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Cheltenham 2021: Al Boum Photo Beneficiary of Gold Cup Rivals’ Disarray

With Cheltenham around the corner, the buzz around Al Boum Photo’s attempt at a Gold Cup hat-trick should start building to a fever pitch.

After all, we are talking real history here: the chance to venerate Al Boum Photo alongside legends like Arkle, Golden Miller Best Mate and Kauto Star. But while most pundits tip Al Boum Photo to take his third successive Gold Cup crown, we can perhaps detect a reluctance to give this the sense of occasion it deserves. 

Given another set of circumstances, Al Boum Photo would be the only story to talk about in the lead up to Cheltenham. But there is a more subdued feeling than you would expect around the race. It’s nothing to do with Al Boum Photo; the horse simply wins when he appears before Willie Mullins wraps him up in cotton wool and puts him away again. And while you might think the low-key build-up is linked to the fact there will be no fans at Cheltenham Racecourse this year, we can make an argument that it’s because the Gold Cup features a bunch of runners in shocking form. 

Last year, around two lengths separated the first four horses home in the Gold Cup, with Al Boum Photo beating Santini by a neck. Both Santini and third-placed Lostintranslation were immediately installed among the favourites for this year’s renewal. But neither has won a race since, and they have since dropped back down the betting markets. The same goes for the horses who were 4th, 5th and 6th home. 

Things could change by 19th March 

As ever, things might change as the festival gets into its groove. And when you check betting tips on the Cheltenham Day 4 races closer to the time, you might find that some tipsters have picked out a couple of candidates to beat Al Boum Photo. But the majority of the field is in disarray. We aren’t saying that taints Al Boum Photo’s attempt at a historic hat-trick – far from it – but it impacts the framing of a narrative for the big race: the story-telling, if you will. There is no sense of Arkle versus Mill House, or Kauto Star versus Denman, here. 

Al Boum Photo is currently around 3/1 in the betting markets. You can look at that two ways: first, it’s a relatively short price in terms of ante-post for a Gold Cup winner. Money will likely come in on the day to shorten those odds further. Secondly, though, a price of 3/1 doesn’t suggest bookmakers believe this to be a sure thing. Winning a Gold Cup isn’t easy, and there’s a lot that can happen over those 3 miles that can make your selection look foolish. 

A Plus Tard is now second favourite 

And that probably gets to the heart of things. Al Boum Photo has proven that he can win Gold Cups, looking imperious even in his runs away from Cheltenham. His main rivals – A Plus Tard, Champ, Royal Pagaille, Santini – could be Gold Cup winners, but they have not had the chance to prove it. If you the example of Royal Pagaille, the 4th favourite and a general 8/1 chance. Not only has the Venetia Williams trained horse never won a Grade 1 race before – it has never contested a Grade 1 race before. 

Willie Mullins

 

Perhaps Royal Pagaille and others will make that step up on the day, but the betting markets have been characterised by chopping and changing all winter as big hopes were raised and then dashed in racecourses across the UK and Ireland. The only constant was Al Boum Photo, cool-as-a-cucumber watching his rivals flounder. A worthy favourite for his third Gold Cup, but one who is the beneficiary of rivals who can’t seem to build any momentum. 

Jockey apologies for sitting on dead horse

Another video involving a dead horse has been released on social media, according to the Daily Mail featuring jockey Rob James who has ridden for Gordon Elliott.

James, who rode Milan Native to win at Cheltenham last year for Elliott has appeared in a shocking video where he appears to try and sit on a dead horse. He is told by a person in the video “Get up on her there” and immediately James jumps on the dead horse.

James who has ridden over 200 point to point winners, mainly for Colin Bowe was due to ride in the 5:20 at Gowran Park, but his horse Gentle Jolie is now a non-runner.

James told The Irish Field: “I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media. I would just like of apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare, who unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at exercise earlier that morning, April 30th, 2016.

“I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horseracing industry and all followers of horse racing for my actions.

“To try defending my stupidity at the time would add further insult and hurt to the many loyal people that have supported me during my career. I have caused embarrassment to my employers, my family and most importantly the sport I love.

“I am heartbroken by the damage I have caused and will do my best to try and make amends to those hurt by my conduct.”

