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Global Racing League: Dettori, Moore & Buick Join $15M Series

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 08 May 2025 09:40:54 +0000

Global Racing League: Dettori, Moore & Buick Join $15M Series

A revolutionary new franchise-led horse racing league is set to launch in 2026, with 12 of the world’s top jockeys, including Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore and William Buick, signed up to compete in the $15 million Global Racing League.

Global Racing League puts jockeys in the spotlight

The Global Racing League is a franchise-based international series designed to modernise the sport and appeal to a younger, global audience. Each of the 12 riders will act as team principal for their own brand and race in identical silks across up to ten events each year.

In addition to Dettori, Moore and Buick, the line-up includes James McDonald, Joao Moreira, Zac Purton, Christophe Lemaire, Mickael Barzalona, Yutaka Take, Irad Ortiz Jr, Flavien Prat and Vincent Ho. All 12 jockeys will hold equity in their teams and the league itself, ensuring full investment and promotion from the athletes involved.

Global Racing League venues include Ascot, York and Leopardstown

Talks are underway with major racecourses to host fixtures. Ascot and York have confirmed discussions, while Leopardstown and other European tracks like Longchamp and Chantilly are also under consideration.

Nick Smith of Ascot Racecourse praised the innovation: “It’s jockey-led with full equity and buy-in. It’s been well thought through to avoid conflicts with the Pattern.”

Commercial vision and youth appeal

Co-founded by former Godolphin CEO John Ferguson and Entain executive Lachlan Fitt, the league aims to secure commercial partners and media rights that could push its prize fund to $15 million. Fitt highlighted the lack of global racing icons and sees this league as a chance to change that.

William Buick, fresh from his Guineas weekend double at Newmarket, said: “This is a unique opportunity to use our platforms to grow racing worldwide.”

Designed to complement, not compete

The Global Racing League will not interfere with Pattern races. Events are planned around major festivals and designed to offer fast-paced, accessible entertainment for both die-hard fans and new viewers. Each fixture will feature six races where all 12 jockeys score points toward their franchise’s standings.

Female jockeys to be included in future

While the initial line-up includes only male riders, Fitt confirmed: “We look forward to welcoming the best female jockeys as we expand the league.”

Conclusion

The Global Racing League is an ambitious, athlete-led initiative poised to reshape the way horse racing is promoted and consumed. With jockeys as stakeholders and stars, and media-driven presentation at its core, the league may just be the spark needed to modernise racing for a new generation.

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Los Angeles wins Coolmore Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes on seasonal return

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Mon, 05 May 2025 19:28:26 +0000

Los Angeles (10/11 favourite) won the Group 2 Coolmore Stud City Of Troy Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at The Curragh this afternoon.

Last season’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner was making his 2025 return to the track under Ryan Moore.

Running over one mile and two furlongs, the Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old son of Camelot held off the late challenge of the 2024 Mooresbridge Stakes winner White Birch.

The runner-up was returning to the track for the first time since beating Auguste Rodin here last May.

Officer wins Tetrarch Stakes

The Coolmore Stud Henry Longfellow Irish EBF Tetrarch Stakes went to Officer, trained by Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle.

By Dubawi out of Hydrangea, the Ryan Moore-ridden colt was a previous seven furlong winner on good ground. He had finished third to Big Gossey on his most recent visit to The Curragh in March.

Wins for O’Brien brothers

O’Brien’s sons, Joseph and Donnacha, both visited the winner’s enclosure this afternoon.

The Group 3 Coolmore Stud Auguste Rodin Irish EBF Athasi Stakes was won by Atsila (11/1) for Gavin Ryan and Donnacha O’Brien.

Al Shaqab’s Andab (8/1) took the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle.

First Stakes win for Tally Ho’s Starman

Lady Iman (4/7 favourite) claimed the Holden Plant Hire First Flier Stakes in impressive fashion for Colin Keane, Ger Lyons and the O’Callaghans of Tally Ho Stud. This was a first Stakes winner for Tally Ho Stud’s sire Starman.

The Coolmore partners-owned debutant True Love, a full-sister to Truly Enchanting, was runner-up, one and a quarter lengths behind the winner.

Murkala (7/2 joint-favourite) took the Keadeen Hotel Irish EBF (Fillies) Handicap for trainer Johnny Murtagh. In the colours of the late H H Aga Khan, three year-old filly, ridden by Rory Mulligan, was a one length winner over the Aidan O’Brien-trained Sweet Chariot.

Jockey Wayne Hassett and trainer Pat Murphy teamed up for a winner with Free Solo (10/1) in the P G Duffy & Sons Citroen Apprentice Handicap.

