The seven-year-old, partnered by Lisgoold jockey Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins, previously won the Celebration Chase at the track, a win which helped Willie Mullins claim a second British Jump trainers’ championship last April.

9-length winner

This afternoon, Il Etait Temps travelled strongly throughout the race having taken the lead from the J.P. McManus-owned Jonbon (3/1) three out.

The gelded son of Jukebox Jury then moved clear for an easy nine length victory to give Mullins a second win in the race after Un De Sceaux in 2016, with the victor of the race the past two seasons, Jonbon, having to settle for the runner-up spot this time.

L’Eau du Sud (7/2) was a further nine lengths back in third for Dan and Harry Skelton.

Living up to all the promise

Successful jockey Paul Townend said of the Hollywood Racing and Barnane Stud-owned winner:

“He is tiny, but he answered every question I asked of him today. I feel silly for not picking him so many times in his career now! He is living up to all the promise he showed as a young horse and went through the race really easily today. He is so relaxed now, and you can do what you want with him. In years gone past, you’d be afraid to ask him for a jump because you’d set him alight and you wouldn’t get him back.

”Willie always has a plan, and he’ll tell us what he wants to do”

What next for Il Etait Temps? Rishi chats to the winning owner pic.twitter.com/u3MgyFLLVb

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 6, 2025

Nicky Henderson, trainer of runner-up Jonbon, said post-race:

“When the winner beat us here last year it was at the end of a long season, but today proves that over two miles he is a sharper horse than we are. You have to be tempted to look at going over further with him now. But let’s just see. Nothing is in and nothing is out.

Dan Skelton, trainer of third-placed L’Eau du Sud, stated:

“I don’t think we were at our best today, but I am very happy. We’ll have to get him super fresh, and he’ll go straight to the Champion Chase now – we’ll try and have him in the form he was in for the Shloer at Cheltenham.”

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Rhodes, founder and administrator of the Aidan O’Brien Fan Site, is THE foremost statistician and expert on the success of Aidan O’Brien’s phenomenal training career to date.

This detailed unofficial biography, allows readers dive into the extraordinary career of O’Brien, one of horse racing’s most legendary trainers, in this unparalleled, 115,000-word publication. The book looks at the man behind Ballydoyle Stables, whose record-breaking achievements have reshaped the world of flat racing and beyond.

From the Wexford-born O’Brien’s humble beginnings to his global dominance, this must-read publication for racing fans and general sports fans alike, traces O’Brien’s rise to becoming a statistical titan in the sport.

The book contains details of the Ballydoyle handler’s unrivalled list of accomplishments, including world records, classic victories, and an astonishing tally of Group 1 wins across the world.

Key Highlights of the book include:

Achievements & Rankings: A comprehensive breakdown of Aidan O’Brien’s world records, classic victories in detail, Group Race totals, and historical rankings against the sport’s greatest trainers.

The Star Horses: In-depth chapters on his greatest equine athletes, featuring Group 1 Winners and multiple Classic winners, including the iconic Hawk Wing (the highest-rated Ballydoyle horse ever), Johannesburg, and Auguste Rodin. Supported by Timeform ratings, strike rates, and top-earning statistics.

Global Impact & Festivals: Experience the thrill of racing festivals through O’Brien’s lens, from Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Irish Champions Festival, and the Breeders’ Cup.

Legacy & Collaborations: Delve into the storied history of Ballydoyle, the influential threads of Coolmore, the legendary stallion Galileo. Readers are guided through the evolution of Ballydoyle, the powerhouse he helped shape into a symbol of perfection, and the enduring alliance with jockey Ryan Moore that defined an era.

Focus on the Future: Complete with a special focus on the 2025 season (juvenile stars, race summaries, top earners) and an exciting look ahead to 2026 with potential Ballydoyle juveniles and horses to watch.

Historical Statistics

Complete with year-by-year breakdowns, historical statistics, and a nod to O’Brien’s National Hunt roots, this book is a treasure trove for racing enthusiasts and statisticians alike.

Aidan O’Brien: A Statistical Phenomenon is more than a biography – it is a celebration of a trainer whose legacy spans generations, breeding dynasties, and continents, cementing his place as a transformative figure in horse racing history.

Popular since launch

Incredibly in the first 24 hours since its launch, the book reached number 2 in Amazon’s Hot New Releases [Horse Racing] and number 10 in Horse Racing Books [Worldwide].

Aidan O’Brien: A Statistical Phenomenon is available for purchase HERE

The post Aidan O’Brien: A Statistical Phenomenon by Paul Rhodes appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Betway parent company Super Group has announced a robust third-quarter performance, recording a 26% increase in revenue to $556.9 million for Q3 2025. The growth was driven by strong activity across the African, European and Canadian markets, where customer engagement and market expansion have significantly strengthened the company’s financial results.

Adjusted earnings for the quarter rose by 65% to $152.1 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency and performance across key territories.

CEO Neal Menashe Welcomes Results

Chief executive Neal Menashe said the company was “incredibly pleased” with its third-quarter performance, noting that it “highlights the continued strength of our global platform and consistent execution across our core markets.”

For more betting and gaming industry updates, visit SportsNewsIRELAND.com.

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The Irish contingent will be led, as always, by a strong team from Ballydoyle.

Aidan O’Brien, who was crowned champion flat trainer in Britain last weekend, and who will be confirmed as champion trainer in Ireland for a 28th time this weekend, will have a strong hand over the two-day meeting with eight runners in six Grade 1 races.

Horses from Ballydoyle towards the top of the betting market include True Love (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint), Precise (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf), and Gstaad (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf).

25 Group 1s so far in 2025 for O’Brien

Gstaad will be joined in the Grade 1 race by his stable companions Mission Central and Brussels. O’Brien bids to add to his 25 Group 1 wins this season and edge him closer to his own world record of 28 wins at the highest level which he set back in 2017.

A disaster draw?

Precise and Gstaad have been eased in the betting for their respective @BreedersCup assignments…

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 28, 2025

Minnie Hauk, runner-up in the recent Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp, will contest the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday instead of the Filly and Mare Turf. The Coolmore partners will be represented in the latter named race by Bedtime Story instead. The Lion In Winter, well touted for both the 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby earlier in his career, will contest the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

“We have your gates back home as well.”@ScottFDTV caught up with trainer Aidan O’Brien after his horses came off the track this morning. Who’s your favorite horse that’s come over with him for this year’s @BreedersCup? pic.twitter.com/T2Xby5TDZ6

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 29, 2025

O’Brien’s sons Joseph and Donnacha will also have runners at Del Mar this weekend.

Joseph and Donnacha O’Brien compete

Joseph, a former Breeders’ Cup-winning rider, will be represented by Queen Of Hawaii in the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf and North Coast in the Juvenile Turf on Friday evening.

Donnacha takes three runners to California, namely Havana Anna (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint), Balantina (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf) and Atsila (Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf).

Champion jumps trainer in Ireland and Britain Willie Mullins travels his Royal Ascot and Ebor hero Ethical Diamond to the Californian sunshine to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday.

Adrian Murray and Jack Davison runners

County Westmeath-based handler Adrian Murray will have two runners in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on day two of the meeting, with both Arizona Blaze and Bucanero Fuerte carrying the Amo Racing silks. Meath trainer Jack Davison has She’s Quality engaged in the same contest.

Adrian Murray’s Valiant Force has been declared for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint but the horse is currently ranked as first reserve, so the Irish trainer will be hoping one horse comes out of the race.

There will be coverage of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup from Del Mar on Virgin Media Two from 8pm on Friday, with coverage beginning on Saturday 8.30pm.

There will also be comprehensive coverage on At The Races/Sky Sports Racing.

The post 18 Irish runners at 2025 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The eight-year-old son of Laverock gave jockey Keith Donoghue and trainer Gavin Cromwell a famous win in the 135th edition of the race.

Owned by the Furze Bush Syndicate, the winner of the Cross County Chase at Cheltenham, won by a length and three-quarters form High In The Sky and rider Jan Faltejsek.

Čáryjape was third home with Adam Čmiel in the saddle, while Cuwall and Jakub Kocman were fourth in the 15-horse contest.

STUMPTOWN creates Irish Racing history becoming the first Irish-trained horse to win the Velka Pardubice for @gavincromwell1 @donoghue_keith

Relive the race pic.twitter.com/2KPj0akiyH

— Tattersalls Ireland (@Tattersalls_ie) October 12, 2025

“He was great”

“I am thrilled. It was a tough race, but the horse managed it. He was great. We stayed at the back, which was not the plan, but we managed it,” winning rider Keith Donoghue told Czech TV Sport.

The Patrick Aspell-bred Stumptown had been pulled up on his most recent run, in the Aintree Grand National.

The Velká Pardubická, one of Europe’s most difficult races, is traditionally held every second Sunday of October.

The race, first run in 1874, measures 6,900 metres, has 31 obstacles, and is open to six-year-old and older horses.

The post Stumptown is first Irish winner of the Velka Pardubicka appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien for the Coolmore partners, the son of Camelot was a length and a half winner under Christophe Soumillon.

Del Maro (14/1), representing Godolphin was third, another length back, under Billy Loughnane.

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said of the juvenile son of Group 1-winning mare Sultanina:

“Christophe seemed very happy with him. He is a lovely big horse and still a big baby at home. He does everything very easy.

“He is a lovely, big straightforward horse and is going to improve a lot over the winter. It was a lovely win last time at Dundalk when Wayne (Lordan) rode him.

“I think at the moment he looks like a Derby trial horse for next year. Endorsement ran a lovely race too, it was very solid.”

The post Pierre Bonnard impresses in Night Of Thunder Zetland Stakes appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

A last start winner of the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes over seven furlongs at The Curragh, the Ballydoyle filly was stepping up to the mile first time at Newmarket.

