Columns - Irish Examiner

Pat Keane

Three horses to note in the paying for Christmas list

When high-class fillies hit a rich vein of form they can be irresistible and there are three we must have on our side over the closing weeks of the season.

Sun, 18 Sep, 2016

Almela a good example of Dermot Weld’s patient handling policy

Monday night at Galway was a real indicator as to why the Dermot Weld-Pat Smullen combination continues to be so successful.

Sat, 10 Sep, 2016

David Wachman departure evokes memories of David O’Brien

David Wachman’s announcement this week that he is to retire from training at the end of the season, after some 20 years, encouraged one to reflect on various aspects of this great game.

Sat, 03 Sep, 2016

Churchill developing into a bit of a puzzle

Isn’t Aidan O’Brien’s clearly well regarded Churchill developing into a bit of a puzzle?

Sat, 27 Aug, 2016

Richard Hannon does Irish racing a favour by opening up entry system debate

That was a rather interesting little spat between trainer, Richard Hannon, and Horse Racing Ireland chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, regarding the recent Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

Sat, 20 Aug, 2016

Prix Morny unlikely to be on Caravaggio’s agenda

“I have to be careful what I say now, don’t I?’’, are the words Aidan O’Brien reportedly muttered in the wake of his Caravaggio enjoying no more than a leisurely stroll on the way to winning the Group 1 Phoenix stakes at the Curragh last Sunday.

Sat, 13 Aug, 2016

I’m on the side of the Naas stewards on this one!

At Naas on Monday, following a six-furlongs handicap, the stewards were called into action after the 11-4 favourite, Captain Power, had beaten 5-1 shot, Dark Alliance, by a short head.

Sat, 06 Aug, 2016