Event: Epsom Derby

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

racing

Landmark Derby success again illustrates no Aidan O’Brien runner can ever be dismissed

In a remarkable year, primarily for the wrong reasons, one of the least remarkable results of 2020 came on Saturday at Epsom when Aidan O’Brien saddled the winner of the Derby.

racing

Russian Emperor the most credible Ballydoyle contender for Epsom Derby delight

Today's 2020 Investec Derby will be a strange event, devoid of spectators, on-course bookmakers, and the man who could become the most successful trainer in the race’s iconic 240-year history.

racing

Measured Marquand the latest rider to be 'jocked off' before the big day

Jockey Tom Marquand was born five years after the release of the first Jurassic Park movie so at best it’s even-money that the promising 22-year-old rider has seen the film.

racing

Today's racing tips: extreme distance is likely to suit progressive Technician

racing

Today's tips: Ouzo can get Hannon off to another flier in opener

racing

Tattersalls Gold Cup opened to three-year-olds for first time since 1985

The winners’ enclosure: Ireland’s 15 greatest jockeys

Tommy Lyons ranks the country's greatest horsemen from the past 50 years.

Mon, 06 Apr, 2020

A look at the trainer Aidan O'Brien's 50 greatest moments

As Ireland’s most successful sportsperson celebrates a landmark birthday tomorrow. Darren Norris counts down Aidan O’Brien’s 50 greatest moments.

Tue, 15 Oct, 2019

Frankie Dettori to ride at Killarney

In recent seasons Killarney racecourse has played host to a couple of subsequent Epsom Derby winners, namely Anthony Van Dyck and Wings Of Eagles, and during next week’s five-day July festival the stunning venue will welcome a former two-time Epsom Derby winner, this one a superstar of the weighroom: Frankie Dettori.

Tue, 09 Jul, 2019

Not even Alastair Campbell could spin this one

In television interviews Aidan O’Brien strove manfully to explain how it could happen, but not even PR guru Alastair Campbell could spin this one!

Sat, 06 Jul, 2019

Wexford’s bravery rewarded but Cats’ panic was so unlike Brian Cody

About half an hour after the final whistle in Croke Park yesterday, as the Wexford players were still celebrating on the pitch, I ran into a bunch of Wexford supporters I last met in Down Royal racecourse years ago.

Mon, 01 Jul, 2019

Kevin Prendergast: Madhmoon can shine at Irish Derby

He describes himself as “hanging in there”, but as a keen golfer, who also enjoys fishing and shooting game, the soon-to-be 87-year-old Kevin Prendergast is doing a little more than that.

Wed, 26 Jun, 2019

Revenge on the menu as extravaganza kicks off with a mighty bang

Some say pleasure deferred is pleasure enhanced but that is very much not the case when it comes to Royal Ascot.

Tue, 18 Jun, 2019

Ballydoyle arsenal looks primed to conquer Royal Ascot again

Few people outside racing fully realise Aidan O’Brien is Ireland’s greatest living sportsman and that Royal Ascot is his playground.

Tue, 18 Jun, 2019

Aidan O'Brien's Anthony Van Dyck paints winning picture in Epsom Derby

Anthony Van Dyck provided Aidan O'Brien with a record-equalling seventh victory in the Investec Derby at Epsom.

Sat, 01 Jun, 2019

Could Madhmoon spoil Ballydoyle’s Derby party?

It was 100-30 the field yesterday for next Saturday’s Epsom Derby and that tells you all you need to know about the open nature of this Classic.

Sat, 25 May, 2019

Remembering PD Mehigan: The GAA’s first commentator

This weekend, some 60 members of the Mehigan family are gathering in the Cork parish of Ardfield.

Fri, 17 May, 2019

And they’re off: Horse racing coming to a city close to you

What do you give the woman who has everything? If that woman is Queen Elizabeth II then anything involving horses would be the best bet, writes Brendan O'Brien

Fri, 30 Nov, 2018

Samcro unlikely to be a Champion Hurdler

As a massive Samcro fan, from the first day he set foot on a racecourse, I will be surprised should he be good enough to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Sat, 10 Nov, 2018

Heartbreak for Aidan O'Brien as Cliffs Of Moher suffers fatal injury during Melbourne Cup

The race was overshadowed by the fatal injury sustained by last year's Epsom Derby runner-up passing the post for the first time.

Tue, 06 Nov, 2018

COLM GREAVES: Oisin Murphy and Roaring Lion take star billing

Leopardstown and the Curragh share hosting duties in the coming days for the newly

Fri, 14 Sep, 2018

PAT KEANE: Aidan O’Brien facing problems on two fronts

We know there has been something of a cloud hanging over the Ballydoyle horses for a while now, with Aidan O’Brien reporting that the bug was “the worst we’ve had.’’

