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The 42
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Joy for Mullins as Jade De Grugy too good for Brighterdaysahead, Lulamba boost for Henderson
JADE DE GRUGY produced a career-best performance to continue Willie Mullins' recent domination of the SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown The Closutton handler had saddled eight of the last 10 winners of the Grade One contest and having finished best of the rest behind esteemed stablemate Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Jade De Grugy was even-money to add to his tally. After initially being settled in third place by Paul Townend, the six-year-old was allowed to stride on in front heading out for the second circuit, a move which was covered by her main rival Brighterdaysahead, who was bidding to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Champion Hurdle. The big two were clear of the chasing pack rounding the home turn and Jade De Grugy always looked to be going the better, pulling further ahead in the straight to score by six and a half lengths. A tiring Brighterdaysahead was eventually beaten to the runner-up spot by the winner's stablemate Gala Marceau. Mullins said of the winner: 'She's a mare that's been improving all year. Nicer ground was a big help and tactically Paul was brilliant. 'Brighterdaysahead probably just had a very hard race at Christmas and she never really recovered from it. Advertisement 'We're delighted to be able to win a Grade One with a filly like this and I'd say we'll probably train her for the Mares' Hurdle again next year.' Later at Punchestown, Lulamba turned the tables on his Cheltenham Festival conqueror Poniros to land the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle. So impressive on his British debut at Ascot, Nicky Henderson's Lulamba looked set to follow up in the Triumph Hurdle after getting the better of a protracted battle with East India Dock. But both were caught late by the Willie Mullins-trained 100-1 shot Poniros, who was making his hurdling debut. Lulamba was an 11-10 favourite to exact his revenge on Irish soil and give Henderson and jockey James Bowen a welcome boost following Constitution Hill's disappointing run in the Boodles Champion Hurdle just over 24 hours earlier – and ultimately did so in good style. Always close to the pace, Lulamba led Poniros into the home straight and finished strongly from the final flight to win the rematch by four lengths, with Hello Neighbour a close-up third. Lulamba was providing owners Joe and Marie Donnelly with their second Grade One winner of the week following State Man's victory over Constitution Hill on Friday. 'These are big days, it's been a big week and a great week for the Donnelly family. Two winners like that is pretty special,' said Henderson. 'We tried to get in the way yesterday, it was a bitter pill, but well done them. Now we've done it together.' He added: 'This is a fantastic place, we love it. This is a proper horse for another day. He deserves it as much as everybody. 'I wouldn't say he was unlucky not to win in Cheltenham, he couldn't do anything about it at the time and we got a bit of revenge there. 'He's a lovely horse for the future, you wouldn't be surprised if he didn't come back over fences next year. I don't know, it's early days and it's only the fourth race of his life. 'He's a big baby to be doing juvenile hurdles against Flat horses, so fair credit to him.' Of Constitution Hill, Henderson said: 'He's OK. He's a bit sore, but he's fine. 'He's got a long summer in front of him, he'll be back.'
Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Inspired ride by Paul Townend sees Jade de triumph for Willie Mullins on final day of Punchestown
She scooted home six and a half lengths clear of stablemate Gala Marceau (12/1) who finished fast to take second place with fading 6/4 fancy Brighterdaysahead finishing third, another two and a half lengths adrift. Originally chalked up at 3/1, all the 'folding stuff' in the betting ring came for Kenny Alexander's Jade De Grugy who was hammered in to 'levels you devils' at the off. It was yet another inspired ride by Paul Townend who was unhappy with the pace in the race early on when he was a close enough third. With the early leader Wyenot giving way four out, it settled into a duel between Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy with the Closutton runner much better at the second last as she kicked clear and steamed home for a decisive victory. Willie Mullins said: 'She's a mare that has been improving all year. Nicer ground was a big help and tactically Paul was brilliant. Brighterdaysahead probably just had a very hard race at Christmas and she never got over it. We're delighted to be able to win a Grade 1 with a filly like this and I'd say we'll probably train her for the Mares Hurdle next year.' When asked if she could jump a fence in time Willie said: 'She could but it wouldn't be what we are looking forward to at this stage, we'd rather keep her hurdling.' A delighted Townend said: 'I thought we might go a bit quicker early on. When Brighterdaysahead moved out I said I'd go in there to get track position and try and dictate it. Our mare stays well and I was able to pull the trigger then from the front end when I wanted to.' On what was final day of the season we saw a prime contender for the Ride Of The Year award when the mercurial Danny Mullins took the scenic route in splendid isolation out wide on the Willie Mullins trained, Gigginstown-owned 15/2 joint favourite Shanbally Kid, before cruising home in the closing stages to take the Oaklodgelandscapes Handicap Chase with the field well strung out behind them. Danny could afford to steal a glance over his shoulder before the last as they romped home fifteen lengths clear of 20/1 shot Outside The Door with From The Ashes (14/1) third. Danny explained: 'He's just a little horse that, always over hurdles, I actually thought he was going to run a big race in the Coral Cup one year at Cheltenham but he never fulfilled that.' ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'He loves a bit of room, he's a little bit timid I suppose and being out there on his own he has just relished it. I said to Willie I want to keep space on him and he said 'If you think he'll jump for you doing that, go ahead and do it.' After the demise of Constitution Hill, Nicky Henderson and James Bowen got a welcome tonic when 11/10 favourite Lulamba reversed Triumph Hurdle placings with the Mullins trained Poniros (7/2) by four lengths in the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle. Bowen said: 'Yesterday after Constitution Hill I wasn't in such good spirits but I'm delighted with that! We went a good gallop and he stays well. I got to the front three out and he pricked his ears and I was delighted with him. He'll definitely get further next year, he has a lot of filling out to do.' Elsewhere, Ruling Court held off big-race favourite Field Of Gold to give Charlie Appleby his third 2000 Guineas win in four years at Newmarket. The choice of William Buick, the son of Justify - who cost €2.3million at the breeze-up sales in May last year - was ridden confidently by the Godolphin number one, with Kieran Shoemark never far behind on the John and Thady Gosden-trained Craven scorer Field Of Gold, as they raced from stalls 11 and 10 respectively. Shoemark was still motionless as Buick was urging his mount to quicken entering the dip, where Ruling Court showed a willing response to soon head the Classic field and join stablemate Shadow Of Light, who had emerged as a real danger from those who started on the far side. Ruling Court's stamina came to the fore as he knuckled down to fight his Dewhurst-winning stablemate in the closing stages and having beaten off that rival and Mickael Barzalona, he kept on strongly as Field Of Gold came home strongly to get within half a length of the 9-2 scorer. Appleby - who struck with Notable Speech 12 months ago - said: 'John Gosden's horse looked great, I thought, and the way he won the Craven he was the horse we all had to beat, and it's been hard for William - it was a tough call to get off a champion two-year-old (Shadow Of Light), but we all got our heads together and hopefully got the right people on the right horses. 'Everyone had their chance in the dip to come and have a crack at it and obviously William got a nice clear run. I was delighted also with Shadow Of Light and I thought at one stage it would be a good match race going on here. 'John's horse as expected was always going to come to the party late on and he put it up to Ruling Court, but it was a great ride from William and he's a very nice horse.' Coral cut Ruling Court to 5-1 for the Derby on the back of his Newmarket display, with Appleby now set to discuss an Epsom tilt with the Godolphin team having opened his Classic account for the new campaign. He added: 'You could see him as a Derby horse and that's what we had our minds set on in the winter. There will be nice healthy discussions on Derby plans. 'We'll let the dust settle and enjoy the moment and then we'll start to map out the rest of the year.' Having made the correct call by electing to ride Ruling Court, Buick was thrilled to win the opening Classic of the year for the second year running and has no doubts about the colt's suitability for Epsom. 'We had a very high opinion of this horse and he came into the winter and was always going to run in Dubai in the Jumeirah Guineas and he put up an amazing performance,' said Buick.
