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Georgia Tech 24 Florida State 21 in thrilling 2024 Aer Lingus Classic

Credit: @ACCFootball.

A late field goal from Georgia Tech’s Brian Birr decided this tight but entertaining game between Georgia Tech and Florida State at a sold-out Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday evening, giving former a 24-21 victory.

With 25,000 fans reportedly travelling from the USA, Dublin was awash with the gold and white of Georgia Tech and the garnet and gold of Florida State.

Background

The Florida State University Seminoles, who won 10 games in 2022 and 13 games in 2023, are the only team in the ACC and one of just 12 nationally to reach double-digit wins in 2022 and 2023. Prior to kick-off today, Florida State has won 12 consecutive conference games, the 3rd-longest active conference win streak in the nation.

Georgia Tech returned 16 starters from last year’s team, which went 7-6 overall, 5-3 in ACC play (good for a tie for fourth place in the 14-team conference standings), earned its first bowl berth since 2018 and its first bowl victory since 2016 with a season-ending 30-17 triumph over UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl.

The last meeting of the sides, at Tallahassee, Florida, on November 5th 2022 saw the Mike Norvell-coached side come out on top, on a score line of 41-16. Florida State who lead Georgia Tech 2-0 in games played at neutral sites

Early lead for Florida State

A 28 yard rushing touchdown from Lawrance Toafili at the end of his side’s first drive of the game, put Florida State, the number 10 ranked US college team, into the lead. A two-point conversion attempt was successful when Brian Courtney successfully crossed to give his side an 8-0 advantage.

The designated home team, Georgia Tech, immediately responded with a 79 yard 6-play drive which saw quarterback Zach Pyron rush over from one yard out, before Aidan Birr had little difficulty in adding the conversion to leave just a point between the sides with 7:26 remaining in the first quarter.

Shanahan sees early action

Kerry’s David Shanahan came on to punt with just over a minute remaining in the opening quarter. The Georgia Tech kickers punt went 44 yards, to the Florida State 25, where it went out of bounds. A second punt later from the Irishman – in the third quarter – travelled further, this time 49 yards to the Florida State 33 yard line.

Exactly as they had done at the start of the game, Florida State began the second quarter sprightly. A scoring dive of 8 plays, covering 41 yards and taking 5:11 minutes gave Ryan Fitzgerald the opportunity to kick for points. He duly obliged, increasing the Seminoles’ advantage to 11-8 with 11:06 to play to half-time.

Georgia Tech take the lead

The Brent Key-coached Georgia Tech finally took the lead in the game with over three minutes to play to the half-time interval. Wide receiver Jamal Haynes was push over by his team for a rushing touchdown at the end of a 7:53 drive, which covered 75 yards and involved 14 plays. An Aidan Birr kick dissected the posts to put the Bobby Dodd Stadium-based side into a 14-11 lead with 3:13 still on the second-quarter clock.

Just when Georgia Tech looked as those they would head to the half-time locker room with the lead on the scoreboard, Ryan Fitzgerald kicked an incredible 59 yard field goal as they clock was running out, to level the scores. The Fitzgerald kick, his second successful attempt matching his haul in the last clash between the sides, was a fitting end to a 9-play 34 yard drive.

Half-time score: Georgia Tech 14 Florida State 14

The first and only score of the third quarter came early in the period saw an Aidan Birr field goal attempt for Georgia Tech from 51 yards drift right and wide of the posts, leaving the score at 14-14 heading into the deciding 15 minutes of the opening game of the 2024 college football season.

Final Quarter

Georgia Tech, who had ended the previous quarter camped on the Florida State line, ran in for a touchdown through Jamal Haynes on the resumption of play. His two yard run in touchdown was converted by Aidan Birr, to seven points [21-14] between the Yellow Jackets and the Seminoles.

A one-yard rushing touchdown scored by Roydell Williams was the the final of 15 plays in an 8:18 drive by Florida State. Ryan Fitzgerald stepped up again to deliver a successful conversion, tying the sides with 6:33 minutes remaining in the game.

In the dying second of a tight game, Aidan Birr kicked a 44 yard field goal for Georgia Tech go give them a tight 24-21 win in a game which had a great atmosphere throughout.

