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Fastorslow wins Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup

Fastorslow leads Galopin Des Champs in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup. Credit: David Betts.

Fastorslow created a major upset in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup this evening when claiming the week’s feature race at the Co Kildare track.

Going to post a 20/1 chance, the Martin Brassil-trained seven-year-old had the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Galopin Des Champs, the runner-up, Bravemansgame, and the winner of the Ryanair, Envoi Allen among his opponents, along with the Gordon Elliott-handled Fury Road making up the five-runner field.

The English challenger made most the running throughout the race, before being challenged out his outside by Galopin Des Champs on entering the Punchestown home straight. With Fasterslow in third position at this stage, it looked as thought the ‘big-two’ would fight out the finish. As Harry Cobden on Bravemansgame and Paul Townend on the odd-on race favourite went for victory, J.J. Slevin continued to coax the eventual winner back into contention.

In the final furlong, Fasterslow was the strongest as he held off the top two in the betting marker to record a two-and-a-quarter length win to the surprise of the silent stands.

A Dream To Share Wins Grade 1 Punchestown Champion Bumper

A Dream To Share won an incredible fifth bumper when winning the Race and Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race. The victory, followed wins at the Dublin Racing Festival in March and the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival last month.

Today he had to battle more than ever. He was challenge on the home stretch by Tullyhill, the mount of Patrick Mullins but the 8/11f showed his quality, under John Gleeson, to eventually move clear and win by three-and-three-quarter lengths at the winning post. His record now reads 5 wins from 5 runs and two wins at Grade 1 level.

Gaelic Warrior was an easy 10-length winner of the Grade 1 Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle. The German-bred son of Maxios was comfortable throughout the race under Paul Townend. The win, another success at the highest level for this week for Willie Mullins.

Ballybawn Belter (17/2), in the colours of the race sponsor J.P. McManus, won the opening Adare Manor Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle. Trained in Wexford by Liz Doyle, the five-year-old bay filly travelled well throughout the 2m 3f 180yards race, and claimed the lead on entering the home straight.

Though the daughter of Valirann began to tire in the shadows of the line, jockey Charlie O’Dwyer kept the previously two-time winner going to claim the win by one length. The English-trained challenger Bread And Butter finished runner-up for trainer Ollie Murphy, with Mouse Morris’ Camino Rock a neck further back in third.

The race favourite, Sandor Clegane (15/8) third in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival, was a comfortable winner of the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series Final, a second Wexford trained winner on the day, this time for Paul Nolan, and ridden by Seán O’Keeffe.

Grangeclare West (6/4f), who had disappointed on his two previous runs, ran out a four-and-a-quarter length winner of the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle. In the colours of Cheveley Park Stud, the seven-year-old gelded son of Presenting was another winner at Punchestown 2023 for jockey Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins.

Hereditary Rule under seven-pound claimed Shane O’Callaghan gave John McConnell a Punchestown Festival winner when claiming the €100,000 HSS Hire Handicap Steeplechase, the penultimate race on the Wednesday card.

Padraig Harrington: The Irish Golfer Enjoying His Game Despite His Age

Padraig Harrington: The Irish Golfer Enjoying His Game More Than Ever Despite His Age

Padraig Harrington, a legendary Irish golfer, may be at the twilight of his professional career at 51 years old, but he is determined to continue playing on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. Although he has been performing well on the PGA Tour Champions, he still wants to compete against the very best and win against young players. According to him, he is loving golf more than ever before and has eliminated the things he doesn’t want to do, allowing him to enjoy his life on tour, which is reflecting in his game. Harrington has also embraced the changing times and is active on social media, sharing golf hints and tips during the pandemic.

Improving Swing Speed is a Priority

Harrington has been focused on improving his swing speed, and winning a recent bet with Shane Lowry, where he got to 191 mph, was a feather in his cap. He advises that swing speed is not about getting stronger in the gym, but more about breaking the mental, psychological barrier of swinging faster without the fear of hitting crooked. Harrington believes that players should train themselves to swing ten miles an hour quicker and swing easy, and they will be five miles an hour quicker on the golf course.

Padraig HARRINGTON (IRE) during the play off at the British Open Championship, 22nd July 2007. With the famous claret jug.

Knee Operation Can Wait

Despite needing an operation on his right knee, Harrington will not do so in the very near future because he is playing too well to take six months off. However, he is managing his knee by doing a lot of physio and strengthening the rest of his leg to protect the knee. At the moment, he is good to go.