Irish Examiner
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Jade De Grugy too good for Brightersdaysahead in Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown
Jade De Grugy produced a career-best performance to continue Willie Mullins' recent domination of the SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown. The Closutton handler had saddled eight of the last 10 winners of the Grade One contest and having finished best of the rest behind esteemed stablemate Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Jade De Grugy was even-money to add to his tally. After initially being settled in third place by Paul Townend, the six-year-old was allowed to stride on in front heading out for the second circuit, a move which was covered by her main rival Brighterdaysahead, who was bidding to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Champion Hurdle. The big two were clear of the chasing pack rounding the home turn and Jade De Grugy always looked to be going the better, pulling further ahead in the straight to score by six and a half lengths. A tiring Brighterdaysahead was eventually beaten to the runner-up spot by the winner's stablemate Gala Marceau. Mullins said of the winner: "She's a mare that's been improving all year. Nicer ground was a big help and tactically Paul was brilliant. "Brighterdaysahead probably just had a very hard race at Christmas and she never really recovered from it. "We're delighted to be able to win a Grade One with a filly like this and I'd say we'll probably train her for the Mares' Hurdle again next year."
RTÉ News
03-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Jade De Grugy proves too good for Brighterdaysahead t Punchestown
Jade De Grugy produced a career-best performance to continue Willie Mullins' recent domination of the SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown. The Closutton handler had saddled eight of the last 10 winners of the Grade One contest and having finished best of the rest behind esteemed stablemate Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Jade De Grugy was even-money to add to his tally. Jade De Grugy wins the Grade 1 Mares Champion Hurdle under Paul Townend. Watch the final day of the #PunchestownFestival now on @rteone & @rteplayer #RTEsport — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 3, 2025 After initially being settled in third place by Paul Townend, the six-year-old was allowed to stride on in front heading out for the second circuit, a move which was covered by her main rival Brighterdaysahead, who was bidding to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Champion Hurdle. The big two were clear of the chasing pack rounding the home turn and Jade De Grugy always looked to be going the better, pulling further ahead in the straight to score by six and a half lengths. A tiring Brighterdaysahead was eventually beaten to the runner-up spot by the winner's stablemate Gala Marceau. Mullins said of the winner: "She's a mare that's been improving all year. Nicer ground was a big help and tactically Paul was brilliant. "Brighterdaysahead probably just had a very hard race at Christmas and she never really recovered from it. "We're delighted to be able to win a Grade One with a filly like this and I'd say we'll probably train her for the Mares' Hurdle again next year."
