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.”

The post Il Etait Temps wins Tingle Creek Chase for Mullins & Townend appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Irish punters are wagering smarter than ever, especially with major GAA clashes, URC rugby weekends and Premier League fixtures driving constant movement across Ireland’s sportsbooks. According to betinireland’s betting experts, the key advantage today isn’t simply picking winners — it’s understanding how odds are priced, why markets shift, and where genuine value appears before the price collapses.

As betting platforms now publish hundreds of lines per match, the dynamics behind those numbers have become just as important as the selections themselves. Automated pricing models, real-time algorithmic adjustments and the rise of live betting have reshaped how Irish punters approach the odds on a daily basis. Those who understand the mechanics behind market fluctuations gain a measurable edge in a competitive environment.

Core Betting Markets Explained

Sportsbooks can sometimes look like a maze of numbers, abbreviations and shifting prices — but in practice, Irish punters rely on a core group of markets that appear in every fixture, every weekend. These markets shape the bulk of betting activity across football, GAA, rugby and racing, and understanding how they work makes the rest of the sportsbook far less intimidating.

Match Result (1X2)

The most familiar and heavily-used market across Irish football and European competitions.

It remains the starting point for most bettors because it’ssimple, fast to interpret and ideal for accumulators — a format particularly popular with weekend punters backing several Premier League or domestic League of Ireland fixtures.

Both Teams To Score (BTTS)

A straightforward question: Will both sides find the net?

BTTS is used widely when punters expect an open, attacking match but don’t trust either side to control the result — common during derbies, rivalry games and fixtures involving teams with shaky defences.

Over/Under Goals

Instead of choosing a winner, the punter predicts whether the match will produce over or under a specific goal line. The most common is 2.5 goals:

Over 2.5 = 3+ goals

Under 2.5 = 0, 1 or 2 goals

This market is driven by form trends, playing style, injuriesand team statistics — all familiar tools for Irish bettors, who tend to track attacking data closely during football season.

Handicap Betting

Handicaps level the playing field when there’s a clear favourite.

European Handicap

Uses whole numbers like –1, +2, etc.

Asian Handicap

More advanced, offering:

Asian handicaps attract experienced Irish punters because they reduce randomness and typically provide tighter, fairer odds.

Goalscorer Markets

Player-focused selections such as:

Great for punters who follow form players or tactical matchups closely — though even elite strikers can go quiet, making these high-variance markets.

Correct Score

One of the toughest markets due to its volatility. Just one late goal can ruin the prediction, which is why Irish punters generally treat correct-score bets as a fun small-stake option rather than a core strategy.

In-Play Betting (Live Markets)

Live betting has become exceptionally popular across Ireland.Odds shift constantly based on:

Live markets reward quick decisions but can quickly drain a bankroll if emotions take over — a point bookmakers understand well.

Each-Way Betting (Horse Racing)

Crucial in Irish racing culture. An each-way bet splits the stake into:

During major meetings like Cheltenham, Galway or Punchestown, each-way value can be massive, especially on runners priced longer than expected.

How Bookmakers Set Odds & Why Markets Move

Irish sportsbooks don’t simply guess the prices you see on-screen. Modern betting odds are built through a combination of statistical modelling, trading expertise and real-time data feeds — all updated far faster than most punters realise. Understanding how these odds are created helps explain why markets shift so aggressively, especially around high-profile Irish fixtures.

Bookmaker Pricing Models

Bookmakers begin by analysing:

These factors generate the opening line, the first version of the odds that appears on the market. In major leagues like the Premier League, URC Rugby or All-Ireland GAA finals, these lines are typically extremely sharp due to the sheer amount of available data.

Why Odds Move

Once the market opens, the odds shift based on two major drivers:

1. Betting Volume

If money pours in on one outcome — a favourite in a GAA semi-final, or a heavily-backed rugby side — the bookmaker will:

This is risk management, not an opinion on the actual likelihood of the outcome.

2. Information Changes

Odds can swing dramatically due to:

These movements are especially intense in football and rugby betting, where a single lineup change can alter expected probabilities instantly.

The Bookmaker Margin (The Vig)

Bookmakers build a hidden commission into every market — known as the vig — ensuring they profit regardless of the outcome.

