With a total of 30 combinations taking on the Juilherme Jorge-designed 1.60m course in the 5* Kubota Grand Prix, the triple combination late in the track caused problems for a number of the competitors.

Colombia’s Ilan Bluman and Acajou set the standard when they produced the first clear round in 80.85 seconds. By midway in the class, they were the only combination qualified for the second round jump-off.

Shane Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z were the next to leave every fence intact, with the Irish combination jumping clear, and stopping the clock in 78.66 seconds to force a jump-off.

American Kent Farrington and Descartes SR produced the third clear round, setting up a three-horse jump-off from the original field of 30 starters.

Jump-Off

Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z stopped the clock in 39.08 seconds to take control of the class and put the pressure on Farrington.

With Farrington still to come as the final combination in the jump-off, Sweetnam knew there would be little room for error.

“It’s something I’m always trying to figure out, as I finish second to Kent a lot” recounted Sweetnam after winning the 5* competition.

The US rider returned with Toronto history on his side. A Grand Prix winner in Season 3, the World No. 2 entered the ring with a chance to add another title to his record.

Last to challenge Sweetnam’s time, Farrington and Descartes SR had the pace to take the lead, but the penultimate fence came down. Four faults left the pair in second, Farrington’s third consecutive runner-up finish in the Toronto Grand Prix.

Shane Sweetnam was delighted with Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z’s performance as he is still early in his 5* Grand Prix career.

“This is only his second 5* Grand Prix and the last one he did was in Monterrey (MLSJ Finals), which he was also clear in” said Sweetnam of his mount.

With Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z securing the opening Grand Prix win of Season 6, the League will now move to Traverse City, Michigan, USA, for Leg 2, September 10- 12.

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Troy Parrott scored his first Real Betis goal as the Republic of Ireland striker delivered an 81st-minute winner in a dramatic 1-0 victory over Real Madrid.

Troy Parrott made an immediate mark on Spanish football by scoring the winning goal as Real Betis defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja on Friday evening.

The Republic of Ireland striker came off the bench in the 69th minute and broke the deadlock with nine minutes of normal time remaining, opening his Betis account following his summer transfer from AZ Alkmaar.

Parrott reacted quickest after Thibaut Courtois parried a headed effort from a Betis corner. The Dubliner reached the loose ball inside the six-yard area and forced it past the Real Madrid goalkeeper to spark jubilant celebrations in Seville.

Parrott strikes 12 minutes after introduction

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini introduced Parrott in place of Cucho Hernández after 69 minutes, with the home side attempting to turn an increasingly competitive performance into a winning one.

The decision paid off just 12 minutes later. Parrott showed the instincts of a penalty-box striker by anticipating where Courtois’ save would fall and getting to the rebound before the Real Madrid defenders could clear.

It was a hugely significant moment for the 24-year-old following his reported €20 million move from AZ. Parrott arrived in Spain after an excellent spell in the Netherlands and has now announced himself to the Betis support by scoring against one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

VAR denies Real Madrid an equaliser

Real Madrid appeared to have equalised six minutes after Parrott’s goal when Carlos Espí found the net with an acrobatic finish.

The celebrations were cut short following a VAR review, with the goal disallowed for offside. Parrott’s strike therefore remained the difference between the teams as the match entered stoppage time.

There was still another major twist. Real Madrid were awarded a late penalty after Vinícius Júnior was fouled by Natan, presenting Kylian Mbappé with an opportunity to rescue a point.

Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés produced the decisive save, denying Mbappé and preserving the home side’s advantage until the final whistle.

Landmark night for Ireland striker

The result inflicted Real Madrid’s first defeat of the La Liga season following three consecutive victories. For Betis, it was a memorable victory achieved through Parrott’s opportunism and Vallés’ stoppage-time intervention.

Parrott’s goal will also be welcomed by Republic of Ireland supporters. His development during his time in the Netherlands helped him become an increasingly important member of the international attack, and a successful move to La Liga would represent another substantial step forward.

Scoring against Real Madrid is an ideal way to make an early impression. Parrott was only on the pitch for 12 minutes before delivering the decisive touch and ensuring his first Betis goal would also be remembered as a famous match-winner.

Troy Parrott made an immediate mark on Spanish football by scoring the winning goal as Real Betis defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja on Friday evening.

The Republic of Ireland striker came off the bench in the 69th minute and broke the deadlock with nine minutes of normal time remaining, opening his Betis account following his summer transfer from AZ Alkmaar.

