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Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Comfort Zone favourite for opening day feature at Galway Races
Galway's seven-day summer festival gets underway with a seven-race programme and Comfort Zone can land the opening day feature, the Connacht Hotel Qualified Riders' Handicap, for Joseph O'Brien and Derek O'Connor. The six-year-old dual-purpose performer contested the two-mile-four Ascot Stakes on his most recent outing and had plenty of work to do from a wide draw. He also didn't enjoy the best of luck at a crucial stage and ran brilliantly to be beaten just three parts of a length behind Ascending. From a decent draw, he should be able to race handily this time and, with stamina as a strong suit, it will be no surprise if he goes on from a long way out and tries to draw the sting out of his rivals. The classy sort can land the spoils at the expense of Toll Stone and Too Bossy For us. The former is closely matched with the selection on old form, and he did exceptionally well to beat Mr Percy in a Flat handicap at this meeting in 2024, doing so from a wide draw. He is almost certainly better than his mark of 86 and can play a leading role. Too Bossy For Us is an obvious candidate following his good run at the Curragh. Still quite lightly raced and representing Willie Mullins, who has won five of the last eight renewals of this race, his claims are clear. The nap goes to Aviatrice, an all-weather winner who can put a first turf win on her card by taking the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap for David Marnane. Unraced until the October of her two-year-old season, she made little impact first time up but finished runner-up on her next two starts before getting off the mark at the fourth time of asking, just seven weeks after making her debut. Off for almost seven months after that win, she made her return in mid-June at Limerick and ran a big race to finish runner-up to progressive stablemate Amemri. On her most recent start, she contested a competitive race at Leopardstown but enjoyed little luck in running and ran much better than the fourth-place finish might suggest. It is encouraging that the third-placed Shelbiana won next time up and, with the selection's handicap mark left at 80, there is every reason to expect a bold showing. From a decent draw, she can lie handy and the stiff climb to the finish should play to her strengths. Honeysuckle Rose is a live danger, and were Spanish Temptress to get called in from the reserves, the impressive Killarney winner would merit plenty of respect. Rakki is of obvious interest in the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle as he is making his debut for Willie Mullins having earned an opening mark of 105 for previous connections. The market will reveal expectation but, without the benefit of that, Prove Yourself is the one to side with. Ross O'Sullivan's lightly raced sort won a maiden at Tramore and followed up with a decent effort on his handicap debut, from a 1lb lower mark than he runs off today. A recent promising effort on his Flat debut has teed him up for the this assignment and he makes plenty of each-way appeal. GALWAY 5:10 Davy Crockett 5:40 Prove Yourself 6:10 Constitution River 6:40 Comfort Zone (nb) 7:15 Aviatrice (nap) 7:50 Bear Creek 8:20 Coutach Next best 5:10 A Snow White Park 5:40 Rakki 6:10 Masaban 6:40 Toll Stone 7:15 Spanish Temptress 7:50 Desmond Castle 8:20 Faith Of Empires
Irish Examiner
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
San Salvador leads Joseph O'Brien double at Ballinrobe
Versatile veteran San Salvador defied top-weight in the featured Download The Tote App Handicap in Ballinrobe, providing the second leg of a double for Joseph O'Brien and stable-jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, who is now only five behind reigning champion Colin Keane (45-50) in the title race. Last seen when running creditably in the Ascot Stakes, nine-year-old San Salvador tracked front-runner Cristal Clere before challenging on the approach to the straight and, in front inside the final furlong, stayed on to triumph by a length and three-quarters. 'He's an absolute legend of a horse to ride,' stated the delighted winning rider. 