The opening contest on day one is the Grade 1 Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle over 2 miles 87 yards. Named this year in honour of the recently deceased Lombardstown, Co Cork, rider, the race will be poignant coming so shortly after the jockey’s death just a few weeks ago.

Champion handler Willie Mullins is responsible for half the 12-runner field, with main stable jockey Paul Townend unsurprisingly choosing the race favourite Kopek Des Bordes. Owned by Charles McCarthy in Fermoy, the French-bred son of No Risk At All jumped very poorly first time out over hurdles at Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival.

He improved his hurdling significantly between then and the Dublin Racing Festival, where according to Race iQ he gained 10.72 lengths while jumping, and was the only horse over the two-day’s at Leopardstown to go sub 4 minutes over obstacles.

Romeo Coolio was runner-up in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in 2024, and comes to Prestbury Park this season with wins at Down Royal last November and a Leopardstown Grade 1 at Christmas.

Salvador Mundi, the mount of Patrick Mullins, who previously finished second to Sir Gino in his native France, has a Tipperary maiden and a Punchestown Grade 2 to his name.

William Munny would be a fitting winner of this year’s renewal of the race. The listed novice winner at Punchestown will be ridden by Seán Flanagan, and will carry the colours of owner/trainer Barry Connell, the same colours worn by Michael O’Sullivan in 2023 when winning the ‘Supreme’ aboard Marine Nationale.

Despite Willie Mullins’ Closutton team being responsible for 50% of the field, the trainer has only won the race twice in the last six years (2021 Appreciate It and Klassical Dream 2019). He is, however, the race’s most successful current trainer with seven wins – Tourist Attraction (1995), Ebaziyan (2007), Champagne Fever (2013), Vautour (2014), Douvan (2015), Klassical Dream (2019) and Appreciate It (2021).

The race, previously known as the Gloucestershire Hurdle, has been won by Irish-trained raiders on 44 occasions, and by the French once. Of the 16 divisions from 1952-59, Vincent O’Brien won 10 renewals. Ireland also kept a stranglehold on the race for seven years
from 1977-83 and has won 15 of the last 23 runnings

1:20pm Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 87y

1 Funiculi Funicula (FR) 5 11 7 Michael A.O’Riordan/Séamus Hennessy W. P. Mullins Brian Hayes
2 Irancy (FR) 7 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Mark Walsh
3 Karbau (FR) 5 11 7 Barnane Stud,Partner & Temple Bloodstock W. P. Mullins Sean O’Keeffe
4 Karniquet (FR) h 5 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud W. P. Mullins Danny Mullins
5 Kopek des Bordes (FR) h 5 11 7 Monabeg Investments Limited W. P. Mullins P. Townend
6 Romeo Coolio 6 11 7 KTDA Racing Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy
7 Salvator Mundi (FR) h,ts 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins Mr P. W. Mullins
8 Sky Lord 6 11 7 Mr Basil Holian Henry de Bromhead Darragh O’Keeffe
9 Tripoli Flyer (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Ismail El Magdoub Fergal O’Brien Jonathan Burke
10 Tutti Quanti (FR) 5 11 7 Mr Colm Donlon Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
11 William Munny (IRE) h 7 11 7 Mr Barry Connell Barry Connell Seán Flanagan
12 Workahead (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead Rachael Blackmore

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This year is the 18th running of the race, which Irish trainers have dominated since its inception – 14 of the 17 previous winners were trained in Ireland.

A Grade 1 race since 2015, the Mares’ Hurdle was won an incredible six consecutive years by Quevega, bettering the previous Cheltenham Festival record of five consecutive wins held by Golden Miller (1932 to 1936).

Willie Mullins has won 10 of the 17 editions of the race to date and saddles the favourite and last season’s winner, Lossiemouth, and second favourite in the betting, Jade De Grugy.

While the early season plan had been to contest the opening day feature, the Grade 1 Unibet Champion Hurdle, with Lossiemouth, connections of the grey mare decided last weekend to stick to her won sex in the almost two and a half-mile contest.

Jade De Grugy and Gala Marceau will carry the colours of Scottish owner Kenny Alexander, who previously won this race twice with Honeysuckle (2020 and 2023).

