Latest news with #CheltenhamChampionHurdle
Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Young Kerry jockey celebrates epic Dingle Derby win – ‘It was class'
The north Kerry youngster is one of the best up-and-coming riders in the horse-and-pony racing scene. The precocious 14-year-old certainly stamped his name on the sport by winning a race previously won by greats like Jack Kennedy, Paul Townend and Dylan Browne McMonagle. The son of Katie and Joe Roberts received a rapturous reception from the crowd after he crossed the line as the heavy mist rolled in from Dingle Bay. The 2024 Champion Pony Jockey kept his horse close to the front in a frenetically run race. But it was Billy and Here We Go Again that eventually emerged from the fog to win. 'At the start, he [Here We Go Again] wouldn't travel with me but after I got him going he was half running away with me everywhere. We went at slower fractions than last year, and he just flew home. There was no horse going to beat him,' Billy told The Kerryman. 'It was a class feeling. I couldn't believe it when crossing the line. It's the Cheltenham of horse-and-pony racing. I thought I was after going a lap too early, but thank God I didn't,' he added. Billy rides out every weekend at the Athea yard of trainer Eoin McCarthy – a major help in Billy's career. Gary Noonan is another from the yard that Billy looks up to, while his idol is fellow Kerry man and ace jockey Jack Kennedy. 'They know their way around horses, that's for sure. They help me and inspire me to keep going,' Billy said. Billy rode a four timer at Ballybunion in June and is on six winners for the season. He says he will continue to work hard and take the opportunities that come his way. In terms of future ambitions, he wouldn't mind taking on some of the sport's biggest meetings. 'People like Jackie Mulvihill and John Long got me started last year with my first winner. I'm just delighted with the start I got. I suppose I wouldn't mind winning the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle someday, or something along those lines,' he said. For Billy's family, watching the Dingle action unfold was as much exciting as it was nervous. They were overjoyed for Billy as it rewards his hard work and dedication. Billy started out with riding lessons from Laura Collins in Ballinclogher West aged nine. The link with horse-and-pony racing comes from his father's side of the family – a Wexford native – whose cousin took part in the sport. 'We went to one race meeting to watch it and that was it. Billy just loved it. Even though he didn't start horse riding until he was about nine, that didn't stop him from riding the rocking horse around the house, or any armchair and couch he could find. He just loves it,' said Katie. 'We celebrated in Dingle on Sunday night in Paul Geaney's Bar and Barr Na Sraide because they both sponsored the cup. We had a great time. Billy's taking the day off today,' she said.
Wales Online
17-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Royal Ascot 2025: Aidan O'Brien's net worth, 'nowhere near' criticism and superstar sons
Royal Ascot 2025: Aidan O'Brien's net worth, 'nowhere near' criticism and superstar sons Since claiming his first classic victory in 1997, Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien has established himself among the elite of flat racing, and he approaches Royal Ascot with a formidable team yet again Aidan O'Brien has often enjoyed his visits to Royal Ascot (Image: Getty Images ) Ballydoyle's maestro Aidan O'Brien is eyeing a triple-figure tally as he returns to his favoured stomping ground of Royal Ascot. The esteemed Irish trainer has won everything there is to win in flat racing, earning him global recognition, and it's at the five-day Royal meeting where he often shines brightest. O'Brien has an impressive 91 Royal Ascot victories under his belt to date, and with a current stable bursting with talent, reaching the hundred mark seems all but guaranteed. In 2025, he holds strong prospects for many of the renewal's Group 1 events, despite the fact that Gold Cup holder Kyprios and Coronation Stakes hopeful Lake Victoria will be absent from the meet, with the former now retired. Nonetheless, many of O'Brien's contenders are still expected to triumph throughout the week, as we delve into the trainer's net worth, remarkable sons and his sharp critique of the Ascot turf. What is Aidan O'Brien's net worth? With over 400 Group 1 winners worldwide, O'Brien has raked in millions for his associates at Ballydoyle and Coolmore, amassing a substantial personal fortune in the process. He also made his mark as a legendary trainer in the National Hunt sphere, most notably with star hurdler Istabraq, a three-time Cheltenham Champion Hurdle victor. Article continues below O'Brien has won countless Group 1 affairs (Image: Getty Images ) It's estimated that O'Brien's net worth stands at around £34million after his years at the