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Connacht Rugby have announced a partnership with G-P

Connacht Rugby have announced a new partnership with G-P, the leading Global Employment Platform™.

 

As an official partner, G-P will be supporting the team both on and off the pitch and will be the primary sponsor for the Connacht Rugby Awards. Together with G-P we will celebrate all that is good about rugby in the province from our clubs and schools at all levels, to our Professional and Women’s teams.

 

The 2023 Connacht Rugby Awards presented by G-P will take place on Saturday 20th May at the Galmont Hotel in Galway, with full details and ticket information to follow in the coming weeks.

 

With G-P’s Technology Centre of Excellence for EMEA, HQ’d in Galway, G-P is the leading Global Employment Platform ™ that empowers organizations to expand globally and hire talent quickly and compliantly in 180+ countries without navigating legal, tax or HR issues. As the industry pioneer and recognized leader, G-P’s SaaS-based platform accelerates international growth for thousands of customers in Ireland and all over the world. 

 

“We are very happy to announce this partnership with Connacht Rugby. G-P began its journey in Ireland here in Galway in 2021 and today’s announcement aligns two growth driven, forward thinking, ambitious teams, “said Suzanne McVey, Senior Director, Marketing – EMEA & APAC, G-P. “This partnership provides a wonderful opportunity for G-P to further engage with the people and culture of Galway and Ireland and we look forward to supporting Connacht Rugby as they enter a very exciting time in their history.”

 

Philip Patterson, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Connacht Rugby says:

 

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with G-P. G-P have invested heavily in the West of Ireland in the past few years, and they understand the potential this part of the world can have in growing their business. Like Connacht Rugby, they too want to acknowledge and celebrate all the great work that’s happening across the province, so working with them in delivering our annual Connacht Rugby awards is a perfect fit for us.”

Action-packed weekend in store as Irish Flat season begins

The 2023 Irish Flat season will kick off in style at The Curragh Racecourse on Saturday followed by the racing at Naas on Sunday in what promises to be a highly entertaining weekend of quality action.

Celebrating the return of the Flat season this weekend, The Curragh and Naas Racecourse have teamed up to offer racegoers a weekend ticket which is available for just €25 at www.curragh.ie or www.naasracecourse.com.

Saturday will be the first of 23 scheduled racedays at The Curragh for the 2023 season with the eight race card featuring the Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire Handicap and the Lodge Park Stud EBF Park Express Stakes taking centre stage.

Last year’s Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Homeless Songs is the star name to appear among Saturday’s entries as the Dermot Weld-trained four-year-old is set to make an early seasonal debut in the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud EBF Park Express Stakes.

Homeless Song could possibly meet the Joseph O’Brien-trained Agartha who was fifth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and was a Group 2 winning juvenile at The Curragh. A total of 17 fillies stood their ground for the one mile contest that also includes the 110-rated Insinuendo for local trainer Willie McCreery.

British representation is likely on the opening weekend of the season with ambitious Classic winning trainer George Boughey leaving Totally Charming among the 45 remaining entries for the Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire, with Lattam and Perseverants also possibilities for William Haggas and Scott Dixon respectively.

The prestigious €100,000 handicap may also see Cosmic Vega and Inchturk line up for new training partnership Michael Halford and Tracey Collins. The much respected duo are set to have their first runners of the new season this weekend since joining forces recently to operate from the historic Conyngham Lodge.

Top weight in the Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire is the Michael O’Callaghan-trained I Am Superman who returns to Ireland having been sent to be trained in Australia under the watchful eye of Peter and Paul Snowden before re-joining O’Callaghan where he began this year campaigned in Dubai.

Johnny Murtagh won the race last year with Raadobarg and may saddle three runners in the latest renewal as Carrytheone, Miss Mirabell and Mashhoor all remain in the mix.

A total of 13 juveniles have been entered for the Alkumait Capital Stallions Irish EBF Maiden which will begin the new season at 1.40pm on Saturday.

