A total of 20 female jockeys have entered the Grand National at the time of writing, and some have etched their name into the history of the Grand National due to their performances! The Grand National is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. People use the event to enjoy free bets, others watch for the pure love of racing, and these ladies have only added to the action! The women who have participated in the event have made phenomenal strides into a heavily male-dominated sport. Here, we are going to look through some of the greatest performances from female jockeys in the Grand National, showcasing how they have helped the rise and growth of females in horse racing!

The First Female Jockeys In The Grand National

Making history in 1977, Charlotte Brew was the first woman to ride in the Grand National on her horse, Barony Fort. Despite being unable to finish the race as the horse refused to jump over the 27th fence, this rider inspired a generation of future female jockeys. She made an appearance in the 1982 Grand National but was again unable to finish as she was unseated when riding Martinstown.

With Jenny Hembrow riding in the 1979 and 1980 events and Linda Sheedy riding in the 1981 event, these women were not able to finish the race. The Grand National is known for its gruelling nature, and the first woman to finish the race was Geraldine Rees, who accomplished this feat in 1982.

History of Female Jockeys In The Grand National 

After Geraldine Rees, there was not a female jockey who finished until 1994, with 9 different attempts from females failing so far. However, Gee Armytage briefly led the race at the 19th fence, becoming the first female to lead the Grand National at any point throughout the event’s history. Rosemary Henderson was the female jockey who broke the streak in 1994, with Fiddlers Pike being the horse that led Rosemary to a 5th-place finish, the best so far for a woman.

This led to an upturn in form for the ladies, as Carrie Ford was able to finish 5th in 2005, and Nina Carberry was able to finish 9th and 7th in both 2006 and 2010, respectively.

In both 2018 and 2021, we saw the races which featured the most female jockeys in Grand National history, with both events having three females compete!

Female Grand National Winner

In 2021, we were able to witness the first and only female winner to date, Rachael Blackmore, claiming the victory as she guided Minella Times to first place. Having taken part in the 2018 and 2019 events, she was able to win the event on her third attempt after falling on her first attempt and finishing 10th on her second. She has currently raced in 6 Grand National events, making her the joint most experienced Grand National female jockey alongside Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry.

Most Well-Known Female Jockeys To Compete In The Grand National

The Grand National has established some female jockeys, with the race being one of the biggest horse racing events in the world; only the best jockeys get to compete. As previously mentioned, Rachael Blackmore is one of the sports superstars, as she has been able to win some of the biggest races around. From the Grand National in 2021, she is also the first woman to be a leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with 6 victories, including the Champion Hurdle in 2021. The following year, she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is one of the biggest horse races.

Katie Walsh is another incredibly influential female jockey who has taken part in The Grand National, yet she was never able to win it. She was still incredibly talented and respected by her competitors. Despite not winning throughout her Grand National career, she has ridden three winners at the Cheltenham Festival, which is no feat to be scoffed at.

Nina Carberry was the other female jockey who featured in 6 different Grand National events, with her best finish being 7th in the 2010 Grand National race. Across her career in the Cheltenham Festival, she was able to claim 7 wins to her name, which is incredibly impressive.

What Is Next For Female Jockeys?

With female jockeys on the rise, we can expect to see many more females taking part in the Grand National event over the next couple of years. With many talented upcoming talents, it would be no surprise to see another female jockey winning the Grand National in the next couple of years!

The post The Rise Of Female Jockeys In The Grand National appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The eight-year-old delighted Henderson with his powerful workout, putting last year’s setback firmly behind him as he gears up for another tilt at the Unibet Champion Hurdle tomorrow afternoon.

The unbeaten hurdler boasts a flawless record under rules, winning all 10 of his starts, with eight of those triumphs coming at Grade 1 level. However, his journey over the past year has been far from smooth.

A disappointing gallop at Kempton 12 months ago revealed a respiratory infection that forced him to miss the 2024 Champion Hurdle. Just weeks later, a suspected bout of colic ended his season early, while further setbacks – including lameness and a subdued showing in his early-season work – delayed his return to the track.

Despite those challenges, Constitution Hill reasserted his dominance with a commanding victory in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day. He then produced another statement performance on Trials Day at Cheltenham, confirming he was back in top shape.

His latest gallop at Kempton only reinforced that belief, as he effortlessly pulled clear of work companions That’s Nice and Aston Martini under jockey Nico de Boinville.

