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The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Emotional moment Irish jockey retires from horseracing at Punchestown as he says ‘I've had great craic along the way'
JOCKEY Jody McGarvey announced his retirement at Punchestown, insisting "I've had great craic along the way". The multiple Grade 1 winner rounded out his career by riding the Willie Mullins-trained Mirazur West to third in the handicap chase. Advertisement 1 Jody McGarvey, centre, has retired Credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile Speaking to RacingTV, McGarvey said he was going out with his head held high - even if his time in the saddle did not end the way he wanted. He said: "It's something I have been thinking about for a while and at the start of the season, as I do every year, I set myself goals. "I told my partner Shauna at the start of the year if I don't achieve those goals, I would look to do something else. "I have had a good career, not a great one, but I have enjoyed most of it. As I say, I set myself a target of winners for the year that I would get on a good horse and it just wasn't happening for me. Advertisement Read More on Punchestown "I would rather go out now on my own terms when I feel I am riding well and getting opportunities at festivals like this rather than dragging my heels for a couple of years. "The last thing I want is to go out with a chip on my shoulder so I will go out with my head held high. "It was a pity I didn't get the fairytale end that I hoped for but, look, I rode a favourite at "I have gone out in one piece; a lot of people haven't been that lucky. We lost Michael O'Sullivan during the year and that hit hard. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing "I am incredibly grateful that after all the injuries I had, I came out the other side. "Myself and my partner are expecting a baby next month. I was never going to be a jockey forever. I haven't loved every minute of it but I have had great craic along the way." Shocking moment jockey is hit in the head after horse crashes into railings in chaotic race at Punchestown Festival McGarvey rode a trio of Grade One winners for The first came on Great Field in the Ryanair Novice Chase at the 2017 Punchestown Festival . Advertisement He went on to ride I Am Maximus to victory at Fairyhouse in 2023 and in the Bobbyjo Chase last year. Along the way, though, he has suffered injury pain, and is glad to have had the experiences he has had while able. He added: "I have had some horrific injuries. "I broke my neck, I broke my back on a separate occasion and there were shoulder injuries and six surgeries or something like that. Advertisement "The older I am getting it is harder to come back. I am going out with my head held high. I have enjoyed most of it. "The game at the top is getting much tighter and there are so many good lads out there. "It is hard to find your place now and I would like to go out when I am still getting rides and still able to go out on good ones. "I have worked incredibly hard, I have met a lot of nice people and I have been lucky to ride for some good people. Advertisement "I am incredible grateful to those people, moreso JP McManus and Frank Berry. Frank has been such a big part of my career. "Christy Roche got me started. Only for Christy I probably wouldn't have made it as a jockey. "I would hate to be a young fella starting out now, it is so tough. "Starting off I probably wouldn't have been good enough to have made it but Christy nursed me and I got there in the end." Advertisement
Telegraph
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Grand National each-way tips: three picks at 20/1 or above
The Grand National captures the imagination of the public like no other horse race, with aficionados of the sport of kings and once-a-year bettors united in the quest to win big on the greatest race of all. With bookmakers offering up to six places or even more, the field reduced to 34 runners and the fences having been made easier to navigate in recent years, there is more hope than ever of picking out an each-way selection that will give you a tidy return. To help you on your way, here are three big-priced horses to consider for your each-way bets ahead of the Grand National at Aintree, which is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday. Grand National each-way betting tips Nick Rockett @ 22/1 with