Trained by Joseph O’Brien, the well-travelled son of Wootton Bassett, is owned by Australian Bloodstock, and is now the favourite for the Melbourne Cup in November.

Absolute demolition job

𝐀𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐚 dazzles from off the speed in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh pic.twitter.com/YKC4KwU22h

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2025

Ridden by Donegal-born jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, the five-year-old ran out a four-length victor over British raider Amiloc (2/1), in the hands of Rossa Ryan.

Another overseas raider, Al Qareem, trained in Yorkshire by Karl Burke, was third, at 12/1 for rider Clifford Lee.

The post Al Riffa comfortably wins Comer Group International Irish St Leger appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ridden by Ben Coen, the three-year-old son of Wootton Bassett, led home a 1-2 for Murtagh and owners, the Aga Khan Studs.

Stable companion Tangapour (300/1) took the runner-up spot under jockey Séamie Heffernan, who lengths behind the winner.

Galen (8/1), who like the second placed finisher, was prominent throughout the one mile two furlongs Group 3 contest, came third for Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Los Angeles, the 4/7 favourite, disappointed for the second race in a row, as he only managed fourth place in the six-runner contest for Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien.

A CRACKING result for @JohnnyMurtagh

Zahrann overcomes some trouble in-running to lead home a stable one-two in the feature Royal Whip Stakes under @BenCoen2.

What do we make of that run from Los Angeles? @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/JquyCFgjBF

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 16, 2025

The winning handler, Johnny Murtagh, who has always held Zahrann in high regard, nominated the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month as the son of Night Of Thunder’s next target.

Group 3 Irish St Leger Trial

The second Group 3 race on the eight-race card was the Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial over a mile and six furlongs.

The field was reduced to only four runners when Uxmal was withdrawn early on the afternoon due to the ground.

Leinster (6/1) won the race for Joseph O’Brien – completing a double for the handler – while it was the final part of a four-timer for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle.

What a day for @DylanBrowneMcM

Leinster scoots clear to land the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes, completing a brilliant four-timer for the rider.@JosephOBrien2 | @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/0Ua9TnJ2uc

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 16, 2025

Dylan Browne McMonagle four-timer

Donegal jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle completed a four-timer with Mushaffar (5/1), Ipanema Queen (6/5 favourite), Queen Of Mougins (17/2) and Leinster (6/1)

Mushaffar took the opening maiden for trainer Joseph O’Brien. Race favourite Ipanema Queen won the Listed Mitsubishi Electric Curragh Irish EBF Curragh Stakes over the minimum distance for handler Adrian Murray.

"She's very fast."

The bang in-form @DylanBrowneMcM gives us his verdict on Curragh Listed winner Ipanema Queen pic.twitter.com/t3UnyeCt2Q

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 16, 2025

Browne McMonagle and Murray successfully teamed up again in the fifth race, the Kwiff: Supercharge Your Horse Racing Betting Handicap, when Queen Of Mougins, was successful.

It was the third part of Browne McMonagle’s four-timer on the day, and a double for Murray, who also completed a double last Saturday at the same venue.

The post Zahrann wins Royal Whip Stakes but Browne McMonagle dominates appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

British raiders look to extend their dominance in the Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes this Saturday, as Kalpana lines up for Andrew Balding in a field of seven high-class fillies. The British-trained runner will be ridden by Colin Keane following a fine third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month at the same venue.

Trainer Andrew Balding was upbeat, saying: “She is a very high-class filly. While we think she might be even better over further, a mile and a quarter should suit her well – especially if the ground stays good.”

International Challenge

The French-trained Survie, a Group 2 winner, joins Kalpana as part of the international challenge. She will be ridden by Stéphane Pasquier for Nicolas Clément and Flo Hermans.

Irish Contenders

• Whirl – Aidan O’Brien’s narrow Oaks runner-up represents strong claims.
• Wemighttakedlongway – Joseph O’Brien’s filly bids to follow in the footsteps of Iridessa (2019) and Thundering Nights (2021).
• Magical Hope – Trained by 2022 winner Paddy Twomey.
• Jancis – Willie McCreery’s charge will be partnered by Ben Coen.
• Higher Leaves – Represents Henry de Bromhead and Shane Foley.

More Group Action on the Card

Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes: Six juveniles line up, including Ger Lyons’ Lady Iman (chasing a four-timer) and Aidan O’Brien’s Beautify, with Ryan Moore booked.

Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes: Elizabeth Jane runs for Dermot Weld with Chris Hayes aboard.