“I wasn’t really intending on coming to Kempton for a gallop, but he did a bit of work at home and Nico felt it would still do him good. So he came and did that as well,” Henderson exclusively shared with the team at Unibet post-Kempton.

While the outing was never intended to be a major test, it served as the perfect mental and physical sharpening exercise. “I think it amuses him as much as anything; I knew he was going to have to do about another four gallops, probably at home, to get here. They can become fairly monotonous. I know he loves doing it, and he’s very good at telling a young whippersnapper, young horses, that they’re not very good as he just goes straight past them.”

The gallop, far from a hard workout, was more of an enjoyable exercise for Constitution Hill, whose presence alone was enough to turn heads. “I have to tell you, when he goes past you, by God, you know something’s gone past you. He was flying!” Henderson added.

With his fitness concerns firmly put to bed, Constitution Hill is now on course to reclaim his Champion Hurdle crown on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. The Grade 1 contest, run over two miles and half a furlong, boasts a prize fund of £450,000, making it the second-richest event of the Festival.

Henderson is already the most successful trainer in Champion Hurdle history, with an unmatched nine victories to his name. Now, he has the chance to extend that record further with a horse many consider one of the best hurdlers ever to grace the sport.

Having missed last year’s renewal, Constitution Hill will now look to recapture the title he won so emphatically in 2023. Five horses in history have won the Champion Hurdle three years in a row, the most recent being Istabraq (1998-2000). And while Constitution Hill’s unplanned absence denied him a shot at that milestone, his current form suggests he remains the dominant force in the division among the likes of Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead.

“I think it’d be hard to say he’s better, but I do think he’s as good as we’ve had him,” Henderson admitted. “Obviously miles better than last year. But if you go back to the Supreme Novice Hurdle and Champion Hurdle – he’s back in that sort of shape, definitely.”

The post Constitution Hill Back in Peak Form as Henderson Eyes Champion Hurdle Glory appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

An Irish-trained horse has won five of the last six renewals of the Grand National at Aintree, and with some strong entries this year, there is a good chance Ireland could continue to dominate the world’s most famous steeplechase.

Irish Champion Trainer Willie Mullins, multiple Grand National winner Gordon Elliott and Henry De Bromhead all have entries in the Aintree feature. It includes Inothewayurthinkin, who with an official rating of 160, is one of the highest-rated horses in the race.

Grade One Winning Chaser Looking for More Success at Venue

Inothewayurthinkin won the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree last season, proving his ability at the highest level. He is now the 7/1 favourite in the betting on horse racing to have more success at the meeting, this time in the Grand National.

Gavin Cromwell’s runner sits ahead of last year’s champion, I Am Maximus, who is 12/1 in the Grand National betting. He has finished in front of the Aintree hero in both the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup this season.

@DerekOConnor82 has ice in his veins

Glorious ride, glorious performance. Inothewayurthinkin absolutely hoses up in the Kim Muir for Gavin Cromwell & JP McManus pic.twitter.com/ai5EUtWulm

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2024

The seven-year-old added his name to the roll of honour at the Cheltenham Festival in 2024, winning the Kim Muir Challenge Cup. Since then, he has not featured outside of Grade One company. His owner JP McManus has won the Grand National three times and his latest chaser will have a great chance of helping the Irishman prevail in the marathon race for a record fourth occasion. 

I Am Maximus Handed Top Weight in Defence of Crown

Mullins tasted success in the Grand National for the second time in his career when I Am Maximus prevailed in Liverpool in 2024. His chaser scored by just over seven lengths, a victory which helped the trainer seal the Trainers’ Championship title.

I Am Maximus’ task will be much harder this year as he will have 6lb more weight on his back. The handicapper has handed the champion top weight in the field, something no horse has prevailed with since Red Rum in 1977.

Mullins has opted to give his runner just two appearances this season ahead of his return to the Grand National. He was pulled up in the Savills Chase on his first run of the campaign. The 10-year-old then fared better at the Dublin Racing Festival, finishing eighth in the Irish Gold Cup.

Intense Raffles Vying to Complete Grand National Double

Run it back

An incredible performance from Intense Raffles to win the Irish Grand National!#ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/yV9JLaF0Gr

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 2, 2024

Intense Raffle will be bidding to become just the sixth horse to complete the Grand National and Irish Grand National double in their careers when he lines up at Aintree later this year. Last season’s impressive Fairyhouse winner has shown he has the stamina for the longer distances.

