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Rory McIlroy Stars in Happy Gilmore 2 as Adam Sandler Assembles Golf’s Greatest

Rory McIlroy Stars in Happy Gilmore 2 as Adam Sandler Assembles Golf’s Greatest

Happy Gilmore is back, and this time, it’s bigger than ever. Adam Sandler has teamed up with golf’s elite for Happy Gilmore 2, and the star-studded lineup includes professional legends Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Justin Thomas. The highly anticipated sequel will hit Netflix in 2025, promising comedy and epic golf moments.

Shooter McGavin Returns!

Christopher McDonald, reprising his role as the iconic Shooter McGavin, made a surprise appearance at PGA TOUR star Justin Thomas’ WM Phoenix Open press conference. In true Shooter fashion, McDonald unveiled behind-the-scenes footage from Happy Gilmore 2, which will be showcased in the upcoming season of Netflix’s Full Swing, premiering on February 25.

With appearances from top golfers and cameos from Sandler’s original cast, the sequel is set to be a major hit among sports and comedy fans alike.

 

Munster Rugby Sign Exciting Centre Dan Kelly from Leicester Tigers for 2025/26 Season

Munster Rugby Sign Exciting Centre Dan Kelly from Leicester Tigers for 2025/26 Season

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have officially confirmed the signing of dynamic young centre Dan Kelly from Leicester Tigers. The 23-year-old will join on a two-year deal starting in the 2025/26 season.

Rising Star with Irish Roots

Kelly, who qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, made his mark early in his career. In 2020, he played alongside Tom Ahern and Jack Crowley for the Ireland U20s, helping the team secure the Triple Crown before the tournament was halted due to the pandemic.

Impressive Record with Leicester Tigers

Since making his debut in 2020, Kelly has scored 10 tries in 88 appearances for Leicester. Known for his versatility, he can play at both inside and outside centre, offering Munster flexibility in midfield.

Born in Manchester, Kelly began his journey in the Sale Sharks Academy at 16 in 2017. After two years, he earned a scholarship to Loughborough University, where he featured for their National League squad. His standout performances for the Ireland U20s at just 18 years old caught Leicester’s attention, leading to his move to the Tigers in 2020.

Premiership Success and International Experience

Kelly made an immediate impact, debuting in the Premiership at 19 against Gloucester. During the 2020/21 season, he scored two tries in 17 appearances and featured in the Challenge Cup final. His efforts earned him an England cap against Canada in 2021.

In the 2021/22 season, Kelly was instrumental in Leicester’s Premiership title win, playing 23 matches. Over the next two seasons, he maintained his form, scoring six tries in 38 games.

Recent Performance

Although Kelly missed the 2023 Six Nations due to injury, he remains a key player for Leicester, with one try in seven appearances this season. His move to Munster signals an exciting new chapter in his career as he looks to further his development and potentially stake a claim for future Irish selection.

Best NFL Betting Strategies for Irish Punters: Spreads, Moneylines, and Totals Explained

The NFL’s global appeal continues to grow, and Irish bettors are increasingly drawn to the league’s betting opportunities.

While the sport may seem overwhelming at first (especially for those from Europe), understanding key markets like spreads, moneylines, and totals can give bettors a strategic edge. This guide breaks down these fundamental betting options and provides effective strategies to maximize returns.

Understanding the Key NFL Betting Markets

Before diving into strategies, it’s crucial to understand the three primary types of wagers that will reward fans of the  NFLbetting markets:

Point Spreads: Betting on the Margin of Victory

A point spread levels the playing field by assigning a handicap to the favored team. Sportsbooks set a spread, requiring the favorite to win by a certain number of points, while the underdog must lose by fewer points (or win outright) to cover the spread.

For example:

● Buffalo Bills (-6.5) vs. New England Patriots (+6.5)
○ The Bills must win by at least seven points to cover.
○ The Patriots must lose by six or fewer (or win outright) to cover.

Spread betting demands research and an assessment of team strengths, individual player contributions, game conditions, and trends.

Moneylines: Betting on a Straight-Up Winner

Moneyline betting eliminates the point spread. Instead, punters simply wager on the outright winner. The odds reflect the perceived strength of each team:

● Kansas City Chiefs (-200) vs. Denver Broncos (+170)
○ A €200 bet on the Chiefs would return €300 total (€100 profit) if they win.
○ A €100 bet on the Broncos would return €270 total (€170 profit) if they win.

