayedaty Sadaty (IRE) 3 9 2 Ahmad Al Shaikh Andrew Balding

Task Force 3 9 2 Juddmonte Ralph Beckett

Ten Bob Tony (IRE) 3 9 2 TBT Racing Limited Ed Walker

21 entries remain after April 23^rd scratchings deadline

5 Irish-trained

QIPCO 1000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 1m

3:40pm, Sunday 5^th May

Brilliant (IRE) 3 9 2 D.Smith,Mrs J.Magnier,M.Tabor,Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Buttons (IRE) 3 9 2 Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Cinderella’s Dream 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby

Content (IRE) 3 9 2 Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Dance Sequence 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby

Darnation (IRE) 3 9 2 Newtown Anner Stud Farm K. R. Burke

Elmalka 3 9 2 Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Roger Varian

Everlasting (IRE) 3 9 2 M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Fallen Angel 3 9 2 Clipper K. R. Burke

Finsceal Luas (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Michael A Ryan J. S. Bolger Ireland

Kitty Rose 3 9 2 Mr Tim Porter Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr Australia

Lunar Eclipse (IRE) 3 9 2 Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum David Simcock

Manhattan Dreamer (USA) 3 9 2 Amo Racing Limited Adrian Murray Ireland

One Look (IRE) 3 9 2 Connolly Racing Syndicate P. Twomey Ireland

Persian Dreamer (USA) 3 9 2 Amo Racing Limited Dominic Ffrench Davis

Porta Fortuna (IRE) 3 9 2 Medallion/S Weston/B Fowler/Reeves T’Bs Donnacha Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Purple Lily (IRE) 3 9 2 Zinlo Syndicate P. Twomey Ireland

Ramatuelle (USA) 3 9 2 Infinity 9 Horses/C. W. Knok Christopher Head France

Regal Jubilee 3 9 2 Cheveley Park Stud John & Thady Gosden

Rolica (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr P. W. Harris Jane Chapple-Hyam

Sacred Angel (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Nurlan Bizakov Charlie Johnston

See The Fire 3 9 2 Mr J. C. Smith Andrew Balding

Star Music 3 9 2 Mr Jaber Abdullah Richard Hughes

Star Style 3 9 2 Mrs J. Wood Richard Hannon

Tamfana (GER) 3 9 2 Quantum Leap Racing VIII & Friends David Menuisier

True Cyan (IRE) 3 9 2 KHK Racing Roger Varian

Ylang Ylang 3 9 2 Magnier,Tabor,Smith,Brant,Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

27 entries remain after April 23^rd scratchings deadline

10 Irish-trained

1 French-trained

1 Australian-trained

The post List of Irish runners dominate entries for the English 1000 & 2000 Guineass 2024 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

With the official going at Aintree currently being described as ‘soft, heavy in places’, and Storm Kathleen expected to batter the area in the build up to the Festival, owners and trainers alike will have to take difficult decisions as to whether to pull their horses out of the race at the final moment.

But while the bad weather spells problems for many, there are a few mudlarks that’ll absolutely revel in the difficult conditions. Here are three Grand National runners to keep a close eye on if the poor weather extends deep into the week.
Nassalam

Nassalam really came to everyone’s attention as a potential Grand National winner in December. Having already won the Welsh National trial on heavy Chepstow ground earlier in the month, he went on to dominate the Welsh Grand National too. Nassalam took a field of 19 horses apart, winning by a remarkable 34 lengths, so don’t be put off by his more recent showing at Cheltenham.
Delta Work

Many watchers of the Grand National will already be familiar with Delta Work, given he came home third in the 2022 running of the famous race. He followed that impressive showing up with a big win at the Cheltenham Festival, securing the Cross Country Chase in 2023 on soft ground. Detractors may say he’ll be past his best as an 11 year old, but the cancellation of this year’s Cross Country Chase ensures Delta Work will head to Aintree fresher than in previous years.
I Am Maximus

Of all this year’s Grand National favourites, I Am Maximus could be the one to benefit most from softer ground. None of his last 11 runs have been on ground better than soft, so a sapping four miler at Aintree should prove far less daunting than for many of his rivals. Irish horse racing fans may recall I Am Maximus winning the 2023 Irish National on soft ground at Fairyhouse, and he was most recently seen taking the Bobbyjo Chase by 14 lengths under soft to heavy conditions.