The concluding The Treacy Group Supporting Newbridge Parishes Day Handicap went to 50/1 chance Prime Sign, in the hands of Billy Lee, for conditioner Andy Oliver.

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Grade 1s for Mullins and Henderson at Punchestown on Saturday

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Mon, 05 May 2025 19:18:07 +0000

The final day of the 2025 Punchestown Festival saw more success for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

The Closutton team won the Grade 1 SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle with the evens favourite Jade De Grugy. Just for good measure, Mullins also handled the runner-up Gala Marceau (12/1), with Danny Mullins in the saddle.

Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle form was overturned in the final Grade 1 contest of the jumps season when Lulamba (11/10 favourite) beat Poniros (7/2) by four lengths.

The latter won the Triumph in March but had to give way to the Nicky Henderson-handled James Bowen-ridden favourite this time.

Vital Island wins Ladies Cup

Vital Island (9/2) and Barry Stone took the opening Howden Cross Country Chase. Trained by Richie O’Keeffe, it was a second winner at this year’s Punchestown Festival for the County Wexford-based handler who claimed the Kildare Hunt Club Chase for the Ladies Cup on Tuesday with Transcript. Both winners carried O’Keeffe’s won colours.

Danny Mullins gave his uncle, Willie, another winner at this week’s festival when guiding Shanbally Kid (15/2 joint-favourite) to success in the Oaklodgelandscapes.ie Handicap Chase, in the colours of owners Gigginstown House Stud.

Harry Bannister gave the English visitors a final-day winner when Bill Baxter (12/1) won the Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase.

Trained by Warren Greatrex, the grey nine-year-old son of Milan was bred in Ireland by Mary Fanning McCormack.

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State Man stars on Friday at Punchestown

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Fri, 02 May 2025 18:35:41 +0000

State Man (9/4) won the Friday highlight at the Punchestown Festival, the Boodles Champion Hurdle.

In the hand of Paul Townend, the Willie Mullins-handled eight-year-old won the contest for the third year in-a-row.

Final Demand (7/4) was the first part of a Mullins-Townend Grade 1 on the day, as the son of Walk In The Park was an easy winner of the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle.

Bishopscourt Cup

Fountain House (evens favourite) won the opening Stanley Asphalt Hunters Chase for the Bishopscourt Cup. Trained by Ian McCarthy, the winner was ridden by Eo’n Mahon.

Its On The Line starts Emmet Mullins treble

Its On The Line is the champion hunter chaser for the third year in-a-row. The Emmet Mullins-trained eight-year-old reeled in the British-trained race leader Viroflay (16/5) before the field entered the home straight.

Derek O’Connor worked hard on the race favourite as both he and the Olive Nicholls-ridden Viroflay headed to the final two fences.

Its On The Line was stoked up by O’Connor and showed his customary bravery to win the Event Power Champion Hunters Chase by two and a quarter lengths.

Viroflay had to settle for second, with Hollow Games (20/1), from the Gordon Elliott yard third, 35 lengths behind the runner-up.

Sea Music (33/1) completed an Emmet Mullins double, winning the Listed Quinn Bet Novice Handicap Chase under Donagh Meyler

The County Carlow handled completed a treble in the bumper, when the Paul Byrne-owned Soldier In Milan (5/2) ran out a good winner for jockey John Gleeson.

Dinoblue impreses in Mares Chase

Dinoblue (4/7 favourite) completed a J.P. McManus-owned double in the next race, when successful in the Grade 2 Hanlon EBF Glencarraig Lady Mares Chase.

In the hands of the week’s leading rider, Mark Walsh, Dinoblue’s biggest danger was her stable companion, Allegorie De Vassy (100/30), with Paul Townend in the saddle.

Ultimately the Willie Muillins-trained pair entered the straight in front, before Dinoblue took command to defeat her stable companion by 35 lengths.

Brides Hill (9/2) and Keith Donoghue were the only other finishers in the four-runner contest.

Casheldale Lad (13/2) gave Gordon Elliott a second winner of Punchestown 2025, when winning the Uniquely Novice Hurdle.

It was a first winner of the week for Noel and Valerie Moran’s Bective Stud, with the winner ridden by Jordan Gainford.

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Teahupoo wins back-to-back Champion Stayers Hurdles at Punchestown

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:00:42 +0000

Teahupoo (5/4 favourite) successfully defended his Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle title at Punchestown on Thursday.

Runner-up to Bob Olinger in the Stayers’ Hurdle at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, the Robcour-owned son of Masked Marvel returned to the number one spot this afternoon.

It was a welcome winner for trainer Gordon Elliott, who had been close a number of times this week, without claiming a winner.

The eight-year-old tracked the leaders before making a move two out. He was soon ridden by Sam Ewing and asked for his effort. The popular French-bred gelding moved into the lead and wasn’t for catching.