On Sunday at Naas the Jessica Harrington-trained Panic Alarm may attempt to snare another valuable prize at the venue. The course and distance winner is a standout entry in the Irish Racing Writers Madrid Handicap having won the lucrative Irish EBF Auction Series Race Final last October.

Aidan O’Brien last won the Madrid Handicap with Never No More in 2019 and the champion trainer has a typically strong entry for Sunday’s edition. Age Of Kings, Carracci, Londoner, Mohawk Chief and Paddington were all maiden winners for O’Brien last year and all hold Classic entries for the coming months.

Irish equine science company Plusvital, will continue their sponsorship of the Devoy Stakes on the opening weekend at Naas.

The Plusvital Devoy Stakes is a highly competitive early season target for some of Ireland’s leading middle-distance and staying horses and has once again attracted a strong entry.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Martinstown, who won his only start impressively last season, may make his eagerly awaited return to action in the 10-furlong contest where the Willie McCreery’s Self Belief and the Joseph O’Brien-trained Visualisation are notable inclusions, as is the Andrew Slattery-trained Sunchart who has been busy over hurdles during the winter.

Now in their fourth year supporting Naas Racecourse, Plusvital are proud sponsors of the Listed race which was won by Layfayette last year before going on to claim the Group 3 Alleged Stakes and then the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes, both at The Curragh.

Ahead of this year’s renewal on Sunday 26 March, Plusvital have also announced in addition to the €500 breeder prize they provided last year they will also provide a new additional prize for the trainer of the winning horse, who will now also be awarded €500 worth of Plusvital products. Additionally, to acknowledge their contribution to the industry and to this opening meeting all the winning ‘Best Turned Out’ grooms of each of the races on the day will be recognised with a Plusvital equine care pack.

Compas Stallions, owned and managed by Micheál Orlandi, also return to Naas as proud sponsors this weekend by backing five races on Sunday’s card including the Dubawi Legend Irish EBF Fillies Maiden which has been won by subsuqent Classic winning fillies Empress Josephine and Tuesday in recent years.

On top of the Compas Stallions sponsorship at Naas in 2023, winning breeders will also be rewarded by winning a free nomination to the stallion that particular race is named after. In the case of The Compas Stallions Handicap, winning breeders will be allowed to take their pick for a free nomination to a stallion on the Compas roster.

To begin the weekend, the superb Newbridge Gospel Choir will welcome racegoers at the entrance of The Curragh on Saturday in advance of the packed eight race programme and there will also be a variety of parade ring chats and previews with leading trainers and jockeys, as they look forward to the season, together with a number of very special guests. The Curragh are also introducing a new Kids Zone featuring the Kildare GAA Skills Zone will be launched for the first time with free activities for younger racegoers throughout the afternoon.

For the opening meeting of the season, The Curragh will host an innovative fund raising initiative sponsored by the racecourse featuring 33 GAA clubs from all over County Kildare who have signed up to take part. Each Club will be drawn a horse running in the Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire, where a €10,000 pot will be split between the clubs who have drawn the first three placed horses. Large crowds are expected to attend from all over the county to cheer on their horse on what will be a family fun day with lots of free activities for kids and all are encouraged to wear their club jerseys and colours.

To celebrate the new season, The Curragh have launched special ticket price offers with great value early bird ticket prices available for purchase throughout the year on curragh.ie, while a new “Curragh Bundle” is available for all race days comprising of admission, racecard, €5 Tote bet and €10 voucher which can be redeemed in any of the public food outlets.

Early bird tickets are available for Saturday with a 25% discount, including a weekend ticket to attend The Curragh on Saturday and Naas on Sunday available for €25 online. Regular racegoers also have the option to become a Curragh Member with benefits including admission to all 23 days of racing together with a variety of benefits and privileges. Under 18s are always admitted free to the races, when accompanied by an adult.

Before racing on Sunday at Naas, the track will host the “The GAIN Flat is Back Flat Preview” in the Circle Bar at 12.15pm with a panel of well known trainers, a jockey and a representative from GAIN to chat about the build-up to the flat season, preview the card and note some horses to watch for the season ahead.