Final score:  Georgia Tech 24  Florida State 21

How Can the GAA Continue to Increase its Broadcasting Reach?

Galway v Dublin hurling 2022
Galway v Dublin hurling 2022

The GAA used to be almost solely confined to Ireland, but thanks to the global spread of the internet, it has been able to expand its reach. Indeed, more matches than ever are being broadcast each year, with 300 matches in the 2023-2024 season.

It’s clear that the time to capitalise on this growing interest is now. On top of marketing the GAA online in new ways, offering multiple types of viewing options for the games could help drive further growth.

Live Streaming Has Helped the GAA

There’s no doubt that the GAA has been boosted greatly by the rise of the live streaming era. Online casinos initially introduced this technology to the mainstream, with the category now booming at these sites. In fact, due to the overwhelming interest in live games, developers have come up with new gaming offerings such as Adventures Beyond Wonderland Live. The game features a lucky wheel and is easily accessible to players with no prior gambling experience. That’s because they simply need to stake on the wheel and see where it lands. Games like this came about thanks to the growing popularity of live streaming, with an influx of players in search of alternatives to traditional table games. 

After the online casino industry highlighted the immense potential of live streaming, Facebook brought the platform to the mainstream in 2017. Now, there are countless uses for it, with many people turning to live sports streams to watch GAA matches. The great thing about this type of content is that it allows people to see things in real-time, and they often have the chance to interact with the streams.

Expansion of the GAAGO Streaming Platform

The GAAGO platform has been an excellent way to connect viewers with Irish sports, allowing people from all over the globe to get into these great games. People are able to buy monthly subscriptions, pay per match, or even gift memberships to friends. It’s clear that the way forward now is to expand this platform in new ways, helping it reach an ever-growing audience for Gaelic sports.
There are countless ways that the developers could improve the app to make it more engaging for new and existing fans. For example, there could be a live chat feature that allows people to chat with one another during the games. This is a common occurence on live Facebook streams, and it creates a sense that it’s a multi-person experience. In sport, it could help build a community feel where people can share their game predictions. Of course, there’d also be plenty of friendly banter between rival fans.

Another way to expand the GAAGO app’s reach would be to include commentary in other languages. This is already done with some of the world’s top sports such as football, so there’s no reason why GAA sports can’t do the same. This would open the games up to people in various parts of the world and help them feel a closer connection.
There are now many GAA games available with domestic broadcasters. However, the GAAGO app arguably represents the greatest way for Gaelic sports to expand their reach. By taking inspiration from the growing live streaming section at online casinos, the app can connect with more people and lead to greater engagement with the matches.

Four breakout Rugby stars for the 2024/25 Rugby Season

As the 2024/25 rugby season kicks off, anticipation is building around Ireland’s emerging rugby stars.

Each of the four provinces—Munster, Connacht, Leinster, and Ulster—boasts a promising talent who could soon make waves on the national and international stage. Let’s take a closer look at these up-and-coming players, their positions, ages, and what makes them potential future stars for Ireland as we head into the new season.

Diarmuid Kilgannon (Munster)

  • Position: Winger
  • Age: 22

As of August 2024, Diarmuid Kilgannon looks firmly set to establish himself as one of Munster’s most electrifying talents. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 95 kg, Kilgannon combines physicality and speed to devastating effect. His agility and quick footwork allow him to break through defenses with ease, making him a consistent try-scoring threat.

Kilgannon’s performances in the preseason and early matches of the 2023/24 season have only heightened expectations. With his lethal finishing ability and solid defensive work. Munster fans are already buzzing about the impact he could have this season, and it’s clear that Connacht’s decision to let him go has been Munster’s gain. Kilgannon’s trajectory suggests that he could soon be shining on the international stage, possibly as early as the Six Nations in 2025.

Matthew Devine (Connacht)

  • Position: Scrum-Half
  • Age: 21

Matthew Devine continues to be Connacht’s rising star heading into the 2024/25 season. At just 21 years old, he’s already being talked about as a future contender for Ireland’s No. 9 jersey. Known for his quick decision-making and sharp passing, Devine adds a dynamic edge to Connacht’s play. His ability to control the tempo of the game and execute precise kicks has made him a standout player in Connacht’s squad.