Winning is More Important Than Age Records

Harrington is currently the oldest player on the DP World Tour, but he’s more interested in winning than being the oldest winner. He feels good about his game and believes he can win at any stage. His aim is to win rather than getting lucky and setting a record.

Confidence in Europe’s Ryder Cup Team

As the captain for the Ryder Cup in 2020, Harrington knows that it is crucial to have the right players for a successful campaign. He is confident that the current European team is in a good place, with top players such as Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick performing exceptionally well. However, Harrington believes that they still need a few more senior and young players to show some form to be competitive.

Launching Marlay Putting Green

Harrington was in Ireland last week to launch the Marlay Putting Green, an initiative he had been working on for three years. The funding for the project came from the R&A and Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme. Harrington wanted to give something that everyone could enjoy, regardless of their skill level or whether they are golfers or not. He believes that putting is easy for beginners but difficult for experienced players, and he hopes that the Marlay Putting Green will give people of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to enjoy the game.

Can Arsenal keep lead over Manchester City?

Can Arsenal keep lead over Manchester City? 

In an upcoming Premier League match, Arsenal will face off against Manchester City, and both teams’ managers, Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, have downplayed the match’s significance in the title race. However, looking at the data, there may be more at stake than they realize.

Top Two Teams Face Off

This is the ninth time in Premier League history that the top two teams will meet after 33 or more games. In all previous eight instances, the team in the lead with five or fewer points has won the title. The only exception was in 2008 when Chelsea defeated Manchester United 2-1, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s team still finished first by two points.

Past Title Showdowns

The last time there was a title showdown like this was in 2014, where neither team won the league. Chelsea defeated leaders Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield, but City ended up being crowned champions on the final day.

Title Odds

Data analysts Nielsen Gracenote currently rate City as having a 79% chance of winning the title. However, if Arsenal wins the upcoming match, they become the favorites with a 55% chance of winning. On the other hand, if City wins, their chance of winning the title goes up to 89%, and Arsenal’s chance drops to 11%.

Remaining Games

It’s important to note that City has two games in hand on Arsenal, who have drawn their last three matches.

Managerial Opinions

While the match is crucial, both managers have emphasized that it’s not the end of the title race. Guardiola said that “It is really important, but not decisive because there are many games to play.” Arteta and Guardiola worked together at City before Arteta became the Arsenal manager in 2019. However, Guardiola says that “nothing changes” their relationship when their teams face each other.

Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns Seal Western Conference Semi-Finals Spot

Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns Seal Western Conference Semi-Finals Spot

The Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns have both secured their places in the Western Conference semi-finals after winning their respective series. The Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-109, while the Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 136-130, both clinching 4-1 series wins. These teams will now face each other for a spot in the conference finals, with the first game scheduled to take place in Denver on Saturday.

Nikola Jokic Leads Nuggets to Victory

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic was instrumental in the Nuggets’ victory against the Timberwolves, scoring 28 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and providing 12 assists. Jamal Murray also added 35 points, helping the top seeds of the Western Conference secure a spot in the semi-finals for the fourth time in five seasons.

Devin Booker Shines as Suns Overcome Clippers

In Phoenix, Devin Booker put in a spectacular performance with 47 points to help the Suns recover from an opening game defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Suns won four straight games to take the series, despite the Clippers missing their star players Paul George and Kawhi Leonard due to injury. Although the Clippers led by 10 points at the start of the second half, Booker’s 25 points in the third quarter helped the Suns to overcome the deficit and advance to the next round.

Hawks Stay Alive in Eastern Conference Series

In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks kept their series against the Boston Celtics alive with a thrilling 119-117 victory. Trae Young was the hero for the Hawks, scoring a three-pointer with just 1.8 seconds remaining in the game. Young finished with 38 points, 13 assists, and four rebounds, helping his team to force a game six in Atlanta on Thursday. The Celtics had looked set for victory after dominating the second half and leading by 13 points halfway through the fourth quarter, but the Hawks refused to give up and rallied late to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Hawks Coach Praised Team’s Resilience

After the game, Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We were tough-minded. It’s tough to be down through the whole game. We were hanging in there and hanging in there. We just didn’t capitulate.” The Celtics still lead the series 3-2, and the Hawks will need to win the next game to force a decisive game seven.

Formula 1 introduces new ‘sprint’ race format for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Formula 1 introduces new ‘sprint’ race format for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

In an effort to inject more excitement and unpredictability into the race weekend, Formula 1 has introduced a new ‘sprint’ race format starting with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The ‘sprint’ race will be held on Saturday, separate from the main grand prix, and will have its own qualifying session called the ‘sprint shootout.’

