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How Did Online Slots Become the Most Popular Type of Casino Game?

If you have an interest in casino games, you surely know about slots. To answer your question, yes, slots are the most played games at online casinos. 

Now, these games didn’t become the king of engagement overnight. There are very explainable reasons why this has happened. And those reasons are our focus for this post. 

What are Online Slots?

Well, the term “online slots” came from slot machines. At brick-and-mortar casinos all over the world, there are machines with mechanical reels inside. The screen usually shows 3 reels and there’s a lever on one side of the machine. Once you pull the machine, the “slots” on the reels spin and stop at a unique combination. If the combination matches the ones that pay, you get a return on your bet. 

The same goes for online slots in any modern online casino. Sure, you can’t hear the mechanical spinning noise or don’t get to pull the lever with everything you’ve got, but they’re still just as much enjoyable. 

Coming back to our topic for today’s discussion, why are slots online Ireland the most played casino games? Let’s find out. 

Why Are Online Slots Ireland the Most Popular Type of Casino Games?

Well, it’s not just for Ireland. Rather, it goes for all countries where online gambling is legal and the casinos offer the games. It’s one of the very games that players from all countries love equally. It’s finally time to delve into reasons and shed light on the darkness you’ve been carrying with you. 

Extreme Simplicity

Take a casino game other than slots. Roulette? Blackjack? Poker? Bingo? Keno? 

No matter which game you think of, there’s a learning curve. You need to spend at least a few hours with a game to understand all of your actions and the consequences of those actions. 

For the best online slots in Ireland or any other country, there’s nothing to learn. Sure, you might not enjoy the titles as much if you don’t have a clue about what’s going on. But it’s not going to stop you from playing or even winning. 

It’s because no strategy in the world can help you win in slots. Also, no force can stop you from winning. The only parameter you control in the games is your bet value. And the number of paylines if the game allows it. That’s it. 

It’s the simplicity and the dependence on luck that made the best online slots the most popular type of casino game. 

Versatility Goes a Long Way

If you haven’t got the chance to play slots online for free yet, you’re missing out on a lot. The developers have gone crazy in the past few years in terms of themes and game mechanics. 

At the very beginning of the iGaming industry, we only had classic 3-reel games to play. Those games had the same symbols we’ve seen for more than 50 years on casino slot machines. The fruits, the bell, the lucky 7s, and whatnot. 

Then, something called video slots came out. And there’s been an uprising for the games online slots. These slots had all kinds of themes one can imagine. At the time of writing, themes revolving around ancient Egypt, Wild West, Fantasy worlds, Mythologies, etc. are getting the most traction. 

Moreover, we’re not stuck with 3-reel classic slots only. We have 5-reel, 6-reel, and games with even more reels. The great thing about more reels is that it adds variety to your gambling experience and lets you explore a new horizon. Also, the higher winning potential is a bonus. 

We can’t help but discuss the Megaways slots as we’re discussing the variety in the paradigm. Developed by Aussie software provider Big Time Gaming, the Megaways mechanic has changed the iGaming industry forever. When you play slots online for free, it can go up to 117,649 Megaways. Well, you can call them paylines too because that’s what they are. 

You Get Jackpots!

Of course, how can we forget the jackpots? Even people who have no idea about casino games at all have heard of jackpots. They know it’s a game that can change your life forever once you win it. And it’s true. 

Jackpots are essentially slot games. Progressive jackpots take a portion of every bet you place and accumulate for a massive payout. A specific jackpot title, Mega Moolah, for example, runs under the same network all over the world. So, no one knows when the game’s going to pay out and who will win it from where. 

There’s another type and that’s the fixed jackpot. These are in-game features where you can win more than the game’s usual maximum winning potential but it’s not as crazy as the progressive ones. 

You Can Play the Games on Your Phone

While it’s true for the rest of the casino games as well, no other titles run as flawlessly as slots on a mobile device. Basically, online mobile slots are one of the main reasons modern players are so crazy about these games. 

Whether you use an Android or an iOS device, you can rest assured that all online mobile slots will run smoothly on your device. Unless, of course, you’re using a device that doesn’t comply with modern standards. 