In a fair market, all implied probabilities should total 100%.In real sportsbooks, the total typically lands between 104% and 110%. That extra 4–10% is the bookmaker’s margin.

Why It Matters for Irish Punters

A margin of 102% means much better value than a market priced at 108%. Over hundreds of bets, that small difference becomes crucial for long-term profitability.

Which Markets Carry the Lowest Vig?

In Ireland, bookmakers usually offer the tightest margins on:

In contrast, they insert a far higher vig on:

Understanding where margins hide is one of the biggest differences between casual punters and profitable ones.

Value Betting, Odds Comparison & How Irish Punters Find an Edge

While most Irish punters focus on picking winners, the sharpest bettors focus on something completely different: value. In today’s fast-moving betting environment, long-term success depends less on predicting outcomes and more on securing the best possible price every time you place a bet.

What Is Value Betting?

Value occurs when the bookmaker’s odds undervalue the true probability of an outcome.

Example:

If you believe a team has a 50% chance to win (true odds 2.00 — Evens), but a bookmaker offers 2.20 (11/10), that’s value. Repeating this across hundreds of bets is what separates profitable punters from casual weekend accumulator players.

Why Odds Comparison Matters in Ireland

Irish bookmakers often price the same selection differently. Even small differences add up:

These tiny shifts create a large profitability gap over the long term.

Why Odds Differ:

This variation is not a flaw — it’s the opportunity value bettors exploit.

Understanding the Bookmaker Margin (The Vig)

Every sportsbook builds in a margin, causing the total implied probability to exceed 100%.
For example:

Where Irish Bookmakers Hide Margin

Lower margins:

Higher margins:

Value bettors avoid inflated markets and target lower-viglines.

Using Betting Exchanges for Better Odds

Exchanges like Betfair operate differently:

This means exchange prices are often closer to the “true” market number. A bookmaker may offer 2.00 (Evens), while the exchange might show 2.12 (56/50) — a significant difference in return.

Comparing bookmaker odds with the exchange Lay Price is one of the fastest ways to spot inefficiencies.

Real-Time Tools & Price Alerts

Irish punters increasingly rely on:

These tools help secure the best odds before bookmakers adjust after big team news or a surge in betting volume.

Structural Market Inefficiencies Irish Punters Exploit

Some mispricings appear again and again due to how bookmakers manage risk:

Punters who understand these behaviours consistently get ahead of the price.

Expected Value (EV) and Closing Line Value (CLV)

Sharp bettors track performance using two metrics:

Expected Value (EV)

A mathematical measure of whether a bet is profitable long-term.

Closing Line Value (CLV)

Compares your price to the final market price just before kick-off.

Example:

You beat the market. Over time, consistent positive CLV is the strongest indicator of betting skill.

Final Insights & Summary for Irish Punters

Irish betting habits have evolved quickly, especially with online markets updating faster than ever and punters relying on data rather than instinct alone. While sportsbooks continue to expand their number of markets — from traditional 1X2 and handicaps to player props, in-play lines and advanced statistical bets — the central advantage for Irish bettors remains the same: securing value at the best available price.

Understanding how odds are constructed, how margins affect returns, and why markets move allows punters to make far more informed decisions. Whether it’s spotting a mispriced 2.20 (11/10) line before it shortens, comparing bookmaker odds to exchange prices, or avoiding high-vig niche markets, the principles behind smarter betting are consistent across GAA, football, rugby and racing.

The betting landscape continues to shift, but the fundamentals remain steady:

For Irish punters who apply these principles consistently, the odds — and the returns — begin to tip in their favour. With strong competition among bookmakers and fast-moving markets across every major sport, the opportunity for smarter betting has never been greater.

The post Understanding Odds and Sports Betting Markets for Irish Punters appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The four-race sweep

The day began with the Manifesto Novices’ Chase, in which Mullins’ entry, Impaire Et Passe, crossed the finish line first. This opening success was quickly followed by a win in the Juvenile Hurdle, secured by Murcia. Mullins continued his winning streak in the Bowl Chase, with Gaelic Warrior taking the victory. The sequence concluded with Lossiemouth claiming the Aintree Hurdle, completing a remarkable four-race sweep to start the festival. These consecutive wins on the first day of the festival were a rare achievement in National Hunt racing and drew widespread attention from racing fans and the betting community alike.

The performance not only marked a historic opening day but also contributed significantly to Mullins’ overall season tally. The points and prize money accumulated over the festival helped secure his position at the top of the standings, ultimately contributing to his success in winning the British Trainers’ Championship for 2025. This demonstrated the ability of Mullins’ stable to maintain high-level performance across multiple races and categories, from novice chases to hurdle events.

Impact on the season

For those who bet on horse racing, the opening day results offered valuable insight into trainer form, horse readiness, and race positioning. Observing a single trainer dominate multiple races in succession emphasises the importance of monitoring entries and identifying key performers at major festival meetings. Mullins’ success in the first four races highlighted the role that preparation and strategic placement of horses play in achieving consecutive victories in high-level events.

Looking ahead

Looking forward to the next Grand National Festival in April, replicating this exact sequence of wins would be highly unlikely. Variations in race entries, increased competition from other leading trainers, and the inherent unpredictability of racing conditions make it difficult to achieve an identical outcome. While Mullins remains one of the most successful trainers in National Hunt racing, even top stables face challenges in matching such concentrated dominance.

Nevertheless, Mullins’ opening-day performance provides a benchmark for excellence at the festival. Bettors who focus on wagering on festival favourites are likely to continue monitoring his entries closely, particularly in key races where his horses have consistently performed at a high level. The sweep of the first four races also reinforces the broader trend of strong performances from established stables at major meetings, which can influence betting markets and punter strategies.

In addition to the historical significance, the day illustrated the broader dynamics of festival racing. Winning consecutive races requires not only high-quality horses but also optimal race placement, conditioning, and timing. Mullins’ preparation ensured that his horses were positioned to maximise their performance, which ultimately translated into a dominant start to the festival.

—

The 2025 Grand National Festival opening day is now recorded as a standout moment in National Hunt racing. Mullins’ achievements provide a reference point for both trainers and bettors, demonstrating the potential for strategic planning and consistency to produce extraordinary results.

For those who bet on horse racing, the lessons from day one extendbeyond simple wins and losses, offering insight into the factors that contribute to repeatable success in major festival settings.

While repeating four consecutive wins on the first day remains improbable, Mullins’ 2025 performance will be remembered as a remarkable example of skill, preparation, and timing in National Hunt racing.

The post Willie Mullins’ historic first four wins on opening day of the Grand National Festival appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

Irish Point-to-Point Fixtures 2026 – Full Spring 2025–26 Schedule (Dates & Venues)

Updated for the 2025–26 Irish Point-to-Point (P2P) season. Below is the complete spring fixture list covering December 2025 through May 2026. Use this month-by-month guide to plan entries, schooling runs, travel and raceday visits at iconic P2P venues including Dromahane, Ballindenisk, Tyrella, Punchestown, Curraghmore, Lisronagh, Necarne and more.

December 2025

• Tue 30 — Duhallow (F) Kanturk – Dromahane

January 2026

• Sun 4 — United Hunt (F) Lisgoold – Ballindenisk
• Sun 4 — Shillelagh & District (F) – Tinahely
• Sun 11 — Muskerry (F) – Aghabullogue
• Sun 11 — Clonmel (H) – Turtulla
• Sun 18 — Killeagh (H) – Carrigarostig
• Sun 18 — Ballingore (H) – Ballycrystal
• Sat 24 — East Down (F) – Tyrella
• Sun 25 — Stonehall (H) – Cragmore
• Sun 25 — Lismore (H) – Dungarvan

February 2026

• Sun 1 — Co. Clare (H) – Bellharbour
• Sun 1 — United Hunt (F) Carrigtwohill – Ballyvodock
• Sun 1 — Wexford (F) – Ballinaboola
• Sat 7 — North Down (F) – Kirkistown
• Sun 8 — Kildare (F) – Punchestown
• Sun 8 — Scarteen (F) – Comea
• Sun 8 — West Waterford (F) – Tallow
• Sat 14 — Ward Union (S) – Oldtown
• Sun 15 — Avondhu (F) – Knockanard
• Sun 15 — North Tipperary (F) – Nenagh
• Sat 21 — Laois (F) – Ballygogue House
• Sun 22 — Bray (H) – Tinahely
• Sun 22 — Duhallow (F) – Kildorrery
• Sun 22 — Tipperary (F) – Lisronagh
• Sat 28 — Tynan & Armagh (F) – Farmacaffley