New qualifying format

Qualifying for the main Grand Prix will still be held on Friday, while a shorter qualifying session will be held on Saturday to determine the grid for the sprint race. The sprint qualifying will have three sessions, with the slowest five cars eliminated after each of the first two sessions, which will last 12 and 10 minutes, respectively. The final top-10 contest will last eight minutes. This is a departure from the standard qualifying format, which has three sessions of 18, 15, and 12 minutes.

Tyre use

Teams will be required to use new tyres in each session of the sprint qualifying, with the ‘medium’ compound in the first two sessions and the ‘soft’ compound in the final top-10 contest. In the standard qualifying, tyre use is unrestricted.

The purpose behind the changes is to create more excitement in the ‘sprint’ race and encourage drivers to take more risks. The previous format for sprint weekends, which was introduced in 2021, had the Friday qualifying session setting the grid for the sprint race, and the result of the sprint establishing the grid for the main grand prix. This meant drivers were hesitant to take risks in the sprint race, as any errors or accidents would significantly impact their chances in the grand prix.

Points system

As before, the top eight finishers in the sprint race will receive points, ranging from eight points for first place to one point for eighth place. Although the new format aims to introduce more jeopardy and excitement, the point rewards for the sprint race are still significantly lower than for the grand prix.

Benefits of the new format

The new format for the sprint race has the added benefit of eliminating a Saturday practice session that was previously held with race fuel loads and was unexciting for viewers. Instead, this session has been replaced by the new qualifying session for the sprint race. The new format will be used at all six of the sprint weekends this season.

Permitted engine components increased

Finally, the F1 Commission has agreed to increase the permitted number of specific engine components from three to four this season. These components include the internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and the MGU-K and MGU-H, the two parts of the hybrid system that recover energy. This decision is a boost for Ferrari and Mercedes, both of whom have drivers on their second examples of some of these components after just three races of the season, and are thus now further from suffering grid penalties for excessive parts usage than they were.

Kildare Wins 2023 Leinster U20 Football Title

Kildare Wins 2023 Leinster U20 Football Title

Kildare secured their second consecutive EirGrid Leinster U20 football title by defeating Dublin in a dramatic extra-time encounter. The Lilywhites needed 80 minutes this time around, having won the title in 60 minutes last year. Kildare’s victory marked their first successful title defence since the 1960s.

Sinkey Named Man of the Match

Ryan Sinkey was the star performer for Kildare, striking four points and earning the Man of the Match award. His strong display helped Brian Flanagan’s side through to the All-Ireland semi-final clash on May 6, where they will face either Derry or Down who meet in the Ulster final.

Kildare Aims for All-Ireland Title

After finishing as All-Ireland runners-up last year, Kildare will be looking to go one step further this time. The team demonstrated courage and character in their victory against Dublin and showed that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Dublin’s Heartbreak

Dublin suffered back to back heartbreak as they were defeated by Kildare in the final for the second year in a row. Despite changing almost a third of their team from the side that beat Meath a week earlier, Dublin could not secure their first title since 2020.

Tight and Tense Encounter

The match was tight and tense throughout, with Kildare trailing or level with Dublin for much of regular time. Colm Dalton’s brilliant score for Kildare in the 62nd minute tied the game up at 0-11 apiece and forced extra-time.

Kildare Dominates Extra Time

Kildare pulled decisively clear in extra-time, outscoring Dublin by 0-5 to 0-2 in the additional 20 minutes. Adam Fanning, Callum Bolton, Shane Farrell, goalkeeper Cormac Barker, and Oisin O’Sullivan all contributed crucial scores for Kildare.

Sinkey Provides Early Inspiration

Sinkey provided the early inspiration for Kildare, scoring three terrific points that tied the scores up at 0-4 apiece after 20 minutes. However, Dublin responded with three points of their own to take a narrow 0-7 to 0-5 lead at half-time.

Kildare’s Terrific Response

Kildare produced a terrific response in the third quarter, with four points between the 42nd and 48th minutes from Bolton, Sinkey, O’Sullivan, and Fanning nudging them ahead for the first time, 0-10 to 0-9. The game remained anyone’s for the closing minutes, with Dalton’s equaliser sending the match to extra-time.

Dublin’s Changed Line-Up

Dublin made several changes to their team from the side that beat Meath by four points a week earlier. Talisman forward Luke Breathnach and defender Eoghan O’Connor Flanagan were both carried off with injuries against Meath and missed out, while Joe Quigley, Finn Bruton, Michael McDonald, and Seamus Smith all lined out.

