Tag Archive for: Leopardstown

One Look primed for Classic trial at Leopardstown

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One Look can book her ticket for the Irish 1,000 Guineas with victory in the Group Three Al Shira’aa Racing “Mutamakina” Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Paddy Twomey’s unbeaten filly caused something of a sensation when winning the Goffs Million on her racecourse debut last season, in what was her only juvenile outing.

She reappeared in a small race at Cork in March, winning readily at the prohibitive price of 1-20 but promising to improve for it, with Twomey using that spin as a stepping stone towards bigger targets, the first of which is this weekend.

“She’s in top form and we’re looking forward to Sunday,” said Twomey.

One Look remained unbeaten at Cork
One Look remained unbeaten at Cork (PA)

“She won well on debut at the Curragh and then she went to Cork at the start of the year and won again – and she’s trained well since.

“We’re looking forward to running her on a bit of nicer ground this weekend and to getting her out again.

“It was very heavy ground at Cork. It was great to win, but that race was all part of her training programme. That’s done, hopefully we’ve got nice ground on Sunday and away we go. We’re happy with her.”

A Lilac Rolla is another smart filly for Paddy Twomey
A Lilac Rolla is another smart filly for Paddy Twomey (Brian Lawless/PA)

Twomey also has another potentially top-class filly in his yard in A Lilac Rolla.

“The plan is to send her straight to the Irish Guineas,” he said.

When asked if there was much between the two, Twomey replied: “Pass!”

Two fillies taking on One Look this weekend, Aidan O’Brien’s Buttons and the Ger Lyons-trained Wendla, finished behind A Lilac Rolla at Leopardstown last time out.

In the Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial, a race won by the likes of Sinndar, Galileo, High Chaparral, Alamshar, Yeats and Fame And Glory down the years, O’Brien runs the unbeaten Los Angeles, a Group One winner in France on just his second outing last year.

Taking him on is Bremen, trained by Donnacha O’Brien, who thrived for stepping up to a mile and a quarter at Cork on his return to action.

“The step up in trip really suited him. We were planning on going straight to the Gallinule instead of here, but this looked like cutting up a fair bit, so we put him in,” said the former Classic-winning jockey.

“He’s in good form, the ground should suit him, so we’re hopeful of a good run.

“He was a late foal, so he’s entitled to progress this year. He’s by Galileo, so we were always hoping that he’d improve for 10 furlongs.

“He’s a half-brother to Warm Heart and she got a good bit better at three.”

Donnacha O’Brien is also on a fact-finding mission in the Porsche In Support Of Breast Cancer Ireland Amethyst Stakes with Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Valley is finally beginning to deliver on his early promise
Yosemite Valley is finally beginning to deliver on his early promise (Damien Eagers/PA)

A Listed winner over seven furlongs last time out, the Prix Maurice de Gheest over six and a half was mooted as a next move, but O’Brien is keen to see how he copes over a mile.

“He was very impressive the last day at the Curragh. We’re going up to a mile here and we’re not sure if he’s going to stay, but we’re going to give it a shot and we can always come back to seven if we need to,” he said.

“He’s in good form, all his work has been good, so we’re looking forward to it. Last time was a Group-level performance, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do at this grade.

“We’re still not 100 per cent sure what his best trip is, he works with a lot of pace but last time he hit the line strong over seven furlongs, indicating he would stay a mile. If he does, then it opens up a lot more options.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of nice races over a mile, but if he does need to drop back down in trip, something like the Minstrel would be an option, so we’re going to learn a bit anyway.”

Real Appeal, Power Under Me and Bold Discovery are others in the Group Three to note.



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Bright future beckons for Galileo Dame after Leopardstown success

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Galileo Dame looks to have a bright future based on the way she quickened up to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown.

The last three winners have all gone on to be Group One performers in Tarnawa, Above The Curve and last season subsequent Irish Oaks winner Savethelastdance was successful in it.

Aidan O’Brien ran two with Ryan Moore preferring the claims of Rubies Are Red, a full-sister to multiple Group One winner Found and it was she and stablemate Flight Of Fancy who went for him just off the bend.

