The date (July 20th) comes in conjunction with the Safe Return to Gaelic Games Document and the easing of current restrictions. RTE Sport report that club venues whom will be able to cater for children who take part in the Cul Camps will be confirmed on Monday June 22nd.
However, some of the camps may work at reduced hours or some camps in the counties may be reduced. Capacity at camps may also be reduced due to the current heath and safety protocols. The President of the GAA, John Horan confirmed the news which will be sure to excite a lot of children. He said,”2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone and we have had to revisit what are the most successful underage camps run by any organisation, anywhere,”. Mr Horan continued, “We were determined to run the camps this year and while they have to be organised differently, I hope the essence of what they represent will still shine through.”
Cul Camps have been present in Ireland since 2006. With many, including yours truly participating in them over the years. Over 1.4 million children to date have took part in the camps since they were established. The camps themselves this year will also see a new programme rolled out called GAA Cul Camps TV. This will be on TG4 from June 29th to July 17th.
Tuam, Co. Galway-born jockey Rossa Ryan had a dream first winner at Royal Ascot this afternoon when the top-weight Highland Chief (20/1) claimed a decisive victory in the 10-furlong Golden Gates Handicap.
The win was also a first Royal Ascot success for a training partnership, with Paul and Oliver Cole being responsible for handling Highland Chief. Paul Cole trained 21 Royal Ascot winners when solely responsible for the training licence.
Rossa Ryan, a native of Ballinderry, who is still only 19-years-old, said of his first success at the Berkshire track:
“It has not really sunk in yet. I am a bit shocked that it has happened. I cannot thank everyone enough who has supported me to get here today. To ride a winner for the Coles and for Mrs Fitri Hay is incredible.”
Ryan, who rode more than 150 winners on the pony circuit, and who is in his third season in England, continued:
“I was a bit worried coming into today with all the rain that we had. Until I got up on him on the way to the start, he felt like he was going to go on it.”
The young jockey is based mainly with Richard Hannon but spent many summers in Ireland at Willie Mullins’ and Enda Bolger’s yards.
“I learnt more at Enda Bolger’s than anywhere else” admits Ryan, “In my last year of pony racing we decided to take a crack at the Flat if I could keep my weight right and we went from there.”
1.15pm Golden Gates Handicap
1 Highland Chief Paul & Oliver Cole 3-9-07 Rossa Ryan 20/1
2 Tritonic Alan King 3-9-01 Oisín Murphy 9/1
3 Global Strorm Charlie Appleby 3-8-12 William Buick 7/2f
12 ran
Non-Runners: 3 Laser Show (Self Certificate, temperature); 12 Dogged (Going); 14 Cemhaan (Self Certificate, heat in leg) – replaced by reserve Bronze River who takes number 14
Time: 2m 11.20s
Pro14 rugby will make an August return it has been revealed on Thursday. It will return after a five month break due to the Covid 19 pandemic. It will begin with derbies on August 22nd.
Teams from the same country will face off against each other in home and away games. The season is concluded with semi-finals and a final. BBC Sport report that the Pro14 final will take place on Saturday the 12th of September. The venue on this has yet to be decided. There was eight rounds of games remaining, however these will now not be played. This means the season will be cut by 6 games, from 21 to 15.
It is expected the remainder of the season will be played over four consecutive weekends. Leinster currently top Conference A, with Edinburgh ahead in Conference B. In terms of how teams will qualify for Europe, it will be based on finishing positions after round 13. The EPCR are also said to be in talks of increasing the number of teams in the Champions Cup from 20 to 24. This would mean an extra place for a team from the Pro14. This position would be to the Dragons of Wales. A meeting of the EPCR is to take place on June 24th where this will be discussed.
A statement released by Pro14 on Wednesday said, “The 2019-20 season will have an abbreviated finish that features the most attractive matchups and rivalries from the Guinness Pro14 with two rounds of derby games in each territory counting towards final positions”. The statement continued, “Games postponed prior to the indefinite suspension will be deemed 0-0 draws as previously stated by Pro14 Rugby on 28 February, 2020.”
It is likely that these games will be played without spectators. This will likely come down to 6 government jurisdictions. The director of the Pro14 Dave Jordan said, “Safety has been, and will continue to be, the highest priority. “We are very fortunate to be in a position where everyone involved is confident that we can conclude the season on the field of play. “The work and diligence of our leading medical personnel at our unions, our clubs, World Rugby and key stakeholders to get us to this point has been immense.”
