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€740,000 purchase Caldwell Potter brings Paul Nicholls his 50th Cheltenham Festival winner

€740,000 purchase Caldwell Potter brought Paul Nicholls to 50 Cheltenham Festival winners. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Caldwell Potter (7/11) became the 50th winner at the Cheltenham Festival for 14-times British champion Jump trainer Paul Nicholls when he made virtually all to land the newly introduced Grade Two Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase by six and a half lengths.

A then record €740,000 purchase in February 2024, the seven-year-old grey was racing in famous colours of the late John Hales, who owned the horse in partnership with Ged Mason and Alex Ferguson among others.

Speaking about the very positive ride jockey Harry Cobden gave the eventual winner, Nicholls said:

“We always had a positive plan; he jumps brilliantly. Everyone was telling me what to do and what not to do, trip-wise, and I felt he wanted a trip. I think he’d gallop forever, and it’s just good to get him back.

“Harry is good in front. He’s such a brilliant jumper and such a genuine horse, and he’s better than a handicapper, and he’d got to a nice low mark. He’s hasn’t run at all badly this season – the Cheltenham run here before turned out to be good, it’s just that he had such a big price tag, he’s had to put up with that, and you get plenty of stick.”

Discussing his achievement in reaching 50 Cheltenham Festival winners, the Ditcheat handler admitted:

“I never thought I’d train 50 Festival winners when I started. It’s fantastic – any winner here is fantastic, and if you get a winner here, anything on top of that is a bonus. It hasn’t been the best season for us; I do not know why, some of the horses have been wrong, and some and right, and the ones which are right run well.”

Robcour 1-2 in Stayers’ Hurdle as Bob Olinger beats Teahupoo

Bob Olinger remains unbeaten at Cheltenham as he brings up doubles for Rachael Blackmore, Henry de Bromhead and owners Robcour. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Bob Olinger (8/1) led home a Brian Acheson’s Robcour a 1-2 in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, when holding off reigning champion Teahupoo (7/4f).

Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead, who struck in the first race of the day, doubled their tally for this week this success a few hours later.

Knockeen trainer de Bromhead stated:

“We’d said if you’re going to get beaten, get beaten for coming too late. She [Rachael] gave him a super ride. Delighted for the horse, he’s an incredible horse, he had such a reputation a few years ago, things didn’t work out as well as we thought, but to see him come back and do that is amazing. Delighted for everyone involved, especially David Roche, my assistant at home, who would take a bullet for this horse. He adores him”

This afternoon’s win is a third Grade 1 victory for Bob Olinger as the 10-year-old maintains his unbeaten record at Cheltenham. He previously won the 2021 Turners Novices’ Hurdle and the Turners’ Novices’ Chase in 2022 at The Festival.

A delighted winning jockey Rachael Blackmore spoke of being in such a lucky position:

“I’m very lucky to get on these horses. He was brilliant. He has so much speed and was able to use it there today. We went a good gallop and he was still able to pick up off the back of it.

“We were all going out there… Everyone had the same plan from his team. It either works riding like that, or it doesn’t. When everyone is committed to it, it makes it easy. He’s unbeaten around here. I know one day it was a fortuitous win, but he’s got luck on his side around here. He’s a very, very good horse.”

Fact To File is all class in Ryanair performance

Fact To File puts up a classy performance to win the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase under Mark Walsh. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Fact To File (6/4f) lived up to the hype with an emphatic success in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding, who had finished behind dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs in his last two races, produced a magnificent performance in winning by nine lengths from Heart Wood (18/1) and Darragh O’Keeffe.

“The manner of the way in which he won was a bit of a surprise, but I felt coming here he’d win it,” Willie Mullins admitted post-race. 

Last season’s Brown Advisory winner was an 81st Cheltenham Festival success for J.P. McManus, and a 12th for the winning rider, Mark Walsh.

“I do agree that he might have been the horse to give Galopin Des Champs a battle tomorrow in the Gold Cup and he was in it, but felt it was better to bide our options,” Mullins explained.

The Closutton master continued:

“He’ll probably be a Gold Cup horse next year. He’ll be a year older and we felt that at this stage a hard race in the Gold Cup, if the ground turned up soft… It’s not like that, but that was the way I was thinking all season. JP [McManus] didn’t want him to have a very hard race in the Gold Cup this year – sometimes that can ruin a horse’s career. So next year – I’m not going to say any more about two-year plans after Lossiemouth, but another year might be right. I think that’s what we’re looking at.”