Thomas Gibney’s runner appeared over fences for the first time this season in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February. He finished a close second behind Nick Rockett in a race that has recently been considered a trial for the Grand National. His connections were delighted with that performance and are now happy to head across the Irish Sea with their talented chaser.

The 2025 Grand National is set to take place on Saturday, 5th of April at 16:00. It will be the 177th running of the steeplechase in history.

The post Inothewayurthinkin Heads Strong Irish Entries For 2025 Grand National appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The superstar hurdler, discovered by Ewing as a foal, is on the brink of etching his name among the all-time greats.

With a dominant victory in the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and a shot at reclaiming his title in less than two weeks time, Constitution Hill has already proven himself a force to be reckoned with.

Ewing, who originally purchased the horse for £16,500 before selling him for £120,000, knew from the start that Constitution Hill was something special. “He was just so powerful and when he got going, he was different class,” he recalled speaking exclusively to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Cheltenham betting odds.

With the 2025 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle just around the corner, all eyes are on Constitution Hill as he bids to reclaim his title at Prestbury Park. After missing last year’s race due to illness, the superstar hurdler trained by Nicky Henderson is set to return to the festival as the one to beat – and the racing world is waiting to see if he can bounce back to reaffirm his dominance on the biggest stage.

Ewing firmly believes that if Constitution Hill can win this year’s showdown and repeat the feat in 2026, totalling three Champion Hurdles, his place among the legendary horses in the sport will be undeniable. “You’d have to try to emulate Istabraq, wouldn’t you?” he said, referencing the legendary three-time Champion Hurdle winner. “He would then be one of the greatest of all time if he isn’t already.”

While some might have considered sending Constitution Hill chasing, Ewing insists that it was never a consideration. “Istabraq could have gone chasing, but when you’ve got the best, why risk it? When you’ve got the best, why would you?”

A Horse Racing Star from the Start

Constitution Hill’s rise to the top began with Ewing’s sharp eye for talent. After purchasing him as a foal at Tattersalls, Ewing took him home to graze and develop. Though initially less advanced than some of his three-year-olds at the time, Ewing was immediately struck by the horse’s sheer power and ability.

“I jumped on him the first day he came; we were trotting around, did a bit of cantering, and then I gave him a slap down the neck, and he just went,” he remembered. “I turned to my head girl and said, ‘This is the one!'”

Even though Ewing was prepared to pay £25,000, he managed to secure Constitution Hill for less. “Barry [Geraghty] said he thought we had got a right result,” he said, reflecting on what turned out to be an incredible bargain.

Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Constitution Hill’s first competitive outing in a point-to-point at Tipperary in April 2021 saw him finishing second after struggling with a virus. “He was clear going to the last but fell out through the last, and the jockey nearly fell off him,” Ewing said. The horse was exhausted, losing weight rapidly and looking far from the athlete he would become.

At the sales, Ewing expected a £250,000 price tag, but due to Constitution Hill’s poor condition, he settled for £120,000. “I told everyone at the sales about it. Eddie O’Leary told me to take him home and he would buy him in a month’s time off me,” he recalled. “I’m sure Eddie has a few regrets! But that’s the game.”

A Rare Talent for British Racing

In a sport often dominated by Irish-trained stars, Ewing acknowledges the significance of a horse like Constitution Hill for British racing. “It’s great for England to have him because they need horses like that to take the Irish boys on! The Irish boys have all the money so they can buy the horses. The English need to start spending a bit more!”

Ewing’s decision to send Constitution Hill to Nicky Henderson has been instrumental in shaping his career. “That’s why sending him to someone like Nicky was the making of him,” he said. “Nicky is the best trainer in England by a long way, easily on par with Willie Mullins, Gordon and Henry.”

Henderson has carefully nurtured Constitution Hill into a champion, and Ewing still feels a strong connection to his former star. “You are sad to see him go, but he was going to a really good trainer in Nicky. I get a right kick out of him every time I see him running. I still think of him as my own in a way!”

The Best Horse He Has Ever Sat On

Ewing has been around plenty of top-tier horses, but Constitution Hill remains in a league of his own. “He is the best horse I have ever sat on,” he admitted. “I have ridden a lot of good horses in my time too, Gold Cup horses. He had so much speed, instant speed, his jumping was so fluid, he was so quick over his hurdles.”