The Coolmore partners-owned Battleground (11/4f) was the comfortable winner of the Listed Chesham Stakes, lengthening impressively in the final furlong under Ryan Moore to take the seven-furlong contest from March Law (18/1).
Sired by War Front, the two-year-old colt is the first foal of 2016 Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Found, who was also trained by Aidan O’Brien.
The winner, Moore’s 61st Royal Ascot success, had two and a half lengths to spare over Mark Johnston’s March Law, with the Sylvester Kirk-trained Seattle Rock (80/1) a further length and three-quarters back in third.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien, who has one winner each day this week at the Berkshire venue, said of Battleground, his 73rd Royal Ascot winner:
“He had a good clear run at Naas, there was no hard luck story but he learnt a lot from it. He is out of Found so you would have hoped he would stay further really. We were worried about the ground. Battleground is by War Front, but Found handled soft ground when she won the Breeders’ Cup Turf [2015].”
Looking to the future with the two-year-old, the Master of Ballydoyle, said:
“Battleground is an exciting horse – he could be anything. He could be one for the July Meeting or the National Stakes. I would imagine he would stay well and probably a mile will be his trip. Found got a mile and a half, but he is by War Front and that is a big influence for speed. We are hoping that he could progress into a very good miler.”
Commenting on Battleground’s dam, Found, O’Brien admitted:
“Found was an unbelievable, magic mare. She was one of the very special ones and everyone remembers her. Obviously, this is her first foal and everyone wants to do well.”
3.00pm Chesham Stakes (Listed)
1 Battleground Aidan O’Brien 2-9-03 Ryan Moore 11/4f
2 March Law Mark Johnston 2-9-03 Silvestre De Sousa 18/1
3 Seattle Rock Sylvester Kirk 2-8-12 David Egan 80/1
Sir Dragonet (15/8f) could only manage second in the Listed Wolferton Stakes for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore as jockey James Doyle bagged his third winner of the week on Mountain Angel (8/1) for trainer Roger Varian.
Sir Dragonet, who ran in the Investec Derby at Epsom last season finished two and a quarter lengths behind the victor, with Regal Regality (11/2) and Jim Crowley a further half-length behind.
James Doyle, who has now ridden a total of 16 Royal Ascot winners, said of the comfortable winner of the 10 furlongs race:
“He did it, it worked out perfectly for him. Obviously, he ran a good race in it last year, finishing fifth, when he got into a bit of scrimmaging in Swinley Bottom and that put paid to his chances.
1.50pm Wolferton Stakes (Listed)
1 Mountain Angel Roger Varian 6-9-03 James Doyle 8/1
2 Sir Dragonet Aidan O’Brien 4-9-03 Ryan Moore 15/8f
3 Regal Reality Sir Michael Stoute 5-9-03 Jim Crowley 11/2
13 ran
Non-Runners: 1 Dubai Warrior (Going); 15 Aloe Vera (Vet’s Certificate, (Lame); 16 Bubble And Squeak (Going)
Time: 2m 11.9s
Distances: 2¼, ½
Monarch Of Egypt (4/1), a runner in the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh last weekend, turned out again today, battled inside the final furlong with eventual winner Molatham (11/2) in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes.
The win was a fifth success at this year’s meeting for jockey Jim Crowley as he brought owner Hamdan Al Maktoum more success.
Molatham won by half a length from Monarch Of Egypt, even though the runner-up had headed the Roger Varian-trained colt in the latter stages of the race, while Smybolize was another three and a quarter lengths back in third for Andrew Balding and David Probert.
The other Irish-trained runner, King Of Athens, under Seán Levey, finished back in 12th place.
2.25pm Jersey Stakes (Group 3)
1 Molatham Roger Varian 3-9-01 Jim Crowley 11/2
2 Monarch Of Egypt Aidan O’Brien 3-9-01 Ryan Moore 4/1
3 Symbolize Andrew Balding 3-9-01 David Probert 40/1
13 ran
Non-Runners: 3 Fleeting Prince (Going); 11 Repartee (Going)
9/4 Fav King Leonidas (6th)
Time: 1m 28.94s
Distances: ½, 3¼
Thursday’s flat meeting was a 7-race card at Fairyhouse where Plough Boy (9/1) claimed his 15th career win as the son of Dandy Man stayed on well under Shane Crosse to take the Sobac Soil.ie Handicap from Baby Power.
The victory was a first winner of the season for his trainer Garvan Donnelly but it was amazingly the 13th racecourse on which the nine-year-old Plough Boy has won.