Dylan Browne McMonagle was just biding his time on the Joseph O’Brien-trained winner, though, and as soon as she was in the clear despite the ground being heavy she sprinted away to win by three and a half lengths at 13-8.

“She had a good run in soft ground last year and we thought that 10 furlongs would suit her well,” said Joseph O’Brien.

“I was very pleased and looking at that you’d have to say she’s a smart filly.

“I suppose the obvious thing now is to go into an Oaks trial of some sort. That’s probably where she’ll go.

“She’s owned by a great group of lads, the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate, Sean O’Driscoll and Brian McKieran. It’s exciting for them to have a real smart filly.”

Aidan O’Brien won the Aparto (C & G) Maiden, but not with the one many expected.

Moore had chosen the Justify colt Ortelius who went off odds-on but he had no answer to the Wayne Lordan-ridden The Equator, who won by three and a quarter lengths and a Derby trial now beckons.

“He had a lovely run last year and he’s a lovely big honest horse,” said the winning trainer.

“He handles an ease in the ground but will obviously handle it much better as well, he stays well. Wayne was very happy with him and said he went to the line very strong, he did that last year as a two-year-old as well.

“Definitely going up to a mile-and-a-quarter suited him and going further will probably suit him even better.

“He could go for a trial at Lingfield or somewhere like that, he’ll probably love going a mile-and-a-half and I’d say next time that’s what we will do.”

On Ortelius he added: “Ryan said he was a little bit slow away and he was just in the pocket behind the lads. He said he might have preferred to be in the race, and going, earlier.

“He said obviously he was struggling in the ground and will be much better on better ground.

“Next time you’ll see a different horse, I’d imagine, but it was still a lovely run and he was very happy with him.”

Shane Foley and Norwalk Havoc
Shane Foley and Norwalk Havoc (PA)

Aidan O’Brien must have fancied his chances of a double with Gallantly, another odds-on shot in the 1888 Restaurant (C & G) Maiden but he had no answer to Jessica Harrington’s Norwalk Havoc (10-1) who had finished last of six on his only run at two.

Harrington said: “It was great to get his head in front. He didn’t behave very well at the Curragh last year and when he came back from there he got castrated. It seems to have done the job.

“We always thought he had ability but he wasn’t giving it to us.”

He was the second leg of a double for Shane Foley who had earlier ridden John Harney’s first winner when Mr Rango (100-30) won the SHEIN Cup Handicap.

Joseph O’Brien and McMonagle also doubled up when Goldana (4-9) justified odds-on favouritism in the feature Irish Stallion Farms EBF Heritage Stakes but she was made to work extremely hard by Power Under Me.

“She really deserved it today. She had been running well with penalties, through the end of last season and on her first run this year,” said O’Brien.

“She’s a Group Three and Listed winner and it would be great if we could get her into Group Twos. There is a nice one on Guineas weekend but obviously we’ll be guided by conditions.”



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Dallas Star shocks Ballysax rivals with 50-1 strike

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Dallas Star caused a 50-1 upset in the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown.

The Amo Racing-owned winner finished nine lengths behind Charlie Appleby’s Derby candidate Arabian Crown in a Group Three at Newmarket in the autumn when trained by Dominic French Davis.

Switched to Adrian Murray over the winter, the Cloth Of Stars colt was sent into an early lead under Seamie Heffernan but had to battle back after Deepone struck the front.

Dallas Star handled the testing ground well, regaining the initiative in the straight to gallop home three lengths clear of Aidan O’Brien’s The Euphrates, whose stablemate and odds-on favourite Illinois was only third.

“We were on a mission today to see how we were going or where we were going to go next,” said Murray.

“He kept finding for him. Twice during the race I thought he was done for and he kept coming back.

“I never thought I’d see the day where we would be competing in the same race as Aidan O’Brien.

“I was so near to packing it in a few years ago and it’s amazing the way things can turn around. The horses are very healthy and that is a big thing.

“He’ll be entered in all the big races now I suppose and we’ll see where we go. I’ll have to chat to Kia (Joorabchian, owner) and Robson (Aguiar, part of the Amo team) and see where they want to go.

“He came to us over the winter.”