March 2026

• Sun 1 — Carbery (F) – Bandon
• Sun 1 — Carlow Farmers (F) – Borris House
• Sun 1 — Limerick (H) – Ballycahane
• Sat 7 — East Down (F) – Tyrella
• Sun 8 — Killinick (H) – Lingstown
• Sun 8 — North Galway (F) – Belclare
• Sun 8 — West Waterford (F) Lismore – Castlelands
• Sat 14 — Iveagh (F) – Loughbrickland
• Sun 15 — Kilworth & Araglen (H) – Knockanohill
• Sun 15 — Longford (H) – Daramona House
• Sun 15 — North Kilkenny (F) – Ballyragget
• Sat 21 — North Down (F) – Kirkistown
• Sun 22 — Island Hunt (F) – Ballycrystal
• Sun 22 — Streamstown (H) – Durrow
• Sun 22 — United Hunt (F) – Ballynoe
• Sat 28 — Route (H) – Portrush
• Sun 29 — Ballymacad (F) – Oldcastle
• Sun 29 — Bree (F) – Monksgrange
• Sun 29 — Duhallow (F) Liscarroll – Liscarroll

April 2026

• Wed 1 — Killeagh (H) Inch – Ballyknock
• Sat 4 — East Antrim (H) – Loughanmore
• Sun 5 — Co. Clare (H) – Quakerstown
• Sun 5 — Waterford (F) – Curraghmore
• Mon 6 — East Antrim (H) – Loughanmore
• Sat 11 — Newry (H) – Taylorstown
• Sun 12 — Co. Limerick (F) – Rathcannon
• Sun 12 — Duhallow (F) – Dromahane
• Sun 12 — Louth (F) – Tattersalls
• Sun 19 — Doneraile (H) – Dromahane
• Sun 19 — Kilkenny (F) – Tullaherin
• Sun 19 — Westmeath (F) – Castletown-Geoghegan
• Sat 25 — Stonehall (H) – Ballysteen
• Sun 26 — Killeady (H) – Dromahane
• Sun 26 — Meath (F) & Tara (H) – Fairyhouse
• Sun 26 — Tipperary (F) – Lisronagh

May 2026

• Sat 1 — Mid Antrim (H) – Toomebridge
• Sun 3 — East Galway (F) – Stowlin
• Sun 3 — Muskerry (F) – Ballindenisk
• Mon 4 — Muskerry (F) – Dawstown
• Fri 8 — Fermanagh (H) – Necarne
• Sat 9 — Fermanagh (H) – Necarne
• Sun 10 — United Hunt (F) – Bartlemy
• Sun 17 — Galway Blazers (F) – Loughrea
• Sun 17 — United Hunt (F) – Ballindenisk
• Sat 23 — Ormond (F) – Ballingarry
• Sun 24 — Carbery (F) Clonakilty – Inchydoney
• Sun 24 — Ormond (F) – Ballingarry

Point-to-Point FAQs

What is Irish Point-to-Point racing?

Point-to-Point (P2P) is Ireland’s grassroots National Hunt racing. It’s run by hunt committees on designated country courses and is a proven schooling ground for future stars of the track.

Where can I find updated times and entries?

Final race times, entries and declarations are typically confirmed in the week of each meeting by the organising hunt. Always check the host hunt’s latest notice before travelling.

Can I bring the family?

Yes. P2P fixtures are family-friendly outdoor events with parking on site in most locations. Card facilities may be limited in rural venues, so bring cash as a backup.

The post Irish Point-to-Point Fixtures 2026 – Full Spring 2025–26 Schedule (Dates & Venues) appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 50 Highest-Earning Racehorses of All Time – Romantic Warrior Tops the List

Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior has officially become the highest-earning racehorse of all time, amassing a record-breaking $28,595,253 in prize money. Trained by Danny Shum, the six-year-old gelding’s triumphs in the Hong Kong Cup, QEII Cup and Cox Plate have established him as one of the most successful modern champions in the sport.

Hong Kong Heroes Lead the Charge

Romantic Warrior tops a remarkable Hong Kong double, with Golden Sixty taking second on the global list with over $21.4 million in earnings. Both horses have captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide, flying the flag for Hong Kong’s thriving racing scene. Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble also feature further down the list, reflecting the territory’s growing international influence.

Japanese Greats Dominate the Rankings

Japan continues to demonstrate its global racing power with an extraordinary 23 entries in the top 50. Gentildonna ($19.6m), Forever Young ($19.45m), Orfevre ($19.29m) and Ushba Tesoro ($19.14m) all feature in the top six, showcasing Japan’s depth of talent and international reach.

Other Japanese icons such as Almond Eye, Equinox and Deep Impact remain household names, remembered for their grace, power and dominance across Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond. Japan’s strategic investment in breeding and racing infrastructure continues to pay global dividends.

British and Irish Champions Among the Elite

While Asia dominates the top positions, several British and Irish-trained horses proudly feature among the sport’s elite. Legendary mare Enable sits 26th with $13.8 million in prize money. Trained by John Gosden, the dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner remains one of the most beloved horses in modern racing history.

Thunder Snow (12th, $16.47m) stands out as the only horse to win the Dubai World Cup twice – a remarkable achievement that epitomises Godolphin’s global strength. Fellow British-trained star Mishriff (13th, $16.01m) also enjoyed success across continents, including victories in the Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic.

Ireland’s contribution to the list comes through Highland Reel (48th, $10.48m), a globe-trotting warrior under Aidan O’Brien. His triumphs in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, Hong Kong Vase, and Prince of Wales’s Stakes underline his place as one of Ballydoyle’s most successful international campaigners.

American Giants of the Dirt

The United States is represented by a number of high-profile dirt champions. Arrogate (9th, $17.42m) remains one of the richest and most explosive racehorses ever seen, with his Pegasus World Cup and Dubai World Cup double redefining prize money records in 2017. He’s joined by Gun Runner (14th, $15.98m) and California Chrome (23rd, $14.75m), two horses who helped revitalise American racing’s commercial appeal.

Australia’s Icons Leave Their Mark

Australia boasts several of its greatest ever champions on the list, led by Winx (7th, $19.04m), whose 33-race winning streak will likely never be equalled. Nature Strip (18th, $15.41m) also features prominently, famed for his blistering sprinting speed and victory at Royal Ascot. Other notable Australian names include Verry Elleegant (42nd) and Makbye Diva (46th), each with their own legendary careers.

A Global Hall of Fame

The 50 highest-earning racehorses of all time represent the internationalisation of the modern sport. Once dominated by Europe and America, the balance of power has now firmly shifted to Asia and Australasia, with Hong Kong and Japan setting the standard in both prize money and global appeal.

From Romantic Warrior’s dominance in Hong Kong to Equinox’s brilliance in Japan and Enable’s enduring legacy in Europe, this list showcases a generation of champions who transcended borders and captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide.

Rank	Horse	Country	Total Earnings
1	Romantic Warrior	Hong Kong	$28,595,253
2	Golden Sixty	Hong Kong	$21,462,495
3	Gentildonna	Japan	$19,691,454
7	Winx	Australia	$19,049,695
9	Arrogate	USA	$17,422,600
12	Thunder Snow	UK	$16,477,425
13	Mishriff	UK	$16,014,185
26	Enable	UK	$13,807,416
48	Highland Reel	Ireland	$10,486,679

The post Irish-Bred Romantic Warrior Tops the List of Highest-Earning Racehorses appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Willie Mullins has confirmed that State Man will miss the entire season after suffering a tendon injury on the gallops on Wednesday morning.

The shock news has caused major movement in the ante-post market for the 2026 Unibet Champion Hurdle, with Lossiemouth and The New Lion now joint-favourites at 7/2 with William Hill.

“Sadly, State Man has suffered a tendon injury on the gallops here. He’ll definitely be out for the rest of the season,” Mullins told Sporting Life.

The Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned</strong hurdler was being readied for a return in the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown next Saturday. His last outing came when winning the Punchestown Champion Hurdle in May.

Glittering Career Halted

State Man, one of the most consistent two-mile hurdlers of recent times, has won 14 of his 20 starts, earning over £1.5 million in prize money.