Ger Lyons brilliant form continued when training a double at the Co. Meath venue. Luminesce (6/4f) had a length and a half in hand on Mahaaseel under Colin Keane in the Irish Stallion Farm EBF Fillies Maiden, while it was the yard’s second string, Shalaalaa (Gary Carroll) (11/4) that won the colts’ and geldings’ equivalent.
Séamie Heffernan won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden for three-year-olds on Memorabilis (11/4), with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Galileo colt staying on well for a comfortable success.
Wayne Lordan took the route up the rail on Thomond O’Mara’s Amazing One (14/1) in Division 1 of the Sobac Soil.ie Thank You Customers Handicap before the rider made the decisive move when pacesetter Eacharn edged off the rail, allowing the filly Amazing One claim a three-parts of a length victory.
Trainer Dot Love combined with Mikey Sheehy to take the second division with The Mpex Kid (10/1), while The Thanks To All Our Frontline Workers Handicap was won by 12/1 shot Romantically for the Billy Lee/Willie McCreery combination.
The singing of Swing Low Sweet Chariot by English fans at games may become a thing of the past amid reports that many supporters are unaware that the song in fact is about American Slavery. The recent Black Lives Matter protests which has led to the toppling of a statue of a slave trader in Bristol have led organisations to examine links with slavery.
In a statement on Thursday the RFU said, “The RFU has stated we need to do more to achieve diversity and we are determined to accelerate change and grow awareness”. The spokesperson acknowledged the song has been long part of the culture of rugby but said that “”We are reviewing its historical context and our role in educating fans to make informed decisions.”
The history books tell us that the first time the song was sung was at Twickenham in 1987. BBC Sport state that it occured at the Middlesex Tournament when Martin “Chariots” played. The song itself is thought to have been written in the 19th century by Wallace Willis who was a black slave. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Rugby Union’s Weekly Podcast, Maro Itoje current England player said the background of the song was “complicated”.
RFU Chief Bill Sweeney has promised to increase diversity in the organisation. He said, “We have undertaken some very good initiatives at the grassroots level to encourage more diverse participation however, that in itself is not enough. “We need to do more to achieve diversity across all areas of the game including administration.”
Since its legalization in the USA, Republic of Ireland and the UK, cannabidiol, or CBD, products have become mainstream. Sold at health stores and on wellness websites such as the webshop from Nordic Oil, CBD oils, salves, and tinctures offer numerous health benefits, including better fitness results and muscle recovery.
When vaping CBD it’s important to know the correct temperatures that can be found at Zamnesia, which is a great CBD resource. Whether you are a professional athlete, an amateur trying to get the most out of your fitness regime, or recovering from an injury, here are just some of the benefits of adding CBD to your wellness routine.
Better Muscle Recovery
Exercise can take a toll on our bodies. After all, who hasn’t felt sore after a game of football or a session at the gym. This is because exercise – especially high intensity workouts – causes tiny tears in the muscles. This, in turn, triggers inflammation, causing your muscles to feel sore and fatigued. While this is perfectly normal, and is a way of building stronger muscle tissue, there are times when it can work against us.
Pushing things too far at the gym or the sports field can lead to an injury or muscle damage that can actually reduce your fitness gains. Excessive exercise also increases your levels of cortisol, a hormone that can inhibit muscle growth.
This is when taking CBD can be useful. As CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help your muscles heal faster following a rigorous workout session or an injury. CBD is also an anti-catabolic, which means that it can reduce your level of cortisol to promote protein synthesis and muscle recovery.
Lower Muscle Tension
Muscle pain and stiffness caused by strenuous exercise or an injury can be intensified by muscle tension. This is why many people recovering from injuries take muscle relaxants, such as Valium, which work though the GABA receptors that induce relaxation. CBD is a great alternative to prescription muscle relaxants, which can come with their share of side effects, such as depression, confusion, and dizziness. This is because CBD has a similar effect on GABA as muscle relaxant medication without the annoying side effects.
Less Pain
Pain caused by an injury or strenuous exercise can be debilitating. Instead of taking potentially harmful pain-killers, why not try CBD to feel more comfortable as you heal. CBD alleviates pain by inhibiting pain transmission in the brain and spinal column. It also reduces sensitivity to pain via vanilloid receptors.