Devine’s preseason performances have shown significant improvement, and with veteran scrum-halves like Conor Murray nearing retirement, the door is open for young talents like Devine to step up. If he secures significant playing time this season, Devine could position himself as a key player for Ireland, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. His development this season will be critical, and rugby fans will be keen to see how he handles the pressure.

Rory McGuire (Leinster)

  • Position: Lock
  • Age: 23

Rory McGuire enters the 2024/25 season as one of Leinster’s most promising young talents. At 6’7″ and 115 kg, McGuire’s combination of height, speed, and agility makes him a formidable presence in the second row. His work in the lineout and his ability to carry the ball effectively have drawn comparisons to some of the best locks in world rugby.

McGuire’s performances in the early part of the season will be closely watched, as this could be his breakthrough year. With the 2027 World Cup in mind, McGuire’s continued development will be crucial for both Leinster and Ireland. If he can maintain consistency and build on his early promise, McGuire could become a regular starter for Leinster and put himself in contention for the Ireland squad.

Joe Hopes (Ulster)

  • Position: Back Row (Flanker/No. 8)
  • Age: 21

Joe Hopes is one of Ulster’s brightest young prospects heading into the 2024/25 season. At 21 years old, Hopes is already showing signs of becoming a long-term fixture for both his province and the national team. He stands out for his incredible work rate, especially at the breakdown, where his ability to secure turnovers is invaluable.

Hopes has impressed during preseason, and as Ulster gears up for the new campaign, he is expected to play a significant role. If he can deliver consistent performances throughout the season, Hopes could become a mainstay in the Ireland setup for years to come. His development will be fascinating to watch, particularly as Ulster looks to him to be a key figure in their lineup.

Conclusion: The Future of Irish Rugby Looks Bright

As these young players continue to develop, they represent the future of Irish rugby. Their performances in the 2024/25 season will not only be critical for their respective provinces but could also shape the national team’s prospects in the years to come. Whether it’s Kilgannon’s explosive speed, Devine’s playmaking, McGuire’s physicality, or Hopes’ tenacity, these players are ones to watch as they aim to make their mark on Irish rugby.

Josh Ioane lands in Connacht Ahead of Season Opener: A Look at What’s to Come

Screenshot

Josh Ioane lands in Connacht Ahead of Season Opener: A Look at What’s to Come

As the countdown to the new rugby season begins, Connacht Rugby fans have plenty to be excited about. Josh Ioane, the talented New Zealand fly-half, has officially joined the squad, arriving in Galway just over a month before the opening fixture. His signing has generated considerable buzz, particularly regarding how Ioane will fit into Connacht’s lineup and what it could mean for the team as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Ioane’s Arrival: A Boost for Connacht

Josh Ioane brings with him a wealth of experience, having played at both Super Rugby and international levels. Known for his playmaking abilities, sharp passing, and calmness under pressure, Ioane is expected to be a valuable asset for Connacht. His arrival bolsters the squad, especially after the departure of key players in the off-season.

Connacht’s head coach, Pete Wilkins, has expressed his excitement about Ioane’s signing, emphasizing the fly-half’s versatility and experience. “Josh brings a lot to the table. His ability to control the game and make smart decisions under pressure will be invaluable as we head into a challenging season,” Wilkins remarked.

The Battle for Positions: Carty, Ioane, and Forde

One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming season will be how Connacht deploys their talented roster in the pivotal positions of fly-half and inside centre. While Josh Ioane has been a high-profile signing, Jack Carty, Connacht’s seasoned playmaker, is expected to retain the starting No. 10 jersey. Carty, who has been a mainstay in Connacht’s lineup for several seasons, is known for his game management, tactical kicking, and leadership on the field.

With Carty likely starting at fly-half, the question shifts to how Ioane will be utilized. Many expect that Ioane could either provide cover for Carty or play as a versatile backline option, potentially filling in at fullback or another role as needed.

