Connacht v Munster Preview – Predicted Teams, Kick-Off Time, Key Stats | URC Round 14 at MacHale Park

Connacht v Munster Preview – Predicted Teams, Kick-Off Time, Injury Updates & More | URC Round 14, MacHale Park

Date: Saturday, 29 March 2025
Kick-Off: 14:30
Venue: Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)

Historic Day in Castlebar as Connacht Host Munster at MacHale Park

MacHale Park will become the 56th venue to host a United Rugby Championship fixture as Connacht and Munster collide in Round 14. The first professional rugby match ever played at the iconic Mayo GAA ground is set to attract Connacht’s largest-ever home crowd.

Form Guide and URC Picture

Connacht have won two of their last three matches — beating Cardiff and Benetton — and came close to making it three in a row before falling 43–40 to Ospreys. They’re 12th on 31 points, with a top-eight finish unlikely, but a Challenge Cup campaign lies ahead with the prospect of three home games to reach the final.

Munster are sixth on 34 points but reeling from back-to-back losses to Edinburgh and Glasgow. They’ve won twice away from home this season (Ulster and Dragons) and haven’t won in Galway since 2021.

Key Stats

MacHale Park is the 56th URC venue.
Connacht have won 2 of their last 7 matches — both at home.
They’ve lost 7 straight against Irish provinces.
Munster’s only away wins this season came at Ulster and Dragons.
The last 7 meetings have all been won by the home team on the day.
Munster last won in Galway in January 2021.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Connacht are expected to welcome back their Irish internationals — Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Cian Prendergast, and Finlay Bealham — while in-form winger Finn Tracey retains his place. Ben Murphy is ruled out through injury.

Connacht Predicted XV:

1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Darragh Murray
5. Joe Joyce
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Cian Prendergast
9. Caolin Blade
10. Josh Ioane
11. Finn Tracey
12. Bundee Aki
13. Cathal Forde
14. Mack Hansen
15. Piers O’Conor

Munster Team News:

Munster could welcome back several key players to their matchday 23:

Tadhg Beirne
Jack Crowley
Conor Murray
Calvin Nash
Peter O’Mahony
Craig Casey
Jean Kleyn
Jack O’Donoghue
Thaakir Abrahams

Oli Jager is also due to return to training this week after missing the defeat to Glasgow. Meanwhile, the fitness of Niall Scannell and Billy Burns (both shoulder) will be assessed closer to the weekend.

Munster Injury List:

Shane Daly – hamstring
Diarmuid Kilgallen – thigh
Mike Haley – ankle
Dave Kilcoyne – thigh
Liam Coombes – chest
Edwin Edogbo – Achilles
Roman Salanoa – knee

What’s at Stake

Connacht are eyeing a strong finish in the URC and a major run in the Challenge Cup. With a record crowd and returning stars, they’ll be fired up for a statement win.

Munster need a response. A third straight loss could push them out of the top eight with pressure mounting. A full-strength squad could make all the difference.

Prediction

Connacht 26–20 Munster
Home advantage, form momentum, and returning Ireland stars could see Connacht edge what’s set to be a thrilling encounter.

#CONvMUN #URC #IrishRugby
🟢⚪️ vs 🔴⚪️ | 🏉 | 🔥

Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad?

Jack Crowley is standing at one of the most critical junctures of his rugby career. At 25, the Munster outhalf is being heavily courted by Leicester Tigers, with reports suggesting a €600,000 annual offer is on the table — significantly more than what Munster and the IRFU are currently offering. It’s a moment that echoes past decisions made by Irish legends Ronan O’Gara and Johnny Sexton — two men who defined Irish rugby’s No.10 jersey over two decades.

But only one of them took the leap.

O’Gara Stayed. Sexton Walked — and Kept the Shirt.

In 2004, Ronan O’Gara entertained interest from Stade Français but ultimately stayed put. He was the established Ireland outhalf, central to Munster’s European ambitions, and had little desire to abandon his quest for Heineken Cup glory. The IRFU knew he was indispensable and didn’t take risks with his value.

Johnny Sexton’s story, however, is more relevant to Crowley’s current dilemma. In 2013, Sexton turned down an underwhelming central contract from the IRFU and accepted a lucrative offer from Racing 92 worth over €700,000 per year. The IRFU gambled — assuming Sexton wouldn’t really leave. But he did. And crucially, he kept the Ireland jersey throughout his stint in Paris. His quality was so far ahead of the competition that he remained the undisputed No.10 for Ireland, even while playing abroad.

Crowley is not in that position. Not yet.