For Warren Ewing, who spotted his potential from the start, there would be no greater satisfaction than seeing his once-unknown foal rise to true racing immortality as a result of upcoming back-to-back Champion Hurdle triumphs.

The post ‘He’s the Best I’ve Ever Sat On’ – Warren Ewing’s Bold Verdict on Constitution Hill Ahead of Cheltenham Champion Hurdle Showdown appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The road to the 246th Betfred Derby is heating up, and legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien is once again set to dominate the headlines with a formidable lineup of 17 entries for the 2025 Epsom Derby. Known for his unmatched success in this iconic Group 1 race, the Ballydoyle maestro aims to add another chapter to his illustrious Derby legacy on Saturday, June 7th, 2025.

With a staggering £1.5 million prize fund up for grabs, the 1m 4f 6y classic promises another thrilling showdown, and O’Brien’s entries reflect a perfect blend of blue-blooded colts and rising stars. Let’s take a closer look at his impressive 2025 Epsom Derby squad.

Aidan O’Brien’s 2025 Epsom Derby Entries:

1. Acapulco Bay (IRE) – Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith
2. Aftermath (IRE) – Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith
3. Delacroix (IRE) – Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor
4. Expanded (IRE) – Coolmore/Westerberg/Mrs A. M. O’Brien
5. Galveston – Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/P M Brant
6. Genealogy – Tabor/Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Brant
7. Henri Matisse (IRE) – Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/Smith/Merriebelle
8. Isambard Brunel (USA) – Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor
9. Lambourn (IRE) – Mrs John Magnier, Mr M. Tabor & Mr D. Smith
10. Mount Kilimanjaro (FR) – Mrs John Magnier, Mr M. Tabor & Mr D. Smith
11. Officer (IRE) – Mrs John Magnier, Mr M. Tabor & Mr D. Smith
12. Puppet Master (IRE) – Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor
13. Roosevelt – Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/P M Brant
14. Saratoga (IRE) – Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor
15. Scandinavia (USA) – Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier
16. Serious Contender (IRE) – Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor
17. Shackleton (IRE) – P Brant/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith
18. The Lion In Winter (IRE) – Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier
19. Thrice (IRE) – Mrs John Magnier, Mr M. Tabor & Mr D. Smith
20. Trinity College (IRE) – M Matsushima/Mrs Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith
21. Twain (IRE) – Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier

Key Contenders to Watch:

• Henri Matisse (IRE) – With a pedigree steeped in Derby-winning bloodlines, Henri Matisse could be Ballydoyle’s leading hope.
• Saratoga (IRE) – A consistent performer last season, many believe Saratoga has the stamina and class to thrive over the Derby distance.
• Roosevelt – Showing strong form in the juvenile ranks, Roosevelt could be a dark horse in this year’s renewal.
• The Lion In Winter (IRE) – Strong finishing ability makes this colt one to keep on the radar.
• Trinity College (IRE) – Backed by global connections, this contender adds international flair to O’Brien’s lineup.

Can O’Brien Reclaim the Derby Throne?

Aidan O’Brien’s relationship with the Epsom Derby is one of dominance. With a record-breaking nine Derby victories, including legends like Galileo and Camelot, the Ballydoyle wizard knows exactly what it takes to win at Epsom.

This year’s entries underscore O’Brien’s intent to maintain his iron grip on this iconic race. The sheer depth of talent in his squad increases the likelihood of yet another Derby triumph. With names like Henri Matisse and Saratoga leading the charge, O’Brien’s chances look as strong as ever.

What’s Next? Key Derby Dates
• Second Entry Stage – April 23rd, 2025
• First Scratching Deadline – May 6th, 2025
• Second Scratching Deadline – May 20th, 2025
• Five-Day Confirmations & Supplementary Entry – June 2nd, 2025
• Final Declaration – June 5th, 2025

Final Thoughts:

Aidan O’Brien’s 2025 Epsom Derby entries highlight his unrivalled depth in classic contenders. With 21 hopefuls on the path to Epsom glory, he once again stands as the trainer to beat. Will this year see O’Brien secure a record-extending 10th Derby win, or will a new name emerge from the pack?

The countdown is on. Epsom Downs awaits its next champion.

The post Aidan O’Brien’s 2025 Epsom Derby Entries Revealed appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Willie Mullins is poised to showcase some of his top stable stars in Britain before the end of the year, as he sets his sights on retaining the title of UK Champion Jump Trainer for the 2024-25 season.