Closing Thoughts

Kildare’s victory against Dublin was a testament to their resilience and determination. The team will now be looking ahead to the All-Ireland semi-final clash with confidence, knowing that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Scorers for Kildare: Ryan Sinkey 0-4, Colm Dalton 0-3, Shane Farrell 0-2 (0-2f), Callum Bolton 0-2, Adam Fanning 0-2, Oisin O’Sullivan 0-2, Cormac Barker 0-1 (0-1f).

Scorers for Dublin: Joe Quigley 0-5 (0-3f), Ross Keogh 0-4 (0-3f), Luke Ward 0-1, Greg McEneaney 0-1, Seamus Smith 0-1, Bill Costello 0-1.

Kildare: C Barker; R Burke, H O’Neill, T Von Engelbrechten; J Harris, J McGrath, J McKevitt; F Cooke, S Farrell; R Sinkey, C Bolton, C Dalton; E Cully, O O’Sullivan, A Fanning.

Subs: Sean Hanafin for Cully 41, Darragh Swords for Cooke 54. Ethan Mountaine for Von Engelbrechten e/t, Niall Dolan for Sinkey 64, Fionn O Giollain for Burke 70+1, Daire Guerin for McGrath 75.

Dublin: A Smyth; F Bruton, T Clancy, E Nugent; A Gavin, G McEneaney, D O’Leary; E Dunne, M McDonald; C Dolan, R Keogh, S Smith; L Ward, J Quigley, D Dempsey.

Subs: Bill Costello for Dempsey h/t, James Cotter for Smith 45, Tom Brennan for McDonald 50, Dara McGrath for O’Leary 62. Charlie McMorrow for Cotter e/t, McDonald for Costello 66, Caelum Moriarty for Quigley 70+1, Clyde Burke for Dolan 77.

Video – O’Callaghan buys record-breaking lot at Goffs Breeze-Up

O’Callaghan buys record-breaking top lot at Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale

The Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale in Doncaster saw a record-breaking top lot as Michael O’Callaghan sealed the deal for a Harry Angel colt at £500,000, the highest amount ever paid for a Flat horse in Doncaster.

The auction was marked by fierce competition and strong bidding, with onlookers including trainer Michael O’Callaghan and Kia Joorabchian, head of the Amo Racing team.

Family success and potential

The Harry Angel colt, out of Go Angellica, is a member of a successful family in the Doncaster ring, with Go Angellica being a Listed-winning sibling to the US stakes winner Bredenbury and My Lucky Liz, dam of O’Callaghan’s Twilight Jet, who jointly topped the 2021 renewal of this sale at £210,000 before going on to win Group 3s at two and three.

According to O’Callaghan, the Harry Angel colt is “the best horse here, and by a long way”. He said: “We’ve been extremely lucky with the vendor and he’s from the same family as Twilight Jet, who’s been a very good horse for us. If there’s one from the sale I didn’t want to leave without, it was him.”

O’Callaghan also said that the colt needs to win a Group 1, adding that “this is a horse who may potentially be traded down the line but he has to go and do it now. If he reaches a high level by the middle of the summer, then who knows? He’s ready to go anyway. Hopefully we’ll be getting the top hat out.”

Long-awaited success

The Harry Angel colt was sourced by the Tally-Ho team at the 2021 Goffs November Foal Sale, where he cost €38,000. Roger O’Callaghan, no relation to the buyer, commented on the sale, saying: “A class horse, always was. When we bought him, the plan was to breeze him. It’s worked out beyond our expectations. He was always natural; he’s got an unbelievable temperament, he was a very simple horse to breeze. When you asked him he delivered, and when you didn’t he didn’t.”

The consignor also praised the sale, saying: “I had no expectations but it’s been a very good sale. Fair dues to Donny, they got it right. It’s been a good day at the office.”

Willie Mullins dominates day 1 of Punchestown Festival

Energumene and Paul Townend win the Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown. Credit: David Betts.

It was a Grade 1 double for champion trainer Willie Mullins on the opening day of the 2023 Punchestown Festival as Facile Vega and Energumene took wins at the Co Kildare track.

In a five-runner Champion Chase, where Mullins provided four of the runners, the other coming from the Henry de Bromhead yard, it was Rachael Blackmore on de Bomhead’s Magic Daze that cut out the running.

With the odds-on favourite Energumene making an error three from home, Chacun Pour Soi and Danny Mullins came on their outside, and it was four Closutton horses battling it out heading to the second last.