The post Three Grand National horses to follow as rain descends on Aintree appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Nina Carberry, one of Ireland’s most successful female riders, is set to swap the racecourse for the political field as the former champion amateur will run as a candidate for Fine Gael in the European elections this June.

Since retiring from race-riding in 2018 after winning on the Enda Bolger-trained Josies Orders at the Punchestown festival, Carberry has remained in the spotlight and won the hit TV show Dancing With The Stars in 2022, proving she remained as popular as ever with the public. She also appeared as a coach on the RTE sports show, Ireland’s Fittest Family.

Carberry, who rode seven festival winners at Cheltenham, will stand in the Midlands-North West constituency which stretches from her native Meath across the Midlands to Galway and up to Donegal. There are five seats on offer in that polling area, one more than in 2019.

Speaking about her decision to enter politics, Carberry said: “In the Ireland and Europe of today, it is more important than ever for those who believe they can make a difference to put their hand up to make things happen. As a mother of two, that is why I want to contest the European Elections for Fine Gael this June to ensure a bright future for all.
“Across Europe, rural areas encounter unique difficulties, and this holds even truer for an island off the European coast. I want to be a champion for balanced regional development, making sure every town and village has access to the services and infrastructure that allow people to live and work locally. I also want to connect and restore communities by supporting the work of the many voluntary groups and businesses to create vibrant spaces across the region.”
She added: “Farmers and small businesses do so much for our communities and Europe can do a lot for them. I want to reduce the burden on farmers and businesses by simplifying the red tape they need to complete to access support.

“For me, one of the great advantages of the European project is free movement for students, providing access to a wide variety of educational opportunities. It is important to protect this. As somebody who has a keen interest in skills development, I want to see the development of a cross-European apprentice scheme that could benefit the sharing of skills and ideas to create more opportunities for our young people.””

The post Famous former Jockey to run for European elections appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Irish Flat season kicks off at the Curragh today amidst heavy going, following 1mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Met Eireann predicts a dry morning, with light rain expected in the afternoon, potentially bringing 3-5mm of rainfall. The racing action commences with the first of eight races scheduled to start at 1:35 pm.

The opening two-year-old maiden of the season surprisingly doesn’t have an Aidan O’Brien runner with Adrian Murray looking to win the prize with one of his three runners after his stable star Bucanero Fuerte won the race last year. The Amo Racing, David Egan ridden Arizona Blue looks the most likely of the three to win.

Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire Anticipation

Fozzy Stack’s Chazzesmee leads the market for the Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire at 4:10 pm, following a commendable runner-up performance last July. Meanwhile, Simply Sideways, a key contender for trainer Tim Doyle, aims to capitalize on her impressive form from the previous season, boasting five handicap wins in 2023.

Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes Highlight

The Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes, set to commence at 3:40 pm, promises to be one of the highlights of the day. The Group 3 contest for fillies and mares features notable contenders such as Brilliant and Everlasting, both showing promise for the season ahead.

The field includes promising talents like Goldana and You Send Me, showcasing potential for further improvement. Mammas Girl, winner of the Nell Gwyn Stakes, debuts under Adrian Murray’s guidance, adding intrigue to the race. Additionally, Cadeau Belle and Sli Na Ghealai aim to make an impact, alongside other contenders vying for victory in this prestigious event.

The post Preview – Exciting Start to the Irish Flat Season at the Curragh appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Aidan O’Brien’s relentless pursuit of excellence at Ballydoyle resonates profoundly with the mantra “Better never stops.” As he gears up for the upcoming season, O’Brien, now 54, aims to defend his title as Ireland’s champion flat trainer for the 27th time, with a remarkable streak of 25 consecutive victories. Moreover, his quest for global success shows no signs of slowing down.

