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Ger Lyons Double on Day 1 of Irish Champions Festival

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:52:13 +0000

Ger Lyons, who has a good record at Irish Champions Festival, completed a double in the opening two races on Saturday.

The Juddmonte Farms-owned previous course and distance winner Máire Rua (5/2) won the opening Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes (Listed) for two-year-old fillies under jockey Colin Keane.

The grey daughter of Frankel came on the outside of the 11-runner field to claim victory by a half-length from the favourite Timeless Tale (2/1), with the Aidan O’Brien-trained pair, Snowing (11/1) and Ibelieveicanfly (3/1) third and fourth respectively.

Birthday boy @ctkjockey gets his day off to a flyer!

Grey Frankel filly Maire Rua comes home best to land the Ingabelle Stakes for the Ger Lyons team. @BallylinchStud | @IrishEBF_ | @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/NtSW3Qtu5D

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 12, 2026

Ger Lyons said of his first race winner:

“She is nice filly going forward. She was out quick and I got onto the tail of Billy [Lee on Timeless Tale]. She picked up well in the straight and she will have no problem going a mile. She needs racing and needs to learn more.”

Lyons took the second race on the card with the success of Krasimir (15/2) and Reece Holohan in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Sovereign Path (Premier Handicap).

The Tally-Ho Stud-bred bay gelded son of Mehmas won by a head from the English-trained Vafortina (7/1), with the Johnny Murtagh-handled Sindagan (12/1), arguable the unlucky runner in the race. coming home in third, three-quarters of one length behind the runner-up.

It’s Ger Lyons again! @LeopardstownRC | @IrishEBF_ pic.twitter.com/8NVAwcFv64

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 12, 2026

Two English Winners

British handlers completed a Group double on day one of Irish Champions Festival. Arabian Crown (11/), supplemented for the Group 3 World Pool Bet With The Tote Kilternan Stakes, while the Simon & Ed Crisford favourite Quddwah (evens favourite) won the Group 2 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes.

A front-running masterclass @godolphin runner Arabian Crown leads his rivals a merry dance under the perfect front-running ride from @the_doyler in the G3 Kilternan Stakes.@HKJC_Racing | @WorldPool pic.twitter.com/s71NtSGWfv

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 12, 2026

Murphy and McCreer take Premier Handicaps

Tipperary handler Joe Murphy took a Premier Handicap when Immutable (25/1), under Luke McAteer, won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Pettingo Handicap.

The six-year-old bay gelding had a neck to spare over the Joseph O’Brien-trained Yousaynothingatall (6/1) and Oisín Murphy, with Willie Mullins’ Too Bossy For Us (11/1) next home in the hands of Ben Coen.

The final race, the World Pool Bet With Tote Autumn Fillies Handicap (Premier Handicap), went to Ben Coen and Willie McCreery, as Rebel Wave (7/1) got the better of Chica Guerra (18/1) and Killashee Warrior (8/1) by a half-length and a short-head respectively.

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King Alexander & Daniel King win Tote Galway Plate

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:32:42 +0000

King Alexander (20/1) won the Tote Galway Plate at Ballybrit on Wednesday afternoon,

Trained by Willie Mullins, the Daniel King-ridden eight-year-old gave the Closutton trainer his third victory in the Grade 3 feature.

In a race where big-priced horses filled the first three spots, Paul Nolan’s Conyers Hill (25/1), the mount of Aldan O’Sullivan, was second, with Gorgeous Tom (25/1), from the Waterford stable of Henry de Bromhead, third at 25/1.

There was only a half-length and three-quarters-of-a-length respectively between the first three finishers in the €270,000 Wednesday feature.

Rising star Daniel King gives us his reaction to winning the Galway Plate for Willie Mullins pic.twitter.com/9rqMzkGHdi

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 29, 2026

Willie Mullins treble

The win completed a treble for Mullins this evening, having earlier won the maiden hurdle and the mares’ handicap hurdle.

The champion trainer began the day with the victory of Mr Hollywood (2/1 favourite) in the opening Tote Guaranteed 50k Placepot Maiden Hurdle.

The gelded bay son of Iquitos, last seen when finishing third in the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot last month, came late on the stands’ side under Brian Hayes as the six-year-old beat Emmet Mullins’ Jeroboam Machin (10/1) and Donagh Meyler by half-a-length. Another Willie Mullins-prepared runner, Al Arrivee (3/1), the mount of Patrick Mullins, was two-and-a-half lengths further back to complete a Mullins family trifecta.

Mullins had brought up a double on the evening when the impressive French-bred Venusienne took the Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten by SP Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle for rider Harry Cobden. The daughter of Capital Stud’s Authorized had a two-and-a-half length advantage over the Joseph O’Brien-trained Fratas (2/1f) at the winning line, with Emesteraye (16/1) third.

Handicap BLOT

Venusienne turns what looked a hugely competitive handicap into a procession.@CobdenHarry | @WillieMullinsNH | @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/zH1bFlQkYN

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 29, 2026

Berkshire is Mighty in Handicap Hurdle

Mighty Berkshire (15/2) was a popular victor in the Tote.ie Money-Back 2nd Every Race Handicap Hurdle for owner/jockey Declan Queally. The Waterford handler’s runner was only contesting his second handicap, and the addition of new headgear seemed to help the six-year-old bay gelding. Owned by the Man About Dog Syndicate, comprising members from counties in Munster, Mighty Berkshire won by a length-and-a-quarter from Noel Meade’s Golden Temple (5/1), with Macshadow Des Crai third at 14/1 under Jack Kennedy.

All change late on!

Mighty Berkshire collars Golden Temple, who must have traded VERY short in-running!@Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/e2l9rwhOkY

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 29, 2026

Birthday winner for Dermot Weld

Abbotsford (7/4 favourite), owned and bred by Juddmonte Farms, gave Dermot Weld a birthday present when winning the Visit Tote26 On Course (Q.R.) Maiden over one mile four furlongs and 43 yards.

The three-year-old son of Frankel, who was gelded since finishing runner-up at Cork last May, was an easy seven-and-a-half length winner for amateur jockey Finny Maguire, son of former top National Hunt rider, Adrian.

Joey Sheridan and Minella Rockett (10/1) came late in the Tote Every Day Is A Money-Back Day Handicap to get a neck advantage over Johnny Soda (11/2) at the line, to deny Ado McGuinness another winner at Galway this week. Krasimir (15/2) was a head back in a tight finish to the 1 mile 123 yards race.

The final race of Galway Plate Day, the Bet With Tote.ie On Racing & Sports Handicap went the way of Cock And Bull (7/2jf) for Sam Coen and Emmet Mullins.

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Western Fold gives Elliott & Kennedy Grade 1 win in Champion Novice Chase

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:18:36 +0000

Western Fold (18/1) was another big-price Grade 1 winner on day one of the 2026 Punchestown Festival.

The Gordon Elliott-handled seven-year-old son of Westerner gave the trainer and stable jockey Jack Kennedy their only winner of the day when taking the Dooley Insurance Champion Novice Chase.

18/1 chance Western Fold lands Grade 1 honours in a thrilling Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase! @punchestownrace @jackkennedy15 | @gelliott_racing pic.twitter.com/cz1lUqcgUT

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

Fleur In The Park (11/1), winner of the Grade 1 Willow Warm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival, claimed the runner-up spot on this occasion, three-and-three-quarter lengths behind the winner.

Representing the trainer and jockey combination of Andy Slattery and Cian Quirke, the son of Grange Stud-based stallion Walk In The Park, had four-and-a-half lengths in hand on the third-place finisher Nowwhatdoyouthink (33/1) at the line.

"An unexpected one!"

Jack Kennedy on Grade 1 glory aboard Western Fold which puts him one further clear in the title race.

"I can't put my finger on it," adds the rider on El Cairos @Franmberry | @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/DXhKT3B5pn

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

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Brave and determined Kitzbuhel lands G1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:18:01 +0000

Kitzbuhel (11/1) was bravery personified as he led from the start to land the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.