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A Lilac Rolla digs deep for Group Three glory

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A Lilac Rolla maintained her unbeaten record with a gritty display in the Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” Stakes at Leopardstown.

Paddy Twomey’s filly had won both her starts at two, and she had one piece of standout form in terms of this Group Three.

She had finished in front of Aidan O’Brien’s Opera Singer at the Curragh in August, with that filly going on to win the Prix Marcel Boussac by five lengths.

A Lilac Rolla just edged victory
A Lilac Rolla just edged victory (Brian Lawless/PA)

Sent off at 9-2, A Lilac Rolla’s rider Billy Lee was keen not to let Seamie Heffernan get too far clear on Kitty Rose and from a long way out the two had it between themselves.

Both of them stuck to the task gamely but it was A Lilac Rolla who just came out on top by a head, with the pair almost three lengths clear of Buttons in third.

“I think she’s a good filly and I’d hoped she would do something like that,” said Twomey.

Billy Lee and trainer Paddy Twomey after A Lilac Rolla's success
Billy Lee and trainer Paddy Twomey after A Lilac Rolla’s success (Brian Lawless/PA)

“I haven’t run her since she won the second time last year as she just grew and I wanted to give her the time. I’m glad I did and she’s trained well all winter.

“I was looking forward to coming here today, although the heavy ground was a concern as her form was on good ground. She’s uncomplicated and she’s tough.

“She had every chance to curl up if she wanted to but she didn’t.

“We’re lucky that we have good horses and good owners. I’m very well supported and appreciative of that.”



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Battle Cry swoops late for Leopardstown honours

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Battle Cry came from last to first to win the Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” Stakes at Leopardstown.

Aidan O’Brien’s colt was last seen at Doncaster in October, when he went to post for the Group One Futurity Trophy but was withdrawn at the start having become upset in the stalls.

Prior to that he had chased home his stablemate Mountain Bear at Dundalk and the winner paid him a huge compliment when subsequently second at the Breeders’ Cup.

In what looked a strong field against the likes of Atlantic Coast, the in-form Take Me To Church and his own stable companions Samuel Colt and The Liffey, both once-raced maiden winners, Battle Cry was sent off a 10-1 chance.

He looked to have plenty to do when the field turned into the straight but when Ryan Moore gave the signal, the No Nay Never colt quickened up impressively to win by half a length from Samuel Colt.

“We saw what happened to him in Doncaster last year. He just panicked but never did it before or after,” said O’Brien.

“Ryan gave him a very good ride. He’d prefer better ground and looks like he’ll get a mile. It’s tough out there and you have to get home there today.

“He could be a horse for the French or the Irish Guineas.”



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Ecureuil Secret one to look forward to on the Flat for Edward O’Grady

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Edward O’Grady saddled a rare Flat maiden winner at Leopardstown when Ecureuil Secret justified market support.

Sent off at 15-2 in a field of 11, the Wootton Bassett colt was up against Aidan O’Brien’s 4-9 favourite Autumn Winter in the Flat Is Back At Leopardstown (C&G) Maiden, but had been backed in from some fancy prices.

Settled nicely by Seamie Heffernan, he got a lovely split up against the rail just as Autumn Winter was delivered to go and win the race.

As the market leader found disappointingly little it was Joseph O’Brien’s Thequietman who emerged as the biggest danger.

O’Grady’s €60,000 purchase found plenty inside the final half-furlong, though, and pulled away to win by a length and a quarter.

“He’d been working nicely and very kindly Joseph allowed me do a bit of work with him after racing in Naas recently. The funny thing is himself and the second (Thequietman) worked together and they finished about the same way,” said O’Grady.

“Aidan (Ryan, owner) asked me to buy him a horse at the breeze-up sales. I couldn’t get one at Goresbridge as they were too expensive.

“This fellow was in a sale at Deauville in July. He was only five miles up the road from me and I went to see him and loved him. The stallion is on fire and it’s brilliant to have him.

“I thought I was buying a dual-purpose horse as he’s 16.3. He’s the only three-year-old that I have, I have a few two-year-olds I bred.

“It’s very exciting to buy something like that and I’d say that was a fair maiden. He has a great attitude and the dream is still alive.”