Moneyline are simple – and a great way to get an understanding of what makes a great team. For newcomers, moneyline bets can be a great way to get into the swing of things. But be aware, although these bets offer strong returns on underdogs, they require careful selection.

Totals (Over/Under): Betting on Combined Points

This market revolves around the total number of points scored by both teams. Sportsbooks set a benchmark, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.

● Over/Under 48.5 Points
○ Over bettors win if at least 49 points are scored.
○ Under bettors win if the total remains at 48 or fewer.

This bet is popular for games featuring high-powered offenses or defensive showdowns. For those new to betting on the NFL this type of bet can focus the mind on what makes an offense or defense stand out from the crowd – and that’s the sort of knowledge that can pay (literal) dividends.

NFL Betting Strategies for Irish Punters

Mastering these markets requires more than just understanding the basics. Strategic betting improves long-term profitability and minimizes risks.

Here are some time-proven strategies to consider:

1. Line Shopping: Get the Best Odds

Odds vary across sportsbooks. A half-point difference on a spread can determine a winning or losing bet. Comparing odds across multiple bookmakers ensures bettors maximize potential returns.

For instance, one book might offer the Eagles -3.5, while another lists them at -3. A bet on -3 secures a push if Philadelphia wins by exactly three, preventing a loss.

2. Identifying Value in Moneyline Bets

Betting solely on favorites in the moneyline market isn’t a sustainable strategy. Instead, focus on underdogs with a real chance to win. Many casual bettors gravitate toward well-known franchises like the Cowboys or Chiefs, but real value often lies in overlooked teams.

When betting on all NFL teams throughout the season, it’s essential to recognize opportunities beyond just high-profile matchups. Some teams thrive in specific situations—such as home underdogs performing well against division rivals or underrated defenses keeping games closer than expected.

Look for:

● Home underdogs with strong defenses.
● Teams with quarterback advantages due to injuries or matchups.
● Situational trends, such as teams performing well off a bye week.

If an underdog’s implied probability is lower than its actual chance of winning, there’s value in the bet. By expanding your focus and betting on all NFL teams when the numbers suggest an edge, rather than just backing favorites, you increase long-term profitability.

3. Understanding Key Numbers in Spreads

NFL games often end with specific margins due to common scoring plays (field goals = 3 points, touchdowns + extra points = 7). The most frequent winning margins are 3, 7, 10, and 14 points.

Bettors should target favorable lines near these key numbers. If a spread moves from -3 to -3.5, the likelihood of a push disappears, making it a riskier bet.

4. Betting Totals: Weather and Matchups Matter

Weather plays a crucial role in totals betting. Wind, rain, and extreme cold lower scoring potential, especially for teams reliant on passing. Before betting the Over, check conditions in outdoor stadiums.

Matchups also matter. A clash between two defensive-minded teams makes the Under more appealing, while offensive powerhouses make the Over a stronger play.

5. Live Betting: Exploiting In-Game Shifts

NFL live betting provides opportunities to bet on shifting game dynamics. If a strong team falls behind early, odds shift dramatically, creating value for those who understand momentum swings. Successful live bettors stay informed, not just about the game at hand, but also about team trends, injuries, and recent performances.

Keeping up with the latest NFL news is crucial in live betting. A key injury or a sudden coaching change can impact a team’s performance, and sportsbooks may be slow to adjust in real time. For example, if a star quarterback picks up a minor injury pregame but still plays, his effectiveness could be reduced, creating an unexpected edge for live bettors paying attention to the details.

For instance:

● The Chiefs enter as -7 favorites but trail 10-0 early. Their adjusted live odds may drop to -2.5, creating a better spread opportunity.
● A key defensive player exits mid-game, making the over a more attractive bet due to a weakened secondary.

Live betting rewards those who react quickly and leverage insights from the latest NFL news to identify real-time value.

Deep Dives Pay Dividends

NFL betting requires strategy, discipline, and a deep understanding of how spreads, moneylines, and totals work. Irish punters who research matchups, shop for the best odds, and practice smart bankroll management will gain an advantage over casual bettors. By applying these strategies, the NFL season offers exciting and profitable opportunities for those willing to approach betting with a sharp, analytical mindset.

