Racing

Alpha Centauri gives Jessica Harrington first Royal Ascot winner in terrific style

Nick Robson Saturday, June 23, 2018

National Hunt stalwart Jessica Harrington lapped up her first Royal Ascot winner when Alpha Centauri romped home in the Coronation Stakes in record time.

Ascot preview: Ideal conditions for Sioux Nation

Tommy Lyons Friday, June 22, 2018

On good-to-firm ground Sioux Nation’s form reads 2111 and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Scat Daddy colt can enhance that record by landing the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup, set to be run on his ideal conditions, on the penultimate day of Royal Ascot 2018.

Galway return ‘no problem’ for Ruby Walsh

Nick RobsonWednesday, June 20, 2018

Ruby Walsh is targeting the Galway Festival as he continues to recover from the broken leg he sustained at Cheltenham in March.

A closer look at the rise of hooliganism at Royal Ascot

Colm GreavesTuesday, June 19, 2018

A new and unwelcome breed of racegoer — well-suited young men, travelling in packs, drinking unwisely and chanting menacingly — has become an uncomfortably prominent threat to the wellbeing of British horse racing

Surrounding pounces late to land the feature for Halford

John Ryan Saturday, June 16, 2018

Surrounding, ridden for Michael Halford and the Newell family from nearby Ratoath by Conor Hoban, pounced late to land the featured Toals.com Bookmakers Fillies Race in Fairyhouse.

Progressive Foxtrot Lady should waltz to another victory

Saturday, June 16, 2018

With just three days to go, Royal Ascot is at the forefront of every racing fan’s thoughts.

Irish Derby likely next stop for Epsom runner-up Dee Ex Bee

Graham Clark Thursday, June 14, 2018

Investec Derby runner-up Dee Ex Bee appears increasingly likely to line up in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on June 30.

Winning return for Davy Russell in Roscommon

John Ryan Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Sidelined since May 7, champion-jockey Davy Russell made a successful return to competitive action when landing the €30,000 thetote.com Connacht National Handicap Chase on top-weight Kaiser Back in Roscommon last night.

Justify justifies Bob Baffert's belief

Steve Almasy Monday, June 11, 2018

Sixteen weeks ago, no one knew what to make of Justify — except trainer Bob Baffert.

Justify ‘looking fantastic and ready to roll’ in Belmont

Ashley Iveson Saturday, June 09, 2018

Bob Baffert believes Justify is in the form of his life ahead of his bid for racing immortality in the Belmont Stakes.

With Denman, the will was always stronger than the skill

Thursday, June 07, 2018

Muhammad Ali may have been famous for his razor-sharp one-liners but it was one of his deeper, more profound statements that came to mind when the sad news of Denman’s death, aged 18, emerged yesterday morning.

Thornton bows out with a winner

Graham Clark Thursday, June 07, 2018

Andrew Thornton enjoyed the perfect send-off to his riding career with a winner at Uttoxeter yesterday.

Andrew Thornton reflects on long career as final rides loom

By Keith HamerWednesday, June 06, 2018

Andrew Thornton’s retirement at Uttoxeter today will signal the end of an era in weighing rooms up and down Britain.

Relentless Aidan O’Brien on Derby march again

Graham Clark Thursday, May 31, 2018

Boasting a CV featuring six Investec Derby victories would be good enough for many - that is unless you are on the brink of claiming a record-equalling seventh and go by the name of Aidan O’Brien.

Oisin Murphy primed for Investec Derby action with Roaring Lion

Graham Clark Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Oisin Murphy is not afraid to celebrate on the big occasion and should Roaring Lion land the Investec Derby on Saturday, plenty more joyous scenes can be expected.

Jessica Harrington dances to Alpha beat

Tommy Lyons Monday, May 28, 2018

In the past 18 months, Jessica Harrington celebrated numerous firsts: A first Irish Gold Cup victory, first Cheltenham Gold Cup success, first Irish Grand National, and became the most successful lady trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival.