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Transatlantic Ties: Ireland’s Growing Interest in the Preakness Stakes

Benny Glynn — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:45:31 +0000

You’re starting to notice a distinct shift at Pimlico: Irish-bred thoroughbreds and their connections are quietly reshaping the Preakness Stakes landscape. With pedigrees traced to stalwarts like Galileo and Sadler’s Wells, these imports bring not just European stamina but a blend of commercial ambition and cultural significance.

As transatlantic partnerships evolve and influence everything from bloodstock auctions to race-day strategies, you might question how this momentum will redefine American turf traditions.

Key Takeaways

● Irish-bred horses and pedigrees are increasingly represented among Preakness Stakes contenders, often showing stamina and late-race strength.

● Ireland’s status as a Thoroughbred powerhouse has attracted significant U.S. investment in Irish bloodstock and training expertise.

● American and Irish partnerships, such as those with Coolmore, play a growing role in the Preakness competition and ownership.

● Cultural and fan experiences highlight Irish heritage during Preakness events, deepening transatlantic connections.

● Rising interest from Irish owners and breeders enhances international competition and pedigree diversity at the Preakness Stakes.

The Preakness Stakes: A Historic Racing Landmark

While the Kentucky Derby often captures the public spotlight, the Preakness Stakes holds its own as a cornerstone event in American Thoroughbred racing.

You’ll find its origins rooted in 1873 at Baltimore’s Pimlico Racecourse, two years before the Derby’s debut. Exclusively for three-year-olds, the Preakness is the essential middle leg of the Triple Crown, run over 1 3/16 miles. In most years, the Preakness Stakes is limited to 14 horses at the starting gate, ensuring a competitive but manageable field for this high-stakes race.

Signature symbols—like the Woodlawn Vase and Black-Eyed Susans blanket—underscore its unique identity. Legendary performances, evolving traditions, and a growing purse, now at $2 million, confirm its enduring prestige, drawing international attention and a significant economic impact on Maryland each spring.

Ireland’s Deepening Influence on U.S. Thoroughbred Racing

Ireland’s imprint on the Preakness Stakes and broader U.S. racing scene runs deep, rooted in its status as Europe’s Thoroughbred powerhouse.

Irish horsemanship drives the success of global operations, and the genetic legacy of foundation sires continues influencing elite American pedigrees. As the U.S. turf program expands, Ireland’s expertise and competitive racing environment shape the American breed.

Thanks to recent partnerships between Irish racing and US sporting events, the connection is also being celebrated with themed race days and innovative fan experiences bridging the cultures of both nations.

Irish-Bred Contenders and Their Impact on the Preakness

Pedigree tells a compelling story in the Preakness Stakes, and Irish-bred contenders now play an outsized role in shaping the race’s competitive landscape.

You’ll notice entrants boasting Galileo or Sadler’s Wells in their pedigree frequently deliver strong late surges—hallmarks of Irish stamina breeding.

Irish-influenced bloodlines, whether through sires or broodmares, have turned heads with top-three Preakness finishes and bolstered their betting appeal, prompting sharper focus from seasoned fans analyzing Preakness bets.

Coolmore-bred stock and Irish-American partnerships reflect this transatlantic synergy, intensifying competition. As the Preakness remains a key element of the Triple Crown series in the United States, Irish breeding programs are increasingly drawn to producing horses capable of excelling in this demanding classic race.

The track record of Irish-bred horses has firmly established these bloodlines as a benchmark for quality and adaptability in U.S. classic-distance racing.

Economic and Social Ripples in Baltimore and Beyond

As Irish-bred talent elevates the caliber of the Preakness Stakes, Baltimore feels the tangible effects far beyond the finish line.

Each May, you witness the city’s economy surge, with visitor spending fueling $31.4–$35.7 million in impact, hundreds of jobs, and local tax revenue spikes.

The hospitality sector thrives, as hotels, restaurants, and vendors welcome a global audience, including growing interest from Ireland.

Minority-owned businesses see notable gains, while communal pride and city vibrancy intensify.

Media exposure projects Baltimore onto the international stage, stimulating investment and partnerships.

These ripple effects extend across the region, making the Preakness a linchpin of urban significance.

Globalization and the Rise of Transatlantic Partnerships

While racing circles once fixated primarily on local rivalries and pedigree, today’s Preakness Stakes embodies a broader trend—thoroughbred racing’s transatlantic integration.

You see globalization at work as economic and technological interdependence shapes modern partnerships.

With US and European institutions asserting combined influence, digital infrastructure and innovation now underpin the racing world’s cross-continental engagement.

Political shifts and the pursuit of strategic autonomy alter familiar alliances, requiring coordinated responses to global events.

Expanded inclusion—drawing equine interests from Latin America and Africa—reshapes competitive dynamics, much as in broader market blocs, making transatlantic ties essential for prestige, security, and ongoing sporting relevance.

Looking Ahead: What Increased Irish Involvement Means for American Racing

Although American racing has always attracted international interest, Ireland’s escalating involvement signals a new era defined by dynamic cross-Atlantic exchange.