Group 3 Anglesey Stakes: Flushing Meadows heads a quality field that includes Stop The Nation and debut winner Suzie Songs.

Ladies Derby & Handicaps

• Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby: Jody Townend (Tatateo) and Hannah Smullen (Desert Friend) feature.
• Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Handicap: Recent winner Cold Hearted aims to follow up for Jessica Harrington.

Full Race Schedule – Saturday

• 1.15pm – Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden
• …
• 5.15pm – Keadeen Hotel Irish EBF Maiden

Pretty Polly Stakes – Odds (Paddy Power)

• 6/4 – Whirl
• 9/4 – Kalpana
• 6 – Wemighttakedlongway
• 7 – Higher Leaves
• 12 – Jancis
• 14 – Survie
• 20 – Magical Hope

Going Update

Straight course: Good to firm in places
Round course: Good
Stalls: Centre for all sprint races

Admission & Bundles

• Saturday General Admission: €30 online / €35 on the day
• Sunday Premium Admission: €150 (Winning Line Lounge access)
• Derby Bundles: From €33 – includes admission, €5 bet, food voucher, racecard, afterparty access

Transport & Parking

Free shuttle buses from Newbridge & Kildare
Free parking at the Curragh Racecourse

Where to Watch

• Racing TV – Full coverage
• TG4 & RTÉ – Selected races live on Saturday and Sunday

Entertainment

• Friday – The Classic Beatles (afterparty)
• Sunday – The Whistlin’ Donkey’s (afterparty)

For tickets, discounts and more: curragh.ie/tickets

The post Kalpana Returns to Curragh for Pretty Polly Stakes – Saturday Feature Preview appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Handicap (Premier Handicap)

Mr Percy (2/1) earned a place in the Sky Bet Ebor at York in August by winning the SkyBet Race To The Ebor Handicap over a mile and six furlongs.

Carrying bottom weight of 8 stone 7 pounds this evening, the Joseph O’Brien-trained son of Sir Percy had just a neck to spare at the line, under five-pound claimer, Wayne Hassett.

Jabbar (25/1), from the Ger O’Leary stable took the runner-up position, while the eight-year-old Helvic Dream (25/1) took third for Noel Meade and Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Sky Bet Handicap

The €50,000 Sky Bet Handicap (Premier Handicap) went to the Michael Grassick-handled Equiano filly Gazelle D’Or (14/1).

Ridden by Cork jockey Wayne Lordan, the Aidan Gleeson and Joseph Keeling-owned three-year-old had won three times previously from five to six furlongs.

Today, she held off Brigid’s Cloak (11/2) by a length, with Jorge Alvares (7/2 favourite) a neck further back in third for Ger Lyons and stable jockey Colin Keane.

Wootton Bassett Double

Two juvenile colts by Coolmore Stud’s sire of the moment, Wootton Bassett, won the first two maidens on the card.

Amadeus Mozart (10/11 favourite) took the opening SkyBet For The Fans Irish EBF Maiden for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore by half a length.

With three runners in the field from Ballydoyle, a Coolmore partners-owned horse filled the runner-up spot as well with the fast finishing grey Dorset (5/1) in the hand of Wayne Lordan.

The double was quickly completed in the next, the Businessplus.ie Irish EBF Maiden when Flushing Meadows (5/2) took the win.

The 80/1 outside The Piper’s Call, ridden by S T McCullagh, took the second post, one and a half-lengths behind the winner. North Coast (11/) and Dylan Browne McMonagle took third for Joseph O’Brien, while another Ballydoyle horse, Puerto Rico (10/1) claimed fourth.

Maiden winners for Harrington and O’Donoghue

The third maiden of the evening, The Spar Shop At The Curragh Maiden went to the Shane Foley-ridden Cold Hearted (5/1).

Placed in four of her seven previous starts, the Blue Point three-year-old filly got the better of a battle with race favourite Stella Alpina (10/11), by half a length, with the same distance back to Marlborough Place (7/2) in third.

The Gannon Interiors Fillies Maiden was won by It’s A Heartbeat (7/1) and Ronan Whelan, who has recently returned to action from injury.

Fourth on her racecourse debut at Naas in April, the daughter of Too Darn Hot was a two and a half-length winner for handler John O’Donoghue.

The second, Jannah Star (13/8 favourite), was another placing on the evening for the Dylan Browne McMonagle and Joseph O’Brien combination, while the well-fancied Tanoya (5/2) from the Paddy Twomey yard claimed third spot, a further two and half lengths behind.

The Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day went the way of Midnight Horizon (7/1) for handler Denis Hogan and rider Joey Sheridan.

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A winner with Moll in 2021, Twomey’s new recruit from France, Bubble Gum, ran out a one and a half length winner on debut for the stable.

Ridden today by Billy Lee, the four-year-old bay filly had been placed at listed level in France, but had finished sixth of her final French start at Chantilly.

The daughter of Cloth Of Stars claimed today’s feature Cork race, ahead of Ameerat Jumaira from the Jack Davison yard. A neck separated the runner-up and the third-placer, Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Joseph O’Brien for J.P. McManus.

The winning handler, Paddy Twomey, said of his new recruit’s win this afternoon:

“She hasn’t missed a beat since she came to me in December, has trained well and I’m delighted to have her. It is good to have a strong squad of fillies and this filly has a bit of class. We’ll find a Group race next.”

28/1 winner of Cork Stakes

The other listed race at Cork this afternoon was the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes over six furlongs.

Lady With The Lamp was a surprise 28/1 winner of the €26,550 first prize for Joseph O’Brien. Among the owners of the three-year-old bay filly are Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing and Nick Luck of Racing TV.

The daughter of King Of Change had finished eight in a Group 3 contest at Dundalk last October, but battled on today to win after a 163 day lay-off.

Ridden by Declan McDonogh, the Irish-bred filly won by a half-length from Willie McCreery’s Vespertilio. There was a further length and a half back to One Smack Mack for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane in third.

Commonwealth Cup may be on horizon

Speaking after today’s victory, part-owner Kevin Blake nominated the Polonia Stakes back at Cork as a potential short-term target, with the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June now being considered as a mid-summer option.

The post New Recruit Bubble Gum Delivers Noblesse Stakes for Twomey and Lee appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The course specialist, ridden by Billy Lee, came home a half-length winner over 2024 French Group 1-winner Camille Pissarro (3/1), with the runner-up’s stable companion Officer (13/2) next in third.

Big Gossey, winning at The Curragh for the seventh time for trainer Charles O’Brien, has now 10 career successes from five to seven furlongs.

Camille Pissarro, winner of the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp last season for Aidan O’Brien, was ridden today by Ryan Moore.

The son of Wootton Bassett, held off his fellow Coolmore partners-owned Ballydoyle inmate, Officer, a son of Dubawi out of the quality mare Hydrangea, by half a length.

Winning favourites

Miami Destination (9/4 favourite) won The Shouldvebeenaring New For 2025 At The Irish National Stud Irish EBF Maiden under Wayne Lordan.

Trained by Adrian Murray for Giselle De Agular, the two-year-old daughter of Ten Sovereigns, held off the challenge of Oh Cecelia (7/2) and James Ryan by a neck. There was a further half-length back to Noodles (5/1) and Ronan Whelan in third.

Two Stars (85/40 favourite) was the second winning market leader of the day, when taking the Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap. Trained by Fozzy Stack, the previous twice flat winner, was ridden by Joey Sheridan.

Betsen (16/1) was the second runner-up of the day for Jack Davidson, two and three-quarter lengths behind the winner. Stag Night (6/1) and Nathan Cross were third home, another length and half behind.

Wins for Sheila Lavery and Joseph O’Brien

Pickersgill (4/1) obliged for Robbie Colgan in the Visit The Irish National Stud & Gardens Maiden. Beaten four lengths by Saracen when second on her previous outing, the three-year-old daughter of Starspangledbanner is trained by Sheila Lavery for John Lavery.

Mathan justified 1/2 favouritism when taking the Follow @Toteracing on X Maiden for Joseph O’Brien. Ridden by stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, the winner had a cosy three and a quarter length success at the line from Dmaniac (28/1) in the hands of Wayne Hassett.

The Aidan O’Brien-handled debutant, Monkstown (9/2), a full-brother to Group 3 runner-up Samuel Colt and who cost €300,000 as a yearling, crossed the line a further two and a quarter lengths back in third, under jockey Ryan Moore.

Dylan Browne McMonagle and Joseph O’Brien went on to complete a double with the success of Leinster (9/2 favourite) in the Tote.ie Handicap over a mile and a half.

Cromwell and Feane successes

JM’S Joy got Gary Carroll and Gavin Cromwell on the board this afternoon, winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 3YO Spring Series Media Auction Maiden at 11/2.

Indigo Five (3/1) won the level for the third time in his career with success in the Tote Guarantee Available On Course Handicap. Trained by Johnny Feane, the six-year-old was ridden by Wesley Joyce.