The IHRB released a statement on Twitter on Tuesday morning which read: “The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board is aware of further social media content circulating and the matter is under investigation.”

This will only add fuel to the fire, but this all comes on the day Irish Minister of Sports Jack Chambers has come out strongly against the actions of Gordon Elliott and would feel uncomfortable that he would have runners at Cheltenham.

BE WARNED THERE ARE DISTRESSING SCENES IN TWITTER VIDEO

Talking on Newstalks breakfast show the minister said “he needs to be held fully accountable with any and every sanction should be on the table”.

When asked about Cheltenham Chambers replied “he wouldn’t be comfortable seeing Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham.”

This all follows the BHA announcement on Monday that Gordon Elliott would not be allowed to have runners in Cheltenham while still under investigation in Ireland.

A statement said: “The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not allow the Irish trainer Gordon Elliott to racehorses in Britain whilst the Irish authorities investigate an image that appeared on social media over the weekend.

“The trainer admitted the photo was genuine and apologised for his actions.

“The BHA, which regulates racing in Britain, will use powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation

“The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr. Elliott to run in Britain is, therefore, an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances.

“In an earlier statement, the BHA said it was appalled by the image which undermined its values of respecting and caring for horses.”

Cheltenham runners for Gordon Elliott in doubt after Sports Ministers comments

Irish Minister of Sports Jack Chambers has come out strongly against the actions of Gordon Elliott and would feel uncomfortable that he would have runners at Cheltenham.

Talking on Newstalks breakfast show the minister said “he needs to be held fully accountable with any and every sanction should be on the table”.

When asked about Cheltenham Chambers replied “he wouldn’t be comfortable seeing Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham.”

This all follows the BHA announcement on Monday that Gordon Elliott would not be allowed to have runners in Cheltenham while still under investigation in Ireland.

A statement said: “The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not allow the Irish trainer Gordon Elliott to racehorses in Britain whilst the Irish authorities investigate an image that appeared on social media over the weekend.

“The trainer admitted the photo was genuine and apologised for his actions.

“The BHA, which regulates racing in Britain, will use powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation

“The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr. Elliott to run in Britain is, therefore, an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances.

“In an earlier statement, the BHA said it was appalled by the image which undermined its values of respecting and caring for horses.”

Republic of Ireland to launch World Cup 2030 bid

They would co-host with Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.

Ireland, along with the UK, are set to launch a bid for hosting privileges of the 2030 World Cup.

The FAI released a joint statement with the four other committees earlier, stating: “The football associations and government partners of the UK and Ireland are delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. We will continue to undertake feasibility work to assess the viability of a bid before FIFA formally open the process in 2022. Staging a FIFA World Cup would provide an incredible opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our nations. If a decision is made to bid for the event, we look forward to presenting our hosting proposals to FIFA and the wider global football community.”

If the bid is successful, it would signal the first time Ireland host a major senior international football event.

Ireland – along with a host of other European countries – were expected to co-host Euro 2020, however due to COVID that plan is no longer feasible. Now, England are expected to undertake sole hosting duties of the tournament.

League of Ireland players to watch in 2021

There will be several players looking to impress in the coming season.

The League of Ireland Premier and First Divisions are set to resume shortly with the 2021 season rapidly approaching. With that, there will be several players looking to establish themselves as key players for their respective teams.

Players from a number of different avenues will be keen to impress including those promoted from their team’s youth system, fringe players and arrivals from other leagues.

Here are some players who we feel could impress in the Premier and First Division in the coming season.

PREMIER DIVISION

JOE HODGE – DERRY CITY – MIDFIELDER

Highly-rated Manchester City midfielder Joe Hodge joined Derry City on loan last month to the surprise of many League of Ireland fans.

The 18-year-old midfielder has an ever-growing reputation and has been touted as a potential star of the future.

Some of his achievements to date include winning Manchester City Scholar of the Year, Republic of Ireland u17 Player of the Year and helping his Manchester City side to the FA Youth Cup last year.

Hodge is a technical, diminutive midfielder with a combative edge. Some Ireland fans will be aware of his quality from watching him in various underage tournaments.