Wingspan quickened up nicely for Ryan Moore
Wingspan quickened up nicely for Ryan Moore (Brian Lawless/PA)

Aidan O’Brien had better luck in the following Ballylinch Stud “Bayside Boy” Fillies Maiden with Wingspan.

Surprisingly weak in the market at 7-2 for a filly by Dubawi out of a Group One winner in Hydrangea, she was unraced at two.

Jim Bolger’s Nativity Square made sure there was no hiding place and it was only the Ballydoyle runner who was able to reel her in, showing a smart turn of foot in the process for Ryan Moore, winning by a length and a half.

“She’s like her mother, lazy and laid-back. Ryan said she found loads, handled the ground and would be very comfortable with a step up in trip,” said O’Brien.

“She’ll have no problem going up into an Oaks trial. She’s a baby and should improve plenty.”

Chantilly won easily for Ballydoyle
Chantilly won easily for Ballydoyle (Brian Lawless/PA)

Chantilly (7-4 favourite) then provided O’Brien and Moore with a third winner on the card – Battle Cry had also won earlier – when making a mockery of a mark of 85 in the 1888 Restaurant Handicap, winning by four and a half lengths.

“We liked him last year, but he never won,” said O’Brien.

“Ryan thought he could be a horse for a handicap in Ascot and he should get into one of those three-year-old races now.

“I’d say he definitely wants better ground. He’s a good mover, a long-striding horse.”



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Leopardstown and Carlisle pass morning inspections

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Leopardstown’s Classic trials card will go ahead as planned after the track passed a 7.30am inspection.

The P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes is one of the highlights having produced several top-class performers over the years, including three subsequent Epsom winners in Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002) and Harzand (2016).

Two other Group Three events in the Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” Stakes and the Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” Stakes also take place on ground described as heavy.

Clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer said: “The track at Leopardstown is fit for racing and the fixture scheduled for today goes ahead.

“The ground remains heavy but we had no measurable rain at the track in the last 24 hours and some strong winds. Today looks to be mainly sunny and breezy.”

The track at Carlisle also passed a 7am inspection allowing the final day of the Go North Series Finals to go take place, although conditions are heavy.

Tuesday’s meeting at Hexham has been called off though, with areas of false ground and standing water on the course.



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Ballysax distance expected to suit Deepone

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Paddy Twomey is likely to have a clearer idea about Deepone’s potential ambitions for the rest of the season after he makes his return in the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The Study Of Man colt finished off his juvenile campaign in fine style, winning the Group Two Beresford Stakes by a length and threequarters at the Curragh in September, his third success from five starts.

Prior to that, he came home fourth behind Diego Velazquez in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown and was runner-up in the Churchill Stakes at Tipperary.

Deepone, who holds big-race entries in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Derby at Epsom, will take a step up in trip on his three-year-old debut for this recognised Classic trial over 10 furlongs, won previously by the likes of Galileo, High Chaparral, Fame And Glory and Harzand.

Deepone after winning the Beresford Stakes
Deepone after winning the Beresford Stakes (Damien Eagers/PA)

“He’s wintered well and I think it’s a good place to start,” said Twomey.

“He has a 5lb penalty for his win in the Beresford Stakes last season, but we’re looking forward to running him on Sunday.

“I think stepping up in trip will play to his strengths, I think a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half should be well within his compass.”

Aidan O’Brien has three entries as he goes in search of a 12th Ballysax success, including Illinois, a soft-ground scorer at the Curragh before finishing third behind stablemate Los Angeles in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud.

Ocean Of Dreams made a huge impression on his racecourse debut at this track in October, romping home by six lengths on heavy going, while The Euphrates obliged on his second outing at Gowran Park when the mud was flying.

The field is completed by Dallas Star, with the Amo Racing-owned Zetland Stakes third making his first start for Adrian Murray after moving from the yard of Dominic Ffrench Davis.

Jockey Billy Lee and trainer Paddy Twomey with A Lilac Rolla at the Curragh
Jockey Billy Lee and trainer Paddy Twomey with A Lilac Rolla at the Curragh (Brian Lawless/PA)

Twomey has another promising three-year-old making a seasonal debut on the same card as A Lilac Rolla contests the Group Three Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” Stakes.