Betfred Senior Chief @ 24/1 with Betfred Bravemansgame @ 40/1 with Betfred Already used the Betfred sign-up offer? Check out all the latest bookmaker offers and the best betting sites. Rockett can reach greater heights The shortest odds of our each-way selections belong to NICK ROCKETT, whose price was down to single figures in February after he won the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, beating the much-fancied Intense Raffles into second by three-quarters of a length. That response was no surprise given the race had previously been won by last year's Grand National victor and fellow Wille Mullins-charge I Am Maximus, but those odds have now drifted. The Bobbyjo Chase was Nick Rockett's most recent run, which means that the eight-year-old has won each of his two races this year after completing 2024 with a third-placed finish in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April and fourth in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown in December. Chief kept fresh for National service While many of the contenders at Aintree are rated because of their encouraging performances at the recent Cheltenham Festival or in last year's Grand National, SENIOR CHIEF sat out both events. Trained by Henry de Bromhead, the second-season chaser's most recent victory came over 3m 1f at Cheltenham's October meeting last year. The eight-year-old showed impressive staying power when finishing sixth in the Coral Gold Cup over 3m 2f at Newbury in November, since when he has had a relaxed time of it, with just one hurdles outing in 2025, presumably with the aim of staying fresh for the National. Time to make Brave call? Another stayer that could provide value for each-way bettors is BRAVEMANSGAME, who also hails from a top stable, that of Paul Nicholls. The 10-year-old has not won a race since claiming victory in the King George VI Chase back on Boxing Day in 2022, but at his present odds we do not need him to be first home and there is ample proof that a place is not beyond him. In 18 chases, Bravemansgame has finished in the places on 14 occasions, most notably when second to Galopin Des Champs in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grand National 2025: Inothewayurthinkin out – full list of latest entries
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, who had been 3-1 favourite, won't line up at Aintree Racecourse after he was taken out of Randox Grand National as 69 remain following the latest scratchings' stage. But last year's winner I Am Maximus, who like Inothewayurthinkin is also owned by JP McManus, still remains on course. Gavin Cromwell's Inothewayurthinkin had been the market leader with most bookmakers before his win in the Cheltenham Festival feature, where he beat hat-trick-seeking Galopin Des Champs by six lengths. He was then cut to 3-1 favourite but connections have now decided not to let the seven-year-old, who also won at last year's Grand National Festival, to try and become only the second horse after Golden Miller in 1934 to win both races in the same season. He could still line-up in another Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival later next month. Cromwell confirmed this morning that his charge will not line up in the world's greatest steeplechase on April 5. The County Meath handler told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast: "It wasn't a very difficult decision. He's only a seven-year-old, he's just won a Gold Cup, we've worked very hard on his jumping this season. I think it's the right thing to do. It's tempting being so well in in the handicap, but we'll do the right thing. There's no decision on that (running at Punchestown) either. We'll see what the next few weeks bring and we'll make that decision when we have to. He was a good winner of a Gold Cup, but it's a very hard race on horses and we have to bear in mind he's only a seven-year-old." READ MORE: Liverpool anger could pay off after Newcastle United issue nobody is talking about READ MORE: Woman in her 20s found dead in house Cromwell still has last week's Cross Country Chase winner Stumptown; 2023 Grand National runner-up Vanillier, who was third to his stable-mate at Cheltenham; and Paddy Power Chase winner Perceval Legallois still entered in the Aintree showpiece. Stumptown is a best-priced 12-1 with William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and bet365; Vanillier is a 16-1 chance with