With Paul Townend and Energumene on the inside of the track, Danny Mullins and Chacun Pour Soi lay down their challenge, and the race was between them heading to the last. As they went head-to-head up the home straight the Tony Bloom-owned nine-year-old won the battle of the French-breds as he had enough to hold off the 11-year-old Chacun Pour Soi by three-quarters-of-a-length and he took his six Grade 1 victory.

Blue Lord came home third with Gentleman Du Mee fourth and Magic Daze the last of the five to finish.

Facile Vega gave Paul Townend and Willie Mullins the first Grade 1 of the 2023 Punchestown Festival. The Hammer & Trowel-owned six-year-old bay gelding, who has finished second to Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, upheld that form today as he beat two of his stable companions who had finished behind him at Prestbury Park in March, Diverge and Il Etait Temps. The latter was runner-up today with Oliver McKernan’s No Looking Back coming home in third, ahead of Found A Fifty and Diverge.

Winning rider Paul Townend admitted he got a “bit of a fright at the third-last, but he lengthened well down straight for me again. We got it right today and he showed the true horse. I think when he does get a bigger obstacle in front of him, his jumping will come into its own then.”

Mullins had the treble up by race 5 with his son Patrick won aboard Predators Gold in the Goffs Defender Bumper. The Gigginstown Stud-owned four-year-old gelded son of Masked Marvel was purchased by Harold Kirk had two lengths in hand on his stable mate Milo Lises, the mount of Jodi Townend, with Gordon Elliott’s Western Fold filling the third spot under Barry O’Neill.

Shecouldbeanything, fifth in the Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last month, gained some compensation with a four and a half length success in the opening Listed Howden Insurance Brokers Mares Novice Hurdle. Trained by Gordon Elliott, the six-year-old daughter of Malinas was a first winner for Jordan Gainford on his return from injury.

Half an jour later, Willie Mullins doubled-up when taking the Grade B Killashee Handicap Hurdle with Bialystok in the Rich Ricci colours. Ridden by Danny Mullins, the winner led home a 1-2-3 for the champion handler as Tax For Max with Daryl Jacob were runners-up with Tekao and Simon Torrens claiming third spot.

The other Grade 1 on the card went to Mullins, Emmet Mullins this time, as Donagh Meyler steered Feronily to victory in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Steeplechase over 3 miles.

Feronily, the only horse proven at the trip prior to today’s race came home at 7/1 and have a length and three-quarters to spare over the Paul Townend-ridden Appreciate It with James Du Berlais third to cross the finishing line.

Three By Two won The Kildare Hunt Club Cross Country Steeplechase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup for jockey Tiernan Power Roche and trainer Denis Paul Murphy.

Video replay – Energumene Secures William Hill Champion Chase Victory at Punchestown

Energumene Secures William Hill Champion Chase Victory at Punchestown

Brighton owner Tony Bloom had something to celebrate following the heartbreak of his team’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United as Energumene secured a hard-fought victory in the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown. The nine-year-old horse, who previously won the Cheltenham Champion Chase, claimed the spoils at Punchestown, becoming a two-time winner of the race.

Gritty Display from Energumene

Energumene, trained by Willie Mullins, was the favourite to win, but it was not an easy victory. He fell behind stablemate Chacun Pour Soi at the last fence, but the horse dug deep and fought back to eventually prevail by three-quarters of a length. Despite making a number of errors and facing stiff competition from Magic Daze and Rachael Blackmore, Energumene demonstrated his heart and ability to secure the win.

Celebrations for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins

It was jockey Paul Townend, riding in Bloom’s Brighton blue livery, who rode Energumene to victory, claiming the top spot on the podium. Mullins, who also saddled the first four horses, was ecstatic following the victory, especially after Chacun Pour Soi’s strong performance.

Brave Performance from Energumene

Mullins praised Energumene’s brave performance, saying, “Normally he wins with class but today he had to get down and fight it out. Paul had to get tough with him, and he answered every call.” Mullins suggested that the end of the season may have been getting to Energumene, as he was not as sharp as he was at Cheltenham.

Successful Day at Punchestown for Mullins

Mullins had a successful day at Punchestown, bringing his tally to four wins for the day. In addition to Energumene’s victory, he also won the Grade 1 KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle with Facile Vega, the Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle with Bialystok, and the €100,000 Goffs Defender Bumper with Predators Gold, piloted by Patrick Mullins.

Attendance at Punchestown Increases

The first day of the Punchestown Festival drew a crowd of 14,937, an increase of 500 from the previous year. The event was well-received by attendees, who enjoyed an exciting day of horse racing.

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