Energumene Quest for Champion Chase Glory: Willie Mullins Targets Cheltenham Success

Energumene Quest for Champion Chase Glory: Willie Mullins Targets Cheltenham Success

As the 2025 Cheltenham Festival approaches, Willie Mullins is once again placing his faith in Energumene to deliver success in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The reigning Champion Chase winner has proven himself to be a Cheltenham specialist, and Mullins is optimistic that he can defend his title and further solidify his legacy.

 

Energumene’s 2023 and 2024 performances at Cheltenham were masterclasses in precision, speed, and resilience. His ability to thrive under pressure, combined with his consistency on the festival’s challenging track, has made him one of the standout chasers in recent memory. For Mullins, the horse’s affinity for Cheltenham is a key advantage. “He’s a different horse when he’s here,” Mullins explained during a recent media day. “Jonbon might be better at Ascot, but Cheltenham brings out the best in Energumene.”

A key factor in Energumene’s success is his ability to handle soft ground — a common condition at Cheltenham in March. Mullins is hoping for a similar scenario this year. “Softer ground suits him perfectly,” he said. “It slows down some of his rivals, but Energumene’s stamina and jumping ability allow him to power through.”

While rivals like Jonbon and Edwardstone will present significant challenges, Mullins believes that Energumene’s tactical versatility and Paul Townend’s experience in the saddle could make the difference. “Townend knows how to ride this horse to perfection. Whether they want to take him on early or let him dictate the pace, he has the adaptability to handle any situation.”

Mullins has also fine-tuned Energumene’s preparation to ensure he peaks at the right time. “We’ve kept him fresh, but he’s had enough work to be ready for the test ahead,” Mullins added.

With a stable history of producing winners in this race, including back-to-back victories for Energumene, Mullins knows exactly what it takes to succeed. If all goes to plan, Energumene could join the elite ranks of two-time winners like Moscow Flyer and Master Minded, further cementing his place in Cheltenham history.

Play with bookmaker’s money: what offers 1xBet has for beginners in Ireland

The betting company 1xBet values every client and creates perfect conditions to attract new players.

This 1xBet review will explain what beginners can expect on the global bookmaker’s platform.

But first, let’s answer a common question: is 1xBet legal in Ireland? 1xBet, an international betting site holding a remote bookmaker’s license issued by the Irish Revenue Commissioners, operates entirely within the law.

First deposit bonus

A player’s journey with the betting company 1xBet begins by clicking the registration button and filling out a form, where two types of welcome bonuses are offered to choose from:

  1. For sports betting.
  2. For online casino games.

The welcome bonus on 1xBet is given not for creating an account, but for making the first deposit.

Bonus for sports betting

To receive this bonus, a registered client needs to:

  1. Fill in all the fields in the Personal Account and agree to receive bonuses.
  2. Activate the mobile phone number provided during registration.
  3. Deposit at least €10 into the account.
  4. Place the first bet of at least €10 on any sports event with odds of 1.7 or higher.
  5. Claim up to €30 in Free Bets!

The free bet is credited to the bonus account immediately after the qualifying bet is settled and will be valid for 30 days. To wager the bonus, place a single bet of the bonus amount on any sports event with odds of 1.1 or higher.

Welcome package of up to €1500 and 150 FS 

To receive the welcome bonus for casino games, a new player must follow steps 1-3 from the abovementioned guide. The first deposit bonus is 100% of the deposit amount, up to €300 + 30 FS. To receive the maximum bonus, the customer must make 3 more deposits of at least €15 each. The distribution of bonuses and free spins for the next 3 deposits is as follows:

  • 2nd deposit – up to €350 + 35 FS.
  • 3rd deposit – up to €400 + 40 FS.
  • 4th deposit – up to €450 + 45 FS.

Bonuses must be cleared with a 35x wager within 7 days of being credited. Access to free spins is unlocked after fully wagering the bonus, and they can only be used in specific slots:

  • 1st deposit on Black Wolf: Hold and Win.
  • 2nd deposit on Dragon Pearls: Hold and Win.
  • 3rd deposit on Great Panda: Hold and Win.
  • 4th deposit on Aztec Fire 2: Hold and Win.