Kids activities on the day include face painting, magic show and there is also a free creche at Naas and playground.

Further details for the weekend can be found at www.curragh.ie and www.naasracecourse.com

Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire
Paddy Power Betting: 10 Emporio, Totally Charming, 12 Cosmic Vega, Lattam, 14 Carrytheone, Dunum, Flame Of Eire, Good Heavens, Visualisation, 16 Comfort Line, Dha Leath, Finans Bay, I Am Superman, Mashhoor, No More Porter, Saltonstall, 20 Big Gossey, Casanova, Cold Steel, Corduan, Current Option, Maud Gonne Spirit, Star Harbour, 25 Celtic Crown, Fastnet Crown, Joe Masseria, Miss Mirabell, Secret Magician, Vocal Studies, 33 Facethepuckout, Inchturk, Loingseoir, San Aer, Smooth Tom, The Organiser, 50 Laelaps, New Hill, Rick Dalton, Solar Breeze, 66 Eskimo Comet, Perserverants, Sirjack Thomas, 100 Desert Wind, Eastern Wind, Quizical

Dubai World Cup: Preview, Odds, and Favorites

Horse racing competitions take place all over the world. The Dubai World Cup is a popular event held yearly at Meydan Racecourse in the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Now that Cheltenham 2023 is over, you might wonder which event will attract horse racing fans worldwide. The answer is the Dubai World Cup, set to start on March 25.

 

What You Should Know About the Dubai World Cup

 

The Dubai World Cup is a Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is one of the greatest horse races in the world, with a purse of $12 million.

According to the Dubai World Cup Wiki page, the first race took place in 1996, marking the start of a significant global horse racing event. The Dubai World Cup is the flagship event of the Dubai World Cup Night, which consists of eight Thoroughbred races with a total purse of over $27.25 million.

The Dubai World Cup is contested over 2,000 meters (about 1.2 miles) on a dirt track. The race attracted top Thoroughbreds worldwide, including Cigar, Dubai Millennium, Invasor, Curlin, California Chrome, and Arrogate.

Apart from the horse race, the Dubai World Cup Day also features a range of entertainment and cultural events, including fashion shows, music performances, and food festivals. Many visitors worldwide attend this event, considered one of the UAE’s premier sporting and social occasions.

If you enjoy betting on horse races besides watching the noble sport, you might have to look beyond Ireland and UKGC-licensed platforms to find competitive odds. Searching the database of Irish bookmakers not on Gamstop via Bookiesnotongamstop.com should help you find various betting options for the Dubai World Cup.

Qualifying for the Dubai World Cup

To qualify for the Dubai World Cup, jockeys and horses must meet specific criteria. Jockeys must hold a valid license from their respective racing authority and achieve a certain level of success in their racing career. Jockeys who have won major races or championships are typically invited to ride in the Dubai World Cup.

For horses, there are several ways to qualify for the race. The first is to win one of the many qualifying races held worldwide in the months leading up to the Dubai World Cup. These races are usually designated as “win, and you’re in” events, meaning the winner automatically earns a spot in the Dubai World Cup.

Another way to be eligible is through the Dubai Racing Carnival, held before the Dubai World Cup. Horses that perform well in the Carnival races often receive an invitation to compete in the Dubai World Cup.

Finally, the Dubai World Cup organisers can also invite horses to participate in the race based on their previous performances and overall reputation in the racing world.

Which Are the Favourites for the Dubai World Cup?

The Dubai World Cup consists of various events, with 153 different horses participating alone through nomination, making it a must-see spectacle for horse racing enthusiasts.

The current record for speed goes to Dubai Millennium (1:59.50), who set it in 2000 at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. The only horse to win two Dubai World Cups is Thunder Snow (in 2018 and 2019). Moreover, the two most successful jockeys to participate are Jerry Bailey and Frankie Dettori, winning the World Cup four times each. Saeed bin Suroor is the most successful trainer, with nine victories.

Some horses already hold the title of favourites in the 2023 Dubai World Cup, so let’s check them out.

Algiers

 

Algiers is a six-year-old horse that has been actively racing for the past three years. The horse is trained by Simon and Ed Crisford and owned by Hamdan Sultan Ali Alsabousi.  

The chestnut gelding already tested the Meydan racecourse in January and February, finishing the race first on both occasions. That’s why Algiers is the favourite for winning in the upcoming Dubai World Cup, with the odds at around 3.50. Therefore, punters who want to play it safe will back this horse.

Country Grammer

 

Country Grammer is a bay horse that foaled in May 2017 and has been actively racing since 2019. The horse is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Commonwealth Thoroughbreds Llc, Winstar Farm Llc, and Zedan Racing Stables Inc.

Out of five races Country Grammer participated in, it won two and ended second in three. One of those races was the Dubai World Cup 2022, making this horse another favourite, with odds of 3.50.

Panthalassa

 

Panthalassa is a six-year-old horse trained by Yoshito Yahagi and owned by Hiroo Race Co Ltd. The horse started in 25 races, winning seven, and has been active since 2019.

Besides winning the Saudi Cup on February 25, 2022, another reason for its popularity is its performance last year at Meydan, where it also recorded a victory. The odds for Panthalassa winning the 2023 Dubai World Cup are at 9.00, and it’s one of the 153 nominated horses to participate in the competition this year.

Cafe Pharoah

The American-bred and Japanese-trained Thoroughbred horse foaled in March 2017 and has been active since 2019, recording seven wins along the way. The horse finished third at the Saudi Cup after Panthalassa and Country Grammer, earning the status of “probable” winner of the 2023 Dubai World Cup. The current odds for Cafe Pharoah to win the race are 12.00.

 

Ushba Tesoro

 

Racing Post provided stats on Ushba Tesoro, showing that this six-year-old horse from Chiyoda Farm Shizunai finished first five times out of six. The only issue here is that most races took place on Japanese racecourses, meaning the horse has yet to experience racing in the middle east, let alone at the Meydan racecourse. That’s why betting sites see a potential success for the horse, giving it the odds of around 12.00.

 

Vela Azul

 

Vela Azul was born in January 2017. It’s trained by Kunihiko Watanabe and owned by Carrot Farm Co Ltd. The horse has been racing since 2020 and has recorded four wins in the last seven races in Japan.

What could be a potential red flag is Vela Azul’s last race at Nakayama racecourse and a tenth-place finish. That’s why sports betting sites give it the odds of 13.00.

 

Where to Go to Win Big in Video Poker?

Video poker is one of the most popular online casino games. This is due to various reasons, which include the following:

  • Online video poker has one of the lowest house edges among all online casino games. In fact, in some cases, depending on the video poker variation, it has a player edge.
  • As you play the game, the paytable is displayed, showing you both the house edge and the volatility. 
  • The decision that you make actually affects the result of the game. 
  • Players can make use of various video poker strategies to tip the odds in their favor.
  • See some poker sites on Fliptroniks

Where to Play Video Poker 

There are several legit online casinos that you can play video poker. However, amongst all those gambling sites, El Royale remains one of the best video poker sites. The video poker games at El Royale come in different variations. Not only that, they have high-quality graphics, which assure you of an enjoyable gaming experience. 

El Royale Casino Online is powered by one of the leading software providers in the iGaming industry, RTG. Because of that, players are guaranteed high-quality video poker games.

Tips on How to Win at Video Poker

Before you decide to play your first game of video poker at El Royale online casino, we suggest that you take note of the following tips in order to improve your chances of winning.

1. Equip Yourself with Knowledge 

It’s important that you know all the different video poker variations with all possible video poker card combinations so that you choose the best one. The best video poker game should come with low variance and a low house edge.

A game with low variance will keep your bankroll fluctuations low. In this instance, the perfect variations would be Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild.

2. Prepare Yourself 

After you have settled for a game, you should then make sure that you practice all the available strategies. You should ensure that you practice using both your PC and mobile device.