A filly by Harry Angel, A Lilac Rolla enjoyed a brief but flawless juvenile season, winning on her July debut at Cork before taking a Curragh fillies’ race by a head from Opera Singer the following month.

That form could hardly have worked out better, as Opera Singer went on to win the Group Three Newtownanner Stud Stakes by six and a half lengths and then the elite-level Prix Marcel Boussac by five lengths.

“She had a good year last year, she won her maiden and then she won her next race in good style,” Twomey said.

“She beat a very good filly in Opera Singer, she’s wintered well and is ready to start.

“The ground conditions may not be ideal but she’s in a good place and this is a good starting point for the season ahead.

“It was a good race (the Curragh race), she’s done well all winter and we’re looking forward to getting her started.”

Elsewhere in the seven-furlongs contest, there are four Ballydoyle runners in Buttons, Cherry Blossom, Greenfinch and Sweetest, with Donnacha O’Brien set to saddle Mysteries.

Joseph Murphy has entered Alpheratz, Jim Bolger is represented by Finsceal Luas and the field is completed by Natalia Lupini’s Kitty Rose, Noel Meade’s Money Dancer, Ger Lyons’ Wendla and the Alice Haynes-trained British raider Lexington Belle.

The other Group Three on the card is the Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” Stakes, which features Aidan O’Brien’s trio of Battle Cry, Samuel Colt and The Liffey, as well as Joseph O’Brien’s course and distance winner Atlantic Coast, plus Jack Davison’s dominant Madrid Handicap winner Take Me To Church.



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Early inspections at Leopardstown and Carlisle

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Leopardstown’s high-profile meeting on Sunday, due to feature a recognised Derby trial in the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes, will have to pass a 7.30am inspection if it is to go ahead.

The Group Three contest has thrown up several top-class performers over the years, including three subsequent Epsom winners in Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002) and Harzand (2016).

Leopardstown is also due to stage two other Group Three events in the Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” Stakes and the Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” Stakes, but the prospect of further rain falling on already heavy ground has prompted IHRB clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer to call a morning check.

He said: “Following three millimetres of rain since declarations, the track at Leopardstown is heavy and fit for racing at present.

“According to Met Eireann, there is the potential for a further three to five millimetres of rain throughout today into tomorrow, as well as the high winds associated with Storm Kathleen today.

“Due to the current adverse weather conditions, we will have a 7.30am inspection on Sunday morning to assess the situation.”

Downpatrick’s meeting on Sunday has already been cancelled, while officials at Carlisle have announced a precautionary inspection for 7am ahead of the scheduled final day of the Go North Series Finals.

Saturday’s meeting at Uttoxeter was given the go-ahead following a morning check, but racing at the Curragh was called off due to waterlogging.

Tuesday’s Flat meeting at Navan has been called off, while Hexham’s jumps card on the same day also looks in serious doubt, with officials calling an inspection for 7.30am on Sunday.

Looking even further ahead, officials at Leicester have announced an inspection for 8am on Tuesday ahead of the track’s scheduled fixture on Friday, with the course currently waterlogged and unraceable.



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Dee Capo takes charge for smart Leopardstown success

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Dee Capo has a trip to Fairyhouse or Aintree on his agenda after returning to winning ways at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Gordon Elliott’s charge won twice earlier in the season but had been off the track since being beaten a neck in a Navan Grade Three back in November.

Partnered by 5lb-claimer Danny Gilligan in the QuinnBet Hurdle, Dee Capo (3-1) travelled well throughout the extended two-and-a-quarter-mile affair, grabbing the lead from Ashdale Bob after jumping the last.

Gilligan just had to keep his mount up the task on the run to the line, prevailing by a length and three-quarters.

Elliott said: “He’s a nice horse and there is a lot of improvement in him from today.

“He’d had a couple of quick runs and we said we’d freshen him up and have him back for the spring.

“I’d imagine he’ll go to Fairyhouse or Aintree.

“He looks like a chaser.

“Danny gave him a good ride. Jack (Kennedy) is missing a few winners (due to a suspension) but that’s the way it goes. The horses are running well, which is important.”

Blizzard Of Oz defied his status as the perceived second string for Willie Mullins with a smart success in the Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle.