pinnacle of the sport, a figure likely to increase should he enjoy further success at Ascot. In 2024, O'Brien was crowned British Champion Flat Trainer for an astonishing seventh time. With his colt Lambourn already securing an 11th Derby victory this year, he seems well-positioned to retain the title. Who are Aidan O'Brien's sons? O'Brien has not only built a legendary legacy at Ballydoyle but also fathered a new generation of talent in the horse racing world. His eldest son, Joseph, born in 1993, is one of four children he shares with his wife Anne-Marie, alongside Sarah, Anastasia and Donnacha. Each of O'Brien's children has ridden to victory for him as a jockey at some point. However, it was Joseph who garnered significant praise, winning the 2012 Derby on Camelot. After being named Irish Champion Jockey in 2012 and again in 2013, Joseph retired from riding three years later to focus on training. Both Joseph and Donnacha are now trainers (Image: Getty Images ) His younger brother, Donnacha, rode some winners for Joseph, who has since celebrated notable victories both over jumps and on the flat, including King George Chase winner Banbridge and Irish Derby champion Latrobe. Donnacha has also transitioned into training after ending his riding career, achieving his first Royal Ascot win in 2023 with star filly Porta Fortuna, who also claimed the Coronation Stakes a year prior. Both of O'Brien's sons will be sending their horses to the Royal meeting this year, hoping to outshine their illustrious father. What did Aidan O'Brien say about the ground at Ascot? O'Brien's outings to Ascot haven't always been smooth. In 2024, the celebrated colt Auguste Rodin, victor of the 2023 Derby and the Breeders' Cup Turf, came to the course eyeing the prestigious Group 1 King George. Ryan Moore, Ballydoyle's first-choice jockey, was in the saddle of the four-year-old, who was the favourite for the second consecutive year, but O'Brien's charge was once more outpaced, ending up fifth, a significant 11-and-a-half lengths adrift of the victor Goliath. Auguste Rodin failed to win the King George in 2024 (Image: Getty Images ) Following the £700,000 race, the progeny of Deep Impact's trainer didn't mince words about the condition of the Ascot track, asserting that the declared good to firm going was inaccurate. Article continues below "When we walked the track, we were very worried," O'Brien remarked. "It was good, good to soft in places. It was nowhere near good to firm anywhere. It was cut up on the rails and full of sand. "We knew we had no choice, and we had to go down there. With the benefit of hindsight, we should have kept out of the bad ground and on the quicker ground. That's the way it is, and that's the way it fell for us today. There will be other days."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rachael Blackmore: Trailblazing female jockey retires from horse racing
Jockey Rachael Blackmore, the first female rider to win the Grand National, has announced she is retiring from horse racing. The trailblazing rider, 35, also won 18 races at the Cheltenham Festival, and bowed out with victory aboard Ma Belle Etoile at her final meeting at Cork on Saturday. Blackmore made history in 2021 when she rode Minella Times to Grand National glory, becoming the first woman to win the world's greatest steeplechase at Aintree in the then 182-year history of the race. The same year, she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle and the following year she secured another first when steering A Plus Tard to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. In a statement posted on social media, she said "the time is right", adding she felt sad but was also "incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years". "I just feel so lucky to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible. "The people to thank are endless, it's not possible to mention everyone (as I don't want this to be another book) but I'm going to get a few names in here anyway and to everyone else, you know who you are, as they say." She added: "Firstly, my parents who provided me with the best childhood, and a pony I couldn't hold! This set the seed for a life of racing. "Aidan Kennedy gave me my first ride in a point-to-point. I spent time riding out for Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle which I loved. Sam Curling and Liam Lennon were also big supporters as was Denise O' Shea, John Nicholson, Ellmarie Holden, Harry Smyth and Gigginstown House Stud." Read more on Sky News:Tube lines shut after power outageBulgarians jailed for spying for RussiaCarnival closes after waltzer crash She rode her first winner as a professional in 2015 and was due to ride at Sligo and Tipperary in the coming days. However, Blackmore's decision to retire with immediate effect means her final career success came aboard Ma Belle Etoile, fittingly trained by her long-time ally, Henry de Bromhead, at Cork on Saturday.
