Home Blog Page 7

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.

Marine Nationale lands Champion Chase

Marine Nationale, Seán Flanagan and owner/trainer Barry Connell return to the winner's enclosure after their Champion Chase success. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

At an emotionally-charged Cheltenham on Wednesday, Marine Nationale (5/1) won the BetBMG Champion Chase for Barry Connell and Seán Flanagan.

Winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2023, when ridden by the recently deceased Michael O’Sullivan, Marine Nationale ran out an emphatic winner of the day two feature.

“I think the horse hasn’t got his credit since he won the Supreme Novices’, the winning owner/trainer said, before adding, “and people forget that he only had two runs last year so he’s effectively a novice this year, and we were having to plan a campaign to gradually get him his experience.”

“I’d like to dedicate this win to Michael and his girlfriend Charlotte”

When speaking to the media after today’s victory, Barry Connell admitted:

“Michael and I went on a journey with this horse; he rode him in all his races in his novice season over hurdles. He started as a 7lb claimer with us and we asked him to turn pro. He ended winning three Grade Ones as a claimer, leading rider on the first day, and then leading conditional. I’ve asked racing historians and I don’t think they can find anyone who did all that.

“It is a tragedy that he’s left us, but it’s a record that he can be really proud of. He’s achieved more in a lifetime than a lot of riders who have been riding a lot longer can ever achieve. So I’d like to dedicate this win to Michael and his girlfriend Charlotte, who’s here. Our hearts go out to all his friends and family and girlfriend.”

Costly mistake by Jonbon

Jonbon (5/6f), trained by Nickey Henderson for J.P. McManus made a jumping error and it took a patient Nico de Boinville time to get the race favourite back into contention.

Tried as he did, however, Marine Nationale, a son of French Navy, had flown under Flanagan, to decisively win the Grade 1 contest by 18 lengths.

Jonbon was second, with former Champion Chaser Captain Guinness (25/1) third, one and a quarter lengths behind the McManus-owned runner-up.

20/1 shot Lecky Watson gives Seán O’Keeffe Cheltenham Grade 1 success

Lecky Watson gave jockey Seán O'Keeffe a third career Cheltenham Festival victory. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Lecky Watson was a surprise 20/1 winner of the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham this afternoon.

In a seven-runner field, with all horses trained in Ireland, Willie Mullins was represented by four, including the eventual winner.

Explaining pre-race instruction to jockey Seán O’Keeffe, Mullins explained:

“All season he has improved. We just said to Seán (O’Keeffe) maybe go a little bit wider and keep out of trouble. Seán kept it very simple and it was an excellent ride.”

When race favourite Ballyburn (4/7) made an error early in the race, the former leading novice hurdler was never in serious contention from then on.

Commenting on the defeat of the off-on favourite, the Closutton handler stated:

“Ballyburn was gone early and he wasn’t travelling in my mind and then he made that bad mistake.

“The game was over early for him, but we might now go back in trip with him and maybe make more use of him. I don’t think he enjoyed being put in the box seat there and they weren’t going fast enough for him.”

Though the Gigginstown Stud-owned Stellar Story (22/1) and Danny Gilligan eventually gave Lecky Watson most to do, the latter still had four lengths in hand at the line.

Better Days Ahead (13/2), trained like the runner-up by Gordon Elliott, was a head further back in third place under Jack Kennedy.

The New Lion roars at Cheltenham for J.P. McManus

The New Lion and Harry Skelton win the Grade 1 Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham for J.P. McManus. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

The New Lion (3/1) gave J.P. McManus another success at Cheltenham when winning the Grade 1 Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Ridden by Harry Skelton for his brother Dan, the son of Kayf Tara was recently purchased for an undisclosed sum by McManus following an impressive win in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury.

Despite the very poor record of Challow Hurdle winners in the Turners’ Novice – 0 from 20 – prior to today, The New Lion looked comfortable throughout the two mile five furlongs contest.

With Gordon Elliott’s The Yellow Clay (5/2) leading into the home straight, race favourite Final Demand (6/4) from the Willie Mullins yard soon challenged on his outside, before The New Lion easily joined both before the final flight.

Though the six-year-old The New Lion had to reach for the final flight, he remained composed under Harry Skelton to win by three-quarters of a length.

The winning rider said:

“We always had belief in him. We knew there was something a bit different about him when we got him. He needed to mature, and he’s come here and done it in the one that really matters. That’s a big thing.”

The Jack Kennedy-ridden The Yellow Clay, winner at Naas in January, was runner-up for Bective Stud and Gordon Elliott, with the handler admitting:

“He ran a brilliant race and Jack (Kennedy) has given him a peach of a ride and I couldn’t be happier with him. He is a good horse.