Sent off a 6-4 chance in the hands of Danny Mullins, with the Paul Townend-ridden Captain Cody the 4-5 favourite, Blizzard Of Oz hit the front before the last and found plenty on the run to the line to win by two and a quarter lengths, with his stablemate only fourth.

Mullins said: “I think the shorter trip was a benefit and he jumped better than he did in Naas.

“The ground might not be riding as heavy as people anticipated, when I see Captain Cody being tapped for toe and that fella going easily at the second last.

“Captain Cody probably wants a longer trip.

“I’d imagine both horses will be aimed for the Final in Punchestown and they will probably have a run before that.”

Brideswell Lad was a shock 33-1 winner of the Listed QuinnBet Handicap Chase for trainer Seamus Neville and jockey Brian Hayes.

The eight-year-old was a winner at the beginning of September but then had a bit of a lay-off following a fall at the end of that month, returning with two average subsequent runs.

However, he was right back to his best in this valuable affair, responding well to pressure to repel all challengers up the home straight, coming home a length and three-quarters clear of Battle Of Mirbat.

Neville said: “He’d a very heavy fall in Listowel and it took him a long time to recover. We felt he was getting there of late.

“He would be ground dependent as well, so it’s not too heavy.

“He’ll probably go to Fairyhouse and Punchestown and we’ll keep him going for the summer.”



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Newbury meeting given go-ahead following two inspections

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Newbury’s BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup meeting was given the green light following a second morning inspection at the Berkshire circuit.

While Friday’s six-race card took place in its entirety, conditions worsened throughout the day and with further rain forecast, an initial precautionary check was announced for 8am.

The course was found to be waterlogged in places early on Saturday morning, but officials were keen to give the fixture every chance and the track was passed fit to race shortly before a second planned inspection time of 10am.

Saturday’s Navan card, featuring the Grade Three Flyingbolt Novice Chase and the Grade Two BoyleSports Webster Cup, will also go ahead as scheduled after the course passed a a 7.30am inspection.

IHRB clerk of the course Paddy Graffin said: “I’m pleased to say that the track at Navan is fit for racing and has passed our inspection here this morning.

“The team here at Navan have done an outstanding job on the track and there is no longer any standing water. The ground remains heavy, and will be testing, but racing goes ahead.”

Leopardstown’s meeting on Sunday came through an initial Saturday morning inspection, and following a further check in the afternoon it received the go-ahead.

Clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer said: “Following a dry day and a rise in temperatures, all the snow has cleared the track at Leopardstown and we are now fit for racing tomorrow.

“The ground on the hurdle track is heavy and we are soft, soft to heavy in places on the chase track following the heavy rain Thursday night into Friday and the snow accumulation.

“The forecast is to remain mainly dry and settled with bright spells into tomorrow afternoon. There is the possibility of some further showers through Monday and we do have some fresh ground on the hurdle track for racing here again on Monday.”



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Second inspection called at Newbury

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This afternoon’s BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup meeting at Newbury is subject to a second course inspection at 10am.

While Friday’s six-race card took place in its entirety, conditions worsened throughout the day and with further rain forecast, an initial precautionary check was announced for 8am.

The Berkshire circuit was found to be waterlogged in places early on Saturday morning, but officials are keen to give the fixture every chance and will look again later in the morning.

Saturday’s Navan card, featuring the Grade Three Flyingbolt Novice Chase and the Grade Two BoyleSports Webster Cup, will go ahead as scheduled after the course passed a a 7.30am inspection.

IHRB clerk of the course Paddy Graffin said: “I’m pleased to say that the track at Navan is fit for racing and has passed our inspection here this morning.

“The team here at Navan have done an outstanding job on the track and there is no longer any standing water. The ground remains heavy, and will be testing, but racing goes ahead.”

Leopardstown’s meeting on Sunday has come through an initial Saturday morning inspection, but a further check has been announced for 3pm this afternoon.

“The track at Leopardstown remains unfit for racing at present due to snow still lying in some areas,” said clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer.

“However, there has been improvement since yesterday and further thaw is expected today so will have a further inspection at 3pm this afternoon.”



