Bambino Fever completes Cheltenham-Punchestown bumper double

426A2232bf — Jody Townend and Bambino Fever won the Grade 1 Race & Stay At Punchestown INH Flat Race today. Photo credit: David Betts.

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.”

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

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!”

Willie Mullins five-timer on day 2 of Punchestown Festival

20250430_174540 — Willie Mullins salutes the Punchestown crowd after his day two festival five-timer. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Willie Mullins dominated day two at Punchestown, completing a five-timer.

The Closutton trainer’s winners included the three Grade 1 races on the card.

Kaid D’Authie (9/4 favourite) and Mark Walsh was the first Mullins winner on Wednesday. The J.P. McManus-owned French-bred won the Louis Fitzgerald Hurdle by three and a half lengths.

Kaid D’Authie had pulled up on his most recent racetrack appearance, in the Grade 1 Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

Three Grade 1 victories

In the first Grade 1 of the afternoon, Jasmin De Vaux (13/8 favourite) brought up the Closutton-handled double, and gave stable jockey Paul Townend his first winner of the 2025 Punchestown Festival.

The next Grade 1 on the card was a win for Townend’s sister, Jody, as Bambino Fever (11/8 favourite) completed the Cheltenham-Punchestown champion bumper double.

Galopin Des Champs (5/6 favourite) was most impressive – a 22 length winner – in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup. The son of Timos was a fourth winner on the card for Team Mullins.

James Du Berlais (7/1) and J.J. Slevin completed the Willie Mullins five-timer with success in the Grade 3 Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase.

Crucial winner for John Shinnick

Glanworth, Co Cork jockey John Shinnick closed the gap in his quest for the conditional jockeys’ championship with success on 9/1 chance Thisistheway.

Owned and trained by the Lattas in Wexford, the daughter of Doyen was a length and a quarter victor over the fast finishing Littlefoot (80/1) and Conor Stone-Walsh.

The Tom Mullins-trained, Danny Mullins-ridden Coral River (6/1) was a further three lengths back in third.

Shinnick is now only one winner behind leader Tiernan Power Roche in his bid to succeed Danny Gilligan as champion conditional rider come Saturday afternoon.

British-trained winner

David Pipe continued the success of the British trainers as he won the Adare Manor Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle with Thanksforthehelp (14/1).

Carrying the colours of the race sponsor, J.P. McManus, the Gavin Brouder-ridden eight-year-old grey came late to claim a two and a half-length success from race favourite Ballysax Hank (5/1), with a further three and a quarter lengths back to Stay Gold (20/1) in third.

The Declan Queally-trained and ridden Carrigmornaspruce (11/2) took the concluding Grade 3 Weatherbys GSB EBF (Mares) IMH Flat Race.

Latest News in Irish Soccer

Republic of Ireland Round-Up: Nations League Joy, Louise Quinn’s Retirement, and Kelleher’s Premier League Triumph

April has been a significant month for Irish football, with both the men’s and women’s national teams recording key results. From Nations League success and emotional retirements to major club achievements and injury news, here’s a full update on the Republic of Ireland’s latest soccer stories.

Women’s Team Soaring Under Carla Ward

The Republic of Ireland women’s national team delivered back-to-back wins over Greece in the UEFA Nations League B. A dominant 4-0 away win in Heraklion was followed by a 2-1 victory at home in Dublin, keeping Carla Ward’s side within striking distance of Group 2 leaders Slovenia.

Marissa Sheva, Kyra Carusa, Jessie Stapleton, and Amber Barrett all found the net in the first fixture, while Barrett and Anna Patten sealed the second win. These results place Ireland just three points off top spot with promotion still very much in play.

Louise Quinn Retires After 121 Caps

Amid the celebrations, veteran defender Louise Quinn announced her retirement from international football. The 34-year-old departs with 121 caps and 16 goals, having played a key role in Ireland’s World Cup qualification and their historic game at the Aviva Stadium. Captain Katie McCabe led the tributes, calling Quinn “a warrior, a mentor and a friend.”