Irish Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Punchestown day 5 full race card and tips - list of runners on Saturday
It's the final day of the National Hunt season as Punchestown hosts the last jumps card of the campaign. State Man produced a stunning performance to win the Boodles Champion Hurdle on Friday as Constitution Hill disappointed and all eyes will be on Brighterdaysahead, who ran against State Man and Constitution Hill at Cheltenham, this afternoon. Gordon Elliott's star mare bolted up in the Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, but was well beaten at Prestbury Park when finishing fourth in the Champion Hurdle. There are eight races once again on Saturday, with the first scheduled to start at 2.30pm. Here's a list of the runners and riders, as well as a tip for each race: 2.30: 3m½f (Bank) Howden Cross Country Chase (5yo+) 1 Coko Beach (FR) J Smith (5)2 Stealthy Tom (IRE) Simon Torrens3 Grange Island (IRE) Darragh O'Keeffe4 Read To Return (IRE) Non Runner5 Final Orders Shane FitzGerald6 French Dynamite (FR) Gavin Brouder (3)7 I A Connect (IRE) Phillip Enright8 Subset (IRE) Donagh Meyler9 The Goffer (IRE) Kevin Sexton10 Vanillier (FR) Keith Donoghue11 Vital Island (IRE) Mr B T Stone (7)12 Busselton (FR) J J Slevin13 Cavalry Master (IRE) Sean O'Keeffe14 Chemical Energy (IRE) Sam Ewing15 Conflated (IRE) Danny Gilligan16 Peaches And Cream (IRE) C Stone-Walsh (3)17 Clonbury Bridge (IRE) Reserve 118 Quornofamonday (IRE) Reserve 219 Three By Two (IRE) Reserve 3 Tip: Conflated Click on this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest Cheltenham Festival news and top stories from the Irish Mirror direct to your phone on WhatsApp. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 3.05: 3m7½f Handicap Chase (5yo+ 0-145) 1 Favori De Champdou (FR) Mr Rob James (7)2 Answer To Kayf John Shinnick (5)3 Duffle Coat (IRE) J Smith (5)4 Yeah Man (IRE) Keith Donoghue5 Stuzzikini (IRE) Sam Ewing6 Hasthing (FR) Richie McLernon7 Run Wild Fred (IRE) Conor Clarke (7)8 Another Choice (IRE) Donagh Meyler9 The Short Go (IRE) Rachael Blackmore10 Fortunedefortunata (IRE) Danny Gilligan11 History Of Fashion (IRE) Sean Flanagan12 Outside The Door (IRE) A P Kelly (5)13 Herakles Westwood (FR) J Bowen14 Your Own Story (IRE) Patrick Wadge15 Dreaming Blue Rex Dingle16 Shanbally Kid (IRE) Danny Mullins17 Cadatharla (IRE) Gavin Brouder (3)18 Lonesome Boatman (FR) Darragh O'Keeffe19 Sir Bob (IRE) Simon Torrens20 Brandt (IRE) Jordan Gainford21 From The Ashes (IRE) Phillip Enright22 Meyo Mike O'Connor23 The Gradual Slope (IRE) Mark McDonagh24 Salmanino (FR) Sean O'Keeffe25 Stormy Judge (IRE) C Stone-Walsh (3)26 El Champo (IRE) Reserve 1 Tip: Hasthing 3.42: 2m4½f SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) 1 Brighterdaysahead (FR) Sam Ewing2 Gala Marceau (FR) Danny Mullins3 Jade De Grugy (FR) Paul Townend4 July Flower (FR) Rachael Blackmore5 Lot of Joy (IRE) Brian Hayes6 Wyenot Harry Cobden Tip: Brighterdaysahead 4.15: 3m½f Palmerstown House Estate Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (5yo+ 0-150) 1 Sam Brown Rex Dingle2 Monbeg Park (IRE) Mr J L Scallan (7)3 Grandero Bello (FR) Ricky Doyle4 Minella Crooner (IRE) Sam Ewing5 Amirite (IRE) Darragh O'Keeffe6 Tullybeg (IRE) Danny Gilligan7 Beachcomber (FR) Richie McLernon8 Battle It Out (IRE) Charlie O'Dwyer (5)9 Will Do (IRE) Non Runner10 