To avoid 1xBet complaints about the welcome bonus, we recommend carefully reviewing the terms and conditions in the Promo section. The main site, mobile version, and app all work the same way, so you can register, deposit, receive, and wager welcome bonuses on a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

How do I deposit money into 1xBet?

To top up your balance, go to the financial transactions section, select the best deposit method for you, and follow the system’s instructions.

Join the many 1xBet players and start your winning journey in betting at the reliable bookmaker’s expense.

Buy Tickets and Hear the Preview: World Champion Darts Exhibition Comes to Galway

Buy Tickets and Hear the Preview: World Champion Darts Exhibition Comes to Galway

Darts enthusiasts in Galway, get ready! A thrilling night of world-class darts is set for Friday, 21st February, when three of the biggest stars in the sport land in the city for an unforgettable exhibition event. Taking place at Monroes Live on Dominic Street, this night promises excitement, skill, and entertainment perfect for die-hard fans and casual viewers alike.

Click here to buy tickets

Headlining the event is Luke Humphries, the current World Number 1 and 2024 PDC World Champion. Known for his precision and dominance on the oche, Humphries will be joined by two other fan favourites: six-time major winner Johnny Clayton and the electrifying South African player Devon Petersen. Together, they’ll showcase their talents against local players, offering fans an up-close experience of the skill that defines the top level of the sport.

This event is more than just a night of darts. It also serves as a fundraiser for Claddagh Watch, an organisation dedicated to promoting safety along Galway’s waterways. By attending, fans will not only witness spectacular darts action but also support an important cause in the local community.

Event organisers Hughie O’Donnell and Niall Wynne, along with Arthur Carr of Claddagh Watch, joined John in studio to preview the event. They promised an electric atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for fans to get involved and interact with the players.

Don’t miss out tickets are expected to sell quickly! Whether you’re a dedicated darts fan or just looking for a fun night out for a good cause, this event is not to be missed.

Video Highlights – Galway bounce back to stun Kilkenny with 3pt victory

Video Highlights – Galway bounce back to stun Kilkenny with 3pt victory.


Click Me – GAA League Tables 2025

Galway 2-19 Kilkenny 1-19

After a humbling first-round defeat to Tipperary, Galway arrived at UPMC Nowlan Park under pressure. Kilkenny, fresh off a rare win in Ennis—their first in 16 years—had momentum on their side, and with manager Micheál Donoghue making nine changes to the starting lineup, it looked like a tall order for the Tribesmen to bridge the gap in just a week.

But Galway ripped up that script with a defiant and impressive display, effectively winning the game twice—once through their early dominance, which saw them build an eight-point lead, and again at the death when they withstood Kilkenny’s late surge to land the final four points in succession.

For much of the game, Galway controlled the midfield and dictated the tempo. Declan McLoughlin, one of Donoghue’s new selections, was central to their success. Fresh from scoring a late goal off the bench against Tipp, he opened his account early here, slipping the ball past Adrian Tallis at the near post in the third minute. By the time McLoughlin struck his second goal midway through the second half, Galway looked home and dry. But this is Kilkenny, and nothing is ever that straightforward.

Derek Lyng’s men mounted a characteristic fightback. Martin Keoghan carried over his stellar form from Cusack Park, firing over seven points from play, five of them in the first half. But Kilkenny’s attack was often one-dimensional, with Keoghan carrying the burden as Eoin Cody struggled to find his usual rhythm, and Paddy Deegan’s deployment in midfield failed to pay off as Cianán Fahy and Tom Monaghan dominated that sector.

Still, Kilkenny’s bench made an impact. Billy Ryan and Shane Walsh injected energy, and suddenly Galway, who had led 2-16 to 0-13 at one stage, were being reeled in. Darach Fahy pulled off a superb save to deny Cody once, but the Ballyhale attacker wasn’t to be denied a second time, blasting a goal into the corner to spark the loudest roar of the day from the 5,460-strong crowd.

It looked as if Kilkenny might complete a trademark smash-and-grab, but Galway showed their mettle. Two surging runs from Darren Morrissey earned crucial frees, both converted by Jason Flynn, before Conor Whelan stepped up with a booming point to seal the win.