Meanwhile, Cathal Forde, an emerging talent in the Connacht squad, is anticipated to feature prominently at inside centre (No. 12). Forde, who has shown significant promise, is versatile enough to step into the fly-half role if required but is more likely to make his mark in the midfield. What adds an extra layer of intrigue is Forde’s potential role as the team’s primary kicker. Despite Ioane’s many strengths, his kicking success rate has been inconsistent, which may open the door for Forde to take on the kicking duties.

A New Era for Connacht?

Ioane’s integration into the team could signal a shift in Connacht’s playing style. With his background in New Zealand rugby, Ioane is accustomed to a fast-paced, attacking game, which could influence Connacht’s approach this season. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if this results in a more dynamic and unpredictable Connacht side.

The added depth from Ioane’s signing provides Wilkins with more tactical options, particularly in tight matches where game management and kicking accuracy are crucial. The competition in the United Rugby Championship (URC) is fierce, and having a player of Ioane’s caliber, even as a potential backup or rotational player, could make a significant difference.

What’s Next?

As the season opener against Munster approaches, all eyes will be on Connacht’s pre-season preparations. The training sessions and friendly matches will offer insights into how Ioane, Carty, and Forde are gelling within the squad and what the final lineup might look like.

The excitement around Josh Ioane’s arrival is palpable, but the expectation is that Jack Carty will continue to steer the ship from fly-half, with Ioane adding depth and versatility. Meanwhile, Cathal Forde’s development and potential role as the team’s primary kicker will be a key storyline to follow.

Will this new combination be the key to Connacht’s success this season? Can Ioane and Carty form a formidable partnership, or will the battle for positions create a new narrative in the URC? Only time will tell, but for now, Connacht fans have much to look forward to as the new rugby season approaches.

Mickey Harte Appointed New Joint Manager of Offaly Senior Football Team

Mickey Harte Appointed New Joint Manager of Offaly Senior Football Team

Legendary Manager Mickey Harte Joins Offaly on Three-Year Term

Mickey Harte, the renowned three-time All-Ireland winner and former manager of Tyrone, Louth, and Derry, is set to take on the role of joint manager for the Offaly senior football team. Harte will co-manage the team alongside current manager Declan Kelly under a three-year contract.

Offaly GAA Endorses Harte’s Appointment

The Offaly GAA Football Management Review Committee has recommended Harte’s appointment, which has been endorsed by the management committee. The final approval will be given during the upcoming full county board meeting. Michael Duignan, chairperson of Offaly GAA, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment:

“I am delighted Mickey has come on board with Declan as joint manager of the Offaly senior football team. His genuine interest in Offaly GAA and his wealth of experience is what I feel Offaly football needs right now.”

Harte Looks Forward to New Challenge

Mickey Harte, reflecting on his new role, stated:

“I am really looking forward to working with Declan and the players over the next three years. I am very aware of the history and tradition of Offaly football and believe there is huge potential within the county. I am really excited to work with Declan and the players to get the best out of the footballers in both the league championship in 2025.”

Declan Kelly Welcomes Collaboration with Harte

Declan Kelly, who will continue as joint manager, sees this partnership as a major boost for Offaly football:

“This is great news for Offaly football and Offaly GAA in general. I look forward to working closely with Mickey. He has had huge success over the years and we hope to emulate that in the not too distant future.”

Mickey Harte’s Impressive Legacy

Mickey Harte recently stepped down as manager of the Derry senior footballers after leading them to an Allianz Football League Division 1 title and an All-Ireland quarter-final. Prior to his stint with Derry, Harte managed Louth, where he secured back-to-back promotions and guided the team to a Leinster final appearance.

Harte is most famous for his time with Tyrone, where he managed from 2003 to 2020, securing three All-Ireland titles, six Ulster titles, and one NFL title. After a challenging championship campaign with Derry, Harte announced his resignation in July and expressed his interest in continuing his management career during his punditry work with BBC. Now, he steps back into inter-county management with Offaly, who are set to compete in Division 3 next year.