Ridden by Harry Cobden, the six-year-old French-bred grey gave his trainer Willie Mullins a 1-2 as the Paul Townend-ridden Final Demand (7/2) was runner-up three-quarters-of-a-length behind the winner.

Salver (25/1), with Caoilin Quinn in the saddle, was third for handler Gary Moore, two-and-a-quarter lengths behind Final Demand.

Kitzbuhel, owned by Corkman Joe Donnelly, provided Willie Mullins with a Grade 1 double on the day.

A difficult season for owners Joe & Marine Donnelly, but they reflect on Grade One glory with Kitzbuhel pic.twitter.com/rcGPwbZmg2

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 11, 2026

It was an eighth Cheltenham Festival win for the Donnellys, a seventh for jockey Harry Cobden and a 117th success for trainer Willie Mullins.

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Leinster Senior Cup Rugby – List of games on TV, Squads, Draw, Results & Live score updates

JoeNa Connacht — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:16:38 +0000

Leinster Senior Cup and Junior Cup Rugby – List of games on TV Squads, Draw, Results & Live score updates for the 2025 competition.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES FOR LEINSTER SENIOR CUP RUGBY

BANK OF IRELAND LEINSTER RUGBY BOYS SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP

The quarter-finals will be played at Energia Park in the week commencing February 9. All 15 games of this year’s tournament will be broadcast live on Leinster Rugby Plus, with the first round games now available to watch back on demand.

SECOND ROUND

Blackrock College v St Gerard’s School

St Michael’s College v Cistercian College Roscrea

St Mary’s College v Newbridge College

Terenure College v Gonzaga College

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Romantic Warrior wins 4th Group 1 Hong Kong Cup

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:50:06 +0000

Romantic Warrior turned on the style at Sha Tin on Sunday morning as he claimed an unprecedented fourth straight victory in the HK$40 million Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m).

Hong Kong International Sale graduate Romantic Warrior has now reached a tally of 11 Group 1s in four different jurisdictions, as the James McDonald-ridden seven-year-old ran out a convincing length and three-quarters winner over Bellagio Opera in his latest Group 1 success.

McDonald broke well and sat just behind a steady pace set largely by Joseph O’Brien’s Galen, whose rider Dylan Browne McMonagle tried to get first run on the field as the group of seven turned into the home straight.

Romantic Warrior was travelling well within himself and with 400m remaining, he was in front and was never going to be passed despite the late challenge from Bellagio Opera, with Quisisana sneaking in late for third.

Shum very proud of Romantic Warrior

Winning trainer Danny Shum said of his multiple Group 1 winner:

“I’m very proud of Romantic Warrior and our stable team, they work really hard. It’s a big relief. He always gives me a lot of happiness, not only me but my stable, owners, my family and in Hong Kong, even racing fans or non-racing fans, they all love Romantic Warrior.

“To be honest, there was a lot of pressure. He had his surgery (when a screw was inserted in his left front leg at the end of May), but he is such a good, calm, lovely horse. He’s part of my family, I love him. My son says I love Romantic Warrior more than him!

“He’s very easy to train. He doesn’t need too much work and his body weight will tell you, his appetite will tell you how fit he is.”

It’s FOUR Hong Kong Cups for the brilliant ROMANTIC WARRIOR! @HKJC_Racing | @HongKong_Racing | #HKIR | #HKRacing pic.twitter.com/f2sEElvud7

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 14, 2025

Romantic Warrior is likely to be aimed another another clash with Forever Young, who he pushed all the way to the line in that famous Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) showdown earlier this year.

“He’s so special”

The successful rider, James McDonald, summed up his admiration for Romantic Warrior by stating:

“He’s so special, he’s so special. He’s just a freak. I don’t know what to say. I just love him. I love him.”

Dylan Browne McMonagle, the rider of the Joseph O’Brien-trained Galen, who out-ran his odds of 25/1 to finish fourth, said of the four-year-old son of Gleneagles:

“He’s a very, very tough horse and he wears his heart on his sleeve. We were drawn a little bit wide and he didn’t step as well as he usually does, which meant I had to work a little bit around the first bend. But I got into a nice rhythm and he was tough the whole way to the line.”

