Columns - Irish Examiner

Pat Keane

Testing times for Willie Mullins

It is about two months since Gigginstown shocked the racing world and removed 60 horses from the care of Willie Mullins.

Sat, 26 Nov, 2016

Thistlecrack still a work in progress

On the one-hand you can understand why Thistlecrack is the 7-2 favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but it also defies logic, if that’s not too much of a contradiction.

Sat, 19 Nov, 2016

Valseur Lido looks a genuine contender

Valseur Lido certainly struck an early blow for Cheltenham Gold Cup consideration with that stunning victory last Saturday in the Grade One JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Sat, 12 Nov, 2016

Stewards must be seen to be policing the game

It was a little surprising that Nina Carberry didn’t find herself before the stewards, following the bumper at Wexford on Monday.   

Sat, 05 Nov, 2016

Bondi Beach to rule the Melbourne Cup

Anyone else looking forward to getting up at 3.45am next Tuesday to watch the Melbourne Cup?

Sat, 29 Oct, 2016

There’s only one way this HRI saga can end

It’s the story that runs and runs, and continues to project an unfavourable image of Irish racing.

Sat, 22 Oct, 2016

Easy to get carried away with Sub Lieutenant

On Monday morning, a trifle unexpectedly, a great old pal rang. He was literally bursting with enthusiasm.

Sat, 15 Oct, 2016

Matt Chapman proves his value

Matt Chapman emerged with a good deal of credit from the television coverage of the Prix de I’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly last Sunday.

Sat, 08 Oct, 2016

Faugheen investigation likely to come to nothing

So, the British Horseracing Authority is investigating betting patterns regarding the withdrawal of Willie Mullins’ Faugheen from the Champion Hurdle in March.

Sat, 01 Oct, 2016

Hoping for the best, but fearing the worst for the jump season

In the so-called good old days, Listowel was always regarded as the real start of the National Hunt season.

Sat, 24 Sep, 2016