Parrott reacted quickest after Thibaut Courtois parried a headed effort from a Betis corner. The Dubliner reached the loose ball inside the six-yard area and forced it past the Real Madrid goalkeeper to spark jubilant celebrations in Seville.

Parrott strikes 12 minutes after introduction

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini introduced Parrott in place of Cucho Hernández after 69 minutes, with the home side attempting to turn an increasingly competitive performance into a winning one.

The decision paid off just 12 minutes later. Parrott showed the instincts of a penalty-box striker by anticipating where Courtois’ save would fall and getting to the rebound before the Real Madrid defenders could clear.

It was a hugely significant moment for the 24-year-old following his reported €20 million move from AZ. Parrott arrived in Spain after an excellent spell in the Netherlands and has now announced himself to the Betis support by scoring against one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

VAR denies Real Madrid an equaliser

Real Madrid appeared to have equalised six minutes after Parrott’s goal when Carlos Espí found the net with an acrobatic finish.

The celebrations were cut short following a VAR review, with the goal disallowed for offside. Parrott’s strike therefore remained the difference between the teams as the match entered stoppage time.

There was still another major twist. Real Madrid were awarded a late penalty after Vinícius Júnior was fouled by Natan, presenting Kylian Mbappé with an opportunity to rescue a point.

Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés produced the decisive save, denying Mbappé and preserving the home side’s advantage until the final whistle.

Landmark night for Ireland striker

The result inflicted Real Madrid’s first defeat of the La Liga season following three consecutive victories. For Betis, it was a memorable victory achieved through Parrott’s opportunism and Vallés’ stoppage-time intervention.

Parrott’s goal will also be welcomed by Republic of Ireland supporters. His development during his time in the Netherlands helped him become an increasingly important member of the international attack, and a successful move to La Liga would represent another substantial step forward.

Scoring against Real Madrid is an ideal way to make an early impression. Parrott was only on the pitch for 12 minutes before delivering the decisive touch and ensuring his first Betis goal would also be remembered as a famous match-winner.

The post Troy Parrott Scores Winner as Real Betis Stun Real Madrid appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Jim Gavin cut from 16/1 to evens

Mark McHugh continues remarkable market move

Johnson shortens as O’Brien drifts

Tony McEntee and Fitzmaurice backed

Galway appointment process still to begin

Betting prices are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

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Oisín Mullin and Mark O’Connor remain in contention for an AFL premiership after Geelong defeated Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Cats recovered from a difficult opening to win 14.23 (107) to 11.8 (74), securing a semi-final against Fremantle in Perth next weekend.

More than 96,000 spectators attended the elimination final, with Geelong ending Carlton’s campaign and extending their own season by at least another week.

Mullin handed another major defensive assignment

Mullin continued in the specialist defensive role that has become an important part of Geelong’s approach during the 2026 season.

The former Mayo footballer was initially assigned to Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh. His brief later shifted towards Jagga Smith after the youngster caused Geelong problems with his pace and direct running through the middle.

That tactical change formed part of Geelong’s response after Carlton made the stronger start. The Cats gradually gained control, improving their work around the contest and creating a steady supply of scoring opportunities.

O’Connor also featured as Geelong drew on the finals experience accumulated across a lengthy period near the top of the AFL. The Kerry native was part of the Cats side that won the 2022 premiership and is pursuing a second winners’ medal.

Dangerfield drives Geelong surge

Patrick Dangerfield provided the decisive attacking contribution, kicking five goals as Geelong pulled clear. Carlton had established a 21-point advantage during the early stages, but the Cats responded by winning the central battles and forcing the match onto their terms.

Geelong scored nine of the next 12 goals after Carlton’s fast start. Although the Cats accumulated 23 behinds and left several opportunities unused, their volume of scoring chances eventually produced a comfortable final margin.

The reward is a trip west to face Fremantle. The semi-final presents a different challenge, with travel and recovery becoming important after the physical demands of an elimination fixture.

For Irish followers, the progress of Mullin and O’Connor gives the AFL finals series a strong Gaelic football connection. Mullin is bidding for his first premiership, while O’Connor is attempting to add another title to his Australian career.

Geelong’s season remains alive, but there is no safety net from this point. Victory in Perth is required if the two Irish players are to move one step closer to the AFL Grand Final.

