Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden this afternoon by J.J. Slevin, the son of Triple Threat ran out a seven length victor of the race named in honour of the late Lombardstown, Co Cork rider.

Interestingly, Mr Policeman was one of the winners Michael O’Sullivan had at the same meeting in 2023 when riding a first career treble on the card that day.

This afternoon, another Closutton representative, Asterion Forlonge (4/5 favourite), last year’s winner of the race, started as marker leader. He led the field from early doors, but unshipped jockey Seán O’Keeffe at the second-last fence.

Fil Dor, who tracked the race leader Asterion Forlonge for most of the journey, claimed the runner-up spot under Danny Gilligan.

Hascoeur Clermont was third home at a price of 50/1, 32 lengths behind the Gordon Elliott-trained second placer. Lonesome Boatman (11/1), from the Seán Allen yard, was last of the four finishers, another 18 lengths back.

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The southern racetrack will host its Racing Home For Easter Festival with racing starting on Saturday with an all flat card, while Easter Sunday and Easter Monday will be days for National Hunt followers.

The weekend highlights takes place on Sunday with the Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle and the Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase, named in honour of the popular Lombardstown native. In 2018 Michael O’Sullivan rode his first winner at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, aboard the Wilcosdiana trained by his uncle, Eugene O’Sullivan.

Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle

Among the 16 runners for the Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle is the Desmond Kenneally-trained Pray Tell. A winner of the Grade 3 Singletons SuperValu Stayers Novice Hurdle in December, Pray Tell was last seen in Grade 1 company, and will aim to record another memorable victory at Kenneally’s local racecourse.

The Big Doyen is another notable runner in the €45,000 showpiece over two miles and three furlongs. The eight-year-old is set to have his first start since moving to trainer Declan Queally. Top owner J.P. McManus is represented by the Colm Murphy-trained Goraibhmaithagat, and January winner Well Dressed, for Eddie and Patrick Harty.

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Gavin Cromwell has Addragoole and the consistent Tonaghneave Well in the race.

Waterford handler Henry de Bromhead, who won the race last year with Lucky Zebo, relies on previous Cork winner Arctic Bresil. The Ross O’Sullivan-trained Natural Look, and John McConnell’s West Away are also previous winners at the Mallow track.

Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase

Last year’s winner, Asterion Forlonge, heads the runners for the Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase, going to post at 3.57pm.

Champion handler Willie Mullins also has Mister Policeman among the five-runner field. Gordon Elliott’s Fll Dor, Lonesome Boatman from the Seán Allen yard, and Charles Coakley’s Hascoeur Clermont are the other runners in the 3 miles 100 yards contest.

Starting times

Racing at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, on Saturday will start at 1.25pm with an eight race flat card which features the Easter Festival April 19th-21st Handicap.

Sunday’s eight-race jumps programme will commence at 1.12pm. Easter Monday’s will see the first of eight jumps races go to post at 1.15pm.

Further details are available on the Cork Racecourse website.

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Reigning British champion Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton are sending strong squads for the BetGoodwin Easter Festival on Sunday, April 20 and Monday, April 21.

The two-day fixture offers £450,000 in prize money across 14 races, providing potential for a significant impact as the British championship reaches its conclusion later this month.

Mullins closed the deficit on Skelton dramatically at Aintree’s Grand National Festival and Ayr’s Scottish National Festival. Skelton hit back this week, however, by taking the feature Grade 2 handicap chase at Cheltenham.

Sussex Champion Hurdle

Reigning Irish and British champion Mullins has four of the 11 runners in the £75,000 BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle on Sunday, with Skelton responsible for two runners in the field.

Mullins will also have King Alexander and Mr Escobar in the £30,000 Phoenix Cycles Remember Ray Prior Handicap Hurdle later on the Sunday card, with Mostly Sunny set to represent Skelton.

The English hander will have a total of nine runners at the Easter Sunday meeting as he attempts to hold off the Mullins challenge.

Bank Holiday Monday

The Bank Holiday feature at the track is the £100,00 BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Chase with Mullins set to have four runners to Skelton’s one.

The Closutton handler will also have runners in the £45,000 Southern Cranes Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, and in the £23,000 BetGoodwin Free Bet On Nose Losers Open NH Flat Race, while Skelton will have a strong team of 12 runners on Monday.

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A winner with Moll in 2021, Twomey’s new recruit from France, Bubble Gum, ran out a one and a half length winner on debut for the stable.

Ridden today by Billy Lee, the four-year-old bay filly had been placed at listed level in France, but had finished sixth of her final French start at Chantilly.

The daughter of Cloth Of Stars claimed today’s feature Cork race, ahead of Ameerat Jumaira from the Jack Davison yard. A neck separated the runner-up and the third-placer, Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Joseph O’Brien for J.P. McManus.

The winning handler, Paddy Twomey, said of his new recruit’s win this afternoon:

“She hasn’t missed a beat since she came to me in December, has trained well and I’m delighted to have her. It is good to have a strong squad of fillies and this filly has a bit of class. We’ll find a Group race next.”

28/1 winner of Cork Stakes

The other listed race at Cork this afternoon was the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes over six furlongs.

Lady With The Lamp was a surprise 28/1 winner of the €26,550 first prize for Joseph O’Brien. Among the owners of the three-year-old bay filly are Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing and Nick Luck of Racing TV.

The daughter of King Of Change had finished eight in a Group 3 contest at Dundalk last October, but battled on today to win after a 163 day lay-off.

Ridden by Declan McDonogh, the Irish-bred filly won by a half-length from Willie McCreery’s Vespertilio. There was a further length and a half back to One Smack Mack for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane in third.

Commonwealth Cup may be on horizon

Speaking after today’s victory, part-owner Kevin Blake nominated the Polonia Stakes back at Cork as a potential short-term target, with the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June now being considered as a mid-summer option.

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Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the bay son of Dubawi was an impressive two and a quarter length winner over his stable companion Lambourn.

The winner, narrowly beaten by Hotazhell in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Doncaster last season, ran on well in the dying stages of today’s classic trial, to suggest he will get further than today’s one mile two furlong distance.

Lambourn (9/1), winner of a listed contest at Craon last season and bred by the Coolmore partners, came home late to claim the second spot under Ronan Whelan, while debut Dundalk scorer Tiberius Thunder (12/1) was third for Adrian Murray and rider David Egan.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse (6/4 favourite) won the Ballylinch Stud ‘Red Rocks’ Stakes for Ryan Moore.

Last season’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner, was a little off the pace for most of the race, before making his move on entering the home straight.

With his stable companion Commanche Brave and the Adrian Murray-trained Arizona Blaze taking the field into the straight, with Hazdaan on the outside bidding to give Dermot Weld, Chris Hayes and the Exors of the late H H Aga Khan a quick Leopardstown double, Henri Matisse found a break in between rivals.

Once Moore asked the son of Wootton Bassett to make his move, the three-year-old was brave, and ran out of a half-length winner over Commanche Brave, to give Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore partners a 1-2 in the Group 3 contest.

Arizona Blaze, prominent throughout the race, finished in third, another half a length behind the runner-up.

O’Brien and Moore later completed a treble with the victory of Serious Contender (9/4 favourite) in the 1888 Restaurant Handicap.

Swelter brings up Weld-Hayes double

Swelter (6/1) brought up a quick double for Chris Hayes and Dermot Weld when winning the Ballylinch Stud ‘Priory Belle’ Stakes (Group 3).

On only her second racecourse appearance, the daughter of Juddmonte stallion Kingman, had a length and a quarter in hand on the race favourite, Exactly (5/6), at the line.

A mile maiden winner over the course last July, the winning trainer admitted his concern today that the race might be too sharp for her at seven furlongs.

Exactly, twice placed at Group 1 level during her juvenile season, passed the winning post second, a length and a quarter behind the Juddmonte-owned winner. The Ryan Moore-ridden runner-up had a half-length advantage over Joseph Murphy’s runner, Cercene (28/1) at the line.

Half-sister to Tahiyra wins on debut

Tariwa (4/7 favourite), a close relation to Tarnawa won the opening ‘Look De Vega’ At Ballylinch Stud Fillies Maiden for trainer Dermot Weld.

Ridden by Chris Hayes for the Exors of the Late H H Aga Khan, the three-year-old chestnut daughter of Lope De Vega, also related to Tahiyra, was a length and three-quarter winner on her debut this afternoon.