Galway’s standout performers were evident across the field. Padraic Mannion and Gavin Lee were towers of strength in defence, contributing five points between them, while Monaghan’s three points from midfield ensured Galway had the platform to deliver quality ball forward. At the other end, Kilkenny’s defensive core—led by Huw Lawlor and David Blanchfield—worked tirelessly, but their attacking options lacked depth beyond Keoghan.

Had Kilkenny stolen it at the death, Lyng would have been satisfied with their position after two games. But for Donoghue and Galway, this was a statement win. They dug deep when it mattered and rebounded from last week’s setback in a manner that leaves this division finely balanced.

With lessons learned and momentum regained, Galway’s season is far from over—and with Kilkenny never far from a comeback, their paths may cross again when silverware is on the line.

Shane Walsh stars as Galway’s two-point mastery sinks Mayo in Castlebar

Shane Walsh stars as Galway’s two-point mastery sinks Mayo in Castlebar


Click Me – GAA League Tables 2025

Galway made full use of the new two-point rule to dispatch Mayo with clinical ease, strolling to a comfortable 0-27 to 0-17 victory at MacHale Park. Shane Walsh and Cillian Ó’Curraoin were the driving forces, as the visitors racked up seven two-pointers, punishing Mayo for lapses in defensive structure and showcasing a tactical edge that defined the contest.

Mayo had edged a narrow 0-9 to 0-8 lead at half-time, twice clawing their way back from four-point deficits. But Galway’s sharpness after the break, spearheaded by Walsh and Ó’Curraoin, turned the game firmly in their favour.

The hosts opened brightly, with Seán Morahan splitting the posts in the first minute. Conor Gleeson followed up with a ‘45’, and Paul Conroy added a neat close-range point to hand Galway an early 0-3 to 0-0 advantage.

Mayo’s Conor Reid quickly restored parity with a pair of points, but Galway took control once more. Sean Kelly, Walsh, and Dylan McHugh combined to fire them three points clear. Kelly had a golden chance to stretch the lead further but saw his goal-bound effort brilliantly saved by Colm Reape. Galway regrouped, and Conroy added another point to extend the margin to 0-6 to 0-2.

Mayo attempted to rally. Frank Irwin registered a much-needed point, but when Davitt Neary’s effort was disallowed due to Mayo’s failure to have three players in their defensive half, Ó’Curraoin coolly converted the resulting free, restoring Galway’s four-point cushion.

Paul Towey and Conor Reid responded for Mayo, with Towey levelling matters at 0-7 each thanks to a two-pointer that ignited the home crowd. Donnacha McHugh nudged Mayo into the lead, but a scuffed shot moments later denied them a chance to pull further ahead. Kelly equalised for Galway before Towey’s third point of the half sent Mayo into the break with a slender 0-9 to 0-8 advantage.

The second half was all Galway. Walsh immediately seized control, landing a stunning long-range two-pointer to restore the visitors’ lead. Ó’Curraoin added a point and followed it with another two-point free, quickly stretching the margin to four.

Neary briefly cut the deficit for Mayo, but Walsh was unrelenting. His second long-range effort of the night made it 0-15 to 0-10, and when he repeated the trick on 49 minutes, the gap had ballooned to seven points. Galway had the win firmly in their grasp with 15 minutes remaining.

The closing stages saw Galway press home their advantage in ruthless fashion. Ó’Curraoin added two more two-pointers, while Walsh capped off a stellar performance with another of his own, driving the final nail into Mayo’s coffin. In total, Galway outscored the hosts 0-19 to 0-8 in the second half, as the two league points comfortably boarded the team bus back to the west.

For Mayo, the defeat will be a harsh reminder of the dangers posed by the new rules. For Galway, their mastery of the two-point shot may just set the tone for a successful league campaign ahead.

Scorers for Galway: Cillian Ó Curraoin 0-10 (3 2ptf, 2fs), Shane Walsh 0-10 (2 2pt, 2 2ptf), Paul Conroy 0-2, Seán Kelly 0-2 , Dylan McHugh 0-1 and Connor Gleeson 0-1 (45)

Scorers for Mayo: Paul Towey 0-5 (1 2pt), Ryan O’Donoghue 0-3 (3fs), Davitt Neary 0-3, Conor Reid 0-2, Sean Morahan 0-1, Donnacha McHugh 0-1, and Frank Irwin 0-1.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Séan Fitzgerald, Daniel O’Flaherty; Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke, Séan Kelly, Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid; John Maher, Finnian Ó’Laoí, Céin Darcy; Cillian Ó’Curraoin; Shane Walsh, Sam O’Neill.