Fact To File finished the 2 miles five furlongs race out so well, Mark Walsh informed:

I was struggling to pull him up! Even coming up by the junction of the track here, he heard all the crowd on my left shouting, and he started pricking his ears and ducking away from them, so there’s loads left.”

The Evolution of Gaelic Football: What’s Next for Ireland?

Gaelic football is frequently viewed as Ireland’s most cherished pastime and has undergone a pretty significant makeover lately.

Gaelic football emerged from the beginnings of 19th century Ireland, becoming a highly specialized sport that mesmerizes millions of fans worldwide. Looking back on a rich history becomes vital in determining where the sport is headed now amidst sweeping changes.

The Professionalisation of Gaelic Football and the Role of Technology

Gaelic football has largely evolved into a semi-professional sport nowadays, gradually shedding its amateur roots. Dramatic changes occur in player preparation due to structured coaching systems, advanced training methodologies, and sports science. Teams nowadays possess superior physicality and mental toughness, enabling them to perform admirably at extremely high levels. Irish national pride now heavily incorporates this sport’s steadily expanding fanbase, becoming deeply ingrained emotionally.

Technology has also played a significant role in the evolution of Gaelic football. Digital platforms have brought the sport closer to a global audience, and broadcasting technologies like HD and 4K cameras allow viewers to experience matches in high definition, enhancing the fan experience. Additionally, the rise of online sports betting has created new ways for fans to engage with the sport. Platforms like 1xbet legal site offer secure and regulated avenues for sports enthusiasts to place wagers. As sports betting becomes more mainstream, the integrity of the game has become a focal point, with regulations in place to maintain fairness.

Key Technological Advancements in Gaelic Football:

High-definition broadcasting (HD & 4K cameras)
Digital fan engagement through social media and streaming platforms
Wearable fitness trackers for performance analysis
Video assistant referee (VAR) systems for better decision-making

The Origins and Early Development

Gaelic football originated in the early nineteenth century from various native Irish sports that suddenly merged elements of traditional football and rugby. Gaelic football surged forward rapidly during the late 19th century following the establishment of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884. The GAA vigorously promotes Irish culture through the preservation of traditional sports like Gaelic football, which becomes deeply rooted in Irish heritage. Years of refinement led modern Gaelic football down a winding path so intricately that it barely resembles its archaic forebear anymore suddenly.

Initially, this sport, played mostly by amateurs, had a strong emphasis on community involvement in local areas through volunteerism. Rural landscapes nurtured Gaelic football in local clubs, with makeshift matches unfolding beneath vast skies. Sports have gained massive popularity, and the intensity of competition has increased dramatically amidst fiercely rival teams. Gaelic football evolved pretty fast into a wildly popular spectator sport amidst rising urbanization amidst fairly extensive media coverage.

The Rise of Elite Teams and Greater Competition

The professionalization of Gaelic football has propelled competition forward rapidly, reaching unprecedented levels of intensity and skill. The country’s teams have become pretty complex operations, with fairly extensive resources poured into recruitment and specialized match prep. Teams like Dublin Kerry Mayo have utterly dominated the landscape in recent years, fostering fierce rivalries that fueled the sport’s rapid development. Other countries rapidly upgrade their facilities beneath shadowy circumstances, leading to fairly intense competition and seriously thrilling matches.

Talent levels have increased significantly nowadays. Modern players possess a plethora of skills beyond traditional football techniques, including tactical play, agility, and endurance. Modern training regimens incorporate robust nutrition plans alongside rigorous mental prep strategies daily. Gaelic football matches have become fast-paced and brutally physically demanding, pushing players utterly beyond their limits.

The Future: What’s Next for Gaelic Football?

Gaelic football originated in humble circumstances, but its development proceeds rapidly beyond initial expectations, slowly but certainly onwards. Gaelic football will soon flourish globally amidst emerging technologies and newfound popularity. Sport’s biggest hurdle is adapting modernly without losing its deeply ingrained cultural heritage.

 

 

Air Of Entitlement strikes for Blackmore and de Bromhead in Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Robcour's Air Of Entitlement gives Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead a first winner at this year's festival. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Air Of Entitlement (16/1) got Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead on the scoreboard at this year’s Cheltenham in the opening Grade 2 Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

In the Robcour colours, the six-year-old daughter of Westerner came to battle and ultimately deny Gavin Cromwell’s Sixandahalf (85/40f) by a half-length at the winning post.

Diva Luna (12/1) from the Ben Pauling yard and ridden by Ben Jones was third home, a further six lengths behind the runner-up.

Discussing his first winner of the 2025 Festival, the successful Waterford handler Henry de Bromhead said:

“We knew we had the stamina and the New Course suits horses with that. We always worry about being too handy in that race, but Rachael was spot on.