The post Big Gossey wins Lester Piggott Gladness Stakes at The Curragh appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.”

The post Puturhandstogether gives J.P. McManus a 79th Festival success appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Carrying the colours of MacLennan, Shanahan, Magnier and Smith, the two-year-old son of Wootton Bassett battled with race favourite Antelope Canyon (5/4 favourite) and Wayne Lordan inside the final furlong of the race, with the former getting the upper hand by a head.

Despite a stewards’ inquiry being called, the result remained unchanged.

Joseph O’Brien also provided the third and fourth place finishers with Celtic Motif (16/1) and Valencia (9/1) respectively.

Celtic Motif, in the hands of Mikey Sheehy, was three lengths behind the runner-up, but had a length and a half in hand on his stable companion, Valencia and Chris Hayes.

The post Apples And Bananas Lands Goffs Million for O’Brien & Browne McMonagle appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained 12/1 chance claimed the scalp of the 4/5 favourite Henri Matisse, trained by the winning handler’s father, Aidan.

Scorthy Champ, ridden by Donegal jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, had three-quarters of a length in hand on runner-up Henri Matisse, under Ryan Moore, with British raider Seagulls Eleven (7/1) the same distance further back with Oisín Murphy in third.

First winner in Ireland for Hollie Doyle

Bradsell gave jockey Hollie Doyle her first winner in Ireland this afternoon in the Group 1 Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes.

Trained by Archie Watson in England, the four-year-old son of Tasleet led home a British-trained clean sweep with the visitors claiming the first six places.

The post Scorthy Champ and Bradsell claim Group 1s at The Curragh appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The weights are headed by last year’s winner Shark Hanlon’s Hewick with thirty-four still standing at this stage.

Entries at Weights

GALWAY Wednesday, 2nd August 2023

(6:40) 214D The Tote Galway Plate (H’cap S’chase)

(Grade 3) €159,300.00 ( 2m 6f 111y – 4yo+)

[MAX 22]

1 Hewick (167) (JJHanlon) ……………… 11,12
2 Kilcruit (160) (WPMullins) ……………. 11,05
3 Easy Game (FR) (159) (WPMullins)……………11,04
4 Fury Road (155) (GElliott) ……………. 11,00
5 Lifetime Ambition (155) (MrsJHarrington) …….. 11,00
6 Andy Dufresne (150) (GElliott) …….. 10,09
7 Final Orders (GB) (149) (GCromwell) …………… 10,08
8 Enniskerry (148) (BConnell) ………… 10,07
9 Visionarian (148) (PFahey) ………….. 10,07
10 Ciel De Neige (FR) (147) (WPMullins) ……………. 10,06
11 Foxy Jacks (147) (MFMorris) ……….. 10,06
12 Authorized Art (FR) (146) (WPMullins) ……………. 10,05
13 The Goffer (146) (GElliott) ……………. 10,05
14 Ash Tree Meadow (FR) (145) (GElliott) ………………… 10,04
15 A Wave Of The Sea (143) (JPO’Brien)…………….. 10,02
16 Gabbys Cross (143) (HdeBromhead) ……… 10,02
17 Fighter Allen (FR) (142) (WPMullins) ……………. 10,01
18 Hollow Games (142) (GElliott) ……… 10,01
19 Hurricane Georgie (141) (GElliott) … 10,00
20 Peregrine Run (141) (PFahey) ……… 10,00
21 Tullybeg (141) (GElliott) ……………….. 10,00
22 Lieutenant Command (FR) (140) (NMeade) ………………… 9,13
23 Upping The Anti (139) (HdeBromhead) ……….. 9,12
24 Born By The Sea (138) (PJGilligan)… 9,11
25 Gevrey (FR) (138) (GElliott) ……………. 9,11
26 Hereditary Rule (138) (JCMcConnell) …………. 9,11
27 Fils D’oudairies (FR) (137) (GElliott) ………………….. 9,10
28 Vina Ardanza (137) (GElliott) …………. 9,10
29 Farceur Du Large (FR) (131) (NMeade) ………………… 9,04
30 Ilikedwayurthinkin (131) (GCromwell) …………….. 9,04
31 Mars Harper (GB) (131) (GElliott) …… 9,04
32 Presentandcounting (131) (DMcCain (inGB)) ……… 9,04
33 Streets Of Doyen (131) (TGibney) ….. 9,04
34 Pakens Rock (126) (BTMurphy) ……… 8,13

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