Crowley’s Contract Standoff: A New Problem for the IRFU

Unlike O’Gara and Sexton, Crowley is not on a central contract — and that’s a glaring issue. Right now, there is no Irish outhalf on a central deal. That’s unprecedented in the modern era and has created a strange void in the IRFU’s wage structure.

If the IRFU now offer Crowley a lucrative central contract to fend off Leicester’s interest, they set a new benchmark. What happens when 23-year-old Sam Prendergast — seen by many as Ireland’s long-term playmaker — enters negotiations in 18 months for central contract. If Crowley earns €500k+ as a second-choice outhalf, Prendergast will command even more. The precedent could force the union to break their wage model wide open for a player who may not even be first choice long-term.

It’s a dangerous game of poker — and Crowley’s hand is stronger than it looks.

The Forgotten Man: Harry Byrne Roars Back into Contention

Amid the noise around Crowley and Prendergast, one name quietly gaining ground is Harry Byrne. At 25, Byrne is enjoying a stellar loan spell with high-flying Bristol Bears in the Premiership. He’s looked sharp, composed, and injury-free — all the things that once made him Ireland’s most exciting No.10 prospect.

If Byrne returns to Leinster this summer in top form, he will re-enter the Ireland selection frame with force. Suddenly, Farrell could have a three-way race for the No.10 shirt — and the IRFU could face three separate high-stakes contract battles.

Where Can Crowley Develop Best?

There’s no doubt Crowley needs to keep improving. He has all the tools — athleticism, vision, and confidence — but hasn’t yet shown the control or consistency expected at Test level. So where is he more likely to sharpen those tools?

• At Munster, he remains the first-choice outhalf but is playing in a system that lacks cohesion and consistent forward dominance. The attacking game plan is still developing, and he’s under pressure to lead without the experienced support that Sexton or O’Gara once had.

• At Leicester, he would earn nearly double, play in a competitive league, and work under top-tier coaches in a structured environment — but risk losing his Ireland spot if the IRFU take a hard line on foreign-based players.

The question is: will Crowley be treated like Sexton, who left and still led Ireland, or will the IRFU close the door behind him?

What’s the IRFU’s Next Move?

The union has a decision to make. If they let Crowley walk and Prendergast doesn’t kick on, they’re exposed. If they overpay to keep him, they open the floodgates for Prendergast — and potentially Byrne — to demand equal or greater deals.

In short, the IRFU may have created a problem they’ve never faced before: an outhalf vacuum with no clear hierarchy and no central contract in place. They must now choose between protecting their budget or protecting their depth chart.

For Crowley, the choice is simple on paper: stay and back himself to reclaim the Test jersey, or go and double his earnings — but gamble on international exile.

This isn’t just a career decision. It could be the moment that redefines the entire future of Ireland’s No.10 jersey.

Pentathlon Silver Medal for Kate O’Connor at World Indoors

Kate O’Connor has won a historic silver medal in the pentathlon at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.

The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete won her first global medal with a stunning performance of 4,742 points. It is Ireland’s first podium place at a World Indoor Athletics Championships since Derval O’Rourke’s gold in the 60m hurdles in 2006.

O’Connor’s performance comes just over a fortnight after her bronze medal success at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. There she set a new national record of 4,781 points, achieving personal bests in four of her five events. Friday saw her improve on three of those personal bests once again, and this time on the world stage.

The Dundalk athlete got the competition off to a flying start with a personal best of 8.30 in the 60m hurdles. She followed with an impressive 1.81m clearance in the high jump. A second PB followed in the shot put, where she threw 14.64m.

The afternoon session saw O’Connor open with a personal best of 6.30m in the first of her attempts in the long jump. She improved on the mark mark once again in the second round with a leap of 6.32m. The final 800m event saw her reproduce another outstanding track performance, crossing the finish in a time of 2:14.19 which guaranteed her place on the podium.

Speaking after her final event, 24-year-old O’Connor, who is only the seventh Irish athlete to win a medal individually at a World Indoor Championships, said:

“I’ve just been on a bit of a run since the European Championships. I really wanted to come in here with a bit of confidence and just go out there and enjoy myself. I’ve been training really hard and I wanted to go out there and make my country proud.

“Winning this medal and the medal a couple of weeks ago will really push multi events forward in the country and let younger athletes see what other options are available to them in athletics.”

Connacht Unchanged in the Backs as Wilkins Names Strong Squad for Ospreys Test

Connacht have named their matchday 23 for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash away to the Ospreys (kick-off 5.15pm), with just three changes from the side that overcame Benetton three weeks ago.