You’ll notice the landscape shifting as Irish ownership, trainers, and bloodstock increase their stakes in US racing. This drives capital investment, sharpens competition, and transforms race programming.

The effects ripple beyond the track:

● Irish-trained athletes and jockeys lift race quality and audience engagement,

● Transatlantic bloodstock trade injects durability and value into American breeding,

● US tracks adapt schedules and offer richer purses to appeal to global talent.

Expect American Thoroughbred racing to grow more international, innovative, and commercially robust.

From Pedigree to Prestige: What Lies Ahead

As you watch Irish silks flash past Pimlico’s storied grandstands, you’re witnessing tradition meeting transformation. The roots of Sadler’s Wells and Galileo intertwine with American speed, creating a dynamic contrast: Old-World stamina vs. New-World intensity.

This fusion doesn’t alter the field—it shapes the narrative of the Preakness Stakes. In this evolving transatlantic contest, your perspective shifts from spectator to participant in history, where every furlong marks both heritage and new horizons.

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Mr Policeman wins Michael O’Sullivan Chase at Cork Racecourse

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 21:02:33 +0000

Mr Policeman (7/2) won the Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, on Sunday.

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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Racing Home For Easter Festival at Cork Racecourse this weekend

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:32:09 +0000

Cork Racecourse, Mallow, is the venue for a three-day racing festival this Easter weekend.

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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Willie Mullins takes his British title challenge to Plumpton

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:03:43 +0000

Plumpton Racecourse, established in 1884, is set to play a key part in the 2024/25 British Jump trainers’ championship this weekend.

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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New Recruit Bubble Gum Delivers Noblesse Stakes for Twomey and Lee

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 19:13:10 +0000

Bubble Gum gave Paddy Twomey a second success in the 1 mile 4 furlongs Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes (Listed) at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, on Sunday.

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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Delacroix gives Aidan O’Brien a 12th Ballysax Stakes win

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:19:19 +0000

Delacroix boosted his classic prospects with success in the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes (Group 3) at Leopardstown on Sunday.

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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Big Gossey wins Lester Piggott Gladness Stakes at The Curragh

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 16:29:48 +0000

Big Gossey (7/1) won the Lester Piggott Gladness Stakes (Listed) at The Curragh on Saturday.

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 Rise Of Female Jockeys In The Grand National

Benny Glynn — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:21:38 +0000

Since 1977, female jockeys have been allowed in the Grand National horse race following the passing of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.

A total of 20 female jockeys have entered the Grand National at the time of writing, and some have etched their name into the history of the Grand National due to their performances! The Grand National is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. People use the event to enjoy free bets, others watch for the pure love of racing, and these ladies have only added to the action! The women who have participated in the event have made phenomenal strides into a heavily male-dominated sport. Here, we are going to look through some of the greatest performances from female jockeys in the Grand National, showcasing how they have helped the rise and growth of females in horse racing!

The First Female Jockeys In The Grand National

Making history in 1977, Charlotte Brew was the first woman to ride in the Grand National on her horse, Barony Fort. Despite being unable to finish the race as the horse refused to jump over the 27th fence, this rider inspired a generation of future female jockeys. She made an appearance in the 1982 Grand National but was again unable to finish as she was unseated when riding Martinstown.

With Jenny Hembrow riding in the 1979 and 1980 events and Linda Sheedy riding in the 1981 event, these women were not able to finish the race. The Grand National is known for its gruelling nature, and the first woman to finish the race was Geraldine Rees, who accomplished this feat in 1982.

History of Female Jockeys In The Grand National

After Geraldine Rees, there was not a female jockey who finished until 1994, with 9 different attempts from females failing so far. However, Gee Armytage briefly led the race at the 19th fence, becoming the first female to lead the Grand National at any point throughout the event’s history. Rosemary Henderson was the female jockey who broke the streak in 1994, with Fiddlers Pike being the horse that led Rosemary to a 5th-place finish, the best so far for a woman.

This led to an upturn in form for the ladies, as Carrie Ford was able to finish 5th in 2005, and Nina Carberry was able to finish 9th and 7th in both 2006 and 2010, respectively.

In both 2018 and 2021, we saw the races which featured the most female jockeys in Grand National history, with both events having three females compete!

Female Grand National Winner

In 2021, we were able to witness the first and only female winner to date, Rachael Blackmore, claiming the victory as she guided Minella Times to first place. Having taken part in the 2018 and 2019 events, she was able to win the event on her third attempt after falling on her first attempt and finishing 10th on her second. She has currently raced in 6 Grand National events, making her the joint most experienced Grand National female jockey alongside Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry.

Most Well-Known Female Jockeys To Compete In The Grand National

The Grand National has established some female jockeys, with the race being one of the biggest horse racing events in the world; only the best jockeys get to compete. As previously mentioned, Rachael Blackmore is one of the sports superstars, as she has been able to win some of the biggest races around. From the Grand National in 2021, she is also the first woman to be a leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with 6 victories, including the Champion Hurdle in 2021. The following year, she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is one of the biggest horse races.

