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Irish Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Over €17m changes hands as racing's biggest names splash cash and records broke
Records were smashed as €17,576,000 changed hands at this year's Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale. A record price of €285,000 was paid for a Store sold anywhere in Ireland, while a record number of 38 lots were sold for over €100,000. Four horses were sold for over €200,000 with a Walk In The Park gelding out of Posh Trish (Lot 338) topping the sale at €285,000. Those involved in the bidding for the first foal out of the Listed-winning Stowaway mare included Gordon Elliott and Megan Nicholls. However, it was Dan Skelton Racing and Ryan Mahon who won the bidding war and a delighted Skelton said afterwards: "He has incredible movement, he has good size, and has everything we want. He is a proper athlete, comes from a good hotel, he is out of a great mare and by the right sire. We thought he'd make €250,000, and then it was just a few arm wrestles after. He deserves to be a lot of money because he is a beauty – he is the most expensive Store we have ever bought!" He added on ownership plans: "He is for some fantastic American ladies, Myrteel Ward and Margaret Duprey, who have supported us for some time – this is a definite step up for them, and for all of us!" Agent Tom Malone, teaming up with trainer Gavin Cromwell and representing owner Owen Daley, splashed out €260,000 for Lot 370, a filly by Tunis named Moscovite from Moanmore Stables, who scored a lucrative profit after snapping her up last year for just €43,000. The filly is a half-sister to four winners in France, and her dam Russie, by Network, is a half-sibling to Natal, a horse with 11 wins under its belt, including graded races over hurdles and fences, and finished runner-up in the prestigious two-mile Champion Chase (G1) at Punchestown. "Owen was looking for a lovely horse and I said that this filly was a standout, she is a very smart," Malone commented. "I have ticked the box for the MSL Mercedes-Benz Sale Bumper, as I have done with all the horses I have bought over the two days, including those going to England – it is small amount of money for a valuable race." Meanwhile, Gordon Elliott secured the Blue Bresil half-brother (Lot 432) to this year's Grade 1 Scilly Isle Novices' Chase victor Handstands, a Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale 2023 graduate, for a cool €235,000. "He is a lovely athletic horse, one we have been waiting for all week," Elliott expressed about the Glenvale Stud-consigned gelding, who had previously been pinhooked at the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale for €70,000. "We will get him home now and broken in. His half-brother, Handstands, is very talented." The half-siblings come from a talented extended family that includes black-type winners Be My Belle, Snake Eyes, Boreen Belle, Rose Of Inchiquin, Empire Of Dirt, Monalee and Monty's Star. The fourth lot to fetch over €200,000 was another gelding by the sale's leading sire Walk In The Park – Aiden Murphy shelled out €210,000 for the Glenvale Stud-consigned three year old gelding out of the unraced Presenting mare La Bella Roma, a half-sister to the Listed bumper winner Vegas Blue (Lot 239). This is the family of the 11-time winner Bellshill, whose victories included the Punchestown Champion Bumper (G1), two Grade 1 novice hurdles, and the Punchestown Gold Cup (G1) and the Irish Gold Cup (G1). "For me, this is the nicest Walk In The Park at the sale," said Murphy, adding: "I loved him, he is for Olly [Murphy] and for a new partnership in the yard – existing owners who have got together to increase their firepower." The final buyer table featured some of National Hunt racing's most high profile trainers, with Willie Mullins / Harold Kirk , Olly / Aiden Murphy, Dan Skelton / Ryan Mahon, Gordon Elliott and O'Neill Racing all featuring prominently over the two days. Simon Kerins, CEO of Tattersalls Ireland, expressed his satisfaction with the sale's performance: "The Derby Sale continues to deliver – not just in headline prices, but in real depth of trade. This week saw the highest-priced Store sold this year, and across every key metric the sale has significantly surpassed last year's strong figures. A record breaking 38 lots sold for €100,000 or more, while today's session saw us exceed the €10 million mark for the first time. The confidence shown by leading buyers, both in Ireland and in the UK, is a direct reflection of the quality on offer. "The 14 Grade 1 winners in the 2024/25 season tell their own story. That level of success isn't a coincidence, and it's what brings the best agents, owners, and trainers back to Fairyhouse year after year. "The Irish point-to-point community were out in force once again, and that cohort of the industry make sure that the Irish point-to-point field remains a trusted nursery and source of racecourse talent. "We welcomed MSL Mercedes-Benz as our partner for the first time, and their presence has helped to elevate the sale. All horses catalogued and offered at the Derby Sale are eligible for the new €100,000 Tattersalls Ireland MSL Mercedes-Benz Sales Bumper. "My thanks also to Irish Thoroughbred Marketing – their support plays an important part in strengthening the UK buying bench and complementing our own marketing teams' efforts."