'He's so straight-forward, stays well but has a good turn of foot. He has a lot of speed for an old horse and travelled really well. I kept taking him back but he picked up well when I asked him. He was the class horse in the race and won like it. I'm sure Joseph has a plan for him.' Earlier, Dylan Browne McMonagle guided well-backed 3/1 shot, Kashel Spring, to a clear-cut victory in the Tote Never Beaten By SP Maiden, sparing the Carriganog double. The Australia filly swept to the front turning for home before being driven clear to score by five lengths from favourite Minella Study, prompting her rider to comment, 'She's a very straight-forward filly, with a good attitude, and is progressing with experience. I had her in a good position, with a nice pace to aim at. The ease in the ground helped her and, hopefully, she keeps improving.' The Paul Gilligan-trained Buddy One, a high-class staying hurdler, had the perfect pipe-opener ahead of next Wednesday's Tote-sponsored Galway Plate when opening his flat account in the Maiden, mastering front-runner So Golden by a length. The eight-year-old was ridden by Rory Cleary, who stated, 'He's a classy hurdler and Paul told me to buck him out and have him handy all the way, that his class should see him go close. I was pretty much flat out all the way, but he picked up and stayed going well. He just did enough when he got to the front, but it should leave him spot-on for Galway.' Apprentice Nicola Burns, who registered a double at the last meeting here, struck again when partnering the Andy McNamara-trained Galaxy Wonder to a gutsy, all-the-way win in the Follow Tote On X Handicap, holding off the late challenges of Boyne Valley and Eagles Dream. 'He seems to be happy racing on his own and I'm delighted for his very enthusiastic owner Dessie Kelly,' declared McNamara. Front-running tactics also paid off for Robert Whearty on board Paul Flynn's mare Grizabella in the Tote Guarantee Handicap as the six-year-old mare bolted-up by ten lengths from Lunar Landscape. 'She doesn't suit hurdles and doesn't really stay two miles,' commented the winning trainer, 'Her wind is not perfect and these country tracks suit her – filling her up the whole time.' Up 4lb. for a recent win in Bellewstown, Ciaran Murphy's mare Steps In The Sand, ridden by Patrick McGettigan, followed-up in the Tote-sponsored apprentice handicap.
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Legendary trainer Henry de Bromhead snaps up 17-year-old jockey in bid to fill void left by Rachael Blackmore
LEGENDARY trainer Henry de Bromhead has snapped up a 17-year-old jockey - as he looks to fill the void at his yard left by Rachael Blackmore. The trailblazing Grand National winner 2 Rachael Blackmore has left a huge void at Henry de Bromhead's yard - but he is attempting to fill it with hugely promising 17-year-old jockey Conor Cusack Credit: Sportsfile 2 Cusack, left, was big mates with De Bromhead's late son Jack It ended an amazing and emotional partnership with De Bromhead that saw them win the world's most famous race plus the Gold Cup. The timing of Blackmore's retirement meant Irish handler De Bromhead had some time to bolster his jockey ranks. And while it seems the brilliant Darragh O'Keeffe will be his No1 for the new jumps season, De Bromhead has moved quickly to sign another rider who could flourish on the Flat. Step forward Conor Cusack - who already has a close bond with the Waterford handler. Cusack has banged in a quickfire double for De Bromhead this month - winning twice from two rides. He showed superior skill in the saddle to time 9-4 Stepdance's win just right at Limerick last Saturday. While at Killarney on Monday he was never for catching on six-length stunner Catena Zapata in a mile contest. De Bromhead has shown himself a top notch dual purpose trainer in recent years. Most read in Horse Racing He won the Ascot Stakes at last month's Royal Ascot with Ascending and last year bagged a £300,000 cheque with Magical Zoe's win in the Ebor. Cusack's rapid rise through the ranks suggests he could be the man for the future. And how fitting that would be, given he was friends with De Bromhead's late son Jack. Racing was plunged into mourning when Jack Cusack dedicated his recent wins to Jack and thanked Henry for the chance to show what he can do. The jockey, who was lifted off his feet by several women in celebration at Killarney, said: "Hopefully things keep going and a massive thanks to Henry who has trusted me with two nice horses. "I'm light enough so hope to stay at this game - I'm not too fond of the table! "It's a great feeling. "I was supposed to be out in Spain on holidays but the availability came up to ride this one so I said I'd book a flight home early. "Thank God it's worked out!" FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Legendary trainer Henry de Bromhead snaps up 17-year-old jockey in bid to fill void left by Rachael Blackmore