The Closutton-based trainer made history on bet365 Jump Finale day at Sandown Park last April by becoming the first Irish trainer in 70 years to win the coveted title. This achievement was propelled by an impressive haul of winners at the Cheltenham Festival in March and the victory of I Am Maximus in the Randox Grand National the following month.

Mullins, the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history with 103 winners, is already targeting Grade One races in Britain during the first half of the season, along with the three Cheltenham fixtures scheduled before Christmas.

One of his leading contenders is Gaelic Warrior, who triumphed in the My Pension Expert Arkle Trophy Novices’ Chase last season. Mullins is considering him for the prestigious Grade One Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26). Gaelic Warrior’s impressive Grade One win in March came on his first attempt at two miles over fences, and Mullins describes the six-year-old, owned by Rich and Susannah Ricci, as an “extraordinary horse” capable of making an impact at longer distances.

During a recent stable visit organized by The Jockey Club to see Randox Grand National hero I Am Maximus, Mullins stated, “Last year we were trying to make Gaelic Warrior into a three-miler, and I had no doubt he could handle it. However, he ended up winning the Arkle Novices’ Chase on his first attempt over fences at two miles.

“He looks like a natural for it, but he could also be a contender for the King George VI Chase. He possesses that level of ability, but we’ll have a chat with Rich (Ricci) first to determine the best direction. He can handle any trip – he truly is an extraordinary horse.”

In addition to Gaelic Warrior, other potential King George candidates include Fact To File, winner of the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and Asterion Forlonge, who was still in contention when falling at the last in the 2021 race, which was won by Mullins’ stablemate Tornado Flyer.

Mullins noted, “We have several horses capable of competing in the King George. While Galopin Des Champs is likely to run at Leopardstown, where he won last year, both Fact To File and Asterion Forlonge, who performed admirably in the race a few years ago, could also be in the mix.”

Meanwhile, dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Energumene, who missed last season due to injury, along with El Fabiolo, are both possible contenders for the Grade One Betfair Tingle Creek Chase over two miles at Sandown Park on Saturday, December 7.

Mullins commented, “Energumene might go for the Tingle Creek Chase, but it’s more likely he’ll head to Cork for the Hilly Way Chase after missing last season. El Fabiolo could also make the trip to Sandown; he’s making good progress in his recovery this year. We’ll assess their fitness as the autumn progresses.”

El Fabiolo started as the odds-on favorite for last season’s Queen Mother Champion Chase but was pulled up following a significant jumping error at the fifth fence. Mullins reassured, “He’s a horse who typically jumps very well, and he’ll have another opportunity. He’s still young at seven and has a couple of years left to reach his peak.”

As he looks to defend his title, Mullins is expected to enter more runners at Cheltenham’s three remaining meetings of 2024: The Showcase (October 25-26), The November Meeting (November 15-17), and The Christmas Meeting (December 13-14).

He added, “I believe we will have more entries than usual for the earlier Cheltenham meetings. The recent rain in England has created favorable ground conditions, unlike in previous years. I can see us being more proactive in our approach at Cheltenham.”

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Whether one is into Gaelic games, rugby, or horse racing, this season there’s got to be something to watch. From the excitement of GAA matches to the fierce battle of live rugby and the thrill of horse racing, this season is surely packed for the country’s sports enthusiasts in the county and those with UEA8 gambling passion. Here are the most trending and must-watch sports in Ireland:

Gaelic Athletic Association

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) holds a special place in Irish culture. Gaelic football provides fast-paced and high-energy games full of entertainment and unpredictability. This season’s live broadcasting of the championship matches gives the fans a great opportunity to see the best of the best teams in the country go at it for glory. Gaelic games are an event in Irish heritage, community, and pride rather than any other sport.

Rugby where Strength and Strategy on Trial​

This is one of the best-liked sports in Ireland, with this season promising great action. Rugby is a contact sport that is appreciated both in physicality and tactical games where strength, skill, and strategy meet. With both international and domestic competitions broadcast, fans will be treated to watching their favorite teams compete at the highest levels.

The sheer nail-biting intensity of these games, with the electric atmosphere, makes rugby a must-watch for all lovers of sports. Be it the international clashes or the local club championships, this season is going to be full of memorable moments in rugby.