The post Oisín Mullin and Mark O’Connor Advance With Geelong in AFL Finals appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Alex Dunne will start the Formula 2 feature race at Monza from the second row after securing third place in Friday’s qualifying session.

The Offaly driver completed his fastest lap in 1:31.472 for Rodin Motorsport, finishing 0.146 seconds behind pole-sitter Rafael Câmara.

Câmara led an Invicta Racing one-two with a time of 1:31.326. Joshua Dürksen claimed second in 1:31.383, just 0.057 seconds ahead of Dunne.

Dunne recovers from difficult opening runs

Third place represented an impressive recovery after Dunne encountered problems during his early qualifying attempts.

His first serious effort was compromised by a lock-up at the Ascari chicane, sending the Rodin car across the gravel. A subsequent run ended when he went too deep into the opening corner and abandoned the lap.

That left the Irish driver needing to respond while the order continued to change around him. Dunne eventually put together a lap good enough for fourth without receiving the full benefit of a tow around the high-speed Italian circuit.

The final runs began with just over five minutes remaining. Dunne initially moved into second place before Dürksen completed his lap and pushed him back to third.

Strong pace throughout Friday

Dunne’s qualifying performance followed an encouraging free-practice session in which he set the fastest time. Although practice cannot perfectly predict qualifying pace, it demonstrated that Rodin had arrived at Monza with a competitive package.

The nature of the qualifying session made Dunne’s third place particularly valuable. With two early attempts disrupted, there was little room left for another error when the field switched to fresh tyres for the closing minutes.

Instead, Dunne delivered when the pressure was greatest and placed himself in contention for a significant haul of championship points.

The Irishman entered the Monza weekend fourth in the Formula 2 standings. With the season approaching its decisive stage, converting his front-row pace into a clean feature race will be the next priority.

Monza’s long straights and heavy braking zones can produce unpredictable racing, but third on the grid gives Dunne a strong platform from which to attack Sunday’s main event.

The post Alex Dunne Claims Third on Monza Formula 2 Grid appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Brighton prioritising complete recovery

A major player for club and country

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Offseason expectations remain fresh, yet every new game provides evidence that can challenge what bettors thought they knew before kickoff. Small statistical samples can also distort early trends.

That uncertainty makes early NFL lines particularly interesting to follow. Instead of allowing a single September result to reshape an entire outlook, bettors can focus on the information that appears repeatable as the opening weeks reveal more about each team.

Understanding the Limited Data Behind September NFL Lines

Week 1 arrives after months of projections built around last season’s performance, offseason roster moves, coaching changes and expected player development. Those assumptions provide a starting point, but meaningful current-season evidence is initially scarce.

Preseason football only fills part of the gap. Starters play limited snaps, personnel constantly change and coaches rarely reveal their full plans. Even after Week 1, statistics can mislead, with strong turnover or third-down numbers potentially reflecting one unusually productive game.

September therefore requires patience. Coaching continuity, quarterback experience and offensive-line cohesion can provide useful context while the sample grows. Early games should update preseason expectations rather than immediately erase them.

Opening Lines, Current Lines and Market Movement

One of the clearest things bettors can monitor is how a market changes between its opening number and kickoff. A spread that begins at -2.5 and reaches -3.5 before the weekend games begin tells a different story from one that barely moves all week.

Opening numbers provide a reference point, while current markets show how expectations have changed. Bettors can get the latest NFL lines to check spreads, moneylines and totals before assessing how far a number has moved and what influenced the adjustment.

Why a line moves matters as much as how far. Injuries, depth-chart changes and broader betting market activity can all contribute. Key NFL margins also matter, particularly three and seven points, making a move from -2.5 to -3.5 especially significant.

Closing line comparisons can add further context. Consistently noting where a chosen number finishes by kickoff can help bettors assess whether their timing is producing stronger numbers over time. This can reveal whether early market reads are proving accurate.

Early Results and the Danger of Overreaction

Opening weekend produces sweeping conclusions every year. A preseason contender loses and suddenly looks broken, while an overlooked team wins convincingly and attracts attention as a surprise package. Neither reaction necessarily reflects the full performance.

A lopsided score can result from turnovers, special-teams touchdowns or explosive plays. A narrow loss might hide a strong performance where a team moved the ball but struggled in the red zone. Looking deeper helps separate unusual events from persistent problems.

Before allowing an early result to reshape an assessment, check:

The next matchup matters too, especially during the opening weeks. Personnel developments, opponent strengths and individual player usage can change the context considerably.