Noli Timere (12/1), from the Michael O’Callaghan yard, was runner-up under Colin Keane, while Made U Blush (18/1) was another three-quarters of one length further back in third, in the hands of Billy Lee.

The consistent Dark Viper (5/1) won at the twentieth time of asking when claiming The Legacy Wine Bar Handicap at 4.55pm, in the hands of Shane Foley.

Trained by Jessica Harrington for owner Dan Kiely, the four-year-old bay/grey gelding by Dark Angel, had previously placed nine times without ever getting his head in front at the line.

Foley completed a double when winning the closing Sunday 11th May Family Day Handicap, when the Dick Donogue-handled Brains (4/1) took the one-mile contest.

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The course specialist, ridden by Billy Lee, came home a half-length winner over 2024 French Group 1-winner Camille Pissarro (3/1), with the runner-up’s stable companion Officer (13/2) next in third.

Big Gossey, winning at The Curragh for the seventh time for trainer Charles O’Brien, has now 10 career successes from five to seven furlongs.

Camille Pissarro, winner of the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp last season for Aidan O’Brien, was ridden today by Ryan Moore.

The son of Wootton Bassett, held off his fellow Coolmore partners-owned Ballydoyle inmate, Officer, a son of Dubawi out of the quality mare Hydrangea, by half a length.

Winning favourites

Miami Destination (9/4 favourite) won The Shouldvebeenaring New For 2025 At The Irish National Stud Irish EBF Maiden under Wayne Lordan.

Trained by Adrian Murray for Giselle De Agular, the two-year-old daughter of Ten Sovereigns, held off the challenge of Oh Cecelia (7/2) and James Ryan by a neck. There was a further half-length back to Noodles (5/1) and Ronan Whelan in third.

Two Stars (85/40 favourite) was the second winning market leader of the day, when taking the Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap. Trained by Fozzy Stack, the previous twice flat winner, was ridden by Joey Sheridan.

Betsen (16/1) was the second runner-up of the day for Jack Davidson, two and three-quarter lengths behind the winner. Stag Night (6/1) and Nathan Cross were third home, another length and half behind.

Wins for Sheila Lavery and Joseph O’Brien

Pickersgill (4/1) obliged for Robbie Colgan in the Visit The Irish National Stud & Gardens Maiden. Beaten four lengths by Saracen when second on her previous outing, the three-year-old daughter of Starspangledbanner is trained by Sheila Lavery for John Lavery.

Mathan justified 1/2 favouritism when taking the Follow @Toteracing on X Maiden for Joseph O’Brien. Ridden by stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, the winner had a cosy three and a quarter length success at the line from Dmaniac (28/1) in the hands of Wayne Hassett.

The Aidan O’Brien-handled debutant, Monkstown (9/2), a full-brother to Group 3 runner-up Samuel Colt and who cost €300,000 as a yearling, crossed the line a further two and a quarter lengths back in third, under jockey Ryan Moore.

Dylan Browne McMonagle and Joseph O’Brien went on to complete a double with the success of Leinster (9/2 favourite) in the Tote.ie Handicap over a mile and a half.

Cromwell and Feane successes

JM’S Joy got Gary Carroll and Gavin Cromwell on the board this afternoon, winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 3YO Spring Series Media Auction Maiden at 11/2.

Indigo Five (3/1) won the level for the third time in his career with success in the Tote Guarantee Available On Course Handicap. Trained by Johnny Feane, the six-year-old was ridden by Wesley Joyce.

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The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete won her first global medal with a stunning performance of 4,742 points. It is Ireland’s first podium place at a World Indoor Athletics Championships since Derval O’Rourke’s gold in the 60m hurdles in 2006.

O’Connor’s performance comes just over a fortnight after her bronze medal success at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. There she set a new national record of 4,781 points, achieving personal bests in four of her five events. Friday saw her improve on three of those personal bests once again, and this time on the world stage.

The Dundalk athlete got the competition off to a flying start with a personal best of 8.30 in the 60m hurdles. She followed with an impressive 1.81m clearance in the high jump. A second PB followed in the shot put, where she threw 14.64m.