Unfortunately Hodge sustained an injury recently which may keep him from playing the opening weeks of the season. However, if he can keep fit, he could become one of Derry City’s standout players.

BASTIEN HERY – BOHEMIANS – MIDFIELDER

Most League of Ireland fans will be familiar with Bastien Hery from his time at Limerick and Waterford. He played a handful of seasons for both clubs before heading up north to sign for Linfield.

After just over one year in Northern Ireland, Hery returned to the Republic for the upcoming season as he signed with Dublin club Bohemians.

A highly-technical and exciting midfielder, Hery should have what it takes to establish himself as a key member in the Bohemians starting XI.

His performances in the 2018 League of Ireland season seen him named in the Team of the Year. Bohemians fans will be hoping he can produce similar displays this time around.

DANNY MANDROIU – SHAMROCK ROVERS – MIDFIELDER

Once considered a key player – if not the key player – in the Bohemians side, Mandroiu’s gametime dramatically decreased towards the backend of last season, suggesting there could be internal problems between the player and club.

In light of his lack of playing time, most expected Mandroiu would leave Bohemians at the end of last season. However, few would have anticipated where he’d end up.

In what could be construed as a slap in the face to Bohemians and their supporters, he decided to join fierce rivals Shamrock Rovers for the 2021 season.

The former Ireland u21 midfielder is an immense talent and undoubtedly one of the best footballers in the league. He could be just what Rovers need to fill the void left by the departure of Jack Byrne.

RYAN O’KANE – DUNDALK – WINGER

Dundalk have signed a myriad of international talent over the transfer window. However, local teenager Ryan O’Kane might be the most exciting of the lot.

O’Kane signed a three-year professional contract with the Lilywhites ahead of the 2021 season and he could play a pivotal role this year, despite his young age.

The 17-year-old made his unofficial debut for Dundalk last Friday in a friendly against Bohemians with many viewers claiming he was man of the match.

Before signing for Dundalk, O’Kane played in the Northern Irish top-flight for Warrenpoint Town and Cliftonville, making his debut at the age of 15 for the former.

It’s unlikely that O’Kane will become a key player for Dundalk this season given his age and lack of experience. Nevertheless, there’s every chance he could become a useful rotation option.

Honourable mentions: Conor Kane (Drogheda United), Aaron Bolger (Longford Town), Liam Burt (Bohemians).

FIRST DIVISION

BRANDON KAVANAGH – BRAY WANDERERS – MIDFIELDER

Most League of Ireland fans will already be aware of Brandon Kavanagh. The 20-year-old midfielder has been in and around the Shamrock Rovers first team for years but has yet failed to establish himself as a regular.

Kavanagh spent last season playing in the First Division with Shamrock Rovers II. He impressed so much with his performances that he was included in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year.

He even managed to garner interest from Crystal Palace with his impressive performances. However, he remains a Shamrock Rovers player for the time being.

Although many thought Kavanagh was poised to establish himself as a key member of the Rover’s first team this season, he will instead ply his trade in the First Division again, this time on loan at Bray Wanderers.

A highly technical and creative midfielder, Brandon Kavanagh could be just what Bray Wanderers need in establishing a title challenge.

YOYO MAHDY – SHELBOURNE – STRIKER

Shelbourne suffered the heartbreak of losing the promotion/relegation play-off final to Longford Town last season meaning they were relegated to the First Division.

They have, however, recruited well for the upcoming season.

Yoyo Mahdy is just one of those recruits looking to make an impact.

Mahdy played for UCD in the First Division last season and finished as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals, just ahead of his teammate Colm Whelan who scored 14.

Clearly Mahdy knows where the back of the net is. He should score numerous goals this season given he’s provided adequate service.

RICARDO DINANGA – CORK CITY – WINGER

From league champions to relegation in a matter of 3 years. Cork City had a horrific 2020 season, finishing bottom of the table with just 11 points in 18 games.

Although relegation is obviously a negative thing, it may provide an opportunity for some younger players to break into the first team.

Of all their prospects, Dinanga might just be the one with the most potential.

The 19-year-old featured sporadically in the first team last season, scoring a couple of goals in the process.

