Galopin Des Champs has a shot at steeplechasing immortality by pulling off a hat-trick in Friday’s Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. Just four horses have won the sport’s ‘Bule Riband’ three times. They make up a legendary elite. Best Mate was the last to pull off a magical three-in-a-row 21 years ago. Cottage Rake did the … Read more
Day Three schedule 1.20pm – Ryanair Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2pm – Jack Richards Novice Limited Handicap Chase 2.40pm – Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) 3.20pm – Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 4pm – Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) 4.40pm – TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase 5.20pm – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup … Read more
PUNTERS were left absolutely fuming after yet more false start drama hit Cheltenham Festival. Seven jockeys were banned on day two for ‘misconduct‘ at the start – resulting in several false starts which hampered horses’ chances. 2 The race started with the fancied Willie Mullins-trained Maughreen facing the wrong way 2 She was completely detached … Read more
Giles – ‘It means a lot’ After watching Marine Nationale’s victory, Michael O’Sullivan’s girlfriend Charlotte Giles continued: “Michael loved the horse very much, they started their careers together and went on a journey together. “The horse has certainly put his heart and soul into today and it means a lot. “Michael was certainly with him … Read more
And from the clouds, it’s Jimmy Du Seuil! That’s another shock winner for Willie Mullins, this time with Danny Mullins on board. Al Gasparo has pushed on, Be Aware is improving, Colonel Mustard isn’t far away. Buting is leading on the outside of Al Gasparo with just under a mile to go. Plenty with chances … Read more
The opening Cheltenham fixture, the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, has been named after Mr O’Sullivan, and his family, including his girlfriend Charlotte Giles, said it “means the world” to them. Mr O’Sullivan had been riding Wee Charlie in Thurles early last month before a fall at the last in a two-mile handicap chase. The … Read more
Jockey Paul Townend with Kopek Des Bordes wearing the hood which he’ll sport before Tuesday’s Cheltenham opener. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile And so, it begins. Finally. The Tuesday of Cheltenham has rolled around once more and we stand on the edge of finding out all the answers to the questions we’ve been asking through last summer, … Read more
Many referred to his prowess in the saddle, his immediate impact on turning professional to become a multiple Grade 1 and Cheltenham Festival winner, to a future that looked mapped for stardom. It was notable too, however, the multitude of allusions to his character and decency. One in particular got to the nub of Michael’s … Read more
Jockey Michael O’Sullivan was dedicated to his craft, brought joy and pride to his family and packed more into his 24 years than many would into two lifetimes, his funeral Mass has heard. His father, William O’Sullivan, told mourners in Glantane, Co Cork, how Michael had set his mind on becoming a jockey at a … Read more
Galopin Des Champs continued his love affair with Leopardstown and added his name to the history books by winning a third Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. He joined Jodami and Beef Or Salmon on three wins in the race and it would take a brave man to say Willie … Read more