“I thought they went a real good gallop and she gave her some spin. It was a little bit like Telmesomethinggirl a few years ago.

“We weren’t as far back as we normally are, but she stayed on really well. I thought when we winged the last we had a chance.”

It was a 17th Cheltenham Festival victory for Rachael Blackmore, who admitted:

“It’s a magical place to be up here. It’s brilliant, she did it really well, she came through the race lovely. I want to dedicate this to my cousin, Robert Blackmore, who passed away at the weekend, his funeral is today, so I want to dedicate this to him.”

St Patrick’s Thursday at Cheltenham

It’s St Patrick’s Thursday at Cheltenham, day three of the 2025 Festival.

It will be another busy day, and likely successful, for the Cheltenham Festival’s leading owner J.P. McManus.

The Limerick man will have strong chances with Fact To File in the Ryanair Chase (3.20pm) and The Wallpark and Mystical Power [that he owns in partnership with Rich Ricci and John Magnier] in the Stayers’ Hurdle (4.00pm) – the two main races of Thursday’s meeting.

The former will face a healthy challenge from Il Est Francais, who won impressively at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day 2024, as well as former Ryanair Chase winners Envoi Alllen for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead, and Protektorat representing the Harry and Dan Skelton team.

The J.P. McManus team this afternoon will be backed up by Jeriko Du Reponet in the Pertemps at 2.40pm; Jagwar in the Plate at 4.40pm and Johnnywho in the final race of the day, the Kim Muir Chase at 5.20pm.

Maughreen

The unbeaten Maughreen, out of Molly’s Mate, a half-sister to dual Cheltenham Festival winner Faugheen, puts her reputation on the line in the opening Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Owned by Closutton Racing Club, the six-year-old Walk In The Park mare, is trained by Willie Mullins and will have the assistance of his son, Patrick, from the saddle.

O’Brien and Shinnick bid for success

Answer To Kayf, fourth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last year, will represent County Cork trainer Terence O’Brien in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at 2.00pm.

The nine-year-old, a winner at Naas on his last appearance will bid to give Glanworth, Co Cork jockey Johnny Shinnick a first Cheltenham Festival success.

Bambino Fever gives Jodi Townend a first Cheltenham Festival victory

The O'Connell Morgan Syndicate's Bambino Fever gives Jodi Townend a first Cheltenham success. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Jodi Townend claimed her first Cheltenham Festival win courtesy of Bambino Fever in the Grade 1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

The 4/1 winner gave champion handler Willie Mullins a 14th success in the race, with Irish-trained horses achieving a trifecta in the day’s final race.

Lisgoold, Co Cork rider, Townend admitted to being “on cloud nine” following the win on only her third ride at the Cheltenham Festival, adding:

“I can’t believe it – it will take a long time to sink in! I was in front plenty soon enough, she was on the way with me coming down the hill and I was looking up at the big screen thinking, ‘please someone, don’t come nab me!’. It was a big relief when I got to the line.

“I got a perfect position. I couldn’t believe it when I jumped off and managed to get where I wanted to be, usually that doesn’t happen in that race. Once we turned down the hill and they got racing, she jumped on the bridle for me.

“It couldn’t have gone any better. I was [pushed a bit wide coming into the straight] and even going away from the stands I was pushed quite wide, but I just didn’t want to run into trouble. Even when she was pushed wide, I was travelling well enough, it didn’t affect her. She keeps trying, she has a heart of gold.”

 

Heads Up (33/1) and Seán Bowen were second for the John McConnell yard, a length and a half behind the impressive winner.

Tom Cooper’s Shuttle Diplomacy (66/1), with Donagh Meyler in the saddle, were third home, another length and a half behind McConnell’s charge.

Jazzy Matty’s win adds to the day’s emotion at Cheltenham

Jazzy Matty won for the second time at the Cheltenham Festival. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Jazzy Matty, the second of Michael O’Sullivan’s two winners at Cheltenham 2023, won the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase 40 minutes after Marine Nationale’s win.

The Cian Collins-trained 15/2 chance scored by a length and a half from the favourite, Unexpected Party.

It was a first success at The Festival for Cian Collins, as Jazzy Matty had been trained by Gordon Elliott when winning at Cheltenham two years ago.

“It’s unbelievable,” said a delighted Collins on the win. “We were very hopeful coming here today, but it’s Cheltenham and we needed a lot of luck on our side. We had that. I said that that – Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty winning – doesn’t happen often. This is for Michael.