Sat, 25 Aug, 2018

Aidan O’Brien facing problems on two fronts

We know there has been something of a cloud hanging over the Ballydoyle horses for a while now, with Aidan O’Brien reporting that the bug was “the worst we’ve had.’’

Sat, 25 Aug, 2018

Aidan O’Brien’s Ascot may not be as royal as other years

Can Aidan O’Brien deliver for punters at the five-day Royal Ascot extravaganza, which starts next Tuesday? asks Pat Keane

Sat, 16 Jun, 2018

Racing embracing change but what about Irish gambling laws?

Dating back to 1780, the Epsom Derby is the one of the oldest continuous events on the sporting calendar. The latest running is Saturday. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Saxon Warrior will start as favourite. If Saxon Warrior wins, it will give O’Brien a record-equalling seventh Derby.

Thu, 31 May, 2018

Nelson heads O’Brien triple assault on Derrinstown

Aidan O’Brien is triple-handed as he bids to extend his tremendous record in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Sat, 12 May, 2018

TV3 unveils spring schedule ahead of channel rebranding

TV3 is to change its name as part of a major rebranding of the station later this year.

Wed, 10 Jan, 2018

Handicapping isn’t a science — and the Melbourne Cup result proves it!

As the Melbourne Cup unfolded, shortly after 4.00 on Tuesday morning, you’d imagine the Australian handicapper was starting to feel decidedly uneasy.

Sat, 11 Nov, 2017

Saxon Warrior one to watch

Isn’t the Aidan O’Brien-trained Saxon Warrior the most interesting horse to hit the scene for a while-and he’s not even by Galileo?

Sat, 30 Sep, 2017

This year’s three-year-old crop is undoubtedly a moderate lot

Are we right in thinking that this season’s crop of staying three-year-olds are of the rather moderate variety, asks Pat Keane.

Sat, 08 Jul, 2017

Pat Smullen excited to take up Irish Derby challenge with cracksman

Pat Smullen is relishing the opportunity to partner Cracksman in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Saturday.

Wed, 28 Jun, 2017

Wings of Eagles wins the Epsom Derby at 40-1

Wings Of Eagles, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Padraig Beggy, is the surprise winner of the Investec Derby at Epsom.

Sat, 03 Jun, 2017

Himmah should not have been allowed to run after pre-race antics

If you backed the Kevin Prendergast-trained Himmah to win a five furlongs two-year-old maiden at Navan last Saturday then you were more than entitled to feel especially piddled-off with Irish racing.

Sat, 27 May, 2017

All aboard the Aidan O’Brien bandwagon

O’Brien has an uncanny ability for getting it right on the big day, writes Pat Keane.

Sun, 14 May, 2017

Wrong to suggest the top is killing the bottom

There’s a top and a bottom in every sport, and to suggest the top is killing the bottom in jump racing is, in my opinion, off the mark, writes Ruby Walsh.

Sat, 06 May, 2017

Charles Haughey's Balidaress: The horse that could have changed Ireland’s political history

In 1974, Charles J Haughey decided to sell a home-bred yearling filly against solid professional advice he should keep her. He should have listened. Over time, Balidaress was to develop into one of the most lucrative and influential broodmares of the 20th century. What if Haughey had changed his mind and kept her? Colm Greaves investigates.

Thu, 30 Mar, 2017

Walter Swinburn: The Choirboy who never missed a note

His early success on Shergar masked the depth of brilliance through his whole career, writes Colm Greaves.

Fri, 16 Dec, 2016

Four men arrested as €1m greyhound found safe and well

One of the country's top greyhounds stolen in a robbery which was likened to the infamous kidnapping of champion racehorse Shergar, has been found safe and well.

Wed, 07 Dec, 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

Minding wins horse of the year as Ballydoyle dominate Cartiers Awards

An extraordinarily successful year for Aidan O’Brien was recognised at the Dorchester Hotel in London last night as four Ballydoyle charges were honoured at the 26th annual Cartier Racing Awards while the master handler received the Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit.

Wed, 09 Nov, 2016

Today's tips: Sir John Lavery can build on promising debut

There is an intriguing maiden to open today’s card at Gowran Park, and Sir John Lavery gets the nap to build on what was an immensely promising debut, just eight days ago at the Curragh.

Tue, 18 Oct, 2016

O'Brien brothers pull off 'unbelievable' victory over dad's horse

As he awaited the judge’s verdict from yesterday’s Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes photo at the Curragh Joseph O’Brien refused to believe. A few yards away, his father Aidan, the very definition or a relentless winner, found himself in unique territory: Hoping a horse under his care had finished second.

Mon, 12 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