The afternoon session saw O’Connor open with a personal best of 6.30m in the first of her attempts in the long jump. She improved on the mark mark once again in the second round with a leap of 6.32m. The final 800m event saw her reproduce another outstanding track performance, crossing the finish in a time of 2:14.19 which guaranteed her place on the podium.

Speaking after her final event, 24-year-old O’Connor, who is only the seventh Irish athlete to win a medal individually at a World Indoor Championships, said:

“I’ve just been on a bit of a run since the European Championships. I really wanted to come in here with a bit of confidence and just go out there and enjoy myself. I’ve been training really hard and I wanted to go out there and make my country proud.

“Winning this medal and the medal a couple of weeks ago will really push multi events forward in the country and let younger athletes see what other options are available to them in athletics.”

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A great week for the Cheltenham Festival’s leading all-time owner got even better as he claimed the blue riband of chasing on Friday.

Well placed throughout the race, Inothewayurthinkin is a first Gold Cup for trainer Gavin Cromwell, and is another Grade 1 this week for rider Mark Walsh.

Inothewayurthinkin is the first supplementary entry to win the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, as he was added to the field on Saturday, 8th March at a cost of £25,000.

Bred by Noreen McManus, the winner is a second victory for the Limerick owner in the Gold Cup, and his 84th Festival winner.

Inothewayurthinkin is the 20th seven-year-old to succeed and the 31st horse trained in Ireland to win the contest.

Mark Walsh, narrowly pipped for the leading rider at this year’s Cheltenham Festival by Paul Townend, said of the victory:

“I’m dancing inside! Brilliant, I can’t believe it. They went a nice gallop. He jumped well on the whole, he just missed the ditch going down the back the last time.

“In fairness to this fella, he’s done some growing up in the last year. He won here last year, but Gavin Cromwell is a genius. The way he trained him, he had him spot on for today. Brilliant. He’s a home-bred as well, which makes it extra special. Delighted.”

A shocked Gavin Cromwell admitted:

 “I don’t know what to say as it is absolutely massive. I never thought I would have a horse good enough to run in a Gold Cup, let alone win.

“It is unbelievable and it will probably take a while to sink in. I’m absolutely thrilled. I didn’t think we were travelling particularly well as just on that ground he looked to be flat out.”

The defending champion and two-time winner Galopin Des Champs (8/13 favourite) was second for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins.

The Mouse Morris-trained Gentlemansgame (40/1) was another 12 lengths away in third for Darragh O’Keffee and owners Robcour.

A sad postscript to the race was that Corbetts Cross, trained by Emmet Mullins for J.P. McManus, who fell at the last fence in the Boodles Gold Cup sadly lost his life.

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In the Foxhunters, the Sam Curling-prepared nine-year-old son of Yeats, Wonderwall, with Rob James riding, defeated previous dual runner-up in the race Its On The Line (4/1) and Derek O’Connor.

Gordon Elliott’s Willitgoahead, owned by Bective Stud, was third at 13/2.

Wodhooh (9/2) won the final race of the festival, the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle for the same successful candidates as last year, Danny Gilligan and Gordon Elliott.

Act Of Authority (28/1) was second to the only Elliott winner of Cheltenham 2025. The runner-up for Olly Murphy, was ridden by Lewis Sanders.

Raglan Road (25/1) and Taponthego (8/1) were third and fourth for Waterford handler, Henry de Bromhead. The former was piloted by Gavin Brouder, with the latter the mount of Mikey ‘Connor.

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It continued the excellent form on Friday of both Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, as he claimed the race by two and a half lengths from the Irish-trained favourite The Big Westerner (9/2f).

The Henry de Bromhead-handled Darragh O’Keeffe-ridden runner-up was two and a half lengths adrift of the winner, with the Irish-bred Lucinda Russell-trained Derryhassen Paddy (10/1) and Derek Fox another four and a half lengths behind.

“This lad takes a bit of warming up, he’s not the most straightforward, but he’s a classy individual,” Paul Towend admitted post race.”He showed that here last year – that was a huge pick from Patrick and I said, ‘If he picked him last year, I couldn’t leave him behind this year.’

“I think a lot of it is just confidence with him and just getting into a rhythm – I thought there would be plenty go forward – and ride him for class.”

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