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grand National tips: Experts' best bets and 11 horses to watch today at Aintree today
The Grand National Festival continues with day two at Aintree set to provide more thrills and spills with some high class racing. Officials have compensated for the dry conditions by watering the ground to ensure the going is good to soft but yesterday proved that this is still going to be a quick course to cover. Jonbon headlines the day in the Melling Chase but all eyes are on the showpiece event this Saturday with the Grand National field now confirmed. Last year's winner I Am Maximus is back and among the main contenders, while Iroko, Stumptown, Hewick, Intense Raffles and Vanillier are also heavily fancied by tipsters and experts. I Am Maximus is attempting to create history as the first runner carrying top weight to win since three-time winner Red Rum in the 1970s, while only Tiger Roll has defended the title, in 2019, since then. . 1.45pm Handstands – 2 point win @ 2/1 (William Hill) The Changing Man – 1/2 point each-way @ 12/1 (William Hill) The decision to sidestep Cheltenham and head straight here can play dividends for Handstands who should relish the step back up to three miles. The six-year-old's form was given a tidy boost when Jango Baie, gamely beaten by the selection at Sandown in February, went on to win the Arkle Chase at the Festival and he is reported in good shape ahead of this assignment. The Changing Man doesn't win very often, but he has acquitted himself well in some tough handicaps this year and any price of 10/1 or above with preferred betting sites looks a fair each-way play with decent ground sure to suit. 2.20pm Be Aware – 1pt ew @ 7/1 (bet365) – 6 places Helnwein – 1/2pt ew @ 14/1 (bet365) – 6 places Be Aware didn't seem to quite see out the trip of the Coral Cup on a stiff track and may prove more at home on the flatter surrounds of Aintree. Dan Skelton's grey son of Martaline had previously finished placed in two of the season's hottest handicap and represents a team which have won two of the last three renewals of this race. If you go back far enough, Helnwein beat Be Aware on the final day of last season at Sandown so could be overpriced on Grand National betting sites. Backers need to take on trust his ability to see out the trip, but it looks a risk worth taking at the price. 2.55pm Romeo Coolio – 2pt win @ 5/4 (William Hill) The Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle looked a race to follow, and it will be disappointing if third-home Romeo Coolio can't uphold the form here. This speed track may not play to his strengths quite as much as Cheltenham, but hopefully he can be ridden close to the pace and kick at the opportune moment under Sam Ewing. Tripoli Flyer is very much respected, but he appears to show plenty of disdain for his hurdles and can't afford to do that in Grade 1 company. 3.30pm Jonbon to beat Protektorat – 1pt forecast Events didn't go to plan at Cheltenham for Jonbon who was just one of a number of short-priced horses at the Festival to forfeit their chance with a modest round of jumping. Hopefully, he can put things right here and reprise his victory in last year's renewal. Protektorat was two-and-a-half lengths in arrears 12 months ago and could be the one to follow the selection home again following a commendable effort in the Ryanair Chase. 4.05pm James Du Berlais - 1pt ew @ 8/1 (William Hill) – 6 places Ginnys Destiny - 1/2pt ew @ 16/1 (bet365) – 6 places James Du Berlais jumped the final fence in this event last year pretty much on the bridle, so it was a surprise he didn't get the job done. His entire season looks as though it has been geared around going one better and his supporters will be hoping for a similar round of jumping and perhaps a slightly more patient ride from J J Slevin who takes over from Paul Townend. Backing Ginny's Destiny requires an act of faith but, in the hope that the first-time tongue tie and cheekpiece combination works the oracle, he might be worth a small each-way bet on horse racing betting sites off an enticing mark. 4.40pm Califet En Vol - 1pt ew @ 4/1 (Betfred) – 4 places Twenty of the last 24 winners of this race had won at least twice over hurdles, while 18 of the last 19 were aged six or seven. Three of the last 10 were also trained by Nicky Henderson so Califet En Vol makes plenty of appeal, especially as 14 of this century's winners had also skipped Cheltenham like he did. The selection's form behind Cheltenham festival scorer The New Lion looks the pick on offer here and he also fits the profile of six of the last eight winners who were ex-pointers. 5.15pm Celtic Dino - 1pt ew @ 13/2 (Skybet) – 6 places Slugger – 1/2pt ew @ 33/1 (bet365) – 5 places The ground is quite an important component to Celtic Dino but there should be no concerns on that score here and he represents one of the stronger views of day two. A sound surface saw the selection post excellent times at both Wincanton and Ascot before the turn of the year, while he still ran commendably in Grade 1 company at this venue on Boxing Day. A recent effort behind Tripoli Flyer at Kempton was also a creditable effort under conditions which didn't play to his strengths, and he looks handicapped to make his mark here. Slugger is one of three Harry Derham entries to hold live chances, and he narrowly gains the nod as an each-way dart courtesy of his fine effort in a strongly run Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso last time.