Season Highlights and Milestones

The 2023 campaign was nothing short of remarkable for O’Brien. Notable achievements included Auguste Rodin’s victory in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, marking O’Brien’s 100th European Classic victory. Additionally, Henry Longfellow’s triumph in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes marked O’Brien’s 4000th career win, a testament to his enduring success on the global stage.

Relentless Focus and Commitment

Despite these milestones, O’Brien remains steadfast in his approach, with a refusal to dwell on past successes. He emphasizes the importance of staying fully focused and committed every single day, with no room for complacency. O’Brien’s relentless intensity is evident in his unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and his insistence on staying sharp and alert at all times.

Team Effort and Humility

While O’Brien may be the face of the operation, he acknowledges the monumental team effort behind his success. He attributes achievements to the collective effort of owners, jockeys, and the entire team at Ballydoyle. Despite personal accolades, O’Brien remains humble, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and focusing on the next challenge.

Looking Ahead

As the new season unfolds, O’Brien remains optimistic about the prospects of promising talents like City Of Troy. He takes pride in representing Ireland on the world stage and acknowledges the contributions of the entire Irish racing community. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a deep appreciation for the sport, O’Brien’s legacy at Ballydoyle continues to inspire generations of racing enthusiasts.

The post Aidan O’Brien: The Pursuit of Excellence at Ballydoyle appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his fifth Unibet Champion Hurdle victory at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, March 12th, as State Man triumphed, improving on his performance from the previous year.

State Man – all class in the Champion Hurdle

14 runs
11 wins
G1 Champion Hurdle
G1 Irish Champion Hurdle
G1 Matheson Hurdle
G1 Morgiana Hurdle
Nine G1 victories
Dual #CheltenhamFestival hero pic.twitter.com/JZreOKEaPh

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024

Mullins expressed admiration for jockey Paul Townend’s confident ride aboard State Man, highlighting his surprise at Townend’s strategic positioning in the race. Despite initial expectations of a more forward position, Townend’s supreme confidence in the horse led him to ride for speed, ultimately securing a brilliant victory. Mullins commended Townend’s exceptional skills and praised his partnership with State Man.

"On that ground, you don't want to alight a horse too early."

Substance over style in State Man's Champion Hurdle success. Willie Mullins assesses the horse's ninth G1 triumph pic.twitter.com/2H11xK8OXd

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024

Reflecting on State Man’s performance, Mullins emphasized the horse’s solid and dependable nature, attributing his success to his unwavering consistency. Despite challenging ground conditions, State Man’s stamina proved invaluable, showcasing his resilience and toughness throughout the race. Mullins ruled out Aintree as the next target for State Man, opting instead for the familiar terrain of Punchestown.

Paul Townend, enjoying his first Champion Hurdle win, lauded State Man’s simplicity and praised the horse’s deserving victory. Townend expressed personal significance in winning the Champion Hurdle, highlighting its importance in his racing career and reminiscing about his association with past champions.

In the 3:30 pm Unibet Champion Hurdle, State Man emerged victorious as the 2-5 favorite, followed by Irish Point and Luccia. Mullins, Townend, and the entire team celebrated State Man’s remarkable achievement, solidifying their status as formidable contenders in the racing world.

The post Video Replay – Stateman beats Irish Point in Champion Hurdle appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend celebrated a remarkable victory on Champion Day as Lossiemouth claimed the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, marking a 5.7-1 treble for the duo.

Lossiemouth – Mares' Hurdle heroine & in some style

Eight runs
Seven wins
G1 Mares' Hurdle
G1 Triumph Hurdle
G1 Punchestown 4-Y-O Hurdle
Superstar pic.twitter.com/jbfpRgL94J

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024

Paul Townend commended Lossiemouth’s brilliance and praised the patience and dedication of the team behind her success. Despite concerns about the rain affecting the horse’s stamina, Townend delivered a flawless ride, guiding Lossiemouth to victory with ease. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to ride such exceptional horses and acknowledged the privilege of competing at the Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins echoed Townend’s sentiments, hailing Lossiemouth as a Champion Hurdle mare and praising Townend’s calm demeanor in the saddle. Mullins emphasized the importance of strategic decision-making, affirming the team’s choice not to run Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle. He revealed plans to prepare Lossiemouth for future races, including Punchestown and possibly the Champion Hurdle.