Horse Racing Thrilling Competitions

Horse racing in Ireland has a long and proud tradition. Bedside remains one of the most popular spectator sports in Ireland. The excitement of the live racing, with horses at grace and jockeys with tactical skills, is riveting. In this season, as many race meetings are broadcast in Ireland, a viewer can appreciate all the drama and excitement in the comfort of his home.

From high-profile races to more localized events, horse racinghas something to offer both the casual viewer and the most avid fan. The uncertainty of the races, together with expert commentary, is also a factor in the excitement of each event.

Soccer: A Global Game with Local Passion 

Though Gaelic games and rugby have deep roots in Irish culture, it’s impossible to ignore the international pull of soccer. Similarly, Irish soccer followers are avid about domestic leagues and international competitions.

This season’s TV schedule is full of action. It might be the local clubs that take part in different tournaments or teams from elsewhere on the planet, but one thing for sure is that something is always happening in this truly global game.

Perhaps the key to soccer’s all-around popularity is precisely why it is among the most approachable and accessible sports, as all kinds of people tune in to catch the latest games.

During this season, Irish TV is going to offer a great diversity of sports, from which fans can choose. From the cultural significance of Gaelic games to the strategy of rugby, the thrill of horse racing, and the international appeal of soccer, each interest is represented. Additionally, new sports provide new avenues for the thrill-seeker to enjoy. For Irish sport, a summer of action, drama, and memorable moments awaits time truly not to be missed as a spectator who prefers gambling at UEA8.

The post The Most Trending Sports to Watch on Irish TV This Season: Guide to Sports Enthusiasts appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

But in Irish National Hunt racing, one thing has remained constant: the complete dominance of Willie Mullins as the premier trainer over obstacles.

The 2024/25 season is underway, with Mullins eyeing a 17th consecutive Champion Trainer title – first won in 2007.

However, it’s his friendly rival – Gordon Elliott – that is setting the pace at the head of the standings…

Long Way to Go

There’s so much racing still to come in the National Hunt season, which rolls through until next April.

But Elliott will be hoping to use his early-campaign form as a springboard for success in the sport’s major festivals. The Cheltenham ante-post betting odds give him a strong chance, too: Teahupoo (9/4) and Irish Point (12/1) are expected to go well in the Stayers’ Hurdle, while Gerri Colombe (12/1) may be a contender in the Gold Cup after finishing second in the 2024 renewal.

The Cheltenham Festival results from last year also confirm Elliott’s wins with Stellar Story and Better Days Ahead, while hardy veterans Delta Work and Galvin will be expected to go well in the Cross Country Chase after its absence from the 2024 edition of the meeting due to a waterlogged track.

Talk about leaving it late

Stellar Story denies The Jukebox Man to win the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/hHY99G0dzn

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 15, 2024

In addition to Gerri Colombe, Elliott also saddled four other runners-up at the March festival and five third-place finishers, so there’s plenty of strength in depth at his Cullentra yard.

And he will need all of those horses to come to the fore in 2024/25 if he is to wrestle the Champion Trainer trophy from the mantelpiece of Mullins, where it has sat gathering dust since 2007.

It’s testament to both his ability as a trainer and also his gift for attracting the best horses from the leading owners and breeders, so the rest of the Irish training community will need Mullins to have an off-year if they are to have any chance of upending his dominance.

For Elliott, at least he has started the 2024/25 season in fine fashion…

Fast Out of the Gate

The meat of the National Hunt campaign is still yet to get underway, but Elliott already has more than €800,000 (£685,000) in prize money to his name.

Much of that has been claimed from action at Galway, where Elliott has enjoyed a stellar time of things in July and into August.

The Wallpark landed a valuable handicap hurdle on August 3 at the venue, staying on well in a race ran at an electric pace – five of the 18-strong field being pulled up.
A day earlier, veteran chaser Battleoverdoyen rolled back the years, defying a four-year age gap to Moonovercloon to head off Matthew Smith’s horse by a nose – clinching a handsome £40,000 payday for his connections at the age of eleven.

Incredible scenes! Eleven years young, one of our favourite old boys Battleoverdoyen somehow gets his head home in front from Moonovercloon in the @GuinnessIreland Galway Blazers Chase at @Galway_Races under Danny Gilligan pic.twitter.com/UcgsgZ4Up9

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 2, 2024

Prior to that, in the Grade 3 Galway Plate on July 31, Duffle Coat made a mockery of his 25/1 odds to run a fantastic race – beating the well-fancied Perceval Legallois and former Cheltenham Festival contender Zanahiyr, but finishing in second place behind Pinkerton.

