Cracking performance

Relentless from Caldwell Potter who emulates his late brother Mighty Potter with glory in the G1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle@LeopardstownRC | @gelliott_racing | @jackkennedy15 pic.twitter.com/JsVvHL8LXo

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2023

In a field of nine runners, the Caldwell Construction Ltd.-owned son of Martaline was a six and a half length winner over Gigginstown House Stud’s Predators Gold (Patrick and Willie Mullins), while Down Memory Lane (Mr Derek O’Connor/Gordon Elliott) came home in third, 38 lengths behind the runner-up, with only five of the nine starters completing the 2 mile contest in very testing conditions.

Gordon Elliott pays tribute to Caldwell Potter and Jack Kennedy after their success at Leopardstown. pic.twitter.com/6fcS4CnfNi

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 27, 2023

1-2-3 for McManus and Mullins

Owner J.P. McManus had a 1-2-3 in the Grade 1 The Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong as Dinoblue (9/4) defeated Gentleman De Mee (11/2) by seven and a half lengths, with Saint Roi (16/1) another 39 lengths back in third.

A dramatic renewal of the G1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase as Dinoblue leads home a JP McManus & @williemullinsnh 1-2-3 at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/xJ2eYieavB

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2023

In the five-runner field, the only three finishers all carried the colours of the Limerick-born J.P. McManus, all coming from from the stable of champion National Hunt trainer, Willie Mullins.

The race favourite, Captain Guinness (6/4), from the Henry de Bromhead yard, pulled up, while the other runner Dysart Dynamo – also from the Willie Mullins yard – fell.

The post Caldwell Potter and Dinoblue claim Leopardstown Grade 1s appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Sent into the lead early by jockey Michael O’Sullivan, last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner at Cheltenham was challenged for a while by Feu Du Bresil from the Willie Mullins yard.

The Barry Connell-owned and trained son of French Navy, Marine Nationale, ran his rivals into submission to run out a very comfortable eight and a half-length winner over 8/1 chance Firm Footings (Jack Kennedy/Gordon Elliott), with Walk With Paul (22/1) a further 12 lengths behind in third for Conor and Martin Brassil.

Marine Nationale – back with a bang

Six runs
Six wins
Successful chasing debut
G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
G1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle@LeopardstownRC | @Michael_OSull pic.twitter.com/w7cxNwxYph

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2023

“I don’t think he made a mistake” admitted Barry Connell. “He was very efficient, he just popped and popped, he never had to ask him for one. So, back here for the Irish Arkle and on to the Arkle.

“We’re thrilled to have him back. He’s the horse of a lifetime, he really is the horse of a lifetime, and I’m just blessed that he came into out yard.

“They’re one in ten thousand these horses. You only get one in a lifetime if you’re lucky. The big yards maybe get 10 a lifetime. This horse is exceptional – we’re only a custodian of him. Hopefully he can go on unbeaten during the season. All the good horses get beaten … anything can happen. It’s a massive relief.”

“He was foot-perfect everywhere.”@Michael_OSull on ‘class horse’ Marine Nationale following his chasing debut at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/7EchTln1aY

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2023

Last season’s Grade 1 Royal Bond winner, Marine Nationale, is now six wins from six in his career to date.

The post Barry Connell’s “horse of a lifetime” wins beginners’ chase at Leopardstown appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Winner of the two-mile event for the past three years, the Patrick Mullins-ridden bay gelding battled Zanahiyr (5/1) by a neck in the closing stages of the long run-in, as the final hurdle was omitted due to the low sun.

4⃣ victories in a row in the Grade 1 Matheson Hurdle for Sharjah

35 starts
10 wins
6 Grade 1 victories
Absolute superstar@WillieMullinsNH | @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/EcwTykRPIN

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 29, 2021

An ultra-consistent son of Doctor Dino as a 10-time winner  – six at Grade 1 level – and 20-times placed horse, Sharjah now brings his career earning to almost €900,000. It was a 21st Grade 1 success for the winning trainer’s jockey son, Patrick.

Elliott and Kennedy take another Grade 1

There was another Grade 1 chase victory for Gordon Elliott on the final day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. The Cullentra House Stables handler produced a 1-2 in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.

Road to glory

A 1-2 for @gelliott_racing and Gigginstown House Stud in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase at @LeopardstownRC, as Fury Road produces a stunning performance in the hands of @jackkennedy15 as he powers clear for an impressive success pic.twitter.com/Pwa6hRcOzj

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 29, 2021

In the 8-runner race over 3 miles, it was the outsider of Elliott’s two runners that claimed the €59,000 top prize. Jack Kennedy steered Fury Road (7/1) to a comfortable 8 length win from the Davy Russell-ridden favourite Run Wild Fred (9/4f). The prominent Vanillier (5/2) stayed on for third spot, 10 lengths behind the runner-up, and just a short-head in front of Max Flamingo (28/1) in fourth.