Partnered by Christophe Soumillon, the two-year-old Starspanglebanner filly was settled towards the rear of the 10-strong field. She began to make significant headway quarter of a mile from home. Taking the leading approaching the final furlong, Precise quickened right away for a very comfortable three and a quarter length success over 40/1 chance Venetian Lace.

Seventh win in Fillies’ Mile

Aidan O’Brien, who previously won the race with Sunspangled (1998), Listen (2007), Together Forever (2014), Minding (2015), Rhododendron (2016) and Ylang Ylang (2023), said of his seventh winner Precise:

“She is incredible really. There are so many people involved with her and every week she has got better.

“We ran her over six the first day and Wayne (Lordan) said she just drifted out in front and other than that she would have won. She would be unbeaten otherwise and when you see a filly like her do that over six on a sharp track like Fairyhouse you know they are very special.

“On her pedigree she is out of a very good Galileo mare and will stay. I think she is a Classic filly. We saw today she got the mile on her ear and Christophe was super confident on her. She cantered at all stages through the race and Christophe said if he knew her better he would have waited longer but she got there.

Bred by Aidan O’Brien’s Whisperview Trading, Precise is the first stakes-winner among three winners from placed Galileo mare Way to My Heart, a sister to stakes-winner Kingfisher from stakes-winner Mystical Lady.

The master of Ballydoyle is closing in on his own world record of 28 Group/Grade One winners in a calendar year, which he set in 2017.

The post Precise gives Aidan O’Brien a 7th bet365 Fillies’ Mile appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Diamond Necklace, an unbeaten juvenile daughter of St Mark’s Basilica, won the Group 1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac under Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon.

The 11/10 favourite, owned by the Coolmore partners, was a one-length winner over Green Spirit (9/4), with Narissa (10/1), a length and a quarter further back in third.

Puerto Rico brings up Group 1 double

Puerto Rico (3/1) gave handler Aidan O’Brien a 10th success in the Group 1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, a Breeders’ Cup “Win And You’re In” for the Juvenile Turf.

This two-year-old son of the recently deceased Wootton Bassett had two and a half lengths in hand on Nighttime (5/1) at the winning post, with a further length and a quarter back to the race favourite Rayif (7/4 favourite) in third.

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Trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien, the Coolmore partners-owned son of the recently deceased Wootton Bassett, was a length and a quarter winner over August George (28/1).

The cross-channel prepared runner-up, a gelded son of Night Of Thunder, is trained by Ivan Furtado and ridden by Steven Donohoe.

The second O’Brien-handled runner in the €1,000,000 contest over seven furlongs, Composing (5/6), the race favourite, was a half length further behind in third, in the hands of Ronan Whelan.

Hawk Mountain (5/4 favourite) had earlier won the Group 2 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Beresford Stakes for O’Brien, the Coolmore partners, and Ronan Whelan.

The two-year-old colt, a son of Wootton Bassett, had three and a quarter lengths in hand on Geryon (9/4) in the one-mile race.

The latter, trained by Ger Lyons for Newtown Anner Stud, was piloted by Colin Keane, while Al Haarith (5/1) was a head further back for Joseph O’Brien and stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle.

A 22nd win in the Beresford for Aidan O’Brien courtesy of Hawk Mountain @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/vQkXBIGbrK

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 27, 2025

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Champion trainer Willie Mullins’ You Oughta Know emerged as the leading contender for the Listowel feature with a 23-length success in a rated novice chase at Wexford recently. The Closutton handler is also represented by the two-time chase winner Arctic Fly and the novice Spanish Harlem.

Gordon Elliott is represented by Three Card Brag, a horse that had a luckless run in the Tote Galway Plate. Elliott also has the topweight Pied Piper among his declarations, along with Duffle Coat and Shecouldbeanything.

Cross-channel runner

For the third year running, the Guinness Kerry National has attracted a runner from across the Irish Sea and taking his chance on his first start for Mickey Bowen is the nine-year-old Light N Strike, formerly trained by Emma Lavelle.

Monbeg Park will have his first start for trainer Jack Foley with French Dynamite another running for a new trainer, Eric McNamara, a three-time winner of the race.

Former winner among reserves

Joseph O’Brien’s 2022 Guinness Kerry National winner Busselton is the second reserve but the dual purpose trainer will be represented by San Salvadorr.

The consistent Le Coq Hardi will represent Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead who also has the first reserve in the Grade 2 mares’ novice chase winner Nara.

The Ken Budds-trained Cheltenham Festival runner-up Anyway finished in front of You Ought Know when victorious at Kilbeggan last June.

Padraig Roche’s Outside The Door had a wide-margin success last time, while Gavin Cromwell runs Thecompanysergeant.

The Guinness Kerry National features on a seven-race card at Listowel on Wednesday where the first race begins at 2.05pm.

The Harvest Festival at Listowel, which began yesterday, continues until Saturday with live coverage on TG4 and Racing TV each afternoon.

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