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New Paper
16-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Minnie Hauk up for major Oaks double
Such is Aidan O'Brien's outrageous dominance in UK racing, especially on his Irish home soil, that an enviable record of seven trophies in the Group 1 Irish Oaks (2,400m) is oddly enough, not among one of his most prominent silverware hauls. The Ballydoyle maestro breaks records like a broken record in classics like the English Derby (11) or Irish Derby (17), to name a few, but somehow, he has been "less prolific" with the fillies in the British isles classics. Seven is also his score in the Group 1 Epsom Oaks (2,400m), but, amazingly, he is still by a long chalk the leading trainer for the Irish version despite the softer grip on the 130-year-old The Curragh €500,000 (S$747,000) showpiece. The statistics tell the story. Despite O'Brien's peerless 30-year-long success story, he racked up his first Irish Oaks success only at his 10th year of training in 2006 with Alexandrova. It has not been a case of the floodgates being flung wide open since, but the last 18 years have seen his tally boosted significantly, with Savethelastdance his last triumph in 2023 - and he is now odds-on to extend it to eight on Saturday, July 19. Not only does he saddle the ante-post odds-on (1-3) favourite Minnie Hauk, but his Coolmore entries also outnumber his rivals' with two-thirds of the nine-horse field. The six-horse assault could, however, be shaved off of one or two, who unfortunately would have made for a more mouth-watering "sisterly" clash. In a stirring Ballydoyle 1-2 battle to the line, Whirl was only overhauled late in the Epsom Oaks (2,400m) on June 6, but after she won the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes (2,000m) three weeks later, O'Brien has inferred that the 5-1 chance was a doubtful Irish Oaks starter. Arguably, forgoing the Big Two is a luxury the powerful outfit can afford given Minnie Hauk's upside and seemingly bottomless depth. Among the remaining four, Butterfly Wings, Island Hopping and Merrily may be rightly seen as a few lengths behind Minnie Hauk, and just making up the numbers, but French Oaks (Group 1 Prix de Diane over 2,100m) runner-up Bedside Story is hardly a token runner. However, the four-time winner by Frankel, a 13-2 quote, could also be a non-runner at declaration time. "They probably won't both run, I'd imagine," said O'Brien. "We were thinking that Whirl and Bedtime Story might go for the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood over 10 furlongs. "Whirl came back to a mile and a quarter last time in the Pretty Polly and she was happy over that distance. "Minnie Hauk has been fine since Epsom, she had a little break and everything has been good since." Even if the squad is whittled down to four, the highest chance of seeing the O'Brien-Coolmore team's strength in numbers translated into success remains with Minnie Hauk. The Frankel filly is only lightly raced, having won her last three from four starts, including an Oaks lead-up at Chester, but O'Brien and his team have kept her brewing nicely at her Tipperary headquarters for the Epsom-Irish Oaks double. The feat is not uncommon, with half of the 10 bidders in the last 20 years pulling it off. Ominously, the last record holder is an O'Brien, Snowfall who won by a combined aggregate of more than 24 lengths, incidentally handing her trainer only his second Epsom-Irish Oaks double since Alexandrova. The Epsom Oaks winning roster has not featured a vintage crop since Snowfall. None among Tuesday (2022), Soul Sister (2023) and Ezeliya (2024) has won again. But there is a general sentiment Minnie Hauk could buck the trend - or rekindle that Classic double - on Saturday at 10.40pm Singapore time. Besides the rivalry from within her own stable, she will still have to contend with the remaining ticket holders. O'Brien's son Joseph's Wemightakedlongway, James "Fozzy" Stack's Bay Colony and Johnny Murtagh's Subsonic are the only other confirmed starters. On paper, the chances of an O'Brien toppler among that trio look remote, even if Wemightakedlongway did run fourth to Minnie Hauk in the Epsom Oaks and again fourth in the Pretty Polly Stakes, and Subsonic ran a ½-length second to Minnie Hauk at Leopardstown on debut in October. manyan@
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Con Guiney's Its Playtime wins Novice 2 525 heat in some style at Tralee greyhound track
Everything might have taken second place to the televised coverage of the English Derby final at Tralee track on Saturday night - with obvious disappointment that victory didn't belong to either of the two Kerry finalists, De Lahdedah and Cheap Sandwiches - but there was plenty to entertain at the Oakview venue.