Royal Kahala benefits from step up in distance

The Grade 3 Advent Surety Irish EBF Mares Hurdle saw the return to action of the Closutton Racing Club-owned Shewearsitwell (9/4f). Unbeaten in three runs to date, the daughter of Shirocco hadn’t seen a racecourse since Tipperary in October 2020. It wasn’t to be a successful return, however, as the filly and Paul Townend parted company at the first hurdle after the main stand.

It was Royal Kahala (11/4), up in distance from 2 miles 2 furlongs, who took the spoils, wearing down the brave front-running Heaven Help Us (5/1) at the line, winning by a neck from the Paul Hennessy-handled daughter of Yeats, with a further length back to the top-weight Telmesomethinggirl (11/1).

Royal victory

Grade 3 success for Royal Kahala who snatches victory in dramatic fashion at @LeopardstownRC, wearing down the front-running Heaven Help Us for a narrow success in the hands of @kevinsexton94 for trainer @PeterRacing pic.twitter.com/1CYwFo0NXR

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 29, 2021

Journey With Me Remains Unbeaten

Kilcruit, beaten at odd of 1/14 at Cork earlier this month, went on a retrieval mission in the Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle, but this time around the Willie Mullins-handled son of Stowaway found two his better.

Journey With Me (3/1), trained by Henry De Bromhead for Robcour, and ridden by Rachael Blackmore, maintain his unbeaten race record, having previously won a Point-to-Point at Ballindenisk and then a bumper at Gowran Park, when coming home with three and a half lengths to spare over Minella Crooner (12/1) with race favourite Kilcruit (4/9f) well held a further length and a quarter back in third.

Winning trainer Henry De Bromhead said of Journey With Me: “I’m delighted with him – he’s a lovely horse.”

Philip Rothwell’s Siberian Star (8/1) was an easy 11-length winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Steeplechase under jockey Paddy O’Hanlon for owners Scrub A Dub Dub Syndicate.

The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle went the way of Good Time Johnny (6/1) for Meath trainer Tony Martin and jockey Kevin Sexton – a double on the day for the rider.

The concluding Plusvital Flat Race was won by The Nice Guy (1/1), completing a double on the day for Patrick and Willie Mullins. It also gave the Closutton team a clean sweep of all four bumpers at the 2021 Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

The post Sharjah wins a fourth Matheson Hurdle appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Galvin and Davy Russell got up in the shadows of the post to snatch the Savills Chase from last winner A Plus Tard and 2019 Punchestown Gold Cup victor Kemboy.

The Ronnie Bartlett-owned winner, who claimed the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season, was runner-up to Frodon at Down Royal on his last start.

Another thrilling finish in the Savills Chase!

Galvin finishes with a real flourish under a fine @_Davy_Russel_ ride to deny A Plus Tard in the big race at @LeopardstownRC @SavillsIreland | @gelliott_racing pic.twitter.com/nPODvP7ftp

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 28, 2021

Kemboy lead from flag fall and looked to have run most of the field into submission until the race favourite A Plus Tard made eye-catching progress on the outside of the field as they approached two from home.

With the Henry De Bromhead-trained Rachael Blackmore-ridden odd-on favourite looking the most likely winner, Russell soon moved Galvin outside of the eventual runner-up and third-placed horse as they approached the final fence.

With A Plus Tard finding it difficult to put daylight between himself and Melon, Russell and Galvin rallied close home to deny A Plus Tard by a short head with a further three-quarters of a length back to the brave Kemboy in third.

Klassical Dream wins Christmas Hurdle

Klassical Dream (7/4f), a former 2 mile novice star, won the Grade 1 Dornan Engineering Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown this afternoon.

A winner at his first attempt at the staying distance at the Punchestown Festival last April, Klassical Dream took back-to-back Grade 1 wins, and claimed the €59,000 first prize.

Klassical Dream – three miles ahead, but race won at the start?

Gary and Ruby discuss the start to the Dornan Engineering Christmas Hurdle @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/47OJIxoVvz

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 28, 2021

The Joanne Coleman-owned French-bred was in the lead, or sharing the lead, throughout the three mile contest. His nearest rival during the race, and also on the home straight, was last season’s Stayers’ Hurdle winner at Cheltenham Flooring Porter.

It was a seventh winner of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival 2021 for the successful handler, Willie Mullins, who was also responsible for the third-placed Burning Victory.

Mullins treble

Mullins completed a double when Paul Townend guided Galopin Des Champs to a highly impressive victory in the Ballymaloe Relish Beginners Chase.

The odds-on former Punchestown Grade 1-winner over hurdles was never in danger on his first start over fences as he passed the winning post 22 lengths clear of Ain’t That A Shame (10/1) with another 16 lengths back to Floueur (10/1) in third.