Perhaps his most memorable moment last season came after scoring a brilliant extra time winner against Longford Town in the FAI Cup. He cut inside from the right-wing after latching onto a long ball, beat his man and finished with his left foot into the top corner.

If there’s any player that could break into the Cork starting XI this season, it’s Dinanga.

RONAN MANNING – GALWAY UNITED – MIDFIELDER

Despite finishing bottom of the First Division last season, Athlone Town showed glimpses of promise under manager Adrian Carberry.

Their best player was Ronan Manning. He now finds himself at Galway United for the upcoming season.

Manning scored 8 goals in 18 league appearances last term and will be hoping for a similar turn for Galway United.

Manning is a Galway native and has played for the club before between 2017 and 2018. He then took a break from football in 2019 before signing for Athlone in 2020, a decision which proved to be fruitful.

Galway are one of the promotion favourites this season having ended the 2020 season strongly under the guidance of John Caulfield.

Manning could prove a vital player if Galway are to find themselves at the top end of the First Division table.

Honourable mentions: Dylan McGlade (Cork City), Joel Coustrain (Treaty United), Killian Cantwell (Athlone Town).

 

 

The ex-Dundalk midfielder making headlines in Scotland

24-year-old Jamie McGrath is St Mirren’s top scorer this season with 10 goals from midfield. 

Shortly over a year ago, Jamie McGrath arrived at Scottish Premiership strugglers St Mirren from Dundalk on a free transfer.

A relative unknown in Scotland at the time of signing, McGrath’s reputation has greatly enhanced since.

The Meath native currently tops St Mirren’s scoring chart with an impressive ten goals in all competitions this season, leading his club’s charge in potentially achieving their first top six finish in 36 years.

McGrath scored the winner today from the spot as his side picked up an important 1-0 win over Ross County.

Perhaps his most memorable performance this season came against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final. He scored a brace on the night as St Mirren came away with a very impressive 3-2 victory, especially considering the outstanding form of Rangers this season. Fellow Irishman Conor McCarthy scored the winner in injury time to take St Mirren through to the semi-final where they would eventually bow out to Livingston.

While not traditionally a club with strong Irish connections, St Mirren’s Irish contingent has grown significantly over the past couple of years.

Currently, there are five Irish players on the books of St Mirren, namely; Jake Doyle-Hayes, Joe Shaughnessy, Dylan Connolly, Conor McCarthy and Jamie McGrath. Aside from their playing staff, their first-team manager Jim Goodwin is also Irish, playing a solitary game for his country in 2002.

McGrath suffered an injury earlier this month which will require him to receive surgery on his shoulder. However, instead of undergoing operation, he decided to put off the surgery until the end of the season.

His decision to put surgery on hold is a massive boost to his club, regarded he doesn’t further aggravate the injury, obviously.

However, could it also accelerate his international hopes?

Along with Conor Hourihane, Jamie McGrath is arguably Ireland’s most in-form midfielder at the moment.

As well as this, Irish senior manager Stephen Kenny knows him well from the two years McGrath spent under him at Dundalk. During that time, he helped Kenny and Dundalk to several honours including two league titles and an FAI cup among others.

With that said, could McGrath have an outside chance of making the Ireland squad in March?

Chelsea’s Anthony Barry appointed as Ireland assistant coach

The 34-year-old will maintain club duties along with his new international role.

The FAI today announced the appointment of Chelsea’s Anthony Barry as assistant coach. The announcement comes just shortly after Damien Duff confirmed his departure from the Ireland set-up.

Barry is currently a first team coach at Chelsea, having previously coached at Accrington Stanley and Wigan Athletic.

He was initially brought in by Frank Lampard at the beginning of the current season but has been kept on by Thomas Tuchel.

Given that Barry is one of the most highly-regarded young coaches in England, this appointment could be seen as a major coup for Ireland.

“The opportunity to work in international football is something I’m thoroughly looking forward to and I’m looking forward to working with manager Stephen Kenny, his staff and the squad. I’d also like to thank Chelsea for helping facilitate this opportunity,” Barry said on joining the international setup.

Barry has been largely credited with Chelsea’s vast improvement in defending and attacking set pieces this season, earning heaps of praise for his innovation.

“He’s been a real positive for the group dynamic, and in all senses,” Frank Lampard told Chelsea’s official website in January.

