Ireland, whose jump racing industry is roughly the half the size of Britain’s, has had more winners at the past six Festivals and boasts Willie Mullins as the most successful trainerIreland’s rugby union players are struggling to repeat last season’s Six Nations heroics, while the footballing boys in green are in a state of flux as Mick McCarthy prepares for his first game back in charge in a couple of weeks. When it comes to the country’s horsemen and women, however, what is rapidly becoming Ireland’s traditional dominance at the Cheltenham Festival is odds-on to be upheld this coming week.At four of the past six Festivals, the last three included, there have been more winners trained in Ireland than in...
The Carlow trainer has a slightly reduced Festival team this year but will field plenty of big names in the major racesI think Al Boum Photo shouldn’t have any problem with the trip. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet. Related: Trainers pull out of Lingfield over ‘horrendous’ prize money Warwick 1.10 My Way 1.40 Honorable 2.15 Sheneededtherun 2.50 Doitforthevillage (nb) 3.20 Pray For A Rainbow 3.55 Quarenta 4.30 Burren Walk Continue reading...
Willie Mullins’s mare hasn’t been seen for more than a year but punters fancy her chances for Monday’s return to Flat racingChris Cook: Limini, who won the mares’ novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival a couple of years ago, returns to action at Galway on Monday evening after more than a year on the sidelines. She’s evidently a warm order for the 7.40pm race, having been cut to 7-4 for that 20-runner handicap. Related: Glorious Goodwood 2018 preview: Stradivarius has class to retain Cup Ayr1.30 Magical Wish 2.00 Inglorious 2.30 Pop Telecom 3.00 Question Of Faith (nb) 3.30 Chinese Spirit 4.00 Dukhan 4.30 Desert Frost 5.00 Brendan Continue reading...
‘That’s why Ireland’s Ireland!’ The racing gang is happy for Paul Townend, while warning him not to do it again...I’m aware that the instant forgiveness which rained down on Paul Townend will not have pleased all onlookers. Some, including those who fancied Al Boum Photo, will still be feeling sore about what happened on Tuesday and are perhaps a little queasy about the way that “the racing gang”, as Townend called them, clasped the erring jockey to their bosom on day two at Punchestown. Some will undoubtedly feel that a jockey who made such a mistake should have to suffer for a bit more than 24 hours. Related: Paul Townend recovers from calamity to regain winning touch in ‘unreal’ style...
A late change of target remains possible but Willie Mullins’s two-miler now seems set to take on Altior on WednesdayHoly smokes, Douvan has been declared for Wednesday’s Champion Chase with Ruby Walsh booked to ride, despite all yesterday’s toing and froing about connections looking at a switch to the Ryanair. Nothing is final until he actually lines up for the race, of course, and the rules still allow for him to run in the Ryanair instead if there is yet another late change of heart. Related: Cheltenham trainers warn of testing, ‘puddingy’ ground for Festival Related: Richard Johnson looks to ‘family pet’ for his Gold Cup inspiration | Chris Cook Dr Richard Newland 43% (7) Nicky Henderson 40% (15) Harry...