Spillane's Tower can rise above small but quality Punchestown field
Galopin Des Champs has been dethroned as the king of Cheltenham, but he's never really been the king of Punchestown, because from five visits to the track over fences, he has won only once.
Banbridge is the King George winner who disappointed at Cheltenham and Spillane's Tower hasn't been seen since he disappointed in the King George. So there's many balls in the air here, and no certainties. Spillane's Tower, with Mark Walsh up, on their way to victory at Fairyhouse last year. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
I know my parents are really happy with Spillane's Tower and while they were disappointed they couldn't run at Aintree due to the drying ground conditions, they are confident he could run a career-best here.
He's my selection to win this — call it what you want, maybe it's my heart leading my head. But to see Spillane's Tower winning today, well that would be the result of the week for me.
In the Grade One bumper (4.50), I think Colcannon is going to run a big race for Noel Meade. Colcannon, with Derek O'Connor up, on their way to victory at Leopardstown earlier this year. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
The obvious solution to this puzzle is Bambino Fever, but she's a very short-priced favourite out of the Willie Mullins yard.
I just think Colcannon could run a big race because his form from Leopardstown is working out really well. It's a small field in this as well, and he drops in last so his running style will really suit a small field. Expect Derek Connor to play his cards late and maybe catch the mare on the line.
The day's other Grade One is the three-mile Channor Novice Hurdle (4.15), for which I like Honesty Policy, trained by Gordon Elliott. I think stepping up to three miles will really improve his chances. He was a winner at two and a half miles at Aintree, and he looked like he was going as quick as he could go everywhere, so the extra half-mile should really suit. Honesty Policy, with Mark Walsh up, on their way to victory at Aintree. Pic:And while I respect Jasmin De Vaux, I don't believe he's as fluent a hurdler as Honesty Policy who's a year younger and maybe has more improvement to come.
Cork jockey John Shinnick is two winners off the leader in the race to be crowned champion conditional jockey and he will be hoping he can win on Fairyland Opera in the first race on the card, the Adare Manor Opportunity Final Handicap Hurdle (2.30) over two miles and three furlongs.
She's a mare who was a very easy winner at Tramore last time and given her placed form before that, I think Fairyland Opera could defy a rating of 114 and provide Lorna Fowler with an opening race winner.
Next is the Red Mills Auction Series Final (3.05) and Millforce catches my eye here.
I was in Thurles when he won over two miles, six furlongs and he showed pace that day, so I'm not surprised they're dropping back slightly in trip.
Keith Donoghue would have had the choice between Millforce and Champagne Jury as both are trained by Gavin Cromwell, and he's opted to stay loyal to the top horse. So I think Millforce has the experience and the potential class to win this race.
The Louis Fitzgerald Hurdle is a race for horses who have won only once over hurdles. Spillane's Tower managed to get beaten in it two seasons ago.
I think Kaid D'authie is better than we've seen. He won at Leopardstown over Christmas, making all the running, and obviously his connections rated him very highly because his next two runs, while he disappointed, were in Grade One company. Kaid D'authie (right) at Leopardstown in 2024. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
They're putting cheek-pieces on him now because perhaps he's keeping the lion's share of his energy up his own sleeve. I reckon Kaid D'authie is going to take a lot of beating in this race because it's a winners of one, but they thought he was a Grade One horse.
Trainer Paddy Twomey is one of the rising stars of the Flat scene, but when he has one on the National Hunt front, you do take notice.
I rode a Bumper winner for him at the Punchestown Festival many moons ago before he became the man he's known as today. That was on a 33-1 shot, Timing's everything, but today Seo Linn won't be any such fancy odds in the Grade Three Mares' Bumper (6.35).
After winning at the Cheltenham November meeting and the Aintree meeting just gone, I think she can make it a treble by winning this one under Barry O'Neill. Trainer Paddy Twomey. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
In the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase, Must Be Obeyed catches my eye, but be warned — she does not tend to live up to her name.
She can be very cantankerous, particularly at the start where she sometimes sabotages her own chance. But with the cheekpieces fitted first time, I think she can make it her first win since January 2023 under Darragh O'Keeffe, who is riding her at 10st 1lb.
She's been dropped to a mark of 126, expect Must Be Obeyed to be on the pace with those first-time cheekpieces and she may well be hard to catch.