The best thing about online mobile slots is that you can play the games from the mobile browser as well as by downloading apps. So, all kinds of online casinos in Ireland are fair game for you. 

You Can Play Free

What most guides on games online slots don’t tell you is that you can play the slots online for free. At least, most of them. All you have to do is visit the software provider’s website and look for the game. Most providers offer demos of the games. Sure, you can’t win any real money when you play the games for free but you can’t put a price on the enjoyment, right?

Final Words

In this post, we’ve tried to answer why slots online are the most popular type of casino game. You might’ve known some of them already and hopefully learned something new in the process. 

 

“I feel good about my game; it’s just about managing expectation” says Lowry

Credit: DP World Tour.

Former Open Champion Shane Lowry is looking forward to beginning his Horizon Irish Open challenge today at Mount Juliet in Co Kilkenny.

“I say it every year, it’s always great to come back to The Irish Open, the tournament.  It’s kind of close to me, and I owe a lot to it for where I am in the game with the start that I had with The Irish Open in 2009, and, yeah, gave me the kick start to my career that I really needed, definitely gave me one up on the rest of the guys around my level at the time.”

Discussing his good early season form, the Offaly native said:

“It’s been a nice stretch for me, and I feel confident, I feel good about my game. So it’s just about managing expectation in a week like this really.  But I feel like I’m doing that every week because I feel like every week I play now is such a big week, and every week I really want to do well.”

Though there is added pressure on the Irish players this week to perform in front of the home crowd, according to the former Irish Open Champion Shane Lowry:

“It’s just managing expectation, managing myself around the course and allowing myself to play good golf, and I’ll be fine. I treat it like any other tournament. I was actually talking about it the other night, you come back to Ireland like once a year to play this tournament.  And especially this year, when things have been going well and I’ve been playing quite good, there’s no point shying away, one of the highest ranked players in the field, one of the top Irish players, one of the players that people really want to do well. There’s expectation there.”

So, how will the Clara-native perform this week?

“I’m just going to be myself and be as good as I can with everyone and just give people what they want. Because I think that’s just nice. When I was a kid coming to The Irish Open, that’s what I wanted. So it’s nice to be able to do that. And, no, not doing anything different.  I’m staying here on site, my family are here. I’m going to up and down and around for dinner and stuff. Nothing really different.”

U20 Rugby TV details – Watch South Africa v Ireland live online

There is no u20 World Cup but we have an U20 summer series and you can watch South Africa v Ireland live online here

 

The Ireland Under-20s (sponsored by PwC) will aim to bounce back from an opening defeat when they face high-flying South Africa, their first southern hemisphere opponents of the season.

2022 UNDER-20 SIX NATIONS SUMMER SERIES – POOL A: Wednesday, June 29

IRELAND UNDER-20s (4th) v SOUTH AFRICA UNDER-20s (2nd), Payanini Rugby Centre, Verona, 8pm local time/7pm Irish time (live Under-20 Six Nations YouTube Channel)

Team News: Head coach Richie Murphy has made six changes to his team for the round 2 fixture, with Patrick Campbell, Sam Prendergast, Michael Moloney, George Hadden, Diarmuid Mangan and George Shaw coming into the side.

Campbell, who was one of the standout performers during Ireland’s U-20 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning campaign, has recovered from a thumb injury to start at full-back.

The return of the Munster Academy ace means Dylan O’Grady switches to the left wing, while Aitzol King, the scorer of Ireland’s opening try against France last Friday, continues on the right.

The centre pairing of Fionn Gibbons and Daniel Hawkshaw remains unchanged from the 42-21 defeat to les Bleuets, with Leinster duo Prendergast and Moloney forming a new half-back pairing.

In the pack, Hadden comes into the front row alongside James McCormick and Darragh McSweeney, and Mangan steps into the engine room alongside the ever-present Conor O’Tighearnaigh.

James McNabney and captain Reuben Crothers are joined in the back row by number 8 Shaw, who has come through the IQ Rugby pathway.

Murphy has plenty of options on the bench with teams allowed to name an extended matchday squad of 26 players for the tournament in Italy.

 

Meanwhile, South Africa head coach Bafana Nhleko has kept the starting back-line intact from their 30-22 victory over England, but the pack is freshened up.