The champion trainer completed a treble when taking the concluding bumper with Redemption Day (8/11f) under his son Patrick.

First racecourse winner for Ellen Doyle

The opening Savills Maiden Hurdle over 2 miles 4 furlongs went to the Ellen Doyle-trained Howyabud, ridden by Jack Foley. The 25/1 chance, bred and owned by Kilkenny hurler Charlie Carter, beat the Willie Mullins import Horantzau D’airy (11/10f) by six lengths and the October Point-to-Point winner Secret She Keeps (16/1) from the Henry De Bromhead yard was a further five and a half lengths back in third.

Another Christmas winner for JP McManus

The good Christmas form of horses owned by JP McManus continued with the victory of Priory Park (92/jf) in the Irish Daily Star Christmas Handicap Hurdle under jockey Mark Walsh. The gelded son of Dylan Thomas was following up on his November success at Thurles for handler Edward O’Grady as he beat Nazine (25/1), Silvertown (14/1) and Carrig Rock (9/1).

Curragh-based trainer Martin Brassil won the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) with 25/1 shot Panda Boy, with JJ Slevin in the saddle. In a hotly-contest qualifier for the Cheltenham Festival, the five-year-old grey son of Valirann won his second career race as he held off Winter Fog (8/1), Futurum Regum (22/1) and the 6/1 favourite A Great View.

Panda Boy is very lightly-raced and prevails in the big-field Pertemps Qualifier for J J Slevin and Martin Brassil at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/qptBTINb71

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 28, 2021

Tomorrow is the final day of the 2021 Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

The post Galvin and Davy Russell win Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Mighty Potter (5/2) was a first Grade 1 success for rider Jack Kennedy since his return from injury. The Gordon Ellliot-handled bay gelding won the €100,000 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle over 2 miles for owners Caldwell Construction Ltd. In what was a one-two for Elliott, Three Stripe Life and Davy Russell were second at 4/1.

The Grade 1 @paddypower Future Champions Novice Hurdle goes the way of Mighty Potter, who leads home a 1-2 for trainer @gelliott_racing in the hands of @jackkennedy15

Fantastic to hear both Arctic Warrior and Mark Walsh are up and ok pic.twitter.com/L9vaIPIAPm

— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) December 27, 2021

“It was great for Jack – his first winner back,” said Gordon Elliott. “The other horse (Three Stripe Life) is also a nice horse. I was happy the whole way until the second last but he got wiped out at the second last – both horses did. Both showed guts to comeback – two nice horses for the future.”

Envoi Allen wins Grade 1 Chase

The first Grade 1 of the day, The Paddy’s Rewards Steeplechase, saw just three go to post with the early morning defection of Chacun Pour Soi. This left Battleoverdoyen, Envoi Allen and Sizing Pottsie to battle it out for the €125,000 contest over 2 miles 1 furlong.

With Sizing Pottsie prominent early doors, the Seán O’Keeffe-ridden runner was the first beaten, and would finish the race without the assistance of the rider in the saddle. The Gigginstown House Stud-owned Battleoverdoyen (9/2) and Cheveley Park Stud’s Envoi Allen (2/5f) then took one another on as they battled until the final fence.

Envoi Allen returns to winning ways with victory in the Grade 1 @paddypower Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase, forging clear under @rachaelblackmor to score in good style for @HenrydeBromhead and @CPStudOfficial pic.twitter.com/f8NzrHPf6x

— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) December 27, 2021

Envoi Allen, who was down from 2m 4 furlongs at Punchestown, and last season’s Aintree Grand National-winning rider Rachael Blackmore pulled clear from the last fence, eventually claiming the €73,750 first prize by seven and a half lengths from the Jack Kennedy-ridden runner-up Battleoverdoyen.

“We had a bit of scare there turning in but he put his head down,” said winning jockey Rachael Blackmore. “I think Henry was definitely right to step him back. Obviously with Chacun Pour Soi being out it changed the dynamic of the race.”

School Boy Hours claims €200,000 Paddy Power Chase

Top owner JP McManus was mob-handed in the richest race of the day, the Paddy Power Chase over 3 miles.

It was one of the low weights, School Boy Hours (12/1), carrying 10-08 that took the spoils for handler Noel Meade and jockey Seán Flanagan.

In the 28-runner field, top weight Coco Beach made most of the early running under seven-pound claimer Rob James. The early exertions took their toll as the Gigginstown House Stud runner faded before the business end of the race.

School Boy Hours wins the €200,000 Paddy Power Chase for @swflanagan7 & @tuvastables in a thrilling finish at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/H4U220c2gg

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2021

Ben Dundee (33/1), owned by Chris Jones, gave School Boy Hours most to do in the dying stages, but the McManus runner held him at bay by half a length, with Enjoy D’allen (28/1) two and a half lengths further back in third, ahead of Braeside (14/1), Death Duty and Birchdale.