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The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Owners remove £195,000 Grade 2-winning horse from Gordon Elliott's yard with his blessing and send to his protege
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Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Extra.ie
Irish rugby's biggest issues heading into new season
With a marathon season over, there is a brief window to take stock of the shape of Irish rugby before the next campaign begins. And the unsustainable demands on players thanks to a merciless calendar should be a global warning. On specifically Irish interests, the Lions tour and, to a much lesser extent the brief national trips to Georgia and Portugal, highlighted areas awaiting Andy Farrell's attention on his return to Ireland duty. The Lions tour and, to a much lesser extent the brief national trips to Georgia and Portugal, highlighted areas awaiting Andy Farrell's attention on his return to Ireland duty. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan A period of significant change awaits, provincially and nationally. Andy Farrell has got one decision consistently right in his near-six years coaching Ireland: ignoring the tyranny of World Cup cycles. Andy Farrell has got one decision consistently right in his near-six years coaching Ireland. Pic:Ireland's failure to get past New Zealand in 2023 was not down to a failure to nurture new talent. While the enormous reliance on Johnny Sexton looked regrettable as he struggled to find an opening late on against the All Blacks, there was no compelling alternative over the preceding weeks, months or years. Farrell won't pick his teams in November or next spring based on games due to be played in two years' time. Ireland couldn't get past New Zealand in 2023. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland But if that doesn't impel him to shake his squad up in the new season, the evidence of the one just over should. Ireland flatlined for much of it, through November and into the Six Nations. Some of this can be addressed through selection, with James Lowe and Bundee Aki obviously vulnerable, but more options are needed in the back row, too. However, team selection is only a part of it. Farrell will not need reminding of what happens when a team fails to update its tactics – he was part of Joe Schmidt's support staff during the misbegotten 2019 when buoyant World Cup hopes were done for long before the tournament started. Bundee Aki and James Lowe. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile It was clear from the first match of that Six Nations that Ireland had been worked out, and in the absence of Plan B, disaster couldn't be averted. Farrell's priority now should be to steer the national team away from revisiting that fate. There were signs at times in Australia of Schmidt visiting the type of game on the Lions that Ireland don't like: the breakdown was a mess, power carriers kept the defence in retreat, and come the third Test, the Lions couldn't summon an answer. It was a similar story against France in Dublin in the Six Nations. 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Beyond him, Ben Murphy at Connacht has been identified as a coming force, but Fintan Gunne in the Leinster academy excites connoisseurs of the scrum-half art. Gunne won an Under-20 Grand Slam two years ago, and looks to be right in the thick of the succession planning at Leinster for life after Gibson-Park and Luke McGrath. Craig Casey led the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady Casey will be the understudy to Gibson-Park for the season ahead, but there were times last term when he rivalled the form of the Leinster player, and it was obvious he should have been promoted to the bench ahead of Conor Murray on a consistent basis. That will happen now, but it would take injury or an extended collapse in the form of Gibson-Park for Casey to take his place. The incumbent showed in Australia that he has recovered his best form, and if the plan remains to bed in Sam Prendergast at No10, the head coach will be minded to pair him with a more experienced scrum-half. 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Leinster to win the Champions Cup in the coming campaign. It's as simple as that. Clayton McMillan arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation but an daunting task at Munster. The departures of Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray deprive him of players who were past their prime, but priceless in terms of experience and influence. Clayton McMillan arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation but an daunting task at Munster. Pic: DJ Mills/AFP via Getty Images More of the burden now falls on Tadhg Beirne, but Craig Casey is shaping up to be a big influence, too. McMillan's problem is the same one that has undone every coach at Thomond Park: big expectations that an ordinary playing group are expected to deliver. The flow of underage talent at Ulster is creating genuine excitement, and not just because there is precious little else for fans to seize on. Richie Murphy's reputation remains strong, and there is a handful of potential breakout players, led by Nathan Doak, who could improve the side. Consistency remains a major problem, which itself is down to too little quality. The appointment of Stuart Lancaster has rightly caused excitement throughout the Irish game, and it seems an inspired choice by Connacht. His reputation alone means what fans expect will rise a notch or two above the normal. The appointment of Stuart Lancaster has rightly caused excitement throughout the Irish game. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher His two best players will not, based on recent evidence, appear a whole lot, given the injury problems of Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki. Lancaster is masterful at developing talent, though, and the Connacht squad will improve under his watch. Under the traditional measure, that will mean more Ireland call-ups, and Ben Murphy is primed to step up and compete with Casey and Gibson-Park. But beyond that, the need for four province functioning effectively is vitally important with uncertain times looming. It's not been like that for too long, but the Irish system is too small and delicately poised for passengers.
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Extra.ie
How many of Ireland's Lions will make it to World Cup?