Lock Reinhardt Ludwig and number 8 Cameron Hanekom are the only two players set to get a second start up front, with Nhleko making six changes to the forwards.

The Vodacom Bulls front row trio of Corne Lavanga, Sivu Mabece and Tiaan Lange will pack down together. Ludwig’s new lock partner is Corne Rahl of the Cell C Sharks.

Hanekom, who a had a strong first outing in Italy, will be flanked by DHL Western Province pair Paul de Villiers and Louw Nel in the back row.

Watch out for Junior Springboks captain, out-half Sacha Mngomezulu, who had 16 kicks from open play against England, double the amount of any other player in the tournament. He also provided the assists for three tries.

Under-20 Six Nations Summer Series Fixtures/Results

Under-20 Six Nations Summer Series Table

IRELAND U-20: Patrick Campbell (Young Munster RFC/Munster); Aitzol King (Clontarf FC/Leinster), Fionn Gibbons (UCD RFC/Leinster), Daniel Hawkshaw (Clontarf FC/Leinster), Dylan O’Grady (UCD RFC/Leinster); Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne FC/Leinster), Michael Moloney (UCD RFC/Leinster); George Hadden (Gorey RFC/Clontarf FC/Leinster), James McCormick (Ballymena RFC/Ulster), Darragh McSweeney (Shannon RFC/Munster), Conor O’Tighearnaigh (UCD RFC/Leinster), Diarmuid Mangan (UCD RFC/Leinster), James McNabney (Ballymena RFC/Ulster), Reuben Crothers (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster) (capt), George Shaw (Cardiff University/IQ Rugby).

Replacements: Josh Hanlon (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster), Oisin Michel (Lansdowne FC/Leinster), Kieran Ryan (Shannon RFC/Munster), Adam McNamee (Malone RFC/Ulster), Lorcan McLoughlin (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster), Andrew O’Mahony (UCC RFC/Munster), Reece Malone (Loughborough University/Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster), George Coomber (UCC RFC/Munster), Shay McCarthy (Young Munster RFC/Munster), Scott Wilson (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster), Charlie Irvine (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster).

SOUTH AFRICA U-20: Duran Koevort (DHL WP); Donovan Don (Down Touch Griffons), Ethan James (DHL WP), Carlton Banies (Vodacom Bulls), Suleiman Hartzenberg (DHL WP); Sacha Mngomezulu (DHL WP) (capt),, Nico Steyn (Lions); Corne Lavagna (Vodacom Bulls), Tiaan Lange (Vodacom Bulls), Sivuyise Mabece (Vodacom Bulls), Corne Rahl (Cell C Sharks), Reinhardt Ludwig (Vodacom Bulls), Paul de Villiers (DHL WP), Louw Nel (DHL WP), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls).

Replacements: Lukhanyo Vokozela (DHL WP), Lamla Nunu (DHL WP), Corne Weilbach (DHL WP), Connor Evans (DHL WP), Siya Ningiza (Cell C Sharks), Niel le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Compion von Ludwig (Vodacom Bulls), Katlego Letebele (Vodacom Bulls), Ruan Venter (Lions), Gcino Mdletshe (Vodacom Bulls), Imad Khan (DHL WP).

 

 

 

 

 

Ireland Team Named to Play Māori All Blacks in Hamilton

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has announced the Ireland side that will play against the Māori All Blacks in the opening fixture of the Summer Tour of New Zealand.

Bundee Aki will captain the team as the two sides face off for the first time since 2010.  Bundee returns to Hamilton the home of the Chiefs, the team he won a Super Rugby title with in 2013.

The backline features Craig Casey and Ciaran Frawley at half-back, Bundee is joined in the centre by James Hume while the back three sees Jordan Larmour and Keith Earls on the wings with Jimmy O’Brien at fullback.

Jeremy Loughman, Dave Heffernan and Tom Toole make up the front row with Kieran Treadwell and Joe McCarthy at lock.  Cian Prendergast, Nick Timoney and Gavin Coombes are named in the backrow.

The replacements are Niall Scannell, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery and Michael Lowry.

The game will be broadcast live on SKY SPORTS and RTE Radio.