“He’s certainly helped on set-pieces, but he’s very diligent, he pays so much attention to ourselves and the opposition in every part of the game, from what we do in the office, to studying opposition and working on the training field.

“It’s very important you have balance within staff, and what Anthony has given us is another person and another level of expertise that I can call upon, and a work ethic that is outstanding.”

Barry will link up with the Ireland camp in March for the beginning of the 2022 World Cup qualification campaign.

Ireland kick off their campaign with games against Serbia and Luxembourg. Current European Championship title holders Portugal and Azerbaijan are also in Ireland’s group.

Jack Regan plays for 65min as Highlanders lose to Crusaders

Offaly’s Jack Regan made his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders in a 13-26 defeat against the Crusaders on Friday morning.

Regan had a very confident 65min before being replaced by Bryn Evans, the commentators gave his famous hurling dad (Daithi Regan) a mention and how Offaly was a powerhouse of hurling in the 90s. Regan really looks like a star of the future and he will no doubt be back in the northern hemisphere playing rugby in the coming years.

It was 14-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes for Crusaders with tries from Codie Taylor and Bryn Hall. Lots of penalties from Crusaders and great attacking play by the Highlanders closed the gap by half-time, though, as Shannon Frizell and Connor Garden-Bachop crashed over before Mitch Hunt knocked over a penalty to make it 14-13 at the break.

Highlanders failed to score in the second half with Sevu Reece and Brodies McAlister crossing the line for the Crusaders.

In the 80min we saw our first goal line drop out after the ball was held up over the try line, the new rules have just been introduced for Super Rugby.

  • Yellow Card Scott Barrett
    80′

  • Conversion Richie Mo’unga

    74′

  • TRY!Brodie McAlister

    72′

  • TRY!Sevu Reece

    47′

  • Penalty GoalMitch Hunt

    42′
  • HT’

  • TRY!Connor Garden-Bachop

    36′

  • TRY!Shannon Frizell

    25′

  • Yellow CardEthan Blackadder

    22′

  • ConversionRichie Mo’unga

    17′

  • TRY!Bryn Hall

    15′

  • ConversionRichie Mo’unga

    13′

  • TRY!Codie Taylor

    12′
  • KO’

More to follow

Ireland unlikely to co-host Euro 2020 with England set for full privileges

12 countries were initially set to host the tournament, however that appears as a result of COVID-19.

Euro 2020 – set to be held this summer – is likely to be hosted solely by England instead of the initially proposed 12 co-hosts, according to Tancredi Palmeri.

Ireland were one of the nations set to co-host the tournament with three group games as well as a last 16 game to be played in the Aviva Stadium.

Although nothing has been confirmed just yet, a decision is likely to be made sometime in April.

The tournament was original scheduled to take place from June to July 2020, however it has been moved to 2021 due to complications caused by COVID-19.

Twenty-four teams are set to take the stage during the tournament containing twenty teams that qualified from their groups and an additional four play-off winners.

Slovakia are one of the play-off winners who have qualified for the tournament, having defeated both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on their way to achieving qualification.

Watch: Dele Alli scores outrageous overhead kick as Tottenham progress in Europa League

Their 8-1 aggregate win over Wolfsberger AC means they qualify for the round of 16.

Tottenham took on Wolfsberger AC tonight in a bid to secure their qualification into the Europa League round of 16.

The North London club won the first leg 4-1 and they managed to produce a similarly impressive performance this tonight, winning 4-0 to comfortably qualify for the next round.

Dele Alli stole the show on the night as he scored the opening goal with an extraordinary overhead kick.

Irish international Matt Doherty provided the assist but Dele Alli did all the work. He controlled Doherty’s low cross with an upwards touch before unleashing a superb overhead kick from just inside the area to make it 1-0.

Dele Alli has endured a rough few months at Tottenham, struggling to retain his place in the first team having initially been brilliant when Jose Mourinho took over. This has led to some questioning the nature of the relationship between the two.

His performance tonight, however, should propel him into the first team picture yet again, having also provided 2 assists in the game.

Tottenham’s next game comes against Burnley on Sunday, could Dele Alli start a rare Premier League game this season?

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