Irish players were hugely influential on the recent Lions tour but how many will be as central to Ireland's World Cup campaign in 2027? Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent Keenan's was the most remarkable story of the 2025 Lions, recovering from savage illness to become the second Test hero. Had a bit of a dip after his Olympics sojourn but he has the right age profile to be a leader at Australia 2027 and his experience and security will be central to Ireland's ambitions. Age at next World Cup: 32 Prospects: Good Ireland's unluckiest Lion. Ringrose's form was excellent and deserved Test recognition until concussion issues intervened. His specialist outside centre skills are not easily replicated, and given his meticulous conditioning, his powers will be just as potent in 2027 – the only caveat here is further injury complications. Garry Ringrose. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 29 Prospects: Excellent Hansen possesses just the type of game-breaking qualities that could prove vital to Ireland ending their 40 years of World Cup pain. Not the biggest or fastest winger on the circuit, but the Connacht man has an eye for an opportunity that sets him apart and he will only be 29 in 2027. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Doubtful Lowe has unique power and distribution skills that no other Ireland wide man can emulate. However, the Leinster winger did not have his best tour and continues to be dogged by defensive insecurities as well as a lack of out and out speed. Lowe has been a key factor in Ireland's success under Farrell, but his age is against him and making the next World Cup looks a long shot. Age at next World Cup: 25 Prospects: Excellent Farrell spotted something in the Naas youngster from a long way out and Osborne has delivered – making the most of his unexpected Lions chance with a big, two-try performance. Age is not an issue and he brings the right combination of power and panache. Osborne's versatility adds to his appeal, but inside centre is his natural home and the No12 jersey should be his for the foreseeable future. Bundee Aki. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 37 Prospects: Unlikely Aki has done his adopted state some service over the years and had some big moments on this tour also – although his form did not merit elevation above Sione Tuipulotu and the last Test looked to be an outing too far. This feels like the right time for him to step off the international stage – it is vital that he does not impede succession plans in the midfield. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful The fact he will be 35 at the next tournament counts against him but Gibson-Park is so influential, there is an imperative to protect him over the next two years. Ireland have talented options at No9 in Craig Casey, Ben Murphy and Nathan Doak but, even though he may end up on the bench, Gibson-Park's nous needs to be retained if possible. Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent It is surprising his selection ahead of the irrepressible Ellis Genge did not cause more outrage among the sizeable English media contingent on the Lions tour. Not in peak form for Lions but remains massively influential in the Ireland pack and will be hitting his peak at the next World Cup. Age at next World Cup: 28 Prospects: Excellent Uniformly admired across the rugby globe with justifiable claims on the title of best hooker in the game. Sheehan will be spearheading Ireland's challenge at the next World Cup, possibly even leading the team out as captain, if the decision is taken to lessen the burden on Caelan Doris's shoulders. Dan Sheehan of British & Irish Lions during the third test match. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 29 Prospects: Very good There were wobbly lineout issues, not all of his making, but Kelleher remains elite back-up for Sheehan in a key position with Gus McCarthy adding to Ireland's strength in this area. His presence in the squad for Australia 2027 to negotiate an arduous campaign is essential. Age at next World Cup: 34 Prospects: Hopeful Falls into the same category as Gibson-Park – too good to leave out regardless of age issues. Furlong has a lot of mileage in arguably the most intense position on the field and injuries have been his chief tormentor over the last two years. Protecting him over the next two is absolutely key to Ireland's hopes. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Doubtful Enhanced his reputation on this Lions tour, both on and off the field (his double act with Genge was the stand-out feature of the Lions' behind-the-scenes footage). However, the Connacht tighthead (below) faces a challenge to stay at the top level deep into his 30s and Ireland need to assess the alternatives. Tadhg Furlong. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 27 Prospects: Excellent In many ways, Clarkson was the big success story of the 2024-2025 Irish rugby season. He has stepped up whenever called upon and his age profile and high ceiling mean that when the next World Cup rolls around, Clarkson should be right at the top of his game. Age at next World Cup: 26 Prospects: Excellent Ireland's answer to Will Skelton will only get better and his impact was best emphasised by how the Lions struggled in his absence. Farrell needs more like him, with Munster's Edwin Edogbo the best bet, and McCarthy will be a rallying figure for the foreseeable future. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful An exceptional player who, like Gibson-Park and Furlong, needs to be protected to ensure his presence in 2027. Even so, it will be a challenge given Beirne's attritional style and advancing years but the Munster back five star (inset) is a stand-out talent and remains key to Ireland's hopes. James Ryan. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent Was having a superb impact for the Lions until forced off with injury in the third Test. Should be hitting his peak at Australia 2027 and can be the Martin Johnson-esque fulcrum of the Irish pack. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful Another elite operator whose age is against him. Conan operates in the most contested area of the Ireland team but has the conditioning and the nous to stay in the mix, injuries allowing. His experience could be vital. Age at next World Cup: 34 Prospects: Very good It is safe to expect a big two years from Van der Flier (above) as he seeks to erase his Lions frustrations and end his stellar career on a high. The Leinster openside's form was superb for the Lions and should have earned him a start in the third Test. Another who is heading for his mid-30s but Van der Flier will ensure he is in peak physical state and there is no specialist openside near him in the Irish game – one of the big issues on Farrell's to-do list.