Māori All Blacks v IRELAND
FMG Stadium, Hamilton, Wednesday 29th June, 2022
KO: 8.05am Irish Time

15. Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas) uncapped
14. Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 30 caps
13. James Hume (Ulster/Banbridge) 3 caps
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 37 caps captain
11. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 96 caps
10. Ciaran Frawley (Leinster/Skerries) uncapped
9. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 5 caps

1. Jeremy Loughman (Munster/Garryowen) uncapped
2. Dave Heffernan (Connacht/Buccaneers) 6 caps
3. Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 2 caps
4. Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Dublin) uncapped
5. Kieran Treadwell (Ulster/Ballymena) 5 caps
6. Cian Prendergast (Connacht) uncapped
7. Nick Timoney (Ulster/Banbridge) 2 caps
8. Gavin Coombes (Munster/Young Munster) 2 caps

Replacements
16. Niall Scannell (Dolphin/Munster) 20 caps
17. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 116 caps
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 23 caps
19. Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 8 caps
20. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 27 caps
21. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 96 caps
22. Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 32 caps
23. Michael Lowry (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap

Ruaidhrí McGee secures best Challenge Tour finish since 2015

Ruaidhri McGee secured his best Challenge Tour finish since 2015 at Golf Blue Green de Pléneuf Val André on Sunday.

The Irish golfer finished one shot behind the Blot Open de Bretagne winner, Alfie Plant of England.

The Englishman posted a two under par round of 68 to finish on 11 under par, one-shot clear of

Plant started the final round in pole position alongside McGee, however two bogeys in his opening four holes saw him drop down the leaderboard, before recovering brilliantly with five birdies to regain his position at the summit.

Plant is now a two-time winner

The 29-year-old, now a two-time Challenge Tour winner, was delighted to add the Blot Open de Bretagne to his Hopps Open de Provence victory last season and believes playing in France brings out the best in his ability.

“It feels amazing because it’s another dream come true,” he said. “I feel at home here in France because it’s not too far away, the courses are quite similar and it’s a great country to be in.

“It’s great to get my second win on the Challenge Tour and it has reassured me that I can win out here. It’s nice to get it done a little bit earlier in the season this year because it leaves me with a lot of golf left to play and a better chance of securing a place in the top 20 on the Rankings. It’s very exciting times.

“My last two wins I’ve been on my own so it was amazing to have my dad here with me this week. I’m going to take each week as it comes. I’ll listen to my mind and my body and make the best decisions that I can.”

Spaniard Borja Virto posted a three under par round of 67 to finish in third place on nine under par, while Germany’s Freddy Schott finished fourth on eight under par.

Englishman David Dixon finished in fifth position on six under par, while home favourite Ugo Coussaud finished a shot further back on five under.

Englishman Todd Clements, Spaniard Emilio Cuartero and Swedish duo Pelle Edberg and Mikael Lindberg shared seventh place on four under par.

Victory in France means Plant climbs 103 places to 13th on the Road to Mallorca Rankings on 45,323 points, 53,833 points off top spot.

The Road to Mallorca now heads to Italy for the Italian Challenge Open at Golf Nazionale from June 30 to July 3, 2022.

Final scores (Irish golfers in bold):