Ladbrokes and Coral; Perceval Legallois 14-1 with Ladbrokes, Coral, Paddy Power, Skybet, BetVictor and Betfair; and Velvet Elvis. The new favourite is Intense Raffles, at a best-priced 7-1 with William Hill and bet365. The seven-year-old won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse for County Meath handler Tom Gibney last season and he was second to fellow National entrant Nick Rockett in the Bobbyjo Chase back at Fairyhouse in February. Willie Mullins' I Am Maximus, who provided the Irish handler with a second victory after Hedgehunter's success in 2005 in the Aintree showpiece when scoring under Paul Townend, will carry top weight of 11s12lb this time. He missed his intended prep race, the Bobbyjo Chase – a race he won before Aintree 12 months ago – at Fairyhouse last month due to a respiratory condition. But he is still on course to line-up again. I Am Maximus – who will bid to become the ninth official dual winner – is one of 10 entries still engaged for the reigning British and Irish champion trainer. The nine-year-old is currently a 10-1 chance with William Hill and bet365. There were 11 horses were taken out of the race and won't be lining up for the 177th running of the Grand National on Saturday, April 5. They were: Inothewayurthinkin; Cromwell stable-mate Limerick Lace; Mouse Morris' Gentlemansgame, the Henry De Bromhead-trained duo Envoi Allen and Monty's Star; the Gordon Elliott-trained Galvin, Neville's The Real Whacker and Trelawne from the Kim Bailey and Matt Nicholls' stable; Pinkerton, Git Maker and Gericault Roque. While French Dynamite, Zanahiyr and Placenet have not met the race conditions to qualify and have also been removed from the National. Irish trainer Elliott – who has won the Grand National three times with Silver Birch (2007) and the most recent dual scorer Tiger Roll (2018, 2019) – has taken out last year's fourth Galvin, who was pulled up in last week's Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Elliott still has 11 entries in the race this time including Three Card Brag, Conflated, Coko Beach, Fil Dor and Minella Crooner. Mullins' other entries include recent Thyestes Chase and Bobbyjo Chase winner Nick Rockett; Irish Gold Cup runner-up Grangeclare West; last year's Scottish Grand National winner Macdermott; Meetingofthewaters and Minella Cocooner, who landed the Bet 365 Gold Cup at Sandown last April. Nick Rockett is a 16-1 chance with Paddy Power, Meetingofthewaters is 25-1 with William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and bet365; Minella Cocooner is 40-1 with Skybet; while Grangeclare West 40-1 with official betting partners of the Grand National William Hill and Paddy Power. There are currently 34 Irish entries but for British trainers Iroko – also owned by JP McManus – is vying for favouritism. Trained in Cheshire by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, the seven-year-old – who was second to Inothewayurthinkin at last year's Grand National Festival – is a best-priced 8-1 with William Hill and Coral. Paul Nicholls, who won the Grand National in 2012 with Neptune Collonges, has saddled 79 runners in the Aintree showpiece over the years but has not had any for the past three runnings. This time though he has Kandoo Kid, who won the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December; 2022 King George VI Chase hero Bravemansgame; Denman Chase runner-up Hitman; Stay Away Fay and Threeunderthrufive among the entries. Kandoo Kid is the highest in the betting at 25-1 with William Hill and Ladbrokes. Venetia Williams' dual Haydock Park Betfair Chase winner Royale Pagaille, who finished sixth in last week's Gold Cup, is also still engaged. The 11-year-old Rich Ricci-owned gelding is a 150-1 chance with Paddy Power and Betfair for the National. Neville's The Real Whacker, who was fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last week, could now run in the Aintree Bowl Chase on the opening day of the Grand National meeting after being taken out of the big one. On his run in the Gold Cup Neville said: "We were happy and we were disappointed because he never ran his true race because he never saw the first fence. He never got into his rhythm jumping after that, he was just careful and wasn't letting fly. Looking back at it, Brian (Hughes) did well to stay on him as the horse in front of him (Banbridge) just crossed him at the last second and he said he never saw the fence. He was