The Irish Sun
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
I've found a beautiful 15-2 tip at York that can build the bank for Royal Ascot
THIS weekend is very much the calm before the Royal Ascot storm - but I still reckon I've managed to unearth a tasty punt. I'm hoping to warm up for the big meeting with a decent eachway run from Blue For You in the 7f handicap at York. Advertisement 1 The stage is set for a huge week at Royal Ascot - but I reckon I can find a winner to boost our coffers before then Credit: Getty My selection is handicapped to go well for David O'Meara and Danny Tudhope. To be honest I don't often get this yard right, but I think Blue For You is worth taking a risk on as an animal who loves the track. Blue For You usually goes over a mile, and was a winner at York in July of last year off 95. Having not scored since, he's on 95 again now, and he had a perfectly decent run over 7f at Haydock in April. Advertisement He's hard to predict but a few quid each-way is, in my opinion, well worth it. Elsewhere at York I wonder if some headgear will spark up Chillingham? Time will tell… but I'll give him a go each-way too. Meanwhile, the Greyhound Derby final is here and it's the defending champion against a fellow Irish champion in a right old smashup. That's what we get in the climax of the coveted £175,000 Starsports Greyhound Derby at Towcester on Saturday night, which promises to be an absolute belter. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing De Lahdedah, handled by Liam Dowling, bids to become just the fifth greyhound in history to achieve back-to-back successes. And remember those that have done so are names from yesteryear that will always live long in the memory of dog loving fans. Think Mick the Miller (1929-30), Patricias Hope (1972-3), Rapid Ranger (2000-1) and my personal favourite Westmead Hawk (2005-6). But to score, De Lahdedah will have to destroy Graham Holland's Bockos Diamond, who aims to make history and do something only Toms the Best has ever achieved, and that's to land the Irish and English Derby. Advertisement This is a proper race, and after ITV duties at York I'm dashing straight to Towcester to enjoy the moment. I hope you will be there to. Those in charge have put on loads of entertainment and music throughout the day. It will be a party atmosphere. So come on down and say hello. If you can't get to watch the race live on track, then remember all the action can be seen on the Gone to the Dogs live channel. You'll find it with a simple 'Google' search. Advertisement And if you are a dog lover, don't forget there is a Just Giving page to support the rehoming of greyhounds. Any support is always welcome and it's something the game takes very seriously. So who will win? And is this a two dog race? Well the answer to the latter question is clearly no. We have all been around too long to dismiss the unexpected. Advertisement As is always the case in greyhound racing, though, the draw is crucial and Bockos Diamond is plotted up in the black and white stripes of Trap 6, with kennel companion Cheap Sandwiches next to him in the orange of Trap 5. That also happened in the semi-finals, when Bockos Diamond destroyed Cheap Sandwiches for early pace. The former doesn't always get out as quickly as he did that day, in an impressive 3.95s. But Trap 6 seems to be the spot where he traps best. Cheap Sandwiches also chased home Bockos Diamond in his Irish Derby victory, where the latter dashed better early pace despite not getting an electric start. Advertisement Some have a theory that the inside of the track is the place to be at Towcester, and that means De Lahdedah will have plenty of supporters. He's in the white jacket of Trap 3, and that box holds no terrors for him, although he landed his semi-final from the blue of Trap 2. De Lahdedah will need luck in the early stages, as he's a strong stayer who lacks early dash. He does, however, have tremendous track craft and he'll keep plugging away. Advertisement If Bockos Diamond gets away I can't see him being picked up, but we are talking narrow margins here. It just promises to be a wonderful event, and greyhounds are beautiful animals to watch in fluent motion. Their long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build allow them to reach speeds of 40mph. Bockos Diamond will need to use all those attributes at 9.15pm tonight. Shine bright Bockos, like a diamond. Advertisement 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
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I've found a beautiful 15-2 tip at York that can build the bank for Royal Ascot