269 A PLANT (ENG) 65 67 69 68,  270 R MCGEE 61 73 67 69,  271 B VIRTO (ESP) 64 69 71 67,  272 F SCHOTT (GER) 66 71 68 67,  274 D DIXON (ENG) 67 73 65 69,  275 U COUSSAUD (FRA) 69 68 68 70,  276 E CUARTERO BLANCO (ESP) 74 68 70 64, M LINDBERG (SWE) 68 69 73 66, P EDBERG (SWE) 72 66 71 67, T CLEMENTS (ENG) 70 71 68 67,  277 D GERMISHUYS (RSA) 70 71 72 64, J GARCIA (ESP) 71 71 67 68, D MCELROY 70 65 72 70, R SCIOT-SIEGRIST (FRA) 64 67 72 74,  278 I CANTERO GUTIERREZ (ESP) 67 68 76 67, C BOUNIOL (FRA) 69 72 66 71, M ORRIN (ENG) 68 70 68 72,  279 A SADDIER (FRA) 67 71 73 68, S MANLEY (WAL) 70 67 72 70,  280 S PETERSEN (SWE) 66 72 74 68, J PRINSLOO (RSA) 67 68 75 70, J FAHRBRING (SWE) 70 65 73 72, B EVANS (ENG) 66 72 69 73,  281 Z BAI (CHN) 67 71 76 67, S TILEY (ENG) 69 70 75 67, R EVANS (ENG) 71 67 75 68, D FOOS (GER) 68 71 74 68, G BOURDY (FRA) 72 69 72 68, S GROS (FRA) 69 73 66 73,  282 G STAL (FRA) 70 69 77 66, V LOPES (POR) 69 70 74 69, A GRENIER (FRA) 68 71 73 70, J MCDONALD (SCO) 68 71 73 70, J THOMPSON (AUS) 66 76 70 70, M MANASSERO (ITA) 71 71 69 71, B RITTHAMMER (GER) 70 70 70 72, L JERLING (RSA) 68 73 64 77,  283 A BARBE (AM) (FRA) 69 72 75 67, D YOUNG (SCO) 67 73 73 70, J KENNEGARD (SWE) 71 65 76 71, G MOYNIHAN 71 70 71 71, R WATTEL (FRA) 70 69 72 72, F MORY (FRA) 71 69 71 72, R DINWIDDIE (ENG) 68 70 69 76, J LANDO CASANOVA (FRA) 70 64 72 77,  284 V RIU (FRA) 66 75 74 69, J ARNOY (NOR) 70 68 76 70, E DI NITTO (ITA) 69 73 72 70, W ENEFER (ENG) 69 67 71 77,  285 P MARGOLIS (FRA) 69 72 80 64, J THOMSON (ENG) 68 70 74 73, P FIGUEIREDO (POR) 72 70 69 74,  286 J QUESNE (FRA) 68 74 72 72, B EASTON (RSA) 64 76 73 73, F PALSON (SWE) 67 75 71 73,  287 N REGNER (AUT) 68 68 77 74,  288 P BAEK (DEN) 70 69 78 71, G BRIXI (CZE) 70 70 74 74,  290 A DAYDOU (FRA) 65 76 80 69, K ULENAERS (BEL) 70 72 74 74,  291 X PONCELET (FRA) 70 69 77 75,  292 P FOULQUIE (FRA) 71 67 79 75,  293 A DEL REY (ESP) 75 66 74 78,  295 J ADARRAGA GOMEZ (ESP) 72 70 75 78.

La Petite Coco wins Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh

La Petite Coco wins Group 1 Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh. Credit: David Betts.

La Petite Coco (9/1) won the Group 1 Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday, the final day of the three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.

Trained by Paddy Toomey and ridden by Billy Lee, the Ruler Of The World filly took the €177,000 first prize in the colours of Team Valor LLC.

The English raider, My Astra, from the William Haggas yard, started the 1 mile 2 furlong race as the 11/4 favourite but had to give way to La Petite Coco by half a length.

Rosscarbery (20/1), also trained by Paddy Toomey, was third past the post but was subsequently disqualified following a stewards’ enquiry.

The Ger Lyons-handled Thunder Kiss (40/1) was promoted to third place for jockey Colin Keane and owners Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd.

Justify and Galileo offspring win

The regally-bred Statuette (4/6f) took the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes over 6 furlongs. The daughter of Justify, carrying the Magnier colours, had three-parts of a length in hand on the Donnacha O’Brien-handled Badb (25/1), with the same distance back to Matilda Picotte (18/1) in third.

Proud And Regal (16/1) won the opening Barrownstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden for trainer Donnacha O’Brien and jockey Cillian Leonard.

The well-bred son of Galileo, carrying the colours of Derrick Smith, is a full-brother to five-time winner Mekong River.

Coumshingaun (10/1) took the Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes Handicap for seven-pound claimer  Jamie Powell and handler Kevin Coleman.The Fastnet Rock filly was the bottom weight in the race and claimed the €14,750 first prize for successful owner Eileen Coleman.

The €100,000 Paddy Power Rockingham Handicap (Premier Handicap) over five furlongs went the way of Ano Syra (9/2) for trainer Johnny Fehan and jockey Jamie Powell, the second part of Powell’s first career double.