Asterion Forlonge (18/1), who raced towards the rear for much of the contest made his move up the rail under Paul Towend. The Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned grey claimed the runner-up spot, four and a quarter lengths behind the winner.

It was announced after the race that the seven-time winner had run his last race and the 11-year-old is now being retired.

Jessica Harrington’s Jetara (6/1) kept on for third place without ever threatening the first two that crossed the finishing line.

“A star of a horse”

A relieved Gordon Elliott, who was winning his first race of the week, admitted:

“This horse has got me out of trouble a few times and he’s done it again. He’s a star of a horse. I was panicking turning in to be honest.

“He’s so laidback at home and you nearly start questioning yourself, ‘Is he a bit heavy going around the ring?’ Sam gave him a no-nonsense ride and kept it very straightforward.”

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Majborough wins Grade 1 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase by 14 lengths

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Thu, 01 May 2025 18:23:03 +0000

Majborough (4/11 favourite) won the six-runner Grade 1 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase at Punchestown this afternoon.

In the colours of J.P. McManus, the Mark Walsh-ridden gelding was a sixth winner of the week for the owner and a third for the jockey.

Last seen in the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Majborough’s jumping was better this time, though he jumped noticeably to his left at the final two fences in the straight.

The Willie Mullins-trained son of Martinborough ran out an easy 14 length winner from Gavin Cromwell’s Only By Night (5/1), with Keith Donoghue in the saddle.

The runner-up prize money saw Cromwell surpass the €2 million mark for the first time in his relatively short training career.

Noel Meade’s Jesse Evans (40/1), ridden by Donogh Meyler, was third past the post, a further half a length behind the runner-up.

The winning jockey, Mark Walsh, who is currently joint-leading rider at this year’s Punchestown Festival alongside J.J. Slevin, said of Majborough post-race:

“He has some engine. He always jumps a little bit left but he’s never jumped that badly left. It’s the first time he’s went that badly left going right-handed. If you could just iron them out he has some ability, some engine.

“He’s only five and hopefully he’ll mature this summer. I’m looking forward to what he could mature into over the next 18 months or two years.”

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Doubles for O’Brien, Slevin and McManus at Punchestown

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Thu, 01 May 2025 17:05:55 +0000

Teahupoo won the Thursday feature, the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle for Gordon Elliott and Sam Ewing.

The other Grade 1 contest of the day, the Barberstwon Castle Novice Chase saw Willie Mullins add to his haul at the highest level through Majborough.

Two wins for J.P. McManus

Petit Tonnerre (16/1) and Richie McLernon gave J.P. McManus another Punchestown 2025 winner. The seven-year-old is trained by A.J. and Jonjo O’Neill, and maintained the successful record of British-based winners so far this week at the County Kildare venue.

Later in the afternoon, McManus completed a double when Jeriko Du Reponet (13/2 joint-favourite) won the Listed Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle for James Bowen.

The French-bred, runner-up to Doddiethegreat (14/1) at Cheltenham last month, reversed placings this time time around as the Brian Hughes-ridden runner-up completed a 1-2 for Seven Barrows.

Busselton wins La Touche

At the end of four miles one furlong and 11 yards, the Mongey Communications La Touche Cup Cross Country Chase produced a thrilling finishing.

With numerous horses in contention for the historic prize entering the home straight, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Busselton (7/1), and jockey J.J. Slevin, out-battled Desertmore House (9/1) and Ricky Doyle by three-quarters of a length to win.

Three By Two (11/1) and Richie Deegan were only a neck further back in third, with nine lengths further back to Vital Island (12/1) and rider Barry Stone.

Doubles for O’Brien and Slevin

O’Brien and Slevin completed a Thursday double with the victory of Cottesloe Sunshine (33/1) in the Listed Close Brothers Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle.

Previously successful in two hurdle races, the daughter of Getaway was a three and a half length winner this afternoon over the fast-finishing Mozzie’s Sister (9/1) and Shane Fitzgerald.

The odd-on favourite, Sixandahalf (8/13) could only manage third place, a further length and a quarter back.

The Specialist Group Handicap Hurdle went to the Ray Grehan-owned Putapoundinthejar (17/2).

The gelded son of Walk In The Park, trained in County Meath by Tony Martin, was ridden by recently crowned British Champion Jumps Jockey, Seán Bowen.

The concluding JP & M Doyle INH Flat Race went to the Noel Fehilly Racing Syndicate-owned Baron Noir at 12/1. Trained by Alan King, it ended a successful day for British-trained runners at Punchestown.

Jody McGarvey retires

Coleraine native Jody McGarvey retired from the saddle at Punchestown this afternoon.