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Newbury call precautionary check for Saturday card

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The prospect of further rain has prompted officials at Newbury to announce a precautionary inspection ahead of Saturday’s BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup meeting.

While Friday’s six-race card at the Berkshire track took place in its entirety, conditions worsened throughout the day and a further seven to 12 millimetres of rain is forecast from early Saturday morning into the afternoon.

A precautionary check will be held at 8am to ensure the racing surface remains safe enough for day two of the meeting to go ahead.

Saturday’s Navan card, due to feature the Grade Three Flyingbolt Novice Chase and the Grade Two BoyleSports Webster Cup, is also under threat, with an inspection called for 7.30am, while Sunday’s meeting at Leopardstown is subject to an 8am inspection on Saturday.

Lorcan Wyer, IHRB clerk of the course at Leopardstown said: “Following a further 13mm of precipitation which has fallen as snow since 8am this (Friday) morning, Leopardstown is currently unfit for racing as the track is covered in snow.

“Temperatures are currently rising and the snow is already starting to thaw and is turning to rain with bright spells and temperatures of seven degrees forecast for Saturday.

“With the current situation we feel it is prudent to call an 8am inspection to determine the prospects for the fixture scheduled to take place on Sunday.”



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Fleur Au Fusil completes huge weekend for Mullins

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Fleur Au Fusil put the seal on a momentous weekend for Willie Mullins with victory in the Coolmore N.H. Sires “Hurricane Lane” Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race that brought the Dublin Racing Festival to a close.

Having already landed all eight Grade Ones over the course of the two days at Leopardstown, the champion trainer made it nine winners overall in the Grade Two finale.

Mullins was triple-handed, with his son Patrick siding three-time winner Aurora Vega, the 5-6 favourite, and nephew Charlie aboard impressive Thurles scorer Femme Magnifique.

That left Jody Townend to keep the ride on Fleur Fusil (10-1), and having guided the six-year-old to a debut success at Naas in November the partnership struck gold again with a two-and-a-half-length verdict from Switch From Diesel. Aurora Vega had to make do with minor honours in fourth.

“Jody was excellent on the mare, the mare was good and Jody gets on very well with her. It was an excellent performance,” said Mullins.

“It’s not the instructions you would give to anyone, to jump off and run away at halfway and still win!

“I haven’t a clue whether we’ll go to Cheltenham or Aintree, this is her Gold Cup for the moment.”

Stuart Crawford’s 20-1 shot Brucio came home best of all to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle.

Following a Grade One treble on Saturday, Danny Mullins looked set to add to his tally after going clear aboard Minx Tiara, but the petrol gauge began to empty on the run-in and it was recent Catterick scorer Brucio who ran her down before kicking six lengths clear under J J Slevin.

Brucio jumps the final flight at Leopardstown
Brucio jumps the final flight at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA)

“J J had her in a great position and she jumped very well for a lightly raced mare. There were a couple of hares in front and luckily they have just gone a bit too hard. She’s won well in the end,” said Crawford.

“She’s been steadily improving and won in Catterick the last day, which was a good piece of race selection by Anthony (Bromley).

“We were in a different ball game today, but it has given her a bit of confidence. She has a wee touch of class about her, and it couldn’t have gone any better on the day.

“We have plenty of options now and we could think about the mares’ novice in Cheltenham or a good handicap somewhere.”

Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore successfully combined in the O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Handicap Chase, with Heart Wood (6-1) stretching 16 lengths clear of his rivals.

Lord Erskine and Darragh O'Keeffe in full flight
Lord Erskine and Darragh O’Keeffe in full flight (Niall Carson/PA)

De Bromhead said: “He had a couple of nice runs in beginners chases and in all fairness it seemed a reasonable mark.

“We said we’d aim for here today and we’re delighted to win this. We’ll see what the handicapper thinks and then sit down and decide where we go.”

The Harry Rogers-trained Lord Erskine was a shock 40-1 winner of the Timeless Sash Windows Handicap Hurdle, with Darragh O’Keeffe delivering his mount with a late charge to beat Magical Zoe and Zenta by three and a half lengths and a nose respectively.

“Darragh knows him well and was very good on him. I was a bit worried about the ground but Darragh said it was no problem,” said an emotional Rogers.