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Sports Betting vs Slots Which Offers Better Odds

Betting comes in many forms, all of which provide various ways to test one’s luck and strategy; two popular ones include sports betting and slot machines; they are games of money and are centered on the objective of winning, but they are very different in how one goes about playing them and, more importantly, what kind of strategies one uses, most importantly, though, the odds of winning vary between them. This article compares the chances of winning between sports betting and slots so you can come up with a better decision.

How Sports Betting and Slots Work

Sports Betting: Sports betting is a form of gambling whereby one wagers on the outcome of a sporting event. This could be anything from picking the winner of a football game to guessing the total score in a basketball match. Most sports gamblers combine their sporting knowledge, often framed through data analysis with a feel for making smart wagers; on the part of setting odds in a sport, sports betting mainly relies on bookmakers who use data and history to calculate event probabilities.

Slot Machines: Slot machines are based purely on luck; a player puts in a coin or the digital equivalent of a coin, and by pressing the spin button, he/she hopes to get a winning combination by the falling symbols in sequence. Slot machines use Random Number Generators to ensure that the spins displayed to the user are quite independent and random; contrary to sports betting, slots do not require any kind of knowledge or strategy, only luck.

While this may be true, at least theoretically, in the case of sports betting, since knowledge and analysis do matter, both are special cases with different factors at work, which affect your chances of winning.

The Odds in Sports Betting: Skill and Knowledge Matter

The odds in sports betting refer to the likelihood of a certain outcome taking place; for example, the odds would be very low, thereby small in payout, on a football team expected to win; if the underdog team wins, though, the resulting payout from a bet placed on them would be larger.

The good side of sports betting is that odds can be improved, by skilled betters by researching stats, team form, and other factors, one will be better placed at making informed decisions, hence increasing winning chances; however, there is no guarantee of a win, even for the most knowledgeable sports bettor, there is always some uncertainty involved, and luck plays a role.

While sports betting does offer a probability of enjoying better odds through skill, it is a risky bet in its own right. Bookmakers often set the odds in their favor to guarantee they profit from it, that is called “vig” or “juice.”

So even if you come out ahead, winning more than you lose, your actual profit might be really small. Sports betting does give better odds compared to slots, but it requires effort, research, and occasionally taking small profits.

The Odds in Slot Machines: Luck of the Draw

Slot machines are so alluring, with their flashing lights and different sounds telling a person that he or she has won the jackpot, however, it is very important to note that slots are games of chance; every outcome of the spin is determined by a Random Number Generator, thus making every result random.

When it comes to slots, the odds of winning are rather low, as the house is always at an advantage compared to sports betting, the house edge denotes that portion or percentage of every bet that the casino expects to hold in the long run; for slots, it ranges from 5% to 15% or even higher, while in sports betting, it is usually lower and mostly within the range of 4%-10%.

People love slots for a host of reasons, with one prominent factor being the likelihood of getting really large payouts, specifically, the so-called progressive slots allow for extremely large wins, but it is close to impossible to hit one. Most slot players will lose more often than they win, but the excitement of possibly hitting a big win keeps them playing.

Although the chances of winning in slots are lower than those in sports betting, slots offer light entertainment with no skills and strategies involved. The players simply enjoy the game, knowing that their winning chances depend on luck.

Comparing the Odds: Which Offers a Better Chance of Winning?

Still considering sports betting versus slots, two of the major points in any comparison would be the house edge and, with that, the degree of control exerted over the outcome.

Control and Strategy

Sports betting offers the advantage of some control, coupled with the opportunity for strategies to better one’s odds, thus, skilled bettors who know their sport might be able to cut into that house edge and improve their chances of winning; on the other side, however, even the best strategies are associated with risks, and winning cannot be guaranteed.

Pure Chance

Slots are purely a game of chance, in that very little if anything can be done to influence the outcome; the house edge is almost always greater in slots, so the chances of winning are generally lower compared with sports betting, but it’s just this simple gameplay and the possibility of big payouts that make slots a favorite for so many.

Ultimately, the choice between sports betting and slots depends on your taste. If you are one of the ones who get energized by analyzing sporting events and using your strategy to tip the balance of the odds in your favor, sports betting might present better odds in the long term; but if you are looking for a more relaxed type of gambling, entirely relying on luck, slots might do it for you, even when the odds are a little worse.