“I thought we got a beautiful run throughout the race and I don’t think there were any excuses anywhere. There was no hard luck story.”

Final Demand was four and three-quarter lengths further back in third for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins.

Irish well represented in Wednesday’s four Grade 1 races

It's day two of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

It’s day two of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival where the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at 4.00pm is the feature.

Six Irish horses are among the field of eight for the Grade 1 contest over two miles, where the Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon, owned by J.P. McManus, will start as the race favourite.

Marine Nationale, a winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2023, is the strongest Irish challenger, having posted a career-best Racing Post Rating in the Dublin Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival last month.

Former winners of the Champion Chase, Energumene and Captain Guinness, contest again this year, with the former likely to have more support in the betting market.

New McManus recruit could deny Irish in opener

The opening Grade 1 Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle over two miles five furlongs will have eight Irish-trained runners in the 11-horse race. Here again, another J.P. McManus-owned English-trained horse – Dan Skelton’s The New Lion – may deny the overseas challenge.

An Irish winner is guaranteed in the 2.00 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, with all runners making the trip from this side of the Irish Sea. Willie Mullins accounts for four of the seven, Gordon Elliott has two, and Henry de Bromhead has one representative.

Strong Irish challenge in the Champion Bumper

The fourth and final Grade 1 of Wednesday’s action is the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at 5.20pm. The race which will close the day two card has Copacabana heading the betting market for Willie and Patrick Mullins. His stable companion, Gameofinches, the mount of Paul Townend, is next best with the bookmakers, followed by Gordon Elliott’s Kalypso’chance, who will be ridden by Jack Kennedy.

Golden Ace is seventh mare to win Champion Hurdle

Golden Ace and Lorcan Williams are victorious in Grade 1 Unibet Champion Hurdle. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Golden Ace (25/1) caused a surprise when becoming the seventh mare to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

In an eventual race for the two-mile hurdling championship, the winners for the past two seasons, Constitution Hill (1/2f) and State Man both crashed out.

The Nicky Henderson-trained race favourite Constitution Hill fell at the fifth hurdle, while the Donnellys’ State Man, fell at the last, with the race at his mercy.

Golden Ace and Lorcan Williams were left to come home nine lengths clear of Burdett Road (66-1), with one and a half lengths further back to the 11-year-old Winter Fog, the mount of Brian Hayes.

It was a second Festival win for trainer Jeremy Scott, and his winner now joins African Sister (1939), Dawn Run (1984), Flakey Dove (1994), Annie Power (2016), Epatante (2020), Honeysuckle (2021 and 2022) and Golden Ace (2025) as Champion Hurdle-winning mares.

“I think my team at home will be as flabbergasted as I am – they’ll be watching it at home now and they’ll definitely be reaching for the drinks cabinet,” Scott admitted. “Amazing, absolutely amazing. I hope both Constitution Hill and poor old State Man are alright.

Willie Mullins’ reaction to State Man’s fall 

“He was just long at it and popped the top of it, but these things happen,” Willie Mullins stated.

“At least we made the right decision (as to which race to run the horses in), but the hurdles are there to be jumped. We don’t need any chat with Paul to see what happened. I’m just delighted he is okay.”

Nicky Henderson update on Constitution Hill

“He seems fine,” the Seven Barrows handler said. “He is very bright and breezy, but of course he hasn’t had a race. I don’t know what can you say. He ran two miles, even if he didn’t have Nico on at the end.

“He has been in terrific form I have got to say, but poor old State Man as well. You couldn’t believe those two old silly old fools have gone and done what they have done today.

“When you are jumping as fast as they jump you have got to get it deadly accurate. You would like to see the replay of it, but it doesn’t really matter what he did.”

Puturhandstogether gives J.P. McManus a 79th Festival success

Puturhandstogether won the Fred Winter for Mark Walsh, Joseph O'Brien and J.P.McMaus. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Puturhandstogether (17/2) was the third Irish-trained winner of the day as the J.P. McManus-owned gelding won the Hallgarten & Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle [Fred Winter].

It was a 79th Festival winner for McManus, the winning-most owner in Festival history.

Winning trainer Joseph O’Brien, for whom it was a 5th Festival victory, said of the Mark Walsh-ridden winner:

“This race is always won by ex flat horses, but I suppose that is where the improvement has come from having run on winter ground then getting a bit of spring ground today as he seemed to really thrive on it.

“He did surprise me to be honest with you as to how easy he got there as coming here I thought he was in with a chance, but we didn’t think he was that well handicapped

“Mark gave him a great ride as the pace was on, but he took a sit and let them all at it. I would say that was probably the difference today.”

1...678...570Page 7 of 570

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie