Latest news with #AintreeGrandNationalFestival
The Irish Sun
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Willie Mullins enters three potential star horses – including one his wife owns – in race he's won for past six years
TRIPLE THREAT Willie Mullins enters three potential star horses – including one his wife owns – in race he's won for past six years WILLIE MULLINS has entered three potential superstar horses - including one his wife owns - in a race he's won for the past six years. The Closutton boss has made the Friday bumper at Tramore his own since 2019, when he claimed it with future Listed winner Getaway Gorgeous. Advertisement 1 Willie Mullins, here with wife Jackie on the left and son Patrick, has entered three horses - including one owned by his other half - in a bumper race he's won every year since 2019 Credit: Getty Since then the roll call of honour includes Ruaille Buaille, Coole Og, Space Tourist, Caman Eileen and, most recently, More Coko. Every single one of Mullins' six winners has been sent off odds-on favourite for the 2m½f Flat race. While none of them went onto become household names, the three he has entered for this year's renewal all boast fascinating pedigrees. Certainly good enough to suggest one of them could burst through into his top tier for the upcoming season. Advertisement Among them is five-year-old mare Katie Can't Count, who is owned by Mullins' wife Jackie. Katie Can't Count is by the former Aidan O'Brien-trained multiple Group 1 winner Order Of St George, who has the Ascot Gold Cup on his CV. Among his best progeny is Grade 2 bumper-winning mare Seo Linn, who won at this year's Aintree Grand National Festival. Mullins has also entered fellow five-year-old La Confiner, a No Risk At All mare who will be making her debut as well for owner Brendan O'Sullivan. Advertisement La Confiner was bought for around £30,000 at the Goffs Arkle stores sale in June 2023. But arguably the most interesting of the lot is four-year-old gelding Highland Realm. He is by globe-trotting middle-distance superstar Highland Reel and out of Stops A Nation - a half-sister to Mullins' beloved Wicklow Brave. A 'horse of a lifetime', Wicklow Brave won just shy of £1million with 17 wins from 59 races before being fatally injured in the 2019 American Grand National. Advertisement Stops A Nation, who was also trained by Mullins, won a Tramore bumper on debut in April 2019 and is also a half-sister to the former John Gosden mare Brass Ring, who won four times over staying trips. Mullins will make his final declarations for the race on Wednesday. He is busy readying his massive squad for the 2025-26 National Hunt season - but will go into it without two big names. Sir Gerhard and Kilcruit were recently retired. Advertisement But it is hoped former Gold Cup king Galopin Des Champs will come back all guns blazing. And jumps fans could be in for an early treat should he start his season in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown once more. Gavin Cromwell revealed his Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin is likely to run there first time out. That means this year's Gold Cup 1-2 could have the first of a few head-to-heads there at the end of November. 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: 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 Independent
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Exciting Killarney summer racing festival schedule starts with three-day ‘MayFest'
The first of the three-day fixture will host an exciting programme of jump racing, live music and entertainment, complemented by food and beverages and a fantastic summer festival atmosphere with live music on the lawn. Monday and Tuesday are evening meetings and will host jump and flat racing, respectively. Both cards have proven to be good markers for racing fans and punters with last year's 3rd in the Boylesports An Roicht Steeplechase (Grade 3), Gentlemen De Mee, going on to win the Topham Handicap Chase at the Aintree Grand National Festival last month. The same is true of Killarney's relationship with high-class flat horses. The 2024 winner of The Outlook Publications Race, Uxmal, is trained by Joseph O'Brien and the Killarney race was used as a stepping stone for the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2024 where Uxmal won in style. General Manager Killarney Races Karl McCay said it's fitting that it's season should begin with a Family Day as it offers a unique range of activities. 'We often see two, three, and even four generations of families enjoying a special day out, making memories together here, at Ireland's most scenic racecourse,' he said. 'Our popular early bird tickets combined with free admission for U14s and discounts for the seniors make it a novel, price sensitive and great day out for everyone! All our 2025 festival tickets are now available on our website at an early bird discount rate so book early to avoid disappointment,' Mr McCay said. With four unique multiday horse racing events to choose from in May, July, August and October there is a race day to suit everyone at Killarney Races. There are also various ticket levels and packages available. Adult admission tickets will give you access to all you need for a great day at the races; the viewing stands, public bars and restaurants, the bookies ring and parade ring viewing areas as well as access to live entertainment during and after racing all from just €20. OAPs and students enjoy a €5 discount with appropriate ID. Furthermore, all children under the age of 14 are free of charge to attend all race days at Killarney Races.