“I could never get him into a good race with a light weight and it was the same on the Flat. He’d a proper weight on his back today and there was a good gallop which suited him.

“His (late) owner Jerry Nolan was a pure gentleman. I rode winners for him and having an owner like him, you couldn’t buy them. He was easy to train for.”



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Mullins in dreamland with weekend of Grade One domination

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Willie Mullins reflected on a weekend of “fantasy horse racing” at the Dublin Racing Festival after securing all eight Grade Ones prizes up for grabs across the two-day fixture for the first time.

The Closutton handler has dominated the high-profile meeting since its inception in 2018, although he had hitherto not quite found the correct combination to mop up all the top-level prizes in the same year.

But having once again sent an army of equine superstars to Leopardstown, Mullins completed a Grade One clean sweep, at odds of nearly 6,505-1 – an achievement the all-conquering champion trainer insisted he does not take for granted.

Willie Mullins with Paul Townend and State Man after completing his sweep in the Irish Champion Hurdle
Willie Mullins with Paul Townend and State Man after completing his sweep in the Irish Champion Hurdle (Niall Carson/PA)

He said: “It’s been a superb weekend. You see the team in action this weekend and I’m delighted for them, I’m delighted for my owners and my staff, it’s terrific.

“It’s extraordinary, we know that. Everything has come together – we have tremendous owners who invest in Irish racing and they love it.

“It’s tremendous to have people from abroad bringing money like that into Irish racing and we’re the beneficiaries – we’re very lucky.”

Galopin Des Champs starred in the trainer’s Saturday four-timer as he defended his crown in the Irish Gold Cup, ensuring he will be a short price to do the same in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month.

It is further evidence of the huge strength in depth that Mullins has at his disposal that he won the other three Grade One races on the first day with apparent second, third and even fourth strings.

Danny Mullins and Dancing City were shock winners on day one
Danny Mullins and Dancing City were shock winners on day one (Damien Eagers/PA)

The champion trainer’s nephew Danny Mullins enjoyed a treble, getting off to a flying start aboard rank outsider Dancing City in the curtain-raising Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle before landing the Spring Juvenile Hurdle and the Irish Arkle on Kargese and Il Etait Temps respectively.

On Sunday the results were a little more predictable, with State Man making it back-to-back wins in the Irish Champion Hurdle, Ballyburn justifying odds-on favouritism in the Tattersalls Ireland 50th Derby Sale Novice Hurdle and El Fabiolo cementing his status as Queen Mother Champion Chase favourite with a clear-cut win in the Dublin Chase.

The only minor upset among the four Mullins winners on day two was Fact To File’s defeat of better-fancied stablemate Gaelic Warrior in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase, with the latter exiting when well held at the final fence.

Mullins added: “You can’t get much better – it’s fantasy horse racing, isn’t it?

“We bring the horses here and as you saw a lot of our second strings won yesterday, it was amazing and Danny had a tremendous day.

“They’re all coming here on their merits for different owners and may the best one win on the day. You don’t know what will happen, look at Gaelic Warrior today – he was many people’s banker for the weekend and was a complete blowout. It’s not simple.”

El Fabiolo was one of Mullins' Sunday stars
El Fabiolo was one of Mullins’ Sunday stars (Niall Carson/PA)

Much has been made of Mullins’ increasing dominance on the National Hunt scene, with the fact he saddled the only two runners to go to post in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase clearly disappointing.

“It’s unfortunate,” he admitted. “Grangeclare West wasn’t right this morning and we withdrew him, I never dreamt (Gordon Elliott’s) American Mike would come out, I don’t know what happened there.

“It is unfortunate, but we run everything we can anyway. We just aim for these festivals and hope that ours turn up and as you see, they don’t all turn up.

“Yesterday we had a couple of favourites beaten, it’s racing and that’s why you have to come to the races and find out. If I was punting, I’d be losing my tonsils I’d say!”

Asked for a particular highlight, Mullins added: “If I had to name one that stands out it would be Galopin Des Champs.

“He made his own running and then it looked like there was a race on between the second-last and the last, but once he got over the last he was outstanding.”



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