Read on for my thoughts ahead of a blockbuster week MATT CHAPMAN I've found a beautiful 15-2 tip at York that can build the bank for Royal Ascot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS weekend is very much the calm before the Royal Ascot storm - but I still reckon I've managed to unearth a tasty punt. I'm hoping to warm up for the big meeting with a decent eachway run from Blue For You in the 7f handicap at York. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The stage is set for a huge week at Royal Ascot - but I reckon I can find a winner to boost our coffers before then Credit: Getty My selection is handicapped to go well for David O'Meara and Danny Tudhope. To be honest I don't often get this yard right, but I think Blue For You is worth taking a risk on as an animal who loves the track. Blue For You usually goes over a mile, and was a winner at York in July of last year off 95. Having not scored since, he's on 95 again now, and he had a perfectly decent run over 7f at Haydock in April. He's hard to predict but a few quid each-way is, in my opinion, well worth it. Elsewhere at York I wonder if some headgear will spark up Chillingham? Time will tell… but I'll give him a go each-way too. Meanwhile, the Greyhound Derby final is here and it's the defending champion against a fellow Irish champion in a right old smashup. That's what we get in the climax of the coveted £175,000 Starsports Greyhound Derby at Towcester on Saturday night, which promises to be an absolute belter. De Lahdedah, handled by Liam Dowling, bids to become just the fifth greyhound in history to achieve back-to-back successes. And remember those that have done so are names from yesteryear that will always live long in the memory of dog loving fans. Think Mick the Miller (1929-30), Patricias Hope (1972-3), Rapid Ranger (2000-1) and my personal favourite Westmead Hawk (2005-6). But to score, De Lahdedah will have to destroy Graham Holland's Bockos Diamond, who aims to make history and do something only Toms the Best has ever achieved, and that's to land the Irish and English Derby. This is a proper race, and after ITV duties at York I'm dashing straight to Towcester to enjoy the moment. I hope you will be there to. Those in charge have put on loads of entertainment and music throughout the day. It will be a party atmosphere. So come on down and say hello. If you can't get to watch the race live on track, then remember all the action can be seen on the Gone to the Dogs live channel. You'll find it with a simple 'Google' search. And if you are a dog lover, don't forget there is a Just Giving page to support the rehoming of greyhounds. Any support is always welcome and it's something the game takes very seriously. So who will win? And is this a two dog race? Well the answer to the latter question is clearly no. We have all been around too long to dismiss the unexpected. As is always the case in greyhound racing, though, the draw is crucial and Bockos Diamond is plotted up in the black and white stripes of Trap 6, with kennel companion Cheap Sandwiches next to him in the orange of Trap 5. That also happened in the semi-finals, when Bockos Diamond destroyed Cheap Sandwiches for early pace. The former doesn't always get out as quickly as he did that day, in an impressive 3.95s. But Trap 6 seems to be the spot where he traps best. Cheap Sandwiches also chased home Bockos Diamond in his Irish Derby victory, where the latter dashed better early pace despite not getting an electric start. Some have a theory that the inside of the track is the place to be at Towcester, and that means De Lahdedah will have plenty of supporters. He's in the white jacket of Trap 3, and that box holds no terrors for him, although he landed his semi-final from the blue of Trap 2. De Lahdedah will need luck in the early stages, as he's a strong stayer who lacks early dash. He does, however, have tremendous track craft and he'll keep plugging away. If Bockos Diamond gets away I can't see him being picked up, but we are talking narrow margins here. It just promises to be a wonderful event, and greyhounds are beautiful animals to watch in fluent motion. Their long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build allow them to reach speeds of 40mph. Bockos Diamond will need to use all those attributes at 9.15pm tonight. Shine bright Bockos, like a diamond. 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.
Fox Sports
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Lambourn wins English Derby to give trainer Aidan O'Brien his 11th victory at the classic
Associated Press EPSOM, England (AP) — Lambourn raced away from the pack to win the English Derby on Saturday, giving Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien his 11th win at the classic race. Lambourn set the pace early and then pulled away down the final stretch to win by about 3 1/2 lenghts. The 3-year-old colt, ridden by Wayne Lordan, entered the race at 13-2 after losing to 2-1 favorite Delacroix at Leopardstown in March. But Delacroix never looked like challenging this time and finished ninth. Lazy Griff (50-1) was second and Tennessee Stud came third. It was O'Brien's third consecutive win at the showpiece race. 'Wayne gave him him an incredible ride," O'Brien said. 'Everybody knew what he was going to do, he's very straightforward, Wayne knew he'd stay so he went forward." Lambourn was sired by 2014 Derby winner Australia, who in turn was sired by 2001 victor Galileo. 'It's incredible for everyone that we trained Australia to win the Derby and his sire as well, Galileo. I'm just a small part of it, everybody puts in so much, I can't tell you what a privelege it is," O'Brien said. 'Australia was a great Derby winner and his horses are so straightforward, just like him." ___ AP horse racing: in this topic
