Columns - Irish Examiner

Pat Keane

Why Willie Mullins needs that Golden Festival climax

Willie Mullins will travel to Cheltenham this week knowing there is one thing he really needs to put right — to finally win the Gold Cup.

Mon, 14 Mar, 2016

Why did backers of Paul Nolan duo have to pay the price for human error?

On December 31, 2014 a horse called Sadler’s Risk won over flights at Punchestown.

Sat, 05 Mar, 2016

Beware the short priced favourite at Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a little over two weeks away now and one of the things that strikes you, when looking at the markets for all of the 28 races, is just how many short priced favourites are likely to go to post.

Sat, 27 Feb, 2016

Two chances of Ruby Walsh buckling under Cheltenham pressure

There he was heading to the final fence at Navan last Sunday and you were thinking this fellow won’t be far away at Cheltenham.

Sat, 20 Feb, 2016

New Irish track capable of facilitating racing in winter months needed

The loss of yet another meeting to the weather this week - Limerick on Wednesday - highlighted one of the problems National Hunt racing has in this country.

Sat, 13 Feb, 2016

Limini looks the real deal

Prior to Fairyhouse last Saturday, Willie Mullins had what could be best described as three good things lined up for the Cheltenham Festival, Faugheen, Douvan and Un De Sceaux.

Sat, 06 Feb, 2016

Precious little for Mr Average at Leopardstown

When racing was over at Leopardstown last Sunday, I headed off for a walk and, on my way back, met an old friend, who parked his vehicle for a brief chat.

Sat, 30 Jan, 2016

Jessica Harrington-trained Our Duke clearly one to note going forward

I think we saw a very good horse in the Jessica Harrington-trained Our Duke at Leopardstown last Sunday.

Sat, 23 Jan, 2016

Hold those bets on Min for Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham

Don’t fall for the bookmaker-inspired hype regarding Willie Mullins’ Min in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, following his win at Punchestown last Saturday.

Sat, 16 Jan, 2016

Wylies certainly living the dream — thanks to Willie Mullins

Newcastle-based businessman Graham Wylie, and his wife Andrea, are living the dream and surely grateful for the day they decided to have horses in training with Willie Mullins.

Sat, 09 Jan, 2016