This would help you to choose the best strategy for the game that you would have chosen.

3. Check the Paytable Before Playing 

It’s of uttermost importance that you always check the entire paytable first before you start playing your favorite game.

This allows you to see if the game has the house edge that you require. If it doesn’t have, choose a different game. 

Also, check to see if it’s a low variance game as this will help you manage your bankroll. 

4. Stay Alert

You will need to stay alert during gaming in order to play video poker for real money and win. We suggest that you make sure there are no distractions to mess with your gaming. This allows you to concentrate more on the game and eliminates the chances of making irrational decisions. 

5. Make Gaming Sessions Short

We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on the time. You should never have lengthy gaming sessions. Doing so only leads you to make mistakes as your brain eventually gets tired. Therefore, take breaks in between sessions if you have to.

6. Don’t Play if You’re Tired

If you’re worn out or stressed, completely stay away from the game. More often than not, tired players always end up making mistakes. You will need to be in your rightful mind during gaming.

7. Stay Away from Alcohol

Getting intoxicated right before or during a game is a recipe for disaster. It will simply cloud your judgement and will dull your senses. Simply stay away until you’re sober and have refreshed your mind.

8. Find Your Account Adequately 

Nothing is as worse as depleting your bankroll within the first hour. That is why you should make sure you have adequate funds for your video poker gaming session.

To effectively do this, make sure you have set a gambling budget before you start playing. Your bankroll should then determine your bet sizes. Keep your bet sizes low if your budget is limited. Also, it’s always a great idea to go for low variance games.

Conclusion 

When you choose your preferred video poker game at El Royale Casino, we suggest that you take your gaming seriously. In fact, stop playing to make a quick buck as the results are always detrimental. 

As we have mentioned in the above points, always make sure that you know the game you’re playing to avoid huge losses.

Besides, always stay alert during gaming and make careful, well-thought-out decisions to avoid disappointments.

Following these guidelines closely will make you a successful video poker player. Finally, remember to play for the fun and entertainment factor as you will definitely not win all the time.

 

    

Video highlights – Tyrone hammer Monaghan in 2023 league clash

In the Allianz Football League R6, Tyrone faced Monaghan in an exciting game that saw Tyrone emerging victorious with a final score of 2-15 (21) to Monaghan’s 0-13 (13).

The game was neck and neck in the first half, but the second half saw Tyrone dominating with some excellent performances from their players. Brian Kennedy hit a point from play, and Conn Kilpatrick converted a forward mark, while Darren McCurry converted a 30m free-kick. Richie Donnelly and Mattie Donnelly also hit points from play.

However, the turning point came when Monaghan were reduced to 13 men in the second half after Killian Lavelle was shown a straight red for a foul on Conor Meyler. This gave Tyrone the advantage they needed to take control of the game and secure a comfortable victory.

Overall, it was a dominant performance from Tyrone, who showed excellent teamwork and individual skill throughout the match. Monaghan, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with Tyrone’s pace and were ultimately outplayed.

Tyrone deserved to win the match, and their performance was indicative of their strong form throughout the league. They look like a team to watch out for in the upcoming championship, and their dominant display against Monaghan will undoubtedly boost their confidence.

Mayo into 2023 Gaelic Football League Final after beating Donegal

Allianz Football National League Division 1 Rd 6 between Mayo and Donegal, which took place at Ballybofey. Mayo emerged victorious with a scoreline of 1-17 (20) to 0-9 (9).

The match was quite one-sided, with Mayo dominating the game from the outset. Mayo scored consistently throughout the game, with notable performances from Paddy Durcan, Aidan O’Shea, and Jordan Flynn, who all scored crucial points. Ryan O’Donoghue, who was later substituted, also contributed to the scoreboard with a point from play.

Mayo’s goal was scored by Kevin McLoughlin, who put the ball past Donegal’s goalkeeper, Shaun Patton, in the 10th minute. This set the tone for the remainder of the game, with Mayo continuing to put points on the board.