Men’s Team Secure Nations League Status

The men’s team defeated Bulgaria 2-1 in the Nations League playoff, ensuring their place in League B. Goals from Chiedozie Ogbene and Alan Browne helped secure a 4-2 aggregate win. Stephen Kenny’s side will now turn attention to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with fixtures against Hungary, Armenia and Portugal on the horizon.

Kelleher Shines as Bazunu Suffers

Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher lifted his first Premier League title after stepping up as first-choice goalkeeper in Alisson’s absence. The Cork native impressed during the title run-in and may now face a decision on his club future, with Liverpool linked to Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Meanwhile, Gavin Bazunu returned to Southampton early from his loan spell at Standard Liège after suffering a knee injury. The setback raises concerns about his fitness for Ireland’s summer fixtures.

How Football is Improving the Online Gambling Industry

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The five British Classics to watch in the 2025 flat racing season

The British Flat racing calendar presents a sophisticated progression of elite competition, beginning with spring trials and culminating in autumn championships.

The five Classics stand as definitive tests, each demanding specific attributes across varying distances that separate genuine contenders from pretenders.

While Flat racing lacks the fences and hurdles of National Hunt events, it compensates with its own brand of unpredictability. The absence of jumps doesn’t eliminate surprises; in fact, the sheer speed and tactical nuances of Flat races often lead to unexpected outcomes.

Several tight finishes and outsiders winning in recent years have underscored the importance of informed racing tips and highlighted the thrilling uncertainty that keeps fans and punters alike on the edge of their seats.

In this article, we delve into the five British Classics of the 2025 Flat racing season, helping you navigate the thrilling unpredictability of these prestigious events.

2,000 Guineas – Saturday, 3 May, Newmarket

The traditional curtain-raiser for the Classic season over the Rowley Mile presents a fascinating ante-post market following the setback to long-time market leader The Lion InWinter. Aidan O’Brien’s colt, previously installed as a warm order based on his impressive juvenile campaign, faces a race against time with connections reporting preparation delays.

In his absence, the Ballydoyle second string has assumed prominence, with Expanded and Twain now commanding serious respect.

Particularly noteworthy is Twain, who performed well in his last win at Saint-Cloud, showing impressive sectional times in the closing stages.

1,000 Guineas – Sunday, 4 May, Newmarket

Desert Flower dominates the ante-post market the next day with compelling credentials to take the 1,000 Guineas.

Charlie Appleby’s unbeaten filly produced a performance of genuine quality when taking the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile last backend, showcasing tactical versatility and a decisive turn of foot.

The Godolphin representative posted impressive sectional times that day, notably running the final two furlongs faster than the colts in the Dewhurst over the same course and distance. Her versatility regarding ground conditions — winning on both good-to-firm and soft — further enhances her credentials.

Epsom Oaks – Friday, 6 June, Epsom Downs

The Oaks is a true test of stamina and class for three-year-old fillies over the challenging mile-and-a-half at Epsom.

Desert Flower is also prominent in the betting for the Oaks, reflecting her versatility and potential over longer distances. The unique demands of Epsom’s undulating track and the infamous Tattenham Corner ensure that only the most balanced and resilient fillies prevail.

Epsom Derby – Saturday, 7 June, Epsom Downs

The Derby is the most prestigious of the British Classics, attracting the best three-year-old colts to compete over a mile and a half. Despite missing the 2,000 Guineas, The Lion InWinter remains the ante-post favourite for the Derby, suggesting Epsom’s twelve furlongs will play to his strengths.

Stablemates Twain and Expanded offer solid alternatives. The latter’s dam is a half-sister to 2014 Derby hero Australia, providing a compelling bloodline connection to this premier classic.