It’s been an excellent start to the campaign for Elliott; can he carry that form through the rest of the season?

The post Gordon Elliott Sets Ferocious Early Pace in Race for Irish Champion Trainer Crown appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

From their exceptional performances on the track to their profound influence in the breeding shed, many of Coolmore’s horses have left a lasting mark on the sport.

Here, we rank five of Coolmore’s greatest horses based on their achievements, legacy, and overall impact on the world of horse racing.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Galileo’s impact is monumental, extending well beyond his illustrious racing career. As a sire, he has produced numerous champions, including the undefeated Frankel, one of the greatest racehorses ever.

Galileo’s progeny have dominated major races worldwide, making him a cornerstone of modern thoroughbred breeding. His ability to consistently sire top-class horses has secured his place as one of the most influential sires in history.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Sadler’s Wells is the patriarch of Coolmore’s breeding empire. He topped the sire lists 14 times in Great Britain and Ireland.

His progeny includes multiple Group 1 winners and influential sires like the aforementioned Galileo and Montjeu.

Sadler’s Wells’ remarkable ability to pass on his talent has made him a linchpin in Coolmore’s breeding programme and a legend in the racing world.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Montjeu’s prowess as a sire has greatly influenced the world of staying races. His progeny includes Epsom Derby winners such as Camelot, Motivator and Authorized, and St. Leger winner Leading Light.

Montjeu’s knack for siring horses with exceptional stamina has made him a critical figure in producing Classic winners, maintaining Coolmore’s reputation for excellence in breeding.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Camelot’s racing career was nothing short of remarkable, narrowly missing out on the English Triple Crown.

As a sire, Camelot has produced Group 1 winners such as Latrobe and Even So, showing great promise in continuing his legacy through his offspring.

His influence in both middle-distance and staying races highlights his versatility and value to Coolmore’s breeding operations.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Australia combines the best of his sire Galileo and his dam Ouija Board, herself a multiple Group 1 winner.

As a stallion, Australia has already made an impact with Group 1 winners like Galileo Chrome and Order of Australia.

His capability of passing on his elite genetics positions him as a vital part of Coolmore’s future breeding success, ensuring that the legacy of excellence continues.

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Coolmore Stud’s reputation for producing exceptional racehorses is exemplified by the achievements and legacies of these five greats.

Galileo, Sadler’s Wells, Montjeu, Camelot, and Australia have not only excelled on the track, but also in the breeding shed, ensuring that their impact will be felt for generations to come.

These horses have set high standards in the world of thoroughbred racing and breeding, contributing significantly to Coolmore’s status as a leader in the industry.

The post Ranking five of Coolmore’s greatest horses appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Mystical POWER

Aintree winner Mystical Power comes home strongly to run down the game Firefox in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle and bag his second top-flight win.

It's Mullins and McManus again! @KPMG | @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/Voezrn4gwr

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 30, 2024

As the offspring of record-breaking stallion Galileo and Punchestown and Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power, the five-year-old demonstrated stellar form under champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Stablemate Ile Atlantique set the pace early on, but Firefox took the lead as they turned for home. The eye-catching Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Slade Steel, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, closed in, while Mark Walsh guided Mystical Power to rally. Firefox briefly surged ahead near the last hurdle, but Walsh coaxed Mystical Power to a strong finish, justifying the 2/1 favorite odds. Firefox secured second place, while Slade Steel finished in third.

“He’s been improving all season,” Mullins remarked. “Mark said he was going as fast as he could going into the last bend, but then the race turned into a staying contest. Mystical Power outstayed the competition with a strong final jump.”

The 2024 Punchestown Festival began with Georgie Benson riding Peter Flood-trained Knockiel Synge to victory in the Kildare Hunt Club Chase Ladies’ Cup, securing a 20/1 win. The Full Circle Series for horses rated 130 or lower also delivered results, with Tom Lacey training winner Tune In A Box and third-placed Montregard.

“It was my formwork assistant who suggested the series,” Lacey shared. “The conditions seemed perfect for our horses, and targeting the qualifiers proved to be a smart move.”

The post Video Replay – Mystical Power digs deep for Mullins’ appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.