Donegal struggled throughout the game and had only managed to score 0-3 by halftime. They had some moments of brilliance, with Oisin Gallen scoring a point from play and Paul Brennan making a great defensive play, but it was not enough to overcome Mayo’s dominance.

Mayo made several substitutions throughout the game, with Paul Towey and Bob Tuohy coming on in the second half. Both players made a significant impact on the game, with Towey scoring a point from play shortly after coming on.

There were no notable incidents in the match, and the game was played in a competitive but fair manner.

Overall, Mayo deserved their victory in this match, with impressive performances from several players. Mayo’s consistency in scoring and strong defense allowed them to maintain their lead throughout the game. Donegal struggled to make an impact and were unable to mount a comeback in the second half. Mayo’s win moves them up the league table, while Donegal will need to regroup before their next game.

2023 Hurling League – Cork and Clare finished in a draw

The Allianz Hurling League Rd 5 match between Clare and Cork ended in a draw with both teams scoring 2-18 (24). The match saw an impressive comeback from Clare as they clawed back from a four-point deficit at half-time.

The first half was a closely fought affair with Cork leading by 2-12(18) to 2-10(16) at the interval. Aidan McCarthy and Diarmuid Ryan scored points from play for Clare, while McCarthy also scored from free. However, it was McCarthy who made the most significant impact with a goal from play in the 27th minute. For Cork, Patrick Horgan and Jack O’Connor scored goals.

In the second half, Clare started strong and dominated possession, outscoring Cork by 0-8 to 0-4 in the first 20 minutes. Aidan McCarthy continued to impress, adding three more points from frees, while Robin Mounsey also contributed a point from play. With 10 minutes left to play, Clare had established a two-point lead, but Cork responded with two quick points to level the scores.

The last ten minutes saw both teams pushing for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough. Cork had a chance to take the lead in the final moments of the game, but goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan made a crucial save to ensure the game finished level.

Aidan McCarthy was the standout player of the match, scoring 0-8 (6 frees) and a goal. He was well supported by Diarmuid Ryan and Robin Mounsey, who scored three points each from play. For Cork, Patrick Horgan scored 1-4 (3 frees), while Jack O’Connor contributed 1-2.

Overall, it was a closely contested game with both teams playing at a high level. The draw was a fair result, with both sides showing impressive resilience and determination to push for the win.

Galway hurlers beat Westmeath in Hurling League 2023

Galway dominated Westmeath in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Round 5 match, finishing with an impressive 4-27 to 1-12 victory. Westmeath put up a good fight but could not keep up with Galway’s relentless scoring.

Galway got off to a strong start with a goal from Brian Concannon in the first minute. Despite some early resistance from Westmeath, Galway continued to score freely throughout the game, with several players making significant contributions. Evan Niland, Jason Flynn, Kevin Cooney, and Ciaran Doyle were among those who scored for Galway, with Doyle finishing as top scorer for Westmeath with six points.

Galway maintained a steady lead throughout the game, with key moments including Declan McLoughlin’s goal in the second half and Gavin Lee’s point towards the end of the game. Westmeath tried to stay in the game but struggled to convert their chances into scores, with only one goal and twelve points for the entire game.

Overall, Galway dominated the match and showed their strength in attack. Their defence was also solid, keeping Westmeath at bay for most of the game. Westmeath can take some positives from the match, with Ciaran Doyle in particular showing some good form, but they will need to regroup before their next game.
Galway played a near-perfect game and showed their potential as one of the top teams in the league. Their attacking prowess was on full display, and they will be a force to be reckoned with in the rest of the competition. Westmeath, on the other hand, will need to work on their scoring and defence if they hope to compete with the top teams in the league.

IRELAND WIN GRAND SLAM

Credit: @SixNationsRugby.

Ireland 29 England 16

Ireland won the Grand Slam at the Aviva Stadium this evening with a 29-16 victory over England. It is the country’s fourth time claiming the Grand Slam following wins in 1948, 2009 and 2018.