Risk vs Reward: Making an Informed Decision

It means weighing the risk and reward when one is caught between sports betting and slots; both of them bear a form of risk attached, and quite possibly, at the end of the day, you will lose out, but some understanding of the odds and nature certainly may help in making a much more informed choice.

Sports Betting

This will also require investing some time in researching and analyzing sports, but you may find the odds better and the experience more engaging; while it’s rewarding to have an opportunity where you could influence an outcome through knowledge and strategy, it does call for discipline and the willingness to handle losses.

Slot Machines

If you’re looking for something a bit more cut and dried and based on luck, slots might turn out to be the better option; even though winning chances are usually smaller, the thrill of spinning the reels and prospects of hitting it big are entertaining enough.

Ultimately, while the odds for sports betting are not particularly good compared to slots, it generally brings in better prospects for players with some degree of knowledge and strategy at play. In sharp contrast, slots are based on pure luck, having fixed payouts and a higher house edge. Slots offer simplicity and amusement with the possibility of large payouts, but sports betting will be much more profitable for the investor of time in research and analysis. Ultimately, it will come down to your taste for strategic challenge versus quicker, riskier thrills

Tadhg Furlong Reportedly in Talks with Bayonne: What’s Next for the Irish Prop?

Bayonne Opens Talks with Tadhg Furlong

Reports have emerged out France this evening that Bayonne, a prominent club in France’s Top 14, has initiated discussions with Irish rugby star Tadhg Furlong. This news has sparked widespread speculation about Furlong’s next career move. Is this a tactical negotiation ploy to boost his wage demands at Leinster, or is the seasoned prop genuinely considering a move to France?

A Potential Loss for Leinster and Irish Rugby

Should Furlong decide to join Bayonne, it would mark a significant loss for Leinster and Irish rugby. Furlong has been a crucial player for both his club and country, renowned for his scrummaging strength and dynamic play. His departure would undoubtedly leave a gap in Leinster’s front row, raising concerns about the team’s future performance.

Opportunity Knocks for Finlay Bealham

While Furlong’s exit would be a blow, it could also create a significant opportunity for Finlay Bealham. The Connacht prop has proven himself a reliable performer, often stepping up in Furlong’s absence. With Furlong potentially out of the picture, Bealham could seize the chance to solidify his position as Ireland’s first-choice tighthead prop.

What’s Next for Furlong?

As negotiations continue, the rugby world will be watching closely to see if Tadhg Furlong remains loyal to Leinster or takes on the challenge of French rugby. Either way, the outcome will have a lasting impact on the future of Irish rugby.

Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes Preview

Richard Howley and Consulent de Prelet Z won the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes at last year's Dublin Horse Show. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Thursday’s main event at the Dublin Horse Show at The RDS is the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes in the Main Arena this afternoon.

According to equiratings, Tipperary rider Denis Lynch has jumped five clears from six round in this class since 2012 and has most podium finishes with three during this time.

Sligo’s Richard Howley won the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes last year with Equine America Consulet de Prelet Z. His winning margin was 2.33 seconds.

Other Irish riders to have tasted success in this class since 2012 include in 2018 Shane Sweetnam with Indra van de Oude Heihoef; 2017 Bertram Allen with Izzy by Picobello; 2015 Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu and 2012 Alexander Butler aboard Will Wimble.

Equiratings rate the following as the top-three contenders for today’s Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes: Kevin Staut [FRA] with Beau de Laubry Z, Conor Swail [IRL] and Count Me In and Ben Maher [GBR] and Point Break

The French combination arrive in Dublin following a five-star Grand Prix success at Dinard, which earned a prize of €125,000. Their career best performance together was their last outing in July.

Conor Swail and Count Me In were the home heroes in the Nations Cup of Ireland two years ago. At 17 years of age, Count Me In is the joint-oldest horse in the field today. His last three rounds at today’s height of 160cm were all clear.

Briton Ben Maher and his original Olympic horse Point Break, have the second highest expected round one clear chance (56%), according to equiratings, behind Conor Swail and Count Me In (57%). The British combination have already jumped 10 five-star 160 clears from just 18 career attempts.