He finished runner-up to Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle before gaining redemption in 2024, defeating Irish Point. Last season’s running looked his for the taking before a fall at the final flight.

A dual Cheltenham Festival winner, State Man captured the County Hurdle in 2022 before going on to dominate the top level. He landed 12 Grade 1 victories, including three Irish Champion Hurdles at Leopardstown and four consecutive Punchestown Festival wins.

Since entering open Grade 1 company in November 2022, he has consistently achieved a Racing Post Rating between 165 and 168 in 11 of 15 starts — a hallmark of his class and reliability.

Market Reaction

Bookmakers reacted swiftly to the news. The New Lion, winner of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, shortened to 3/1 (from 7/2) with Bet365, while Lossiemouth was trimmed from 6/1 to 3/1 joint-favourite.

Mullins still holds strong claims, with Anzadam—also owned by the Donnellys—available at 7/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes after two victories since moving from France. He holds entries in the Morgiana Hurdle and betMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Meanwhile, Lossiemouth has eased slightly to 3/1 (from 2/1) for the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, with Wodhooh now leading that market at 5/2.

Updated 2026 Unibet Champion Hurdle Odds
(Cheltenham, March 10)

The post State Man Ruled Out for the Season After Tendon Injury appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

DraftKings has announced plans to launch new prediction markets in the coming months, even as the US sports betting giant reported that “customer-friendly” sports results had negatively impacted its third-quarter performance.

The operator revealed its latest financial figures last week and acknowledged that unexpectedly favourable outcomes for punters had hit revenues. Despite that, the tone from leadership was overwhelmingly positive.

“This is the most bullish I have ever felt about our future,” said chief executive Jason Robins. “Underlying growth in the business is accelerating and we are excited to launch DraftKings Predictions in the coming months, which we view as a significant incremental opportunity.”

The introduction of prediction markets will offer users a new market-style forecasting experience, positioning the company to take advantage of a rapidly evolving sector in the US gaming industry.

DraftKings Secures Major Partnership With ESPN

In addition to the new product launch, DraftKings confirmed that it will become the official sportsbook and odds provider for global sports media company ESPN starting 1 December.

The partnership is viewed as a major commercial milestone, significantly strengthening DraftKings’ reach and influence within the expanding US sports betting ecosystem.

For more betting industry news and analysis, visit SportsNewsIRELAND.com.

The post DraftKings to Launch New Prediction Markets as Company Eyes Growth appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Champion Bumper runner-up Heads Up is set to continue his promising early hurdling career when he returns to Cheltenham on Friday. John McConnell’s five-year-old finished second in the prestigious National Hunt Flat race at the same track in March, rounding off an excellent campaign.

He made a winning hurdling debut at Listowel in September and, despite a couple of green jumps, travelled powerfully to score by two lengths. Now, he steps into deeper waters as he tackles the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs — a notable rise in both distance and calibre.

McConnell Pleased With Progress

“He’s good, all being well he’s going to Cheltenham on Friday for the Grade Two,” McConnell said.

“It’s a big step up from his run at Listowel but he’s in good nick and schooling well, so we’re going there hopeful he can be competitive.

“He’s done a lot of schooling since his last run, he’s a lot sharper now with his jumping. I’d imagine his trip will be longer than two miles ultimately, so this will be a good guide to where we go with him in the future.”

Moon D’Orange Waiting on Soft Ground

McConnell also has another high-profile horse to consider: Moon D’Orange, who remains a possible runner in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.

“We haven’t really had the ground we need for him yet, we want soft ground and we just haven’t had it,” he said.

“He’s in the Coral Gold Cup and there’s every chance we’ll go there if the ground is soft.”

Seddon Returns Safe After Fall at Aintree

Stable favourite Seddon, the versatile 12-year-old, unfortunately came down early at the Chair in the Grand Sefton at Aintree last weekend — but escaped injury.

“Unfortunately the sun was a big factor in the Sefton on Saturday,” McConnell said.
“There was a big shadow at the Chair and he took off there instead of where he should have. He had an easy fall so thankfully he’s OK, but the Chair should probably have been taken out.”

With the horse unharmed, McConnell added: “He’s absolutely fine so he’ll end up going to one of the veterans’ chases, maybe the one at Cheltenham in December.”

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