3:20pm Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 3f 200y

1 Casa No Mento 7 11 5 LRK Racing & Willy Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies
2 Dysart Enos (IRE) 7 11 5 The Good Stock Syndicate Fergal O’Brien Jonathan Burke
3 Gala Marceau (FR) h 6 11 5 Mr K. Alexander W. P. Mullins Brian Hayes
4 Jade de Grugy (FR) 6 11 5 Mr K. Alexander W. P. Mullins Danny Mullins
5 Jetara (IRE) p 7 11 5 Mr G. McGrath Mrs J. Harrington Sam Ewing
6 Joyeuse (FR) 6 11 5 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
7 July Flower (FR) 6 11 5 Mr Duncan Angove Henry de Bromhead Rachael Blackmore
8 Kala Conti (FR) 5 11 5 Robcour Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy
9 Lossiemouth (FR) 6 11 5 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins P. Townend
10 Queens Gamble (IRE) 7 11 5 Mr A Frost and Mr E Galvin Harry Derham Paul O’Brien
11 Take No Chances (IRE) 7 11 5 Mr Garry Wilson Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

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There had been speculation for much of the past few months that Lossiemouth might challenge the 2023 winner in this year’s renewal – especially after her impressive win in the Grade 1 Hattons Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December. Her heavy fall in the Irish Champion Hurdle, however, muddied the waters somewhat, with the decision being made last weekend to aim her for a defence of the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle instead.

Last year’s Unibet Champion Hurdler, the highly reliable State Man, won the Irish Champion Hurdle in which Lossiemouth fell, had been beaten in his two runs prior to the Dublin Racing Festival, in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown Christmas Festival, and the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.

Six mares have taken Champion Hurdle honours on a total of seven occasions – African Sister (1939), Dawn Run (1984), Flakey Dove (1994), Annie Power (2016), Epatante (2020) and Honeysuckle (2021 and 2022) – and the impressive Brighterdaysahead could certainly add to that on Tuesday.

The Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old daughter of Kapgarde, second to Golden Ace in the Grade 2 Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2024, has a Grade 3 and three Grade 1 wins on her resumé since. She beat State Man into second in the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle, while the Donnellys’ multiple Grade 1 winner could only finish third to her at Leopardstown in December.

According to Race iQ, race favourite Constitution Hill has the highest Jump Index in the field at 8.8. Brighterdaysahead’s figure is 8.4, while State Man’s is only third of the seven horses in the race, at 7.6.

Though he is an 11-time Grade 1-winner, the son of Doctor Dino has never had the highest Lengths Gained Jumping value in any race in Race iQ’s database, meaning there have always been horses that gained an advantage on him through their jumping.

4:00pm Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 87y

1 Burdett Road ts 5 11 10 The Gredley Family James Owen Sam Twiston-Davies
2 Constitution Hill 8 11 10 Mr Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
3 King of Kingsfield (IRE) 7 11 10 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Danny Gilligan
4 State Man (FR) p 8 11 10 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins P. Townend
5 Winter Fog (IRE) 11 11 10 The Triple Lock Partnership W. P. Mullins Brian Hayes
6 Brighterdaysahead (FR) 6 11 3 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy
7 Golden Ace 7 11 3 Mr I. F. Gosden Jeremy Scott Lorcan Williams

The post Can Brighterdaysahead become 7th mare to win Champion Hurdle? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The J.P. McManus-owned son of Capital Stud’s Martinborough won last season’s Triumph Hurdle, but returns this year as a novice chaser.

A win in a beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse was soon followed up with success in the Grade 1 Goffs Arkle Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival.

The Race iQ information shows that Majborough is a better chaser than hurdler. His Jump Index over the smaller obstacles last season was 7.7, while his overall Jump Index over fences to date is 9.0 out of 10.

Jockey Mark Walsh will hope to maintain the good recent record of trainer Willie Mullins in the My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase. The Closutton wins in the last two years, with Gaelic Warrior in 2024 and El Fabiolo in 2023, were both ridden by Paul Townend.

Touch Me Not, trained by Gordon Elliott for Gigginstown House Stud, was 9 lengths behind  Majborough at Leopardstown last month.

Irish-based handlers have tasted success in this race 7 of the last 10 years, with Henry de Bromhead (Put The Kettle On in 2020) adding to Mullins’ six victories.

2:00pm My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 1m 7f 199y

1 Jango Baie (FR) 6 11 7 Countrywide Park Homes Ltd Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
2 L’Eau du Sud (FR) ts 7 11 7 GMasonJHalesLHalesPHogarthSirAFerguson Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
3 Majborough (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Mark Walsh
4 Touch Me Not (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy
5 Only By Night (IRE) 7 11 0 Mrs J. M. Russell Gavin Cromwell Keith Donoghue

The post Majborough faces 4 rivals in Grade 1 Arkle Novices’ Chase 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.

Lossiemouth will skip a high-profile clash with Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead in Tuesday’s Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival 2025, after connections confirmed her switch to the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle on the same day.

The Willie Mullins-trained mare is already a dual Festival winner, landing the Mares’ Hurdle in 2024 and the Triumph Hurdle in 2023. While she had been on course for a Champion Hurdle bid throughout the season, a recent heavy fall in the Irish Champion Hurdle forced a rethink. On Sunday morning, owners Rich and Susannah Ricci opted to target a second Mares’ crown.