Better Sleep Quality
Sleep is the best time for our bodies to heal itself. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can have negative effects on recovery by increasing cortisol levels and reducing testosterone. Taking CBD not only alleviates stress, but improves the quality and duration of sleep by interacting with receptors in the brain. And it is when we are asleep that the largest portion of muscle recovery takes place. Some of the processes that take place while we sleep include the removal of cellular debris from the damaged area and restoration of damaged proteins, such as myosin, actin, and troponin.
The Curragh has announced that Al Wasmiyah Stud have agreed to sponsor the Pretty Polly Stakes from the next three years. The Group 1 contest takes place as the feature race on Sunday June 28 and will be titled The Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes.
Al Wasmiyah Stud is owned by Hamad Bin Ali Al Attiya and family and is managed by his sons Ali and Mohammed along with Director Olven Esmaeel. The stud is one of the leading owners and breeders based in Qatar with breeding and racing interests in Ireland, England and France. They already have close links with Ireland having horses trained by Joseph O’Brien and they also have a number of mares in Ireland which reside at Kiltinan Castle Stud in Co. Tipperary.
Ali and Mohammed Al Attiya, commented on the decision to sponsor the Pretty Polly Stakes:
“It is our pleasure to sponsor the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh and we look forward to establishing a long-lasting partnership between the Curragh and our Stud. The sport has been a passion of ours for many years, from show jumping at an early age to involvement with racing/breeding across Europe and the Middle East. We aim to expand our passion with the main goal of breeding and owning Classic winners around the world. We are, therefore proud to sponsor such an important race in a country renowned for its racing history.”
The Pretty Polly Stakes, which was first run in 1948, is named to honour the legendary racehorse who won 22 races during her career including the Fillies Triple Crown in 1904, and is buried at Eyrefield Lodge Stud close to The Curragh.
Previous winners of the Pretty Polly Stakes include many of Europe’s top race mares including Minding, Misty For Me, Alexander Goldrun, Alborada, Flame Of Tara and Dance Design, while multiple Group One winner Iridessa won the race in 2019.
The announcement by The Curragh comes of the back of confirmation in recent days that Juddmonte will sponsor the Irish Oaks for the next three years.
Juddmonte, owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah, will sponsor the Irish Oaks, the country’s premier race for fillies, for the next three years.
Juddmonte have enjoyed a long and successful association with The Curragh since 1988 when they first sponsored the Group 2 Beresford Stakes and in 2018 they became a Group 1 sponsor with the Pretty Polly Stakes.
The famous Juddmonte colours have seen much success in Ireland, having won the Irish Oaks on three occasions with Enable in 2017, Bolas in 1994 and Wemyss Bight in 1993.
Many of The Curragh’s other top races have seen the Abdullah racing silks triumph, most notably this year’s Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas with the Ger Lyons-trained Siskin, while Khalid Abdullah landed the same race with Kingman in 2014 and Commander In Chief won the Irish Derby in 1993.
Notable previous winners of the Irish Oaks include Sariska, Snow Fairy, Blue Bunting, Ouija Board, Sea Of Class and Seventh Heaven, while the John Gosden trained Star Catcher gave Frankie Dettori victory last year.
The 2020 Juddmonte Irish Oaks will be run at The Curragh on Saturday, 18th July.
Today’s highlight is the Ascot Gold Cup, but unfortunately this year there isn’t any Irish runner in the day’s main race. Kew Gardens was being prepared for the contest but Aidan O’Brien wasn’t fully happy with him last week so the decision was taken not to travel to Royal Ascot with him.
Sky Sports Racing will again have every one of today’s races live, going on air at 12.30pm. Virgin Media One and UTV/ITV 1 will be live from 1.30pm and will broadcast six of the day’s races.
The number of Irish-trained runners on day three is just four, all coming from Ballydoyle (as below).
Thursday 18th June 2020
1.15 The Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (0-105) 3 £35,000 One mile, two furlongs
1.50 The Wolferton Stakes (Listed) 4+ £50,000 One mile, two furlongs
Sir Dragonet (Ryan Moore) for Aidan O’Brien
2.25 The Jersey Stakes (Group 3) 3 £60,000 Seven furlongs
King Of Athens (Seán Levey) for Aidan O’Brien. Monarch Of Egypt (Ryan Moore) for Aidan O’Brien.
3.00 The Chesham Stakes (Listed) 2 £40,000 Seven furlongs
Battleground (Ryan Moore) for Aidan O’Brien.
3.35 The Gold Cup (Group 1) 4+ £250,000 Two miles, four furlongs
4.10 The Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (0-105) 3 colts & geldings £60,000 One mile
4.40 The Sandringham Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (0-105) 3 fillies £60,000 One mile.
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