The three-time Grade 1-winning rider finished third on his final ride aboard the J.P. McManus-owned Mirazur West (3/1 favourite) in the Frontline Security Handicap Chase.

The Derry jockey said:

“I’ve had my fair share of injuries but I got through it and was able to retire on my own terms.

“I’ve been a lot luckier than a lot of people. I didn’t really want to stop riding but the opportunities were getting thin on the ground. I wanted to go out when I felt I was still riding well and I’ve had a few winners in the last couple of weeks. I’m leaving the game without a chip on my shoulder.”

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Galopin Des Champs is 22 length winner of Punchestown Gold Cup

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 22:24:52 +0000

Galopin Des Champs (5/6 favourite) won the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup for the first time on Wednesday afternoon.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, beaten twice previously in the Punchestown showpiece, produced a devastating performance today to win by 22 lengths.

Ridden by his regular partner, Paul Townend, Galopin Des Champs led the four-runner field throughout the extended three mile race.

With Banbridge tracking him for much of the Grade 1 contest, the Joseph O’Brien-trained 4/1 chance was being pushed by jockey J.J. Slevin three fences from home.

Rachael Blackmore on Monty’s Star (13/2) was positioned in third spot until the half-way stage, before dropping towards the rear five from home.

Spillane’s Tower (4/1), the mount of Mark Walsh, for trainer Jimmy Mangan, was held up at the rear of the quartet, but made a significant mistake four out.

Soon the J.P. McManus-owned son of Walk In The Park became the main challenger in the home straight. Galopin Des Champs was never in danger, however, and crossed the line to huge cheers from the packed stands.

Galopin Des Champs had been beaten on his two previous races at the Punchestown Festival. Both of these defeats came on the back of success in the Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2023 and 2024.

One of the best chasers

The winning trainer, Willie Mullins, said of today’s win:

“I thought he was more at home (today). I was a little bit worried about the heat and the weather. I imagine the other trainers were too but the horse, you could see from the start he was enjoying himself. There was a spark in him from jumping out the gate.

“He had a look at the road or gate or something. Paul said to me that when he was able to do that, he felt he was only playing in front and when he got to the top of the hill he felt, ‘Let’s go a little faster, put them under more pressure,’ because he felt when he had time to do that sort of thing, it really showed that he was at ease.

“He’s a very good horse. He has to be one of the best chasers we have ever had anyway.”

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Bambino Fever completes Cheltenham-Punchestown bumper double

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 22:23:51 +0000

Bambino Fever (11/8 favourite) completed the Cheltenham-Punchestown Grade 1 bumper double when winning the Race & Stay At Punchestown INH Flat Race this afternoon for Jody Townend.

The win was the middle part of three Grade 1 wins on the day for champion handler Willie Mullins, having won the first Grade 1 with Jasmin De Vaux and the later Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champs.

With the Ross O’Sullivan-handled Switch For Diesel (11/2) coming to challenge the race favourite in the straight, the Dublin Racing Festival Grade 2 winner had enough in hand to run out a ready two and a quarter length winner.

The Noel Meade-trained Colcannon (11/4) was a further six lengths back in third for Derek O’Connor.

Jody Townend delight

The delighted Cork jockey Jody Townend, who recorded her maiden success at the highest level aboard Redemption Day in this race in 2024, said of her now dual Grade 1-winning partner, Bambino Fever:

“She’s as tough as nails. She was nearly doing too much with me the whole way today and she galloped right through the line. She has pace as well. She has it all… she’s a gem.

“She shows up every day. For a mare to do that, she’s won four all year and she’s going on a well deserved holiday now.”

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Jasmin De Vaux and Paul Townend win Grade 1 Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 22:23:42 +0000

The 13/8 favourite Jasmin De Vaux won the first of three Grade 1 races at Punchestown on day two for Willie Mullins.

Carrying the double green silks of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the French-bred was a first winner at this year’s festival for jockey Paul Townend, when taking the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle.

In what looked like a clash between the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner from the Cheltenham Festival and the Grade 1 Turners’ Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, Honesty Policy (5/2), the latter kept on well in the dying stages of the race to win.

Though Jasmin De Vaux bumped the Gordon Elliott-trained runner in the run-in, the Closutton-handled runner had a half length in hand at the line in the Channon Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle.

Andy Slattery’s Fleur In The Park (17/2) was a further six lengths behind in third, under rider Cian Quirke.

It was relief for winning jockey Paul Townend, who lost his irons in the home straight, to finally visit the winner’s enclosure at this year’s Punchestown Festival.

“Always good to get one on the board,” the Lisgoold rider admitted. “You’d have hoped for one yesterday with good rides. We’d to wait a while today to get it and I nearly threw that one away as well!”

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