He looks destined for big things in the saddle CON JOB Legendary trainer Henry de Bromhead snaps up 17-year-old jockey in bid to fill void left by Rachael Blackmore Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEGENDARY trainer Henry de Bromhead has snapped up a 17-year-old jockey - as he looks to fill the void at his yard left by Rachael Blackmore. The trailblazing Grand National winner announced her shock retirement aged 35 in May this year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Rachael Blackmore has left a huge void at Henry de Bromhead's yard - but he is attempting to fill it with hugely promising 17-year-old jockey Conor Cusack Credit: Sportsfile It ended an amazing and emotional partnership with De Bromhead that saw them win the world's most famous race plus the Gold Cup. The timing of Blackmore's retirement meant Irish handler De Bromhead had some time to bolster his jockey ranks. And while it seems the brilliant Darragh O'Keeffe will be his No1 for the new jumps season, De Bromhead has moved quickly to sign another rider who could flourish on the Flat. Step forward Conor Cusack - who already has a close bond with the Waterford handler. Cusack has banged in a quickfire double for De Bromhead this month - winning twice from two rides. He showed superior skill in the saddle to time 9-4 Stepdance's win just right at Limerick last Saturday. While at Killarney on Monday he was never for catching on six-length stunner Catena Zapata in a mile contest. De Bromhead has shown himself a top notch dual purpose trainer in recent years. He won the Ascot Stakes at last month's Royal Ascot with Ascending and last year bagged a £300,000 cheque with Magical Zoe's win in the Ebor. Cusack's rapid rise through the ranks suggests he could be the man for the future. And how fitting that would be, given he was friends with De Bromhead's late son Jack. Racing was plunged into mourning when Jack died aged 13 in September 2022. Cusack dedicated his recent wins to Jack and thanked Henry for the chance to show what he can do. The jockey, who was lifted off his feet by several women in celebration at Killarney, said: "Hopefully things keep going and a massive thanks to Henry who has trusted me with two nice horses. "I'm light enough so hope to stay at this game - I'm not too fond of the table! "It's a great feeling. "I was supposed to be out in Spain on holidays but the availability came up to ride this one so I said I'd book a flight home early. "Thank God it's worked out!" FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Irish Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mullins plots plan for King and Queen's horse after one-year wait pays off
Willie Mullins is set to plot a route back to Royal Ascot for Reaching High, who is owned by King Charles and Queen Camilla, after his luckless run in the Ascot Stakes. The four-year-old, sent off the 11/4 favourite for the 2m4f contest on day one of the meeting, was denied a clear run under Ryan Moore and ended up finishing ninth as the Henry de Bromhead-trained Ascending (20/1) won under Billy Lee. However, Mullins was celebrating in the winners enclosure on Friday as Ethical Diamond won the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes in the hands of Moore. The Closutton trainer and his wife Jackie had taken part in the royal procession before racing and his dual-purpose performer had no trouble in justifying 3-1 favouritism. Fourth last year, he was 2lb higher having also finished fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham – but the result barely looked in doubt and he came home two lengths clear of Mutaawid and Naqeeb, with the trainer admitting the race had been the plan for the past year. Mullins said: 'Last year he just ran too free and things didn't work out for him, but he still ran a cracker to be fourth so I thought if we get things right this year he had a real live chance and it worked out that way. 'We will give him a little break, bring him home; we will look at York next, a race like the Ebor.' He added: 'These are just fantastic days, Jackie was just saying to me coming in here today 'just enjoy it', and then to have a winner on top that is the cherry on the cake." Mullins stated that he is already plotting a route back to Royal Ascot next year for Reaching High, revealing: 'Tuesday was a little disappointing, but we live to fight another day and hopefully Reaching High will be back for the same race next year. Ryan had nowhere to go, he was just locked in on the inside and that was that."