Recent trends indicate the key Derby trials at Chester (Dee Stakes, Chester Vase) and York (Dante Stakes) will again prove instrumental in reshaping ante-post markets, with Lingfield’s Derby Trial less influential in recent seasons.

St Leger – Saturday, 13 September, Doncaster

The St Leger is the oldest of the five Classics and the final leg of the Triple Crown. Run over a demanding one mile and six furlongs, it tests the endurance of the best three-year-olds.

While the field is yet to take shape, early betting markets suggest a competitive race, with several promising stayers expected to emerge as the season progresses.

Marine Nationale wins William Hill Champion Chase

Marine Nationale and Seán Flanagan win the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Marine Nationale (2/1) won the opening day highlight, the Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase on Tuesday afternoon.

A winner at the Cheltenham Festival last March, the Barry Connell-owned and trained gelding, the son of French Navy ran out a seven-length winner over former Cheltenham Champion Chase winner, Captain Guinness (28/1).

The Rachael Blackmore-ridden runner-up was four and a quarter lengths ahead of Solness (11/1) in third.

Marine Nationale, who won the Champion Chase at Prestbury Park in March, becomes the first horse to complete the 2025 Cheltenham-Punchestown double.

A delighted winning owner and trainer, Barry Connell, said of his winner:

“He won doing a half-speed and I think this horse has all the attributes to be a multiple Champion Chase winner going forward.

“Our target is to win three (at Cheltenham) and equal Badsworth Boy, who is the only horse in history to win three Champion Chases despite all the storied horses over the years.

“He’s only eight. That’s his 12^th run. No mileage on the clock so he can go back next year, nine and ten, and he grows an extra leg at Cheltenham. He’s just so laidback, goes through the gears, does enough, doesn’t burn any extra petrol than what he needs.”

Champ Kiely wins Grade 1 Dooley Insurance Champion Novice Chase

Champ Kiely (22/1) completed a Willie Mullins Grade 1 double when winning the Dooley Insurance Champion Novice Chase over three miles this afternoon at Punchestown.

Having won the previous Grade 1 at 18/1 with Irancy, Champ Kiely was returned at a bigger price of 22/1.

With both Lecky Watson and Impaire Et Passe,both also from the Mullins yard, departing early in the race, Ballyburn (11/8 favourite) came more into prominence as the contest progressed.

With the Ronnie Bartlett-owned seven-year-old leading under Paul Townend, Danny Mullins asked Champ Kiely for his effort.

He son of Ocovango battled bravely for Danny Mullins to eventually run out a comfortable six and a half length victor.

Ballyburn, in the runner-up spot, had 11 lengths to spare over Stellar Story (14/1) and Danny Gilligan in third.

Danny Mullins spoke of the good fortune of being part of his uncle’s Closutton team, saying:

“For me, I’m just so lucky to be part of the team in Willie’s. I’m just blessed to be on the team and get to ride some of the good ones on these days.”

Irancy suprises in KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle

Irancy was a surprise 18/1 winner of the first Grade 1 of the Punchestown Festival 2025, the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle.

Ridden by Mark Walsh, the J.P. McManus-owned winner led home a Willie Mullins 1-2-3-4.

The Closutton hot favourite for the race, Cheltenham Festival winner Kopek Des Bordes (30/100 favourite), was fourth of the Mullins winners.

Salvator Mundi (100/30), who made the pace throughout under Patrick Mullins, took the runner-up position nine lengths behind the winner.

Karbau (22/1) and Danny Mullins were third, three lengths behind the second, with Kopek Des Bordes and Paul Townend a further 19 lengths back.

The winning rider, Mark Walsh, was full of praise for trainer Willie Mullins post-race, stating:

“Fair play to Willie for getting this lad to the track because he is a seven-year-old and he has had a lot of problems. Luckily this year everything has gone right for him and he deserved that big race today.

“Once we jumped the third hurdle at the top of the hill, the two lads were gone on me and I couldn’t go any quicker, so I didn’t force this fella.