“He’s gone from strength to strength since we got him. He really enjoys the way we train, and it’s unbelievable to have gone this today. It’s been a long couple of weeks before today – we only had one horse coming over and a lot of time and effort has gone into him. Everyone at home in the yard – we’ve a great team and to get this is unbelievable. To win on the big stage means so much and hopefully showcases that we can get one ready for the big day as well.”

Jockey Danny Gilligan was happy with his mount throughout the race with his partner jumping so well.

“It went very smooth, never missed a beat the whole way round there. I’m sure everyone knows there’s someone very special looking down on us today. That’s for Michael.

“He was in such a great rhythm and I didn’t want to disappoint him anywhere; I was letting him stretch for a couple of fences, but he was in such a rhythm. He really loves the hill and loves it round here. He just got touched off here the last day, but he loves the hill and grinds it out.”

 

Jimmy Du Seuil and Stumptown win for Ireland

Stumptown, winner of the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, might be aimed longterm for the Aintree Grand National. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

The majority of winners for The Festival’s most successful trainer Willie Mullins tend to go off at shorter prices but Jimmy Du Seuil (16/1) sealed a 356-1 double for the Irish handler with victory in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle. This followed on from the 20-1 win of Lecky Watson in the preceding Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

Running for the first time in 313 days, Jimmy Du Seuil saw off Impose Toi (13/2) to seal victory in the two mile 5 furlong handicap hurdle to give the winning rider, Danny Mullins, his third career success at the Cheltenham Festival.

Ballyadam (16/1) was a length further back in third for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead.

“Credit goes to Willie Mullins – coming here with no run this season, prepared for a handicap like that, no run in a handicap… it’s just great to be a part of that team,” the winning jockey said.

Stumptown wins Cross Country Chase

Stumptown (5/2f) carried top-weight of 11st 10lbs to win the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

Ridden by Keith Donoghue, the eight-year-old had won on his previous start over the unique course in December and today was the comfortable seven-length winner from Latenightpass (11/1).

It was a fifth success in the race for the successful jockey, who said:

“I’m riding for the right people, for Gordon before and Gavin now. When you’re riding this calibre of horse, it makes it easier.

“I was only ever hanging in there. He didn’t jump as well as he could. Ground is probably a bit soft for him. But he stays well and I knew going to the last, I could feel him getting going and that he was never going to be beat.

“He really likes these fences. I was glad we put the cheekpieces on him today.”

For Co Meath handler Gavin Cromwell it was 7th Festival win.

“I was very concerned for a while to be honest, but he has ended up running out a good winner in the end,” Cromwell acknowledged. “I don’t think Keith thought he was at his best either, but listen we will take it anyway.”

Rugby World Cup 2027 Betting: France Now a Smart Bet

Rugby World Cup 2027 Betting: France Now a Smart Bet After Statement Win Over Ireland

With just over two years to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Australia, the odds are starting to shift – and not without reason. Following a massive Six Nations 2025 statement from France, including a dominant victory over Ireland, Les Bleus may now be the value pick in the outright market.

Latest Odds Overview

According to Paddy Power, the early favourites remain the usual suspects. New Zealand lead the way at 5/2, closely followed by South Africa at 3/1. The Springboks will look to defend their title and become the first nation to win five World Cups.

Ireland and France are next in line at 5/1 – but after France’s crushing of Ireland in this year’s Six Nations, those odds might not last long.

Why France Could Be the Smart Backing

France’s win over Ireland wasn’t just impressive – it was a warning shot to the rest of the world. With a squad boasting depth, youth, and flair, and the hurt of their home quarter-final exit in 2023 still lingering, Fabien Galthié’s side appear to be peaking at exactly the right time.

With talismanic figures like Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, and Gregory Alldritt in their prime, the French blend physical dominance with attacking precision. Their performance in 2025 suggests they’ve put past heartbreak behind them – and 5/1 could look generous in hindsight.

Hosts and Long Shots

Australia, the 2027 hosts, sit at 7/1 – a reflection of their rebuilding status after a disastrous 2023 campaign. England follow at 10/1, but inconsistency continues to dog them.

At 33/1, both Argentina and Fiji look tempting each-way options, especially given their strong World Cup pedigree and explosive backlines.

Wales (40/1) and Scotland (50/1) are drifting, while Italy (425/1) and the rest (500/1) remain unlikely champions.

Verdict: Back Les Bleus

If you’re looking for timing and value, this could be the moment to back France at 5/1. Their form in the 2025 Six Nations, particularly the demolition of Ireland, shows a side with serious intent. Add to that a settled coaching ticket and a generational squad, and it’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall: France are coming.