Columns - Irish Examiner

Pat Keane

Fairness and common sense sadly lacking in Gowran case

It really is some mess now. Remember, we wrote here a couple of weeks ago regarding what could be best described as a nothing race at Gowran Park on March 11.

Sat, 01 Apr, 2017

19 Cheltenham winners - but the underbelly tells a very different story

It really is one of the great contradictions. The evidence provided by the Cheltenham festival - an unprecedented 19 winners for Ireland - tells us that the National Hunt game in this country is absolutely flying, writes Pat Keane.

Sun, 26 Mar, 2017

Rule 212 action taken by Gowran stewards was extreme

It will be a surprise should the somewhat draconian penalties be allowed to stand, writes Pat Keane.

Sun, 19 Mar, 2017

Punters should proceed Cheltenham with extreme caution!

Cheltenham this afternoon is an absolute minefield and punters would do well to proceed with extreme caution.

Wed, 15 Mar, 2017

Jade a strong each-way fancy in Mares’ Hurdle

Extending Cheltenham to four days has seriously diluted what’s on offer and it is very much illustrated by this afternoon’s Racing Post Arkle Trophy.

Tue, 14 Mar, 2017

Now is the time to tread carefully at Cheltenham

It really would be the ultimate irony should Willie Mullins finally land the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Djakadam next Friday, writes Pat Keane.

Sun, 12 Mar, 2017

Finally, there is real hope for the future

Two things happened in Irish racing over the last eight days that offer real hope for the future, writes Pat Keane.

Sat, 04 Mar, 2017

Melon form full of holes

Riddle me this, how is Willie Mullins’ Melon still favourite for Cheltenham’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?

Sat, 25 Feb, 2017

Sizing John case makes you wonder how many horses are running over clearly unsuitable trips?

It seems rather obvious now that Sizing John has been running over the wrong trip for most of his life.

Sat, 18 Feb, 2017

BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle Day - Lepoardstown Races

Don’t expect any Cheltenham festival clues from Irish Gold Cup

For a number of years now the Irish Gold Cup has become increasingly irrelevant as a Cheltenham trial and this renewal is more notable for those that are missing, rather than those who are running, writes Pat Keane.

Sat, 11 Feb, 2017