Analysis of upcoming NFL games and props can provide another layer of information as the early season develops and expectations evolve, when deciding whether an early performance represents an emerging pattern or simply one unusual Sunday.

New Coaches, Quarterbacks and Offensive Systems

September is when offseason changes meet regular-season pressure for the first time. A new playbook can look polished in practice, yet communication becomes harder as the play clock runs down and opposing defenses disguise their intentions.

New coaches and coordinators may need time to establish their systems under game conditions. Rookie quarterbacks must adjust to defensive pressure and disguises, while new veteran starters can face similar timing and chemistry issues during September games.

Offensive lines and receiving groups also deserve attention. Protection mistakes, pre-snap penalties, poorly timed routes and assignment errors can suggest a transition remains unfinished, while communication problems can quickly disrupt offensive rhythm.

Change should not automatically count against a team, though. Sometimes a new system clicks faster than anticipated. The important question is whether September performances are beginning to reveal a functional and repeatable identity.

What Early Games Reveal About NFL Totals

Point spreads are only part of the September picture. Early games can also provide useful clues when assessing totals, particularly as offenses establish their timing and preferred style. Scoring patterns often become clearer as teams settle into their systems.

Points scored rarely tell the full story. Quarterback-receiver chemistry, offensive-line cohesion, play-calling pace and red-zone execution can indicate whether production is sustainable. Penalties and stalled drives also matter, especially for teams installing new systems.

Early offensive rust can make lower-scoring games worth examining, but September Unders are not automatic. Markets adapt as regular-season evidence grows. A struggling offense may improve quickly, while a fast starter can face tougher defensive matchups.

Watching how an offense functions is ultimately more informative than assuming September football must follow one scoring pattern. Efficiency and execution provide important context as the season develops. Matchup quality can also shape early results.

Injuries, Weather and Late-Week Information

Some of the most important information arrives after the opening line is posted. Checking player availability closer to kickoff matters, as practice participation and injury reports can shift expectations around quarterbacks, offensive linemen and key defenders.

Conditions deserve similar attention. September heat and humidity can test conditioning, while wind and rain may affect passing and kicking. Travel demands and scheduling circumstances can also provide useful context when assessing a matchup.

Bettors should also check what the market has already done before making any decision. Important news does not automatically create an opportunity, particularly when the spread or total has already moved enough to reflect the latest development.

The final question should therefore go beyond whether an injury, weather forecast or other update matters before the game begins. Bettors should consider how significant the information is and whether the current line has already accounted for it.

Let September Build the Picture

September rewards observation over sweeping conclusions. Each game reveals more about quarterback play, coaching changes, offensive cohesion and defensive strengths, showing whether preseason expectations remain justified or need adjusting.

By October, several weeks of meaningful football will have reduced much of the uncertainty surrounding Week 1. September is about refining expectations as evidence accumulates, allowing genuine patterns to emerge and separate themselves from early-season noise.

The post NFL Lines in September: What Bettors Should Watch Early in the Season appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Galway GAA have confirmed that Pádraic Joyce is leaving his position as senior football manager after seven seasons at the helm.

The Killererin clubman had been contracted until the end of the 2028 season and indicated following Galway’s Championship exit in June that he intended to remain in charge.

However, Joyce has now decided to step away, leaving Galway GAA to begin the search for a new senior football management team.

Joyce calls time on Galway tenure

Joyce described managing Galway as both a privilege and an honour. He thanked the county’s players, supporters, backroom personnel and their families for the commitment they had shown throughout his time in charge.

He also confirmed that he intends to return to the stands as a supporter and wished the next management team well.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to manage my county.”

Pádraic Joyce

Galway restored as Championship contenders

Joyce was appointed in October 2019 ahead of the 2020 season, having previously managed the Galway under-20 footballers.

After a difficult beginning to his senior tenure, he rebuilt Galway into one of the leading teams in the country and delivered four consecutive Connacht championships between 2022 and 2025.

Galway returned to the All-Ireland final in 2022, their first appearance in the decider for 21 years. They pushed Kerry throughout a closely contested final before eventually losing by four points.

Joyce brought Galway back to the final two years later. On that occasion, Armagh prevailed by a single point after a tense encounter at Croke Park. It was a dramatic game with the Galway players running up and down the field but the weren’t able to peg Armagh back. 