Katie Walsh is another incredibly influential female jockey who has taken part in The Grand National, yet she was never able to win it. She was still incredibly talented and respected by her competitors. Despite not winning throughout her Grand National career, she has ridden three winners at the Cheltenham Festival, which is no feat to be scoffed at.

Nina Carberry was the other female jockey who featured in 6 different Grand National events, with her best finish being 7th in the 2010 Grand National race. Across her career in the Cheltenham Festival, she was able to claim 7 wins to her name, which is incredibly impressive.

What Is Next For Female Jockeys?

With female jockeys on the rise, we can expect to see many more females taking part in the Grand National event over the next couple of years. With many talented upcoming talents, it would be no surprise to see another female jockey winning the Grand National in the next couple of years!

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Starman Favourite to Lead First Season Flat Sires in 2025 (UK & Ireland)

JoeNa Connacht — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 13:42:49 +0000

Starman Favourite to Lead First Season Flat Sires in 2025 (UK & Ireland)

Starman Heads the Market

As the 2025 flat racing season approaches, attention turns to the freshman sires with their first crop of runners. Bookmakers have released odds for the Leading First Season Flat Sire in the UK & Ireland, and Starman is the clear favourite at 1/3.

Starman won the Group 1 July Cup in 2021. He has proven popular with breeders due to his speed and consistency. His offspring are expected to be fast, early types suited to two-year-old races. That gives him a strong chance of leading the table.

Supremacy Offers Value

Supremacy is the second favourite at 7/2. Trained by Clive Cox, he won the Middle Park Stakes in 2020. Like Starman, he was a top sprinter. His progeny may also hit the ground running in early-season sprints.

Potential from St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica is available at 12/1. He was Europe’s Champion Two-Year-Old in 2020 and claimed two Classic wins in 2021. Although his runners may need time to mature, his class cannot be ignored.

Other Noteworthy Contenders

Space Blues (14/1) brings a mile pedigree and a Breeders’ Cup win to the table. He may produce types more suited to later-season success. Three sires sit at 16/1: Lope Y Fernandez, A’Ali, and Palace Pier.

Lope Y Fernandez has a strong pedigree and was competitive at the top level. A’Ali excelled as a two-year-old sprinter and should pass on his sharp speed. Palace Pier, a multiple Group 1 winner, may shine through later-developing types.

Conclusion

Starman is expected to dominate in 2025. However, early-season winners will be key, and surprises are possible. Punters and racing fans will be watching closely as the first runners emerge on tracks across the UK and Ireland.

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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS: WILLIE MULLINS REFLECTS ON HIS 10 FESTIVAL WINNERS IN 2025

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:38:26 +0000

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS: WILLIE MULLINS REFLECTS ON HIS 10 FESTIVAL WINNERS IN 2025

Friday 14th March

Legendary Irish trainer Willie Mullins capped off another sensational Cheltenham Festival by matching his own record of 10 winners in a single meeting — a feat he previously achieved in 2022.

With this year’s results, Mullins has now trained a record-breaking 113 Cheltenham Festival winners and was crowned Leading Trainer for the 12th time — further cementing his place in Festival history.

Speaking after Gold Cup Day, Mullins reflected on a remarkable week for his stable:

“It has been a fantastic week. Anytime you have a winner at Cheltenham it is good, but to have more than one is brilliant.

We have been very lucky this week, so we are not complaining, as you don’t ever expect to have that many winners here.”

Mullins admitted he was concerned about peaking too early:

“For the last two weeks I was wishing the Festival was on the week before as the whole team was just so well in themselves. I was hoping they weren’t over the top by the time that we came here.

We have probably never done as little work in the final week before Cheltenham. They were just really well in themselves and we were waiting there for something to go wrong.”

The Festival veteran praised the rhythm and preparation that led to success:

“Most times you come into the Festival you wish you had another week to prepare your horses, but this year it just fell into place very well.

We’ve had four fantastic days here, and there were a couple of disappointments, but all the horses and jockeys have gone home safe and sound and will live to fight another day.”

Fairness remains a cornerstone of the Mullins operation:

“I always treat every owner the same. If a man who has a horse on a budget that is as good as, or better than the other horse, our stable jockey rides it.

A lot of our success is how we treat everyone the same. If a smaller man has a good horse, we’ll treat it as good as the biggest owners in the yard. Everyone gets a fair shot.”

He highlighted a pair of standout performances:

“I thought Kopek De BORDES in the Supreme and Fact To File in the Ryanair were two brilliant winners.”

However, he acknowledged a few disappointments too:

“The obvious disappointments were State Man and Galopin Des Champs, but everywhere in between was where we are at.”

Mullins expressed gratitude for the remarkable team around him:

“It surprises me how we keep raising the bar. We are gobsmacked with the owners we have and the horses we have. We pinch ourselves every evening when you check all the horses.”

He also paid tribute to Paul Townend, who succeeded Ruby Walsh as stable jockey and this week claimed the Leading Jockey Award:

“Paul took over from Ruby and it has worked seamlessly. He has a different style of riding to Ruby, but he is getting huge success.

I’m so delighted that he has won the leading rider award here this week as he is a huge part of our team.”

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