Subs: Jack Glynn for Sean Kelly, Robert Finnerty for Sam O’Neill, Cathal Sweeney for Cillian McDaid, Johnny Heaney for Finnian Ó’Laoi, Colm Costello for Shane Walsh

Mayo: Colm Reape; Sam Callinan, Rory Brickenden, Enda Hession; Stephen Coen, David McBrien, Seán Morahan; Donnacha McHugh, Matthew Ruane; Conor Reid, Fergal Boland, Davitt Neary; Paul Towey, Frank Irwin, Ryan O’Donoghue.

Subs: Darren MacHale for Fergal Boland, Diarmuid O’Connor for Conor Reid, Eoghan McLaughlin for Matthew Ruane, Bob Tuohy for Diarmuid O’Connor, Cian McHale for Frank Irwin.

Video Replay – State Man storms to dramatic third Irish Champion Hurdle victory

State Man storms to dramatic third Irish Champion Hurdle victory

State Man (5/4) entered hallowed territory at Leopardstown on Day 2 of the Dublin Racing Festival, joining legends like Istabraq, Hurricane Fly, and Honeysuckle with a commanding third straight win in the Grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle. Willie Mullins’ gelding was imperious as he cruised home six and a half lengths clear of stablemate Daddy Long Legs, marking his 11th Grade 1 triumph in front of an enthralled Leopardstown crowd.

It was another day to savour for Mullins, who saddled the first three home in the feature contest, matching his exploits from the previous day’s Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. Winter Fog rounded out the Mullins trifecta, finishing a further nine lengths adrift in third. With Jody Townend steering Bambino Fever to victory in the concluding Grade 2 Coolmore NH Sires Mares’ Flat Race, Mullins ended the weekend with seven winners—a haul that showcased the depth of talent at Closutton.

The race had all the makings of a classic. Danny Mullins, in pursuit of a third win on the day, set a strong early tempo aboard 8/11 favourite Lossiemouth, who came into this on the back of a runner-up finish to Constitution Hill at Kempton over Christmas. Despite punters backing the Ricci-owned mare, Paul Townend had remained loyal to State Man, a decision that ultimately paid dividends.

But the complexion of the race shifted dramatically at the fourth-last hurdle when Lossiemouth failed to lift her front legs and took a heavy fall. State Man, tracking closely behind, narrowly avoided disaster.

“I was very, very lucky not to be brought down,” Townend admitted. “I was right on top of her, and we were going a fair gallop. Who knows what would have happened, but you can only jump them, and he did that. Not every horse has 11 Grade 1s.”

With the threat of Lossiemouth gone, Townend coasted home comfortably, but there was an undeniable sense of ‘what if’ surrounding the outcome. Mullins acknowledged as much.

“It’s disappointing for Rich (Ricci), disappointing for the public, and disappointing for us all not to see what the final outcome would have been,” said Mullins. “Both horses were going well, and I was happy. But these things happen.

“I’m delighted State Man is back to himself. But as I’ve always said about him, we don’t know how good he is because he only ever does enough. Paul never wavered in his choice of ride, though. There was never any question.”

On Lossiemouth’s future, Mullins remained optimistic. “Our plan has always been to go for the Champion Hurdle. Unless there’s a change of heart, I’m happy for her to go there.”

Earlier, Ballyburn (8/13f) bounced back to form in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Novice Chase, fending off the challenge of Croke Park by five lengths. Paul Townend, registering a treble on the day and five wins across the weekend, described the victory as “the kind of performance you want to see from a novice.”

The senior Mullins-Townend pairing was back in the winner’s enclosure shortly after as Kopek Des Bordes showcased superstar potential by storming to a 13-length victory in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle. His stablemate, Karniquet, was left chasing shadows in second.