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Ka Ying Rising Is Imperious in Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:31:25 +0000

Ka Ying Rising, the world’s best sprinter, stretched his consecutive winning streak to 16 with victory in the HK$28 million Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin this morning.

The New Zealand-bred gelding secured his sixth Group 1 victory to enhance his record to 17 wins and two seconds from 19 starts with prize money of HK$122.5 million.

In a powerful display after drawing barrier one for the first time in his career, the Shamexpress gelding produced one of his best victories with a masterful ride from Zac Purton, who steered the champion into the middle of the home straight in search of the best ground.

Ka Ying Rising surged away to beat Raging Blizzard by three-and-three-quarter lengths, with Fast Network third after being eased down by Purton over the closing 150 metres.

“I think we showed everyone what he can do…”@zpurton reacts to Ka Ying Rising’s performance in the Hong Kong Sprint after blowing his rivals away at Sha Tin! @HKJC_Racing | @HongKong_Racing | #HKIR | #HKRacing pic.twitter.com/HPvzjbdLjj

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 14, 2025

“In a league of his own”

Purton said Ka Ying Rising’s performance was what everyone wanted to see.

“His last run showed us that it was on the cards today,” he said. “He drew the right gate, and when the barrier came out, they said, ‘What do you think?’ And I said he would win by further.

“He is just in a league of his own now. And not having to do that extra work into the first corner from a wide gate to try and get forward, probably helped him.”

The best Hayes has trained

Declaring Ka Ying Rising the best horse he has trained, David Hayes said he was relieved the five-year-old gelding didn’t let the stable or the public’s expectations down.

“He was just superb today,” he said. “The messages he was sending the week of the race suggested he’d do something like that. We are not running fast times today but he did – (running) a lot faster than the other races.”

Hayes said there were horses in the race with Royal Ascot, Dubai and Breeders’ Cup form and they were probably the best sprinters around, and while Ka Ying Rising was making them look ordinary, he said they certainly weren’t.”

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Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:55:04 +0000

Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances

The women’s heptathlon promises to be one of the highlights of the championships, and Irish fans have a real reason to watch closely as Kate O’Connor looks to make history. The 23-year-old from Dundalk is aiming to become the first Irish woman to win a global medal in the event.

American Anna Hall is the clear favourite for gold at 4/7, followed by defending champion Nafissatou Thiam (9/4) and Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson (11/2). Those three are odds-on for medals, but the battle for bronze could be decided by just a handful of points.

“The one thing about winning medals for these events now is that it does increase the pressure, the expectation levels from people watching on,” O’Connor, who begins her heptathlon challenge on Friday morning.

O’Connor’s 6,487-point haul at the World University Games in Germany is the fifth best of 2025, although Olympic champion Nafi Thiam from Belgium and Great Britain’s world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson have yet to record a score this season.

“I’ve got an idea in my head if things go really, really well, what could happen but I just want to turn up and just enjoy the competition.

“If I could, I would love to string together seven performances that I’m really proud of.”

Kate O’Connor’s Full Schedule (Irish Times)

Day 7 – Friday, 19 September
Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon Events
- 100m Hurdles (Heat 1): 13:44PB – 1059pts
- High Jump (Group A): 10:20 (18:20)
- Shot Put (Group B): 12:30 (20:30)
- 200m (Heat 1): 13:38 (21:38)
Day 8 – Saturday, 20 September
03:30 – Long Jump | 11:00 – Javelin | 13:11 – 800m (final event)

Medal Chances

O’Connor is priced at 9/2 to claim a medal and 50/1 for gold. Her strongest events are the javelin and long jump, where she can claw back points on the leaders. If she stays competitive in the hurdles, high jump and 200m, she could head into the 800m with a real shot at bronze.

Her main rivals for the podium outside the “big three” include Annik Kalin (5/2) of Sweden and Finland’s Saga Vanninen (7/2). Sofie Dokter (NED) and Taliyah Brooks (USA) are also strong competitors.