Irish Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Willie Mullins' top 10 money earners after another record-breaking season
Willie Mullins capped another dominant season in national hunt racing at the Punchestown Festival last week by bringing his season tally in Ireland to €5,840,675. That was close to €2 million clear of second-placed Gordon Elliott, who, in turn, was €2 million clear of third-placed Gavin Cromwell. Punchestown was a particularly satisfying meeting for Mullins as he saw some of his stable's flag bearers settle old scores. State Man, who fell at the last flight with the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle at his mercy in March, left no doubt about who is the best two-mile hurdler in training. And Galopin Des Champs proved he was far from finished at the top level with a breathtaking success in the Punchestown Gold Cup. Mullins has broken just about every record in national hunt racing, and he has trained some of the best horses to go over jumps. But out of all his stars, who have been top money earners? It may surprise some that the likes of Annie Power, Douvan, Min and Florida Pearl don't even make the top ten. 10. Sharjah (Years Active: 2015-2024) Owner: Mrs Sussanah Ricci Winnings: £990,678 One of only two horses in the top ten not to have won at the Cheltenham Festival, Sharjah nevertheless made Leopardstown his home for many years. He won the December Festival Hurdle on four consecutive occasions between 2018 and 2021 and turned up at every big Festival. 9. Al Boum Photo (2015-2022) Owner: Mrs J Donnelly Winnings: £1,051,557 Who was the first horse to provide Mullins with a win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup? The answer is Al Boum Photo, of course. Although never enjoying the fandom of the likes of Faugheen, he won two Gold Cups, a rare feat in the modern era. 8. I Am Maximus (2020-Present) Owner: JP McManus Winnings: £1,070,875 I Am Maximus has turned into a grand national specialist. After being a suspect jumper early in his career, he came good in the 2023 Irish Grand National. He then went to Aintree the following year and sprinted up the hill for an emphatic success in the world's most famous steeplechase. I Am Maximus returned to Aintree this year and was only beaten by his stablemate Nick Rockett. Still, it saw his career earnings break the £1,000,000 mark, and you would not rule him out from another Grand National bid next year. 7. Faugheen (2012-2020) Owner: Mrs Susannah Ricci Winnings: £1,116,679 Nicknamed 'The Machine', Faugheen, at his best, was a relentless galloper who was unbeatable for a few seasons. Injury problems dogged him later in his career, but perhaps his greatest victory was at the Dublin Racing Festival in 2020 when he won a Grade 1 novice chase at the age of 12. In 26 races, he won 17 times and was in the top three on 22 occasions. 6. Thousand Stars (2006-2016) Owner: Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Winnings: £1,165,070 Perhaps a surprise to some to rank so highly. This loveable grey was so often the bridesmaid to Hurricane Fly, but he also landed some valuable pots on his own. The son of Grey Risk was a regular visitor to Auteuil in France, where he won five races, including three Grade 1s. 5. Energumene (2018-present) Owner: Tony Bloom Winnings: £1,138,817 Whatever Energumene has won on the racetrack, his owner Tony Bloom has probably won from landing bets on him. Despite having many injury issues, Energumene has had a habit of producing on the biggest occasions. He provided Mullins with his first Champion Chase winner and defended his title a year later. 4. State Man (2021-present) Winnings: £1,547,787 Still only eight years old, State Man still has the potential to be Mullins' biggest money-spinner. Bought from France, he fell on his hurdles debut at Leopardstown before winning on his next and then making a mockery of his handicap mark in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He has had his detractors over the past couple of years after proving no match for Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle. But 12 Grade 1 victories have proven his undoubted class, and he would have won a second Champion Hurdle this year if not for a fall at the last. 3. Un De Sceaux (2012-2020) Owner: Edward O'Connell Winnings: £1,583,124 As a young horse, Un De Sceaux was a tearaway, knowing only how to run as fast as he could for as long as possible. It made for fascinating viewing. Un De Sceaux was an exuberant winner of the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham, and although he never won the Champion Chase during the era of Sprinter Sacre, he was a remarkably consistent horse. Stepping up in trip later in his career, he won the Ryanair Chase in 2017, and finished in the top three in 30 of his 34 races. 2. Hurricane Fly (2006-2015) Owner: George Creighton & Mrs Rose Boyd Winnings: £1,894,422 A remarkable career saw Hurricane Fly win a staggering 22 Grade 1 races for Mullins. The honours are endless: five Irish Champion Hurdles, four Punchestown Champion Hurdles, three Morgiana Hurdles and two Cheltenham Champion Hurdles, to name a few. Although not the flashiest sort, he rarely lost a battle and had an unerring habit of finding a good jump at the last when most needed. And if these figures were adjusted for inflation and a steady rise in prize money, he would be at the top of this list. 1. Galopin Des Champs (2020-Present) Owner: Mrs Audrey Turley Winnings: £1,928,428 If Hurricane Fly is the best hurdler Mullins has ever trained, then Galopin Des Champs is unquestionably the best chaser. Bought from France, the gelding was a little slow to find his feet in Ireland before running out a decisive winner of the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Then, after making an electrifying chase debut at Leopardstown, he was kicking Bob Olinger out of the way in the Turners Novices' Chase until falling at the last. That has remained a rare blip in a magnificent chasing career that has included two Cheltenham Gold Cups, three Irish Gold Cups and a Punchestown Gold Cup. He has won 12 of his 18 races over fences and looks set to break the £2,000,000 mark next season.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Michael Verney: Punchestown Day 4 – Constitution Hill can reach top in showpiece as Lovely Hurling looks a sound each-way choice
A cracker awaits in day four's showpiece at the Punchestown Festival as the last three Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winners lock horns.