The Coolmore-bred four-year-old Galileo colt HMS Seahorse was one of the most impressive winners of the weekend when claiming the Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Ragusa” Handicap for trainer Paul Nolan and rider Colin Hayes.

 

Ruaidhrí McGee is joint leader at Blot Open de Bretagne

Ruaidhrí McGee and Alfie Plant share a two-stroke lead heading into the final day of the Blot Open de Bretagne.

McGee enjoyed a good moving day with a three under par round of 67 and will go in search of a maiden European Challenge Tour victory tomorrow.

Englishman Plant posted a one under par round of 69 and despite carding three birdies, he was forced to settle for a nine under par total after bogeying two of his final three holes at Golf Blue Green de Pléneuf Val André.

The leading duo are closely followed by overnight leader Robin Sciot-Siegrist, who sits in third place on seven under par.

Plant will look to secure his second Challenge Tour title on French soil after he claimed an emotional victory last season at the Hopps Open de Provence.

Ireland’s McGee, who posted a sensational nine under par round of 61 on the opening day, is teeing it up in only his second event on the 2022 Road to Mallorca and believes club selection is key to successfully navigating the links-style course in Brittany.

“I hit a couple of poor shots to start but luckily chipped in for birdie on the second hole,” he said. “The wind was strong out there and you have to focus on choosing the right club because it can change at any moment.

“It’s tough because I played so well in round one and you get used to seeing everything go into the hole. After hitting a few poor shots yesterday, I kept trying to push and became too aggressive. It’s important to just relax and let it happen.”

Spaniard Borja Virto sits in fourth place on six under par, while South African Luke Jerling, who posted a six under par round of 64, German Freddy Schott, home favourite Ugo Coussaud and Englishman David Dixon share fifth place on five under.

Round three scores (Irish players in bold):

201 R MCGEE 61 73 67, A PLANT (ENG) 65 67 69,  203 R SCIOT-SIEGRIST (FRA) 64 67 72,  204 B VIRTO (ESP) 64 69 71,  205 L JERLING (RSA) 68 73 64, D DIXON (ENG) 67 73 65, F SCHOTT (GER) 66 71 68, U COUSSAUD (FRA) 69 68 68,  206 M ORRIN (ENG) 68 70 68, J LANDO CASANOVA (FRA) 70 64 72,  207 C BOUNIOL (FRA) 69 72 66, R DINWIDDIE (ENG) 68 70 69, B EVANS (ENG) 66 72 69, W ENEFER (ENG) 69 67 71, D MCELROY 70 65 72,  208 S GROS (FRA) 69 73 66, J FAHRBRING (SWE) 70 65 73,  209 J GARCIA (ESP) 71 71 67, T CLEMENTS (ENG) 70 71 68, P EDBERG (SWE) 72 66 71, S MANLEY (WAL) 70 67 72,  210 B RITTHAMMER (GER) 70 70 70, M LINDBERG (SWE) 68 69 73, J PRINSLOO (RSA) 67 68 75,  211 P FIGUEIREDO (POR) 72 70 69, M MANASSERO (ITA) 71 71 69, F MORY (FRA) 71 69 71, R WATTEL (FRA) 70 69 72, A SADDIER (FRA) 67 71 73, I CANTERO GUTIERREZ (ESP) 67 68 76,  212 J THOMPSON (AUS) 66 76 70, E CUARTERO BLANCO (ESP) 74 68 70, G MOYNIHAN 71 70 71, J MCDONALD (SCO) 68 71 73, A GRENIER (FRA) 68 71 73, J THOMSON (ENG) 68 70 74, S PETERSEN (SWE) 66 72 74, J KENNEGARD (SWE) 71 65 76.

Daniel Coyle is first Irishman in 58 years to win Longines GP of Rotterdam

Daniel Coyle and Carlyle on their victory lap after winning the Longines Grand Prix of Rotterdam. Image provided by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

Daniel Coyle has become the first Irish rider to win the five-star Grand Prix of Rotterdam since 1964, after a brilliant performance saw him claim victory aboard Carlyle.

Fourteen of the 45 starters made it into the jump-off and six of those had gone clear in the second round when Coyle entered the arena as last to go.

The Derry man is always among the favourites when it comes to beating the clock, and he was at his brilliant best as he crossed the line clear in 36.69 seconds to take victory.

Kevin Jochems (NED) with Cornetboy took second place in 37.20 seconds, while Frenchman Julien Epaillard took third place with Caracole de la Roque (37.49 seconds).Speaking after his victory, Coyle admitted:

“To be honest, we weren’t the most hopeful heading into the competition. With this horse, you don’t really know beforehand what you’re going to get. But last Thursday he did very well and so I decided to also ride him in the Grand Prix. And he did his very best for me today.”

Westover gives Colin Keane a first Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

Westover and Colin Keane, winners of the 2022 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Credit: David Betts.

Westover (11/8jf) gave Colin Keane a first victory in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh on Sunday.

Arguably an unluckly third in the Cazoo Derby at Epsom three weeks ago, the Ralph Beckett-trained colt ran out a seven-length winner of Ireland’s Premier Classic.

In the colours of Juddmonte Farms, the son of Frankel was never seriously challenged inthe 1 mile 4 furlong contest.

Donnacha O’Brien’s Piz Badile (18/1) was runner-up with 16/1 chance French Claim another two lengths back in third.

Aidan O’Brien’s filly Tuesday, supplemented during the week for the race, was a disappointing fourth, a further one and a quarter lengths behind.

Murtagh and Cohen win Gain Railway Stakes

Johnny Murtagh and Ben Cohen teamed up to win the Gain Railways Stakes with Shartash (9/1) for The Aga Khan. The two-year-old son of the Irish National Stud’s Invincible Spirit held off the challenge of the Aidan O’Brien-handled favourite Blackbeard (5/6). Apache Outlaw (22/1) was a further length and a quarter back in third.

Aikhal is impressive

The Group 3 The Arm Holding International Stakes saw Aikhal run out an impressive four and a quarter length winner under Ryan Moore. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the two-year-old son of Galileo beat Dermot Weld’s Duke De Sessa, with Rumbles Of Thunder from the Paddy Toomey yard a further half a length behind in third.

In the opening Dubai Duty Free Dash Stakes (Listed Race), Teresa Mendoza (4/1) went one spot better than her runner-up position in the race last year. The Ken Condon-trained four-year-old, ridden by Billy Lee, got the better of Prisoner’s Dilemma (18/1)by half a length the same distance further back to Power Under Me (15/8f) in third.

The 5/1 shot Night Of Romance was a winner of the Dubai Duty Free Summer Fillies Handicap for Joseph O’Brien and rider Dylan Browne McMonagle, ahead of the favourite Needle Lace (9/4) and Marbling (5/1).

The Jim Bolger-Kevin Manning partnership was successful with the son of Teofilo, Wexford Native (18/5), in the Dubai Duty Free Celebration Stakes over a mile. Fourth last time out in the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas, Wexford Native challenged wide of Ryan Moore on The Acropolis (7/1), who had finished one from last on his most recent outing in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly at the beginning of June. Emphatic Answer (5/1) was third for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle.

 

 

Ireland qualify for EEF Nations Cup Final

The Irish Show Jumping team have qualified for the Longines EEF Nations Cup final after a third place finish in Friday’s semi final at Deauville, France.

Taylor Vard’s team of Thomas Ryan, Jessica Burke, Kevin Gallagher and Jenny Rankin finished the two rounds of jumping with just four faults.

Tipperary’s Ryan with Springfield 21 and Sligo’s  Gallagher with Ballypatrick Flamenco (ISH) both jumped foot-perfect double clear rounds.

Galway’s Jessica Burke with Namamia and Tyrone’s Jenny Rankin with Carmela Z were also clear in the first round.A jump-off was needed to decide the winners with Belgium coming out on top ahead of Spain in second and Ireland in third.

The remaining qualifying places for the EEF Nations Cup Final went to Sweden and Portugal.

The Longines EEF Series is a Show Jumping Nations Cup circuit created by the European Equestrian Federation which replaced the FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 2.

Ireland is a Europe Division 1 nation but can field teams in selected EEF Series rounds.

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