Prediction

Gold: Likely to be a duel between Hall and Thiam, with Johnson-Thompson a live threat if she produces her best.
Bronze: Wide open – and Kate O’Connor is right in the mix. Expect a thrilling finish with the possibility of an Irish medal on the line in the final 800m.

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Beirne to Captain Lions Against Waratahs – Irish Contingent Strong for Sydney Showdown

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:57:07 +0000

Beirne to Captain Lions Against Waratahs – Irish Contingent Strong for Sydney Showdown

Tadhg Beirne will lead the British & Irish Lions into their next Tour match this Saturday as Andy Farrell’s men take on the New South Wales Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney (KO 11:00 BST).

The Munster and Ireland talisman steps into the captaincy role as Maro Itoje is rested, with Beirne joined in the second row by James Ryan, forming an all-Irish engine room.

The selection represents a major chance for several Irish players to push their claims for inclusion in the Test squad to face Australia — with many eyes on Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Finlay Bealham, and Josh van der Flier.

Big Test for Mack, Fitness Watch for Hugo, Bealham in Test Frame

Mack Hansen gets the nod on the wing and will be eager to show the cutting edge that made him a fan favourite during the 2023 Six Nations. It’s a big opportunity to see if he can transfer his form to the Lions stage.

Hugo Keenan starts at full-back in what will be his Lions debut. The Leinster man is returning from injury and this will be a key outing to assess his match fitness before a potential test role against the Wallabies.

Finlay Bealham continues to press hard. With Tadhg Furlong still finding top gear, another strong performance from Bealham could edge him into the 23 for the First Test. Dan Sheehan and Furlong are also among a powerful Irish bench.

In total, 10 Irish players feature in the matchday squad.

Lions XV to Face New South Wales Waratahs

British & Irish Lions v NSW Waratahs
Saturday 6th July 2025 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 11:00am BST | Live on Sky Sports

Starting XV:

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) Debut
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #867
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #878
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #863
11. Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse/ Scotland) Debut
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/ England) #862
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/ England) #860
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/ Scotland) #868
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/ England) #851
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #856
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/ Ireland) #838 (c)
5. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #880
6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/ England) #865
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #874
8. Ben Earl (Saracens/ England) #857

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #873
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/ England) #859
18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #818
19. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #871
20. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #869
21. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/ Wales) #861
22. Ben White (Toulon/ Scotland)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855

Squad Update: Daly Out, Farrell In

Elliot Daly has been ruled out of the rest of the Tour after fracturing his forearm against the Queensland Reds. Owen Farrell has been called up as his replacement and will join the squad in Sydney on Friday evening.

Farrell, Lion #780, returns for his fourth Tour after making 18 Lions appearances between 2013 and 2021. The 33-year-old is England’s record points scorer.

Andy Farrell: “It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s Tour is over. He is a Lions legend and has added so much to the group both on and off the field.”

Tour Manager Ieuan Evans: “Elliot is a wonderful Lion and a world-class player who will be sorely missed. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

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REPORTS: Diogo Jota Tragically Killed in Car Accident in Spain

Garth Kenny — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:44:12 +0000

REPORTS: Diogo Jota Tragically Killed in Car Accident in Spain

Liverpool star Diogo Jota has reportedly died following a car crash in northern Spain at the age of 28 — just two weeks after marrying his childhood sweetheart.

The Portuguese international is believed to have been travelling with his younger brother André Jota, aged 26, who is also feared dead. Both were reportedly in the same vehicle at the time of the accident.

Recent Marriage, Family Tribute

Jota had recently married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children. In an interview released just yesterday, he described himself as “the luckiest man in the world,” reflecting on his young family and new chapter in life.

Crash Details

The crash is said to have occurred on the A-52 motorway in the province of Zamora, a busy route for travellers between northern Portugal and Spain.

Emergency services in the region of Castilla y León released the following statement:

“The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.”

Local authorities, including the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Centre, responded to the scene.

Official Confirmation

As of now, no official statement has been issued by Liverpool FC or the Portuguese Football Federation. But it has appeared on Sky News and BBC

More to follow as this story develops.

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