Champion Hurdle Set for Seven-Runner Showdown

Lossiemouth’s absence leaves a seven-runner field for the Champion Hurdle, headlined by reigning champion State Man, who sports first-time cheekpieces. The unbeaten Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, remains the odds-on favourite, while Gordon Elliott’s rising star Brighterdaysahead adds further class to the lineup.

Golden Ace, trained by Jeremy Scott, has been rerouted from the Mares’ to the Champion, joining Burdett Road, King Of Kingsfield, and Winter Fog in Tuesday’s feature.

Lossiemouth Odds-On for Mares’ Hurdle Repeat

Lossiemouth is favourite to land back-to-back wins in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, where 11 runners have been declared. Her stablemate Jade De Grugy is second in the betting for what looks like another strong renewal.

Mullins Dominates Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Willie Mullins will run six of the 12 declared for the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with Kopek Des Bordes heading the market and wearing a first-time hood. Paul Townend takes the ride, with other Mullins runners including Funiculi Funicula, Irancy, Karbau, Karniquet, and Salvator Mundi.

Other key runners include William Munny, Romeo Coolio, and British hope Tutti Quanti, ridden by Harry Cobden.

Majborough Leads Arkle Betting

In the My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy, only five go to post. Majborough is the strong favourite for Mullins and JP McManus. British hopes rest with L’Eau Du Sud, trained by Dan Skelton, with Jango Baie, Touch Me Not, and Only By Night completing the field.

Full Fields for Ultima and Juvenile Handicap

The Ultima Handicap Chase features a full field of 24, including Lucinda Russell’s pair Whistle Stop Tour and Myretown. Derek Fox has opted for the former, with Patrick Wadge aboard the latter.

The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle has also attracted a full field of 22, while 18 will line up for the Princess Royal National Hunt Chase after field size limits came into effect.

Champion Hurdle 2025 Declarations:

• Burdett Road – Sam Twiston-Davies

• Constitution Hill – Nico de Boinville

• King Of Kingsfield – Danny Gilligan

• State Man – Paul Townend

• Winter Fog – Brian Hayes

• Brighterdaysahead – Jack Kennedy

• Golden Ace – Lorcan Williams

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Declarations:

• Kopek Des Bordes – Paul Townend

• Funiculi Funicula – Brian Hayes

• Irancy – Mark Walsh

• Karbau – Sean O’Keeffe

• Karniquet – Danny Mullins

• Salvator Mundi – Patrick Mullins

• Romeo Coolio – Jack Kennedy

• Sky Lord – Darragh O’Keeffe

• Tripoli Flyer – Jonathan Burke

• Tutti Quanti – Harry Cobden

• William Munny – Sean Flanagan

• Workahead – Rachael Blackmore

Arkle Challenge Trophy Declarations:

• Majborough – Mark Walsh

• L’Eau Du Sud – Harry Skelton

• Jango Baie – Nico de Boinville

• Touch Me Not – Jack Kennedy

• Only By Night – Keith Donoghue

Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Declarations:

• Lossiemouth – Paul Townend

• Jade De Grugy – Danny Mullins

• Casa No Mento – Sam Twiston-Davies

• Dysart Enos – Jonathan Burke

• Gala Marceau – Brian Hughes

• Jetara – Sam Ewing

• Joyeuse – Nico de Boinville

• July Flower – Rachael Blackmore

• Kala Conti – Jack Kennedy

• Queens Gamble – Paul O’Brien

• Take No Chances – Harry Skelton

The post Lossiemouth to Defend Mares’ Hurdle Crown as Constitution Hill Headlines Champion Hurdle 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.

Brighterdaysahead has been cut to 7/4 second favourite for next week’s Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, with the unbeaten Constitution Hill remaining the 8/11 market leader.

Confirmed by @gelliott_racing:

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD will run in the Champion Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.pic.twitter.com/6Dai9e7QBC

— Road To Cheltenham (@RoadCheltenham) March 3, 2025

Gordon Elliott’s star mare had been under consideration for the Mares’ Hurdle, a race preferred by owner Michael O’Leary, but connections have now confirmed she will take on the best in the Champion Hurdle instead.

A stunning winner of the Grade One Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, the six-year-old will now attempt to hand Elliott his first success in the prestigious contest.

“I can confirm that Brighterdaysahead will be going for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham,” Elliott said this morning.

“After discussing it with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary), we decided this was the right call. It’s a huge test, but she’s in flying form, and her preparation has gone perfectly.

“We’ve never won a Champion Hurdle, so it’s exciting to have a runner with a real chance in one of the sport’s great races.”

With Constitution Hill the red-hot favourite, a blockbuster showdown now awaits in the opening-day showpiece.

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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.

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