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Grand National tips: Experts' best bets and 11 horses to watch today at Aintree today
The Grand National Festival continues with day two at Aintree set to provide more thrills and spills with some high class racing. Officials have compensated for the dry conditions by watering the ground to ensure the going is good to soft but yesterday proved that this is still going to be a quick course to cover. Jonbon headlines the day in the Melling Chase but all eyes are on the showpiece event this Saturday with the Grand National field now confirmed. Last year's winner I Am Maximus is back and among the main contenders, while Iroko, Stumptown, Hewick, Intense Raffles and Vanillier are also heavily fancied by tipsters and experts. I Am Maximus is attempting to create history as the first runner carrying top weight to win since three-time winner Red Rum in the 1970s, while only Tiger Roll has defended the title, in 2019, since then. Day 1: Friday 4 April 1.45pm Handstands – 2 point win @ 2/1 (William Hill) The Changing Man – 1/2 point each-way @ 12/1 (William Hill) The decision to sidestep Cheltenham and head straight here can play dividends for Handstands who should relish the step back up to three miles. The six-year-old's form was given a tidy boost when Jango Baie, gamely beaten by the selection at Sandown in February, went on to win the Arkle Chase at the Festival and he is reported in good shape ahead of this assignment. The Changing Man doesn't win very often, but he has acquitted himself well in some tough handicaps this year and any price of 10/1 or above with preferred betting sites looks a fair each-way play with decent ground sure to suit. 2.20pm Be Aware – 1pt ew @ 7/1 (bet365) – 6 places Helnwein – 1/2pt ew @ 14/1 (bet365) – 6 places Be Aware didn't seem to quite see out the trip of the Coral Cup on a stiff track and may prove more at home on the flatter surrounds of Aintree. Dan Skelton's grey son of Martaline had previously finished placed in two of the season's hottest handicap and represents a team which have won two of the last three renewals of this race. If you go back far enough, Helnwein beat Be Aware on the final day of last season at Sandown so could be overpriced on Grand National betting sites. Backers need to take on trust his ability to see out the trip, but it looks a risk worth taking at the price. 2.55pm Romeo Coolio – 2pt win @ 5/4 (William Hill) The Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle looked a race to follow, and it will be disappointing if third-home Romeo Coolio can't uphold the form here. This speed track may not play to his strengths quite as much as Cheltenham, but hopefully he can be ridden close to the pace and kick at the opportune moment under Sam Ewing. Tripoli Flyer is very much respected, but he appears to show plenty of disdain for his hurdles and can't afford to do that in Grade 1 company. 3.30pm Jonbon to beat Protektorat – 1pt forecast Events didn't go to plan at Cheltenham for Jonbon who was just one of a number of short-priced horses at the Festival to forfeit their chance with a modest round of jumping. Hopefully, he can put things right here and reprise his victory in last year's renewal. Protektorat was two-and-a-half lengths in arrears 12 months ago and could be the one to follow the selection home again following a commendable effort in the Ryanair Chase. 4.05pm James Du Berlais - 1pt ew @ 8/1 (William Hill) – 6 places Ginnys Destiny - 1/2pt ew @ 16/1 (bet365) – 6 places James Du Berlais jumped the final fence in this event last year pretty much on the bridle, so it was a surprise he didn't get the job done. His entire season looks as though it has been geared around going one better and his supporters will be hoping for a similar round of jumping and perhaps a slightly more patient ride from J J Slevin who takes over from Paul Townend. Backing Ginny's Destiny requires an act of faith but, in the hope that the first-time tongue tie and cheekpiece combination works the oracle, he might be worth a small each-way bet on horse racing betting sites off an enticing mark. 4.40pm Califet En Vol - 1pt ew @ 4/1 (Betfred) – 4 places Twenty of the last 24 winners of this race had won at least twice over hurdles, while 18 of the last 19 were aged six or seven. Three of the last 10 were also trained by Nicky Henderson so Califet En Vol makes plenty of appeal, especially as 14 of this century's winners had also skipped Cheltenham like he did. The selection's form behind Cheltenham festival scorer The New Lion looks the pick on offer here and he also fits the profile of six of the last eight winners who were ex-pointers. 5.15pm Celtic Dino - 1pt ew @ 13/2 (Skybet) – 6 places Slugger – 1/2pt ew @ 33/1 (bet365) – 5 places The ground is quite an important component to Celtic Dino but there should be no concerns on that score here and he represents one of the stronger views of day two. A sound surface saw the selection post excellent times at both Wincanton and Ascot before the turn of the year, while he still ran commendably in Grade 1 company at this venue on Boxing Day. A recent effort behind Tripoli Flyer at Kempton was also a creditable effort under conditions which didn't play to his strengths, and he looks handicapped to make his mark here. Slugger is one of three Harry Derham entries to hold live chances, and he narrowly gains the nod as an each-way dart courtesy of his fine effort in a strongly run Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso last time.