Two tries from Guinness Man of the Match Dan Sheehan were crucial in Ireland’s victory over England. In their final game of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Championship, Ireland were made to work hard by England, who had only 14 men on the field for all of the second half, and 13 for the last minutes of the eighty.

The home side had begun slowly and the quiet muted atmosphere of the Aviva Stadium didn’t help Andy Farrell’s side.

The visitors took the lead through kicker Owen Farrell in the eight minute, as the number 10 comfortably slotted over his effort from directly in front of the Irish posts.

The son of the Ireland Head Coach doubled England’s lead minutes later with another three-pointer, leaving the English in a 6-0 lead with only 15 minutes on the clock.

The hosts finally got on the scoreboard in the 19th minute when Jonathan Sexton kicked a penalty to make him the highest points’ scorer in Six Nations history, as the Dubliner reached the 560 mark.

Ireland took the lead for the first time in the game on 33 minutes. Hooker Dan Sheehan fought off three English challenges to make his way over the try-scoring line to touchdown for the game’s first try. A Sexton conversion gave the hot-favourites a 10-6 advantage, with half-time approaching.

With the clock in red England soon received a red as a tackle by Freddie Steward on Ireland’s fullback Hugo Keenan saw him leave the field for the remainder of the game, to be replaced by Juimmy O’Brien.

Ireland reached the half-time whistle with a 10-6 lead and a one-man advantage.

Half-time: Ireland 10 England 6.

Despite only having 14 men on the field for the second half of the game, England drew first blood. Farrell kicked his third successful penalty of the evening to leave just the bare minimum between the sides, Ireland 10 England 9.

With the Irish crowd becoming ever more nervous, Robbie Henshaw helped settle some of those anxieties. The centre broke through for Ireland’s second try of the game, as the action entered the final quarter. With Sexton maintaining his accuracy at kicking for the posts, the Irish talisman pushed his side out to a 15-9 lead, with 19 minutes to play.

Dan Sheehan soon scored his second try of this Six Nations’ fixture as Andy Farrell’s men extended their advantage to 22-9, before Sexton added the extras for a 15-point lead.

Sheehan’s England counterpart, Jamie George, crashed over for the visitors only try of the game inside the final 10 minutes; with Farrell knocking over the conversion, it was 26-16 to the home side.

Replacement Rob Herring touched down for Ireland’s fourth five-pointer of the evening. Though Ross Byrne’s conversion attempt was a shade right of the upright, it meant the crowd, team and management could enjoy the remaining minutes in the knowledge that the victory, the Triple Crown, Championship and Grand Slam were all secured.

Full-time score: Ireland 29 England 16.

VIDEO: Shinzo wins Longines Golden Slipper for Coolmore and Ryan Moore

Shinzo wins the Group 1 Longines Golden Slipper for Coolmore and Ryan Moore. Credit: Australian Turf Club/Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Shinzo gave Coolmore and Ryan Moore a first success in the Group 1 Longines Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney early this morning Irish time.

The six-furlong two-year-old race saw the son of Snitzel claim victory by one and a quarter  lengths, giving the winning owners Coolmore, jockey Ryan Moore and trainer Chris Waller a first success in the coveted race at the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

 

Second home was the race favourite Cylinder and jockey James McDonald, with King’s Gambit with Mark Zahra on board third to cross the winning line, one and a half lengths behind the runner-up.

The winning rider, Ryan Moore, stated post-race:

“Growing up the Golden Slipper was always one of the big races that everyone knew around the world. Maybe times have changed, but it was always the premier race in New South Wales.

“Tom (Magnier from Coolmore) called me last week at this time and asked if I’d like to come down. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here. He won well last week, he’s a very talented colt, he’s got a super attitude. Lovely big strong long striding horse.”

Asked about the potential of the winner, now with two wins, a second and a third in his four-start career, the English jockey said:

“I’m sure he’s not just an out and out six furlong (1200m) sprinter. I’m sure he’s going to be more comfortable when he gets over more ground. It feels like he’s improving and he’ll continue to improve and all being he’ll have a good future.”

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