lucky he didn't come down. He's back in one piece and out in the field with the sun on his back. He's in good form, so we'll freshen him up and go to Aintree with him." He added: "I scratched him from the National and put him in the Bowl, so that's where he'll go. We'll test whether he likes the track and we can aim him at the National next year. Brian minded him the other day when his chance was gone in fairness to him. He was thinking of Aintree when his chance had gone and he picked up a few quid for finishing fifth. It was a great experience and everyone that was involved enjoyed it. It was great that he got around and we'll rock on to the next day, that's all you can do." There will again be a maximum of 34 runners going to post on the first Saturday of April and Cromwell's Vanillier is currently the 34th runner on the list of entries. Last year due to two late non-runners only 32 lined up in the National as the reserves system was not in place. But this year that reserves system will return. As previously there will be four reserves named – 35-38 on the final list – and should there be any non-runners up to 1pm the day (Friday, April 4) before the Grand National the reserves will replace them in racecard order. Betting Guide: 7-1 Intense Raffles, 8-1 Iroko, 10-1 I Am Maximus 12- Stumptown, 14-1 Nick Rockett, Perceval Legallois, 16-1 Vanillier, 25-1 Meetingofthewaters, 25-1 Kandoo Kid, Hewick, 33-1 Hyland, Three Card Brag, 40-1 Beauport, Monbeg Genius, Minella Cocooner, 40-1 Grangeclare West, 50-1 Bravemansgame, Broadway Boy, L'Homme Presse, Mr Vango. 66-1 bar. For full list of William Hill odds, please go to For full terms, visit: William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: 'With Cheltenham in the rear-view mirror, we're now full steam ahead to the Randox Grand National Festival. And on seeing favourite Inothewayurthinkin has been taken out of the Grand National, we think as Official Betting Partner of the festival, it's time to give punters the protection of Non-Runner Money Back on the race Even aside from Inothewayurthinkin, there's still a great deal of uncertainty around which contenders will turn up at Aintree on 5th April. But by going Non-Runner Money Back, we hope to give punters the confidence to back their fancy and be safe in the knowledge that should they not run, they'll get their money back. 'Intense Raffles has assumed favouritism at 7-1 as Thomas Gibney's contender bids to follow in I Am Maximus' footsteps and land the Irish Grand National-Grand National double in consecutive years. Iroko follows him at 8-1 and has been a popular pick with our punters, with defending champion I Am Maximus a 10-1 shot to retain his crown. As part of our commitment to great prices, it's been fantastic to hear Oddschecker's verification that William Hill offered more top prices on all four days of Cheltenham than any other major bookmaker*. We'll be committed to the same at Aintree." * Standard or Joint Top Price UK & Ireland racing 8am to 12pm Tuesday, March 11 2025 to Friday, March 14 compared to Bet365, Skybet, Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Betfair Sportsbook. Based on Win/EW online prices excluding enhancements. Claim verified by Oddschecker. Weights and entries for the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Class 1) (4m2f74y) at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, April 5 2025 (4pm) No, Horse (bred), age, weight, owner, trainer, rating 1 I Am Maximus (FR) 9-11-12 Mr JP McManus Willie Mullins (IRE) 1672 Royale Pagaille (FR) 11-11-9 Mrs S Ricci Venetia Williams 1643 Nick Rockett (IRE) 8-11-8 Stewart & Sadie Andrew Willie Mullins (IRE) 1634 L'Homme Presse (FR) 10-11-8 Dfa Racing (Pink, Edwards & Sharman) Venetia Williams 1635 Grangeclare West (IRE) 9-11-8 Cheveley Park Stud Willie Mullins (IRE) 1636 Hewick (IRE) 10-11-7 Mr TJ McDonald Tara Lee Cogan (IRE) 1627 Minella Indo (IRE) 12-11-3 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead (IRE) 1588 Appreciate It (IRE) 11-11-2 Miss MA Masterson Willie Mullins (IRE) 1579 Capodanno (FR) 9-11-2 Mr JP McManus Willie Mullins (IRE) 15710 Minella Cocooner (IRE) 9-11-2 Mr David Bobbett Willie Mullins (IRE) 15711 Stumptown (IRE) 8-11-2 Furze Bush Syndicate Gavin Cromwell (IRE) 15712 Conflated (IRE) 11-11-2 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott (IRE) 15713 Hitman (FR) 9-11-1 Mason, Hogarth, Ferguson & Done Paul Nicholls 15614 Beauport (IRE) 9-11-1 Bryan & Philippa Burrough Nigel Twiston-Davies 15615 Bravemansgame (FR) 10-11-0 Bryan Drew Paul Nicholls 15516 Chantry House (IRE) 11-10-13 Mr JP McManus Nicky Henderson 15417 Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 10-10-12 McNeill Family Paul Nicholls 15318 Perceval Legallois (FR) 8-10-12 Mr JP McManus Gavin Cromwell (IRE) 15319 Kandoo Kid (FR) 9-10-11 Mr Michael Geoghegan Paul Nicholls 15220 Iroko (FR) 7-10-11 Mr JP McManus Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero 15221 Intense Raffles (FR) 7-10-10 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Thomas Gibney (IRE) 15122 Senior Chief (GB) 8-10-10 Lucky In Life Syndicate Henry de Bromhead (IRE) 15123 Idas Boy (IRE) 11-10-10 Dozen Dreamers Richard Phillips 15124 Mr Incredible (IRE) 9-10-9 Mr J Manclark Sandy Thomson 15025 Fil Dor (FR) 7-10-9 Robcour Gordon Elliott (IRE) 15026 Broadway Boy (IRE) 7-109 Mr DM Proos Nigel Twiston-Davies 15027 Coko Beach (FR) 10-10-9 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott (IRE) 15028 Farouk d'Alene (FR) 10-10-9 Mr Justin Carthy Gary Brown (IRE) 15029 Stay Away Fay (IRE) 8-10-9 Bell, Lyons, Hill Paul Nicholls 15030 Velvet Elvis (IRE) 9-10-7 Mr D Kierans Gavin Cromwell (IRE) 14831 Minella Drama (IRE) 10-10-7 Green Day Racing Donald McCain 14832 Meetingofthewaters (IRE) 8-10-7 Mr JP McManus Willie Mullins (IRE) 14833 Monbeg Genius (IRE) 9-10-6 Martin Tedham & Wasdell Properties Ltd. Jonjo & AJ O'Neill 14734 Vanillier (FR) 10-10-6 Mrs HM Keaveney Gavin Cromwell (IRE) 147 35 Horantzau d'Airy (FR) 8-10-6 Scea De Vallee Michael Keady (IRE) 14736 Hyland (FR) 8 10 6 The Ten From Seven Nicky Henderson 14737 Celebre d'Allen (FR) 13-10-6 Mr Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs & Johnson White 14738 Fontaine Collonges (FR) 10-10-6 Mr P Davies Venetia Williams 14739 Three Card Brag (IRE) 8-10-5 Patrick & Scott Bryceland, McNeill Family Gordon Elliott (IRE) 14640 Minella Crooner (IRE) 9-10-5 KTDA Racing/Nick Courtney/Cillian Moran Gordon Elliott (IRE) 14641 Twig (GB) 10-10-5 Mrs G Morgan Ben Pauling 14642 Quick Wave (FR) 12-10-5 Ms Sharon Kinsella Venetia Williams 14643 Duffle Coat (IRE) 8-10-4 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott (IRE) 14544 Shakem Up'arry (IRE) 11-10-4 Mr Harry Redknapp Ben Pauling 14545 Roi Mage (FR) 13-10-4 Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont Patrick Griffin (IRE) 14546 Favori de Champdou (FR) 10-10-3 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott (IRE) 14447 Fantastic Lady (FR) 10-10-3 Mr ER Hanbury Nicky Henderson 14448 Yeah Man (IRE) 8-10-3 John J Brennan/Martin Hannan Gavin Cromwell (IRE) 14449 Mr Vango (IRE) 9-10-2 Cracker and Smodge Partnership Sara Bradstock 14350 Macdermott (FR) 7-10-2 Gallagher Bloodstock Limited Willie Mullins (IRE) 14351 Mister Coffey (FR) 10-10-2 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Nicky Henderson 14352 Chemical Energy (IRE) 9-10-2 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott (IRE) 14353 Desertmore House (IRE) 10-10-1 OBP Carroll/Anthony Vaughan Martin Brassil (IRE) 14254 Malina Girl (IRE) 8-10-1 Mrs JM Russell Gavin Cromwell (IRE) 14255 Richmond Lake (IRE) 9-10 1 Hemmings Racing Donald McCain 14256 La Renommee (FR) 7-10-0 Upton House Stud Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole 14157 Stuzzikini (IRE) 7-9-13 VCS Versatile Coating Specialist/F Foran Gordon Elliott (IRE) 14058 King Turgeon (FR) 7-9-13 Somerset Racing David Pipe 14059 Surrey Quest (IRE) 8-9-12 Surrey Racing (SQ) Toby Lawes 13960 Cruz Control (FR) 8-9-12 Mr F Green and Mr J Chinn Tom Lacey 13961 Apple Away (IRE) 8-9-11 Old Gold Racing 14 Lucinda Russell 13862 Busselton (FR) 8-9-11 Friendship Partnership Joseph Patrick O'Brien (IRE) 13863 Spanish Harlem (FR) 7-9-11 Dr SP Fitzgerald Willie Mullins (IRE) 13864 Famous Bridge (IRE) 9-9-9 Hemmings Racing Nicky Richards 13665 Escaria Ten (FR) 11-9-7 J B Property Investments (Midlands) Ltd Martin Keighley 13466 Where It All Began (IRE) 9-9-7 McNeill Family/Patrick & Scott Bryceland Gordon Elliott (IRE) 13467 Pats Fancy (IRE) 10-9-3 Hydes, McDermott, Spencer, Frobisher & Lee Rebecca Curtis 130 67 entries remain (34 Irish-trained) after March 18 scratchings deadline Scratched: Envoi Allen, Inothewayurthinkin, Gentlemansgame, Monty's Star, Limerick Lace, Galvin, The Real Whacker, Trelawne, Pinkerton, Git Maker, Gericault Roque. Not qualified: French Dynamite, Zanahiyr and Placenet