“He didn’t come down the hill in Cheltenham great so I just held him together going down the hill here in Punchestown and just let him go his own comfortable stride. I wasn’t chasing them. Luckily enough, they came back to me going to the second last.”

Three wins for Mullins but Connell claims Champion Chase

Willie Mullins dominated the Grade 1 proceedings on day one of the 2025 Punchestown Festival, but it was Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale (2/1) who won the Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase.

The Closutton handler won both the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle with Irancy (18/1), and then followed up in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase with Champ Kiely (22/1).

Irancy was ridden by Mark Walsh, while Danny Mullins was the successful rider on board Champ Kiely, meaning the reigning champion jockey and Closutton number one, Paul Townend, ended the day without a winner.

Mullins completed a treble on the card courtesy of Wonderful Everyday (16/1) and Ruth Dudfield in the €100,000 Goffs Defender Bumper.

Two British-trained winners

The visitors won two of the opening three races of the 2025 Punchestown Festival.

Buy Some Time (50/1) led home a cross-channel trained 1-2 as the father and son combination of Mike and Sam Smith claimed the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final Handicap Hurdle ahead of the Fay Bramley-handled Almuhit (11/2) under Richie McLernon.

The Listed Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle was another 1-2 for the British-based runners, as Ascending Lark (8/1) came late to defeat Jonjo O’Neill’s Wilful (13/2).

Wexford handler Richard O’Keeffe had a day to remember when providing the winner and runner-up in the Kildare Hunt Club Cross Country Chase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup.

The winner, Transcript (22/1), ridden by Tony Doyle, and the Barry Stone-guided runner-up Turnupdevolume (5/1), both carried the winning conditioners colours.

The Willie Coonan Memorial INH Flat Race went to the Gavin Cromwell-trained debutant Bud Fox (16/5). Ridden by Derek O’Connor the four-year-old could be picked out a long way from home.

Sweden Football Betting: Tips, Odds & Players to Watch in 2025

Sweden has always been a dark horse in world football—technically sound, physically disciplined, and often underestimated. Whether it’s the Allsvenskan league, Svenska Cupen, or Sweden’s international campaigns, there’s strong value for punters who know where to look.

Allsvenskan Betting: Where Value Lives

The 2025 Allsvenskan season is underway, and it’s already delivering surprises. Malmö FF remain title favourites, but AIK, Djurgårdens IF and IFK Göteborg are all in the hunt. Bookmakers like Paddy Power and Bet365 offer excellent outright and matchday odds, with Malmö often priced short—meaning smarter bets may lie in backing underdogs with home advantage.

Tip: Look out for goalscorer markets. Strikers like Isaac Kiese Thelin and Deniz Hümmet are consistently good value in anytime scorer bets, especially when facing teams in the bottom half.
Also visit our partners at spelbolagutansvensklicens.co for more information on Allsvenskan.

Sweden National Team – Euro 2028 in Sight

Sweden’s national team is rebuilding with a strong blend of youth and experience. Players like Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak are entering their prime, while youngsters from the U21 setup are pushing for places.

In Euro 2028 qualifying, Sweden sit second in their group behind Portugal. Their next fixtures against Czech Republic and Albania are crucial. With Isak in form for Newcastle and Emil Forsberg pulling strings in midfield, the Swedes remain a solid bet for both outright win and first goal markets.

Tip: Sweden tend to score early in qualifiers—first half goals markets offer decent value.

Best Swedish Betting Markets

Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Allsvenskan matches often finish under 2.5 due to tight defending.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Use BTTS in matches involving Djurgården or Elfsborg—strong attackers, leaky defences.
In-Play Betting: Sweden’s national team can fade late—look for odds shifts after 70 minutes.

Conclusion: Backing Swedish Football with Confidence

Swedish football offers solid betting opportunities across club and international games. Do your homework, track form, and monitor injury news. With the right picks, Sweden can be more than just a fun watch—they can be a profitable one too.