Icare Allen wins on Irish debut

The French-bred Icare Allen took the opening 3-Y-O- Maiden Hurdle for Willie Mullins, jockey Mark Walsh and owner JP McManus. Walsh, who switched from another McManus-owned runner, Brazil, was a three-length victor on his Irish debut, having previously won over a mile and a half in France last August. The Peter Fahy-trained Privilege was a big-priced runner-up at 80/1 while Vera Verto (11/2) from the Gavin Cromwell yard took third.

“Lovely horse. He did it very well and had been working well at home,” Willie Mullins explained. “In fact the only bad bit of work he did was the one where I took him away to see how good he was and he worked desperate.”

Haut En Couleurs takes Beginners Chase

Willie Mullins quickly brought up a double when 1/3 favourite Haut En Couleurs won the Paddy Power Games Beginners Chase under Paul Townend. In the colours of the Donnellys, the French-bred four year old son of Saint Des Saints led home a 1-2-3 for the Closutton handler as Gentleman De Mee (5/1) took the runner-up position with front runner Mt Leinster bringing up the trifecta – both of the placed horses conceding 6 pounds to the winner.

“I think he looks Arkle material, and maybe Gentleman De Mee too,” admitted the winning handler post-race, “I think both horses will improve from the run.”

Brides Hill was game in making all in the Paddy Power ‘I’ve Had More Vaccines Than Nights Out’ Handicap Hurdle under Luke Depmsey. In the colours of the Brides Hill Syndicate, the Gavin Cromwell-trained four year old daughter of Dylan Thomas came home in splendid isolation at a price of 16/1.

The post Mighty Potter gives Jack Kennedy first Grade 1 success since returning from injury appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Closutton trainer and the Cork rider combined for a big-race treble, spearheaded by  Chacun Pour Soi (4/7f).

The brilliant eight-year-old was almost foot-perfect in the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Steeplechase. He comfortably beat Henry de Bromhead’s Notebook (7/2) by six and a half lengths. The winner is next being aimed at the Dublin Racing Festival in February before Cheltenham in March.

Mullins and Townend won the other Grade One on today’s card with Champion Bumper runner-up Appreciate It (7/4f).

Appreciate It came home 9 lengths clear in the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle. His record over obstacles is now two wins from two.

Top-weight Castlebawn West (13/2) led from flag fall in the Paddy Power Chase for Mullins and Townend. He dictated the €150,000 race to win by an easy four and a half lengths.

The well-backed Denis O’Regan-ridden French Aseel (7/2f) ran out a 22-length winner of the Paddy Power “Only 4 More Days Until 2021′” 3yo Maiden Hurdle for the Ellmarie Holden stable.

January Jets (7/2) was a 15-length winner of the Paddy Power Games “Don’t Think You’re Special” Beginners Chase for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead.

Master McShee (5/1) took the Paddy Power “Maybe I Like The Misery” Handicap Hurdle for Ian Power and trainer Paddy Corkery.

Ballycairn (13/2) won the concluding bumper when the unfortunate Reality Cheque (4/11f) broke down close home.

The highlight on Monday is the Grade 1 Savills Chase with 14 horses going to post for the day’s feature.

The post Trebles for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins at Leopardstown appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

On the opening day at the South Co. Dublin track, Cooper secured the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase on the Willie Mullins-trained 8/1 shot.

Last year’s Cheltenham Champion Hurdle runner-up Darver Star was second, four and a half lengths back. Felix Desjy (15/8f) was well-beaten back in third place.

Franco de Port was a record seventh winner in the race for the Closutton trainer.

The winner was the second part of a day 1 double for Mullins who earlier won the Holden Plant Rentals Novice Handicap Hurdle with Dysart Diamond (16/1).

The Aga Khan-bred Zanahiyr (1/2f) completed a hat-trick of wins when taking the Grade Two Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle. The three-year-old quickened away from the opposition in the closing straight under Jack Kennedy.

Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy earlier combined to land the 2m Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle with Wide Receiver (3/1).

Get My Drift (9/2) took the Join Tote.ie With a 10 Euro Risk Free Bet Maiden Hurdle for jockey Jody McGarvey and trainer Mouse Morris.

Uisce Beatha (40/1) stayed on late for his new trainer Pádraig Roche when taking the Bet Through The Free Racing Post App Handicap Hurdle under rider Simon Torrens.

The closing Holden Plant Rentals Flat Race went the way of Noel Meade under jockey Pat Taaffe.

Tomorrow’s racing on Paddy Power Day features two Grade 1 races and the Grade B Paddy Power Chase.

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