Danny Mullins also enjoyed a fruitful afternoon, starting with an emotional win aboard Vischio (8/1) in the Irish Stallion Farms Mares’ Handicap for his cousin Emmet Mullins. He followed that up with an outstanding pillar-to-post ride on Solness (6/1) in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase. Beating off a late challenge from Marine Nationale, the Joseph O’Brien-trained chaser cemented his status with a second Grade 1 victory in as many months.

“He’s been a great horse, and the credit has to go to Joseph,” said Mullins. “The owners believe in him, and Bronsan Racing are having a great time. But what we learned at the Tingle Creek was executed perfectly today. I couldn’t hear a fence flick behind me, and my lad just kept finding. That’s the buzz you live for as a jockey.”

Mark Walsh completed a memorable weekend with three winners, including a late swoop aboard McLaurey (3/1f) in the Timeless Sash Windows Handicap Hurdle, securing a double for Emmet Mullins and JP McManus. Meanwhile, Gavin Cromwell’s tally also reached three after Backtonormal (11/4f) took the Grade 3 Leopardstown Handicap Chase under Conor Stone-Walsh.

For Mullins and Townend, the weekend was an emphatic reminder of their dominance. For racing fans, it was two days of high drama and unforgettable moments at Leopardstown, with the promise of much more to come on the road to Cheltenham.

Galopin Des Champs dazzles with third Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup win at Leopardstown

Galopin Des Champs dazzles with third Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup win at Leopardstown

A hero’s welcome greeted Galopin Des Champs as the crowd at Leopardstown belted out “Olé! Olé! Olé! Olé!” in celebration of the nine-year-old’s scintillating third consecutive victory in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup on the opening day of the Dublin Racing Festival. The son of Timos, trained by Willie Mullins, cemented his place in history with a performance befitting his status as a dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner.

For Mullins, it marked a remarkable 14th success in this prestigious contest, but few could argue that Galopin Des Champs belongs to a tier above former legends like Jodami, Florida Pearl, and Beef Or Salmon. With his customary dominance, the nine-year-old dictated the race at his own pace, making it look almost effortless while never so much as brushing a twig.

Turning for home, stablemates Embassy Gardens, Grangeclare West, and Fact Or File briefly threatened, as did Monty’s Star, but Paul Townend’s mount was in complete control. Booted into the final fence, Galopin Des Champs accelerated smoothly down the stretch, bounding away to win by four and three-quarter lengths from the unconsidered Grangeclare West, with Fact Or File in third.

The capacity crowd, ten-deep around the parade ring, knew they had witnessed something special, responding with a fervour rarely seen in racing. Townend, revelling in the moment, soaked in the atmosphere.

“It’s a very special reception,” the champion jockey said. “We don’t experience it often in racing. It’s the closest we get to scoring a goal somewhere significant and running to the crowd.

“The public getting behind him adds pressure, but it’s the kind you enjoy. When we jumped the last ditch, I could hear the roar from the stands. He’s a champion. You could go out on him in a head collar—he’s that good. I’m lucky to have him, and so are the owners, who never take it for granted. Seeing the public behind him is brilliant.”

The day wasn’t done for Mullins. Majborough (8/11f) showcased his potential in the Grade 1 Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase, overcoming early jumping errors to cruise to a nine-length victory over Touch Me Not. Mark Walsh, aboard JP McManus’s exciting five-year-old, controlled the pace from the front and barely had to ask for a major effort as Majborough eased clear over the closing stages.

“He’s a monster, isn’t he?” Walsh said. “The size of him. He does everything so easily. I knew we were going a good gallop, but he felt like he was hacking. His cruising speed is phenomenal. He made a few mistakes because we were going on a stride, but it’s only his second run over fences. He’ll learn. He wasn’t tired at the finish and galloped all the way to the line.”

Majborough’s success was part of a double on the day for Walsh and McManus, following Percival Legallois’s win in the Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle.

Mullins, finishing the day with three Grade 1 wins, reflected on the depth of talent at his disposal. “From the stands, I could hear the crowd reacting to Majborough’s jumps—oohing and aahing with every close call. But watching from the side, he never looked in danger. He’s a standout of his generation, and we have plenty of exciting horses coming through, like Final Demand, who won the opening Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Novice Hurdle.

“They’re nice horses to have,” Mullins added with a smile. For the champion trainer, days like these are becoming routine, but for the fans at Leopardstown, this was something to savour.

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