There is continuity across the backline, as head coach Pete Wilkins sticks with the same seven backs for the second consecutive league fixture — a rare show of consistency in selection that reflects growing cohesion in the attacking unit.

Josh Ioane and Caolin Blade continue as the half-back pairing, with Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin retained in midfield. Shayne Bolton and Finn Treacy remain on the wings, while Piers O’Conor lines out at full-back once again.

Up front, Denis Buckley returns to the starting XV and is joined in the front row by Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier. Captain Joe Joyce comes back into the engine room alongside Darragh Murray, while Josh Murphy joins Shamus Hurley-Langton and Paul Boyle in a physical and mobile back row.

There’s also a clear intent to match Ospreys physically, with a 6:2 forwards-to-backs split named on the bench. Sean Jansen, typically a back row option, takes the number 23 jersey, highlighting the tactical focus for this crucial away fixture.

Away Form Must Improve

Connacht’s only away win in the league since April 2024 came against the Scarlets back in early October. Since then, results on the road have been inconsistent — a trend that must change if the province are to stay in touch with the playoff places.

With a massive fixture against Cardiff to follow next week — set to be played at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar — Wilkins and his staff will be eager to carry momentum into the home stretch of the season.

A defeat in Swansea could force selection changes for the Connacht leg of that double-header, while a victory would put Connacht slightly back in the mix for a top-eight finish.

Team named for tomorrow’s BKT URC clash with Ospreys in Swansea

3️⃣ changes from the Benetton win
Backline unchanged
6:2 bench split

See the squad in full https://t.co/3SKRxf2L5K pic.twitter.com/7rTehPHt61

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 21, 2025

Connacht Matchday 23 vs Ospreys (Saturday, 5.15pm):

15. Piers O’Conor
14. Finn Treacy
13. Hugh Gavin
12. Cathal Forde
11. Shayne Bolton
10. Josh Ioane
9. Caolin Blade

1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Jack Aungier
4. Joe Joyce (Captain)
5. Darragh Murray
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Paul Boyle

Replacements:
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin
17. Peter Dooley
18. Sam Illo
19. Niall Murray
20. Cian Prendergast
21. Conor Oliver
22. Tom Farrell
23. Sean Jansen

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

Starman Heads the Market

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

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

Supremacy Offers Value

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

Potential from St Mark’s Basilica

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

Other Noteworthy Contenders

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

Winning connections celebrate with Poniros after his shock 100/1 win in the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

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

Friday 14th March

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

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

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

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

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

Mullins admitted he was concerned about peaking too early:

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

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

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

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

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

Fairness remains a cornerstone of the Mullins operation:

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

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

He highlighted a pair of standout performances:

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

However, he acknowledged a few disappointments too:

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

Mullins expressed gratitude for the remarkable team around him:

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

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

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

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

Cheltenham Festival 2025 – Leading Top Jockey, Trainer and Owner Standings

Marine Nationale, Seán Flanagan and owner/trainer Barry Connell return to the winner's enclosure after their Champion Chase success. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS: LEADING JOCKEYS, TRAINERS & OWNERS PLUS FINAL STANDINGS IN THE PRESTBURY CUP AT THE END OF GOLD CUP DAY

Leading Jockeys at The Cheltenham Festival 2025

Jockey	1st	2nd	3rd
PAUL TOWNEND	4	1	1
Mark Walsh	4	–	2
Danny Gilligan	2	1	1
Rachael Blackmore	2	–	3
Jonjo O’Neill Jr	2	–	–
Nico de Boinville	1	4	–
Keith Donoghue	1	3	1
Sean Flanagan	1	1	2
Harry Skelton	1	1	2
Danny Mullins	1	1	1
Ben Jones	1	–	1
Sean O’Keeffe	1	–	1
Harry Cobden	1	–	–
Brian Hughes	1	–	–
Mr Robert James	1	–	–
Mr Barry Stone	1	–	–
Miss Jody Townend	1	–	–
Patrick Wadge	1	–	–
Lorcan Williams	1	–	–
Jack Kennedy	–	3	3
Darragh O’Keeffe	–	3	1
Mr Derek O’Connor	–	2	–
Brendan Powell	–	2	–
Conor Stone-Walsh	–	2	–
Miss Gina Andrews	–	1	–
Sean Bowen	–	1	–
Lewis Saunders	–	1	–
Sam Twiston-Davies	–	1	2
Gavin Brouder	–	–	1
Tom Cannon	–	–	1
Derek Fox	–	–	1
Brian Hayes	–	–	1
Donagh Meyler	–	–	1
Mr Patrick Mullins	–	–	1
Mr J L Scallan	–	–	1