Gordon Elliott Sets Ferocious Early Pace in Race for Irish Champion Trainer Crown

The year 2007 feels like a lifetime ago: just look how much has changed in the world since then.

But in Irish National Hunt racing, one thing has remained constant: the complete dominance of Willie Mullins as the premier trainer over obstacles.

The 2024/25 season is underway, with Mullins eyeing a 17th consecutive Champion Trainer title – first won in 2007.

However, it’s his friendly rival – Gordon Elliott – that is setting the pace at the head of the standings…

Long Way to Go

There’s so much racing still to come in the National Hunt season, which rolls through until next April.

But Elliott will be hoping to use his early-campaign form as a springboard for success in the sport’s major festivals. The Cheltenham ante-post betting odds give him a strong chance, too: Teahupoo (9/4) and Irish Point (12/1) are expected to go well in the Stayers’ Hurdle, while Gerri Colombe (12/1) may be a contender in the Gold Cup after finishing second in the 2024 renewal.

The Cheltenham Festival results from last year also confirm Elliott’s wins with Stellar Story and Better Days Ahead, while hardy veterans Delta Work and Galvin will be expected to go well in the Cross Country Chase after its absence from the 2024 edition of the meeting due to a waterlogged track.


In addition to Gerri Colombe, Elliott also saddled four other runners-up at the March festival and five third-place finishers, so there’s plenty of strength in depth at his Cullentra yard.

And he will need all of those horses to come to the fore in 2024/25 if he is to wrestle the Champion Trainer trophy from the mantelpiece of Mullins, where it has sat gathering dust since 2007.

It’s testament to both his ability as a trainer and also his gift for attracting the best horses from the leading owners and breeders, so the rest of the Irish training community will need Mullins to have an off-year if they are to have any chance of upending his dominance.

For Elliott, at least he has started the 2024/25 season in fine fashion…

Fast Out of the Gate

The meat of the National Hunt campaign is still yet to get underway, but Elliott already has more than €800,000 (£685,000) in prize money to his name.

Much of that has been claimed from action at Galway, where Elliott has enjoyed a stellar time of things in July and into August.

The Wallpark landed a valuable handicap hurdle on August 3 at the venue, staying on well in a race ran at an electric pace – five of the 18-strong field being pulled up.
A day earlier, veteran chaser Battleoverdoyen rolled back the years, defying a four-year age gap to Moonovercloon to head off Matthew Smith’s horse by a nose – clinching a handsome £40,000 payday for his connections at the age of eleven.

Prior to that, in the Grade 3 Galway Plate on July 31, Duffle Coat made a mockery of his 25/1 odds to run a fantastic race – beating the well-fancied Perceval Legallois and former Cheltenham Festival contender Zanahiyr, but finishing in second place behind Pinkerton.

It’s been an excellent start to the campaign for Elliott; can he carry that form through the rest of the season?

Darragh Kenny and Chic Chic win Sport Ireland Classic at Dublin Horse Show

Darragh Kenny and Chic Chic on their victory lap after success in the Sport Ireland Classic. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

The 2024 Dublin Horse Show got underway at the RDS on Wednesday, with two Irish successes in the Main Arena.

The main International class on day one, the Sport Ireland Classic, saw a field of 50 combinations take to the Main Arena.

This class brought further success for the home combinations, with Offaly’s Darragh Kenny and Chic Chic leading the victory lap after a clear round in 69.17 seconds.

Mikey Pender and HHS Los Angeles, who really went for Kenny’s time, were slightly slower – coming home clear in 70.20 seconds for the runner-up position.

American McLain Ward, last of the 50 combinations to go, took third on the podium, after a 70.96 clear round with First Lady.

Cian O’Connor and Fermoy, who had lead the class for a while, eventually finished in fourth place – 71.83 seconds.

There will be 15 international classes throughout the five days, including the Underwriting Exchange Nations Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Trophy.

The highly anticipated Defender Puissance will be the main attraction in the Main Arena on Saturday evening, while the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland, part of the Rolex Series, will the the final international event in the Main Arena on Sunday, 18 August, 2024, the final day of the 2024 Dublin Horse Show.

 

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