Big Debates (FR) John Shinnick (5)11 Canal End (IRE) Mark Walsh12 Bill Baxter (IRE) Harry Bannister13 Majestic Force (IRE) Rachael Blackmore14 Now Where Or When (IRE) Sean O'Keeffe15 Jasmin De Grugy (FR) Simon Torrens16 True Testimony (IRE) C Stone-Walsh (3)17 Cuta Des As (FR) Non Runner Tip: Jasmin De Grugy 4.50: 2m (Inner) Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo) 1 Blue Lemons (IRE) Danny Mullins2 Ephesus (IRE) D King3 Hello Neighbour (IRE) Keith Donoghue4 Larzac (FR) Mark Walsh5 Legionnaire Forez (FR) Danny Gilligan6 Lulamba (FR) J Bowen7 Poniros Paul Townend8 Sony Bill (FR) Sean O'Keeffe9 Too Bossy For Us (IRE) Harry Cobden10 Lumiere Du Large (FR) Kevin Sexton11 Murcia (FR) Rachael Blackmore12 Sainte Lucie (FR) Brian Hayes Tip: Lulamba 5.25: 2m4½f Lawlor's Of Naas Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) (4yo+) 1 Maxxum (IRE) Non Runner2 Impose Toi (FR) J Bowen3 Jalila Moriviere (FR) Simon Torrens4 Anotherway (FR) J J Slevin5 Western Walk (IRE) Mr A P Ryan (7)6 Thecompanysergeant C Stone-Walsh (3)7 D Art D Art (FR) Donagh Meyler8 Lord Erskine (IRE) Non Runner9 Mousey Brown (IRE) P J O'Hanlon10 Raglan Road (IRE) Mark Walsh11 Addragoole (IRE) Kevin Sexton12 Hey Sunshine (IRE) Paul Townend13 Wellington Arch Richie McLernon14 Fiveonefive (IRE) Jordan Gainford15 Vischio (IRE) Conor Clarke (7)16 All For Rachel (IRE) Phillip Enright17 Jazzy Matty (FR) Danny Gilligan18 Kalix Delabarriere (FR) Rachael Blackmore19 Stormbreaker Sean O'Keeffe Tip: D Art D Art 6.00: 2m (Inner) DAR Golf Construction (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race (4-7yo) 1 Ballyedward (IRE) Mr S Connor (7)2 Berkshire Echo (IRE) R A Berry (7)3 Eagle Oi (IRE) Mr R Barron (5)4 Kazbek (IRE) Conor Smithers (7)5 Obey The Order (IRE) Mr J L Scallan (7)6 Panjandrum Mr J H Williamson (7)7 Quantum Boy (IRE) Mr Patrick Mullins8 Ryan's Son (IRE) Mr D Doyle (7)9 Vitorio Piel (FR) Mr J L Gleeson10 It's Only A Game (FR) Mr Derek O'Connor11 Just For One (IRE) Mr J G Murphy (7)12 Ladbroke Grove (FR) Mr Rob James (7)13 Las Brisas Boy (IRE) Mr F R Buckley (7)14 Lexington Wood (FR) Mr H C Swan15 Ludus Magnus (FR) Mr E P O'Brien (5)16 Pension Perk (IRE) Mr A Leahy (7)17 Thankyouforthedays (IRE) Mr Finian Maguire18 Biglesisback Mr Gregor Walkingshaw (7)19 Brosna Queen (IRE) Mr M Sharpe (7)20 Crokes Cross (IRE) Mr L P Barnett (7)21 Fraher Field (IRE) Miss Maxine O'Sullivan (5)22 Lady Hotham Miss A B O'Connor Tip: Quantum Boy 6.35: 2m 34th Running Of The "Have The Conversation - Say Yes To Organ Donation" Punchestown Charity Race (4yo+) 1 Chutzpal (IRE) Christopher Denny2 A Mere Bagatelle (IRE) Jennifer McGrath Kerins3 Due Course (IRE) Robert Harrison4 Jungle Cove (IRE) Sarah Browne5 Numidia (IRE) Dorota Kulikowska6 Likable Chancer (IRE) Thomas Howard7 Swelltime (IRE) Sarah Leahy8 Bright Start (USA) Kerrie Gillespie9 Dark Note Sarah Costello10 Fill The Tank (IRE) Siobhan Nolan11 Irish Boyo Triona McGuinness12 Mephisto (IRE) Raymond Crowe13 Presenting Max (IRE) Nicky O'Connor14 Pride Of Place (IRE) Ella Shanahan15 Rock On Seamie (IRE) Liam Phelan16 Sir Carnegie (IRE) Paul Burns17 Vintage Gold (IRE) Gary Dowling18 A Daughtersdelight (IRE) Kate Macklin19 Nora The Xplorer Amy Bannister Bell20 Pallas Athene (IRE) Ella Budds21 My Good Pal (IRE) Reserve 122 Ardad Derek Reserve 223 Awakino (IRE) Reserve 3 Tip: Jungle Cove