Leading Trainers at The Cheltenham Festival 2025

Trainer	1st	2nd	3rd
WILLIE MULLINS IRE	10	2	6
Gavin Cromwell IRE	2	5	4
Nicky Henderson	2	4	–
Henry de Bromhead IRE	2	2	4
Gordon Elliott IRE	1	4	6
Dan Skelton	1	1	1
Barry Connell IRE	1	1	–
Lucinda Russell	1	–	1
Cian Collins IRE	1	–	–
Sam Curling IRE	1	–	–
Rebecca Curtis	1	–	–
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero	1	–	–
Paul Nicholls	1	–	–
Paul Nolan IRE	1	–	–
Joseph O’Brien IRE	1	–	–
Jeremy Scott	1	–	–
Joe Tizzard	–	2	–
David Budds IRE	–	1	–
Tom Ellis	–	1	–
John McConnell IRE	–	1	–
Emmet Mullins IRE	–	1	–
Olly Murphy	–	1	–
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill	–	1	–
James Owen	–	1	2
Tom Cooper IRE	–	–	1
Alan King	–	–	1
Mouse Morris IRE	–	–	1
Ben Pauling	–	–	1

The Prestbury Cup – Final Standings

Ireland: 20
UK: 8

Leading Owners at The Cheltenham Festival 2025

Owner	1st	2nd	3rd
JP McMANUS	6	5	4
Robcour	2	2	1
Kenny Alexander	2	1	–
Barry Connell	1	1	–
Susannah Ricci	1	–	1
Tony Bloom	1	–	–
Brizzle Boys	1	–	–
Countrywide Park Homes	1	–	–
DKCR Partnership	1	–	–
Ferguson, Mason, Hales, Done & Hogarth	1	–	–
Furze Bush Syndicate	1	–	–
Ian Gosden	1	–	–
Monabeg Investments	1	–	–
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede	1	–	–
O’Connell Morgan Syndicate	1	–	–
J O’Leary	1	–	–
Slaneyville Syndicate	1	–	–
The Sundowners Partnership	1	–	–
Top Man Racing Syndicate	1	–	–
Wymer & Russell	1	–	–
Edward Ware	1	–	–
Bective Stud	–	1	2
The Gredley Family	–	1	2
Gigginstown House Stud	–	1	1
Mrs JM Russell	–	1	1
Best Of The Rest Syndicate	–	1	–
John Brennan/David Flynn/Danny Kearns	–	1	–
Brides Hill Syndicate	–	1	–
Sean Costine	–	1	–
Marie Donnelly	–	1	–
Easyfix	–	1	–
M K Mariga	–	1	–
Pippa Ellis	–	1	–
K Haughey/Kieran Byrne	–	1	–
Darragh McDonagh	–	1	–
O’Reilly, MacLennan et al	–	1	–
John Romans & Nick Case	–	1	–
Audrey Turley	–	1	–
Susan & John Waterworth	–	1	–
Diana Whateley	–	1	–
Cheveley Park Stud	–	–	1
M J Hanrahan	–	–	1
Jolly Boys Outing	–	–	1
Chris Jones	–	–	1
Mrs H M Keaveney	–	–	1
Brendan Keogh	–	–	1
Kilbarry Farm Enterprises	–	–	1
KTDA Racing	–	–	1
Declan Landy	–	–	1
Ciaran Mooney	–	–	1
HOS Syndicate	–	–	1
Morrison-Bell & Russell	–	–	1
McNeill Family & Niall Farrell	–	–	1
Triple Lock Partnership	–	–	1
Garry Wilson	–	–	1

Inothewayurthinkin wins 2025 Boodles Gold Cup

Inothewayurthinkin has won the Boodles Gold Cup at Cheltenham and dethroned the dual champion Galopin Des Champs.

A great week for the Cheltenham Festival’s leading all-time owner got even better as he claimed the blue riband of chasing on Friday.

Well placed throughout the race, Inothewayurthinkin is a first Gold Cup for trainer Gavin Cromwell, and is another Grade 1 this week for rider Mark Walsh.

Inothewayurthinkin is the first supplementary entry to win the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, as he was added to the field on Saturday, 8th March at a cost of £25,000.

Bred by Noreen McManus, the winner is a second victory for the Limerick owner in the Gold Cup, and his 84th Festival winner.

Inothewayurthinkin is the 20th seven-year-old to succeed and the 31st horse trained in Ireland to win the contest.