Those two defeats meant Joyce was unable to add an All-Ireland title as a manager to the medals he won as one of Galway’s greatest players, but his team remained consistent contenders during the latter part of his tenure.

Disappointing end to 2026 campaign

Galway’s 2026 season did not reach the heights of the previous campaigns. Roscommon ended their run of four consecutive provincial titles before Dublin eliminated Joyce’s side at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage.

Speaking after the Dublin defeat, Joyce said that he still had two years remaining and believed Galway were moving in the right direction.

Speculation about his future continued during the summer. Galway officials initially dismissed reports that he was preparing to leave, but his departure has now been formally confirmed.

Galway to begin search for successor

Galway GAA chairperson Paul Bellew praised Joyce’s leadership, commitment and influence during his seven seasons in charge.

Bellew said Joyce had returned Galway to the biggest stage on a consistent basis and helped create an environment in which players could develop and perform at the highest level.

John Concannon, John Divilly, Micheál Ó Domhnaill and Sean Rhattigan were also thanked for their contributions to the outgoing management structure.

No immediate successor has been identified. Galway GAA confirmed that a process to appoint the county’s next senior football manager will be established shortly, with further information to follow.

What happens next? Galway GAA will put a process in place to appoint the next senior football manager, with the successful candidate inheriting a squad that reached two All-Ireland finals under Joyce.

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Ronan O’Gara is reportedly close to agreeing a four-year contract extension that would keep him at La Rochelle until 2031.

The former Ireland and Munster out-half had been widely discussed as a possible candidate to replace Leo Cullen when the Leinster head coach steps down at the end of the 2026-27 season.

However, reports emerging from France suggest O’Gara is preparing to commit his future to La Rochelle and continue his pursuit of a first Top 14 championship.

European success in France

O’Gara joined La Rochelle in 2019 following coaching spells with Racing 92 and the Crusaders. He subsequently established the French club as one of Europe’s leading sides.

La Rochelle defeated Leinster in consecutive Champions Cup finals in 2022 and 2023, with O’Gara’s tactical influence and competitive personality becoming central to the club’s identity.

The Top 14 title remains the major prize missing from his La Rochelle record. The club have twice reached the domestic final during his tenure, only to be denied by Toulouse.

What it could mean for Leinster

Cullen’s planned departure has already prompted considerable discussion about who might succeed him in Dublin. O’Gara’s success in France and his familiarity with Irish rugby made him an obvious name to include in that conversation.

A new agreement with La Rochelle would make such a move considerably less likely, although no appointment process has reached a public conclusion.

Leinster chief executive Shane Nolan has said the province is working with the IRFU to identify Cullen’s successor but has declined to discuss individual candidates.

O’Gara has also spoken previously about his ambition to coach Ireland at some point in his career. A contract running until 2031 would not necessarily end that possibility, but it would place any return to Irish rugby much further into the future.

Until an extension is formally announced, O’Gara’s future will remain the subject of speculation. The latest reports nevertheless indicate that La Rochelle are determined to retain the coach who delivered the greatest successes in the club’s history.

The proposed contract extension has been reported but had not been formally confirmed by La Rochelle at the time of publication.

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Louth captain Sam Mulroy is expected to miss the remainder of the county club championship after suffering a serious shoulder injury while playing for Naomh Máirtín.

The influential forward was forced off shortly after the beginning of the defending champions’ Group 1 defeat against St Joseph’s in Darver.

A wrist problem was initially suspected, but the injury has since been identified as an issue with Mulroy’s shoulder. He is due to undergo an MRI scan to establish the full extent of the damage.

Huge absence for the champions

Early indications suggest Mulroy will play no further part in this season’s race for the Joe Ward Cup, although the club will await the results of the scan before the full recovery period becomes clear.

His expected absence is a considerable blow for Naomh Máirtín. Mulroy remains one of the most dangerous forwards in the Louth club championship and provides leadership, scoring power and experience to the reigning champions.

Naomh Máirtín must now attempt to recover from their group-stage defeat without their most influential attacker as the championship moves towards its decisive stages.

Mulroy central to Louth’s progress

Mulroy has been a central figure in Louth’s rise in recent seasons and captained the county to a first Leinster senior football title in 68 years.

His accuracy from placed balls, ability to score from distance and composure in tight matches have made him one of the county’s most important players.

Naomh Máirtín will hope the scan provides positive news regarding his longer-term recovery. For now, however, the champions appear likely to face the rest of their Louth campaign without their county captain.

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