Winning owner Rich Ricci expressed delight at Lossiemouth’s victory and outlined plans to bring her back to Cheltenham next year. He praised the team’s disciplined approach and expressed pride in Lossiemouth’s achievements.

"Hopefully we'll run in it next year."

Champion Hurdle in 2025 for Lossiemouth following her stunning performance in the Mares' Hurdle according to owner Rich Ricci pic.twitter.com/cwuxP0GCxG

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024

Trainer Henry De Bromhead lauded his horses’ performances, highlighting Telmesomethinggirl’s impressive run and Hispanic Moon’s progression. Despite Lossiemouth’s dominance, De Bromhead expressed satisfaction with his runners’ performances and looked ahead to future races.

In the 4:10 pm Close Brothers’ Mares’ Hurdle, Lossiemouth emerged victorious as the 8-13 favorite, followed by Telmesomethinggirl and Hispanic Moon. The win marked significant milestones for jockey Paul Townend, trainer Willie Mullins, and owner Susannah Ricci, reaffirming their status as formidable contenders at the Cheltenham Festival.

The post Video Replay – Lossiemouth wins the Mares’ Hurdle appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

On Tuesday, March 12th, trainer Joseph O’Brien and jockey JJ Slevin celebrated another victory in the prestigious Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, replicating their success from five years ago with Lark In The Mornin.

Great effort from JJ Slevin!

Footage from our special Horse In Focus Racing TV Extra channel shows how free Boodles winner Lark In The Mornin was and what an excellent job the jockey did to find cover and get him settled in the pack@JosephOBrien2 #cheltenhamfestival pic.twitter.com/jbaAJZMbTT

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024

Joseph O’Brien expressed initial concerns about the rain affecting Lark In The Mornin’s performance but praised Slevin for delivering a fantastic ride and finding the best ground throughout the race. Despite the challenging conditions, O’Brien was thrilled with the outcome, highlighting the significance of winning at such a prestigious event.

JJ Slevin shared insights into Lark In The Mornin’s preparation, acknowledging the horse’s struggles with the ground conditions. Following O’Brien’s advice to be patient and seek fresh ground, Slevin executed the race strategy perfectly, securing the win. Slevin also expressed optimism for Bambridge’s upcoming run in the Ryanair Chase, hoping for favorable weather conditions.

Tom Harney, rider of the runner-up Eagles Reign, reflected on the race, noting a flat spot in the horse’s performance but commending Slevin’s exceptional ride. Despite missing out on the win, Harney expressed delight for Slevin’s success and vowed to return for another shot at victory.

Ross O’Sullivan, trainer of Eagles Reign, praised the horse’s progressive nature and tough spirit, highlighting the significance of competing at the Cheltenham Festival. Despite being a relatively cheap purchase, Eagles Reign’s runner-up finish brought immense joy to the owner, marking a memorable moment in their long-standing tradition of attending the Festival.

In the 4:50 pm Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, Lark In The Mornin emerged victorious at odds of 9-1, followed by Eagles Reign and Ndaawi. The win marked Slevin’s third Festival victory and O’Brien’s fourth, cementing their status as formidable contenders in the racing world.

The post Video replay: O’Brien and Slevin Triumph Again in Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

In response to adverse weather conditions, the Cheltenham Festival organizers have adjusted the race schedule for Wednesday, March 13th. The decision follows persistent rainfall totaling 11mm, rendering parts of the Cross-Country course unraceable and leading to the unfortunate abandonment of the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase.

Despite hopes for improved conditions, the forecast remains unsettled, with further showers expected on Thursday and Friday. Consequently, there is insufficient time for the Cross-Country course to recover adequately, resulting in the decision not to reschedule the abandoned race.