Mark Walsh, narrowly pipped for the leading rider at this year’s Cheltenham Festival by Paul Townend, said of the victory:

“I’m dancing inside! Brilliant, I can’t believe it. They went a nice gallop. He jumped well on the whole, he just missed the ditch going down the back the last time.

“In fairness to this fella, he’s done some growing up in the last year. He won here last year, but Gavin Cromwell is a genius. The way he trained him, he had him spot on for today. Brilliant. He’s a home-bred as well, which makes it extra special. Delighted.”

A shocked Gavin Cromwell admitted:

“I don’t know what to say as it is absolutely massive. I never thought I would have a horse good enough to run in a Gold Cup, let alone win.

“It is unbelievable and it will probably take a while to sink in. I’m absolutely thrilled. I didn’t think we were travelling particularly well as just on that ground he looked to be flat out.”

The defending champion and two-time winner Galopin Des Champs (8/13 favourite) was second for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins.

The Mouse Morris-trained Gentlemansgame (40/1) was another 12 lengths away in third for Darragh O’Keffee and owners Robcour.

A sad postscript to the race was that Corbetts Cross, trained by Emmet Mullins for J.P. McManus, who fell at the last fence in the Boodles Gold Cup sadly lost his life.

Wonderwall and Wodhooh wins mean 7 Irish-trained winners today

Wonderwall (28/1) and Wodhooh won races five and six on the final day at Cheltenham to complete and Irish clean weep of the card on day four.

In the Foxhunters, the Sam Curling-prepared nine-year-old son of Yeats, Wonderwall, with Rob James riding, defeated previous dual runner-up in the race Its On The Line (4/1) and Derek O’Connor.

Gordon Elliott’s Willitgoahead, owned by Bective Stud, was third at 13/2.

Wodhooh (9/2) won the final race of the festival, the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle for the same successful candidates as last year, Danny Gilligan and Gordon Elliott.

Act Of Authority (28/1) was second to the only Elliott winner of Cheltenham 2025. The runner-up for Olly Murphy, was ridden by Lewis Sanders.

Raglan Road (25/1) and Taponthego (8/1) were third and fourth for Waterford handler, Henry de Bromhead. The former was piloted by Gavin Brouder, with the latter the mount of Mikey ‘Connor.

Jasmin De Vaux becomes dual Cheltenham Festival winner

Jasmin De Vaux (6/1), last season’s Weatherbys Bumper winner at the Cheltenham Festival, returned to the Cotswolds this afternoon to claim the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

It continued the excellent form on Friday of both Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, as he claimed the race by two and a half lengths from the Irish-trained favourite The Big Westerner (9/2f).

The Henry de Bromhead-handled Darragh O’Keeffe-ridden runner-up was two and a half lengths adrift of the winner, with the Irish-bred Lucinda Russell-trained Derryhassen Paddy (10/1) and Derek Fox another four and a half lengths behind.

“This lad takes a bit of warming up, he’s not the most straightforward, but he’s a classy individual,” Paul Towend admitted post race.”He showed that here last year – that was a huge pick from Patrick and I said, ‘If he picked him last year, I couldn’t leave him behind this year.’

“I think a lot of it is just confidence with him and just getting into a rhythm – I thought there would be plenty go forward – and ride him for class.”

Connacht v Munster Preview – Predicted Teams, Kick-Off Time, Injury Updates & More | URC Round 14, MacHale Park

Historic Day in Castlebar as Connacht Host Munster at MacHale Park

Form Guide and URC Picture

Key Stats

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Connacht Predicted XV:

Munster Team News:

Munster Injury List:

What’s at Stake

Prediction

Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad?

O’Gara Stayed. Sexton Walked — and Kept the Shirt.

Crowley’s Contract Standoff: A New Problem for the IRFU

The Forgotten Man: Harry Byrne Roars Back into Contention

Where Can Crowley Develop Best?

What’s the IRFU’s Next Move?

Connacht Unchanged in the Backs as Wilkins Names Strong Squad for Ospreys Test

Away Form Must Improve

Connacht Matchday 23 vs Ospreys (Saturday, 5.15pm):

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

Starman Heads the Market

Supremacy Offers Value

Potential from St Mark’s Basilica

Other Noteworthy Contenders

Conclusion

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

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS: LEADING JOCKEYS, TRAINERS & OWNERS PLUS FINAL STANDINGS IN THE PRESTBURY CUP AT THE END OF GOLD CUP DAY

Leading Jockeys at The Cheltenham Festival 2025

Leading Trainers at The Cheltenham Festival 2025

The Prestbury Cup – Final Standings

Leading Owners at The Cheltenham Festival 2025

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