As a result of the race abandonment, the revised race times for Wednesday, March 13th, are as follows:

– Race 1: 13:45
– Race 2: 14:30
– Race 3: 15:15
– Race 4: 16:00
– Race 5: NA
– Race 6: 16:50
– Race 7: 17:30

Despite the setback, racing enthusiasts can still anticipate an exhilarating day of competition. The Going on the Old & New course has been reported as Soft, with Heavy patches in places, ensuring a challenging yet thrilling experience for both competitors and spectators.

The post Cheltenham Festival Alters Race Times Due to Weather Conditions appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

State Man, the Unibet Champion Hurdle runner-up, leads a competitive field of eight in the bid to secure victory at Cheltenham Festival for the second time, with Constitution Hill absent. Joining him are Colonel Mustard, Iberico Lord, Irish Point, Nemean Lion, Not So Sleepy, Zarak The Brave, and Luccia.

In the My Pension Expert Arkle, Willie Mullins unveils Gaelic Warrior, Il Etait Temps, and Hunters Yarn, among ten contenders for the Grade 1 chase, setting the stage for a thrilling opening day.

Mullins dominates the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with six of the twelve entries, featuring Tullyhill and Mystical Power as the leading contenders, while Firefox and Slade Steel pose strong competition.

Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (4.10) favourite Lossiemouth, another of Mullins’ incredible team, will face ten rivals as Ireland’s champion trainer aims to reclaim a race he once dominated, but has not won since 2018.

The Maureen Mullins National Hunt Chase (5.30) will feature the smallest field of the day with just seven declared. Leading amateur rider Derek O’Connor was booked for Corbetts Cross. Embassy Gardens will be ridden by Patrick Mullins.

The Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50) did not attract a full field of 24, falling one runner shy, with the Lucinda Russell-trained Apple Away switching to the National Hunt Chase.

A full field of 22 will line up for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (4.50), with the Fergal O’Brien-trained Teorie the final horse to make the cut. Topweight Liari stood his ground to pin the weights at 134.

The Gary Moore-trained Royal Way and the Gordon Elliott-trained pair of Barrier and Pacini were the shortest-priced runners to miss out and were priced at 16-1, 20-1 and 25-1.

Champion Hurdle runners and riders

• Colonel Mustard JJ Slevin
• Iberico Lord Nico de Boinville
• Irish Point Jack Kennedy
• Nemean Lion Richard Patrick
• Not So Sleepy Sean Bowen
• State Man Paul Townend
• Zarak The Brave Daryl Jacob
• Luccia James Bowen

Supreme Novices’ Hurdlerunners and riders

• Asian Master Mr Thomas Costello
• Favour And Fortune Tom Cannon
• Firefox Jack Kennedy
• Gold Dancer Danny Mullins
• Jeriko Du Reponet Nico de Boinville
• Kings Hill Jack Gilligan
• Mistergif Daryl Jacob
• Mystical Power Mark Walsh
• Slade Steel Rachael Blackmore
• Supersundae Patrick Mullins
• Tellherthename Kielan Woods
• Tullyhill Paul Townend

Arkle Novices’ Chase runners and riders

• Authorised Speed David Noonan
• Found A Fifty Jack Kennedy
• Gaelic Warrior Paul Townend
• Hunters Yarn Daryl Jacob
• Il Etait Temps Danny Mullins
• JPR One Brendan Powell
• Master Chewy Tom Bellamy
• Matata Sam Twiston-Davies
• My Mate Mozzie Keith Donoghue
• Quilixios Rachael Blackmore

Mares’ Hurdle runners and riders

• Ashroe Diamond Patrick Mullins
• Echoes In Rain Brian Hayes
• Gala Marceau Danny Mullins
• Hispanic Moon Darragh O’Keeffe
• Lantry Lady Jack Kennedy
• Lossiemouth Paul Townend
• Love Envoi Johnny Burke
• Marie’s Rock Nico de Boinville
• Telmesomethinggirl Rachael Blackmore
• Theatre Glory James Bowen
• You Wear It Well Gavin Sheehan

The post Runners Revealed for Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle, Champion Hurdle appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.