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Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
State Man beats Constitution Hill at Punchestown
State Man won the Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival as Constitution Hill came home in fifth place. Despite falls in consecutive races at Cheltenham and Aintree, Constitution Hill was an 8-13 favourite to get back to winning ways at Punchestown. Advertisement However it was State Man, who also fell at Cheltenham, who stormed to victory with Paul Townend on home soil, while eight-time Grade One winner Constitution Hill drifted away to a fifth place finish. It was a third Champion Hurdle victory at the festival for the Willie Mullins trained horse, who came home ahead of Cheltenham winner Golden Ace. "It's the performance we always thought he had in him," Mullins said about State Man on RTE. "In fairness to Constitution Hill, I don't think he turned up on the day. It's very hard to travel from England after having two falls and things just didn't go right for him. Advertisement "Our fella has run his true race and that's been a constant thing in his racing life, he always turns up and runs his race. It was a huge performance." Townend and Mullins combined to win the Grade One Novice Hurdle on Final Demand, ahead of Lovely Hurling and Tripoli Flyer. Fountain House won the opening race of the day in the Hunters' Chase, while Its On The Line came home in the Champion Hunters' Chase. Sea Music won the Novice Handicap Chase, Gordon Elliott's Casheldale Lad claimed the Novice Hurdle and Soldier In Milan won the Flat Race in the final outing of the day. The final day of the festival takes place on Saturday.
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
State Man beats Constitution Hill at Punchestown
State Man won the Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival as Constitution Hill came home in fifth place. Despite falls in consecutive races at Cheltenham and Aintree, Constitution Hill was an 8-13 favourite to get back to winning ways at Punchestown. However it was State Man, who also fell at Cheltenham, who stormed to victory with Paul Townend on home soil, while eight-time Grade One winner Constitution Hill drifted away to a fifth place finish. It was a third Champion Hurdle victory at the festival for the Willie Mullins trained horse, who came home ahead of Cheltenham winner Golden Ace. "It's the performance we always thought he had in him," Mullins said about State Man on RTE."In fairness to Constitution Hill, I don't think he turned up on the day. It's very hard to travel from England after having two falls and things just didn't go right for him."Our fella has run his true race and that's been a constant thing in his racing life, he always turns up and runs his race. It was a huge performance."Townend and Mullins combined to win the Grade One Novice Hurdle on Final Demand, ahead of Lovely Hurling and Tripoli House won the opening race of the day in the Hunters' Chase, while Its On The Line came home in the Champion Hunters' Music won the Novice Handicap Chase, Gordon Elliott's Casheldale Lad claimed the Novice Hurdle and Soldier In Milan won the Flat Race in the final outing of the final day of the festival takes place on Saturday.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Punchestown Day 4: State Man rules supreme as Constitution Hill disappoints in Champion Hurdle showdown
The Grade One contest staged a mouthwatering rematch between the Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson-trained superstars, who both fell in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, with the presence of Jeremy Scott's eventual Champion Hurdle heroine Golden Ace adding further spice. Despite suffering a second successive fall in the Aintree Hurdle, Constitution Hill was a heavily-supported 8-13 favourite to get back on the winning trail on his first trip to Ireland, but he was a spent force from before the home turned and weakened rapidly out of contention. In contrast, State Man (9-4) - who looked to have a second Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham at his mercy when crashing out at the final obstacle at Prestbury Park in mid-March - continued to pour it on in front under Paul Townend and came home with four and three-quarter lengths in hand over Golden Ace. Willie Mullins' Final Demand stamped his class on the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle with an all-the-way success. A winner at the Dublin Racing Festival, he was sent off favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham but could only finish third behind The New Lion and The Yellow Clay. He faced Gordon Elliott's 5-4 favourite The Yellow Clay once again, but he took a heavy fall at the last when well held in third. In truth the race was over by the second-last as Paul Townend continued to wind up the pace in the final half-mile, with the 7-4 shot drawing further and further clear. 'It was an awesome performance over that trip,' said Mullins. 'Paul felt he didn't go fast enough in Cheltenham and he said to Caroline (Tisdall, owner) 'today I'm going to show him off'. 'I saw him jumping the first and second and I wasn't happy until he jumped the third that he was jumping well. ADVERTISEMENT 'Then he was electric over a few of his hurdles, for a big chaser to jump the way he did – he was getting lengths at his hurdles when it mattered. 'I thought he was going to tire around the fifth-last or fourth-last after the pace, but then he'd go down to the hurdle and just take a length out of a horse behind him. 'If you can jump fences like that he's one to look forward to.' When asked if he had schooled over fences, Mullins added: 'No, not at home. There will be time enough next autumn. He won his point-to-point so he's well able to jump. 'He's not a horse you'd want to stand on your foot! He's really one to look forward to.' Dinoblue followed up her Cheltenham success in even easier fashion in the Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Mares Chase. Only four went to post for the Grade Two event and it was dominated by the two Mullins stablemates, Dinoblue (4-7 favourite) and Allegorie De Vassy. Allegorie De Vassy was a late faller at Cheltenham after being passed by Dinoblue and the time before had been beaten a neck by the same rival in the Opera Hat Chase. This time Townend laid it all out from early on and took a sizeable early lead, but Mark Walsh gradually reeled her in on Dinoblue and went away to win by 35 lengths. Mullins later confirmed the runner-up had run her last race. 'She was very good today. I was hoping that Allegorie might get her own back on her after Cheltenham, but it wasn't going to be that way today,' said Mullins. 'Allegorie is in foal to Jukebox Jury so she's retired now. 'Dinoblue looks to be getting better and better and hopefully we have her for next season. I don't see her going to stud for a while yet.' Frank Berry said, winning owner JP McManus' racing manager, said: 'You could set your clock by her every day. 'She jumped great and she's just a pleasure to have around. She never lets you down. 'I'd say it's her best year and she's maybe better than ever. 'She'll have another season. She'll stick to the mares' races. There is a good programme for them and it suits her well.'
Telegraph
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Betting offer for Cheltenham Festival: Enhanced odds
Trainer Willie Mullins had just one victory on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, in the first race, but was unlucky not to claim more with the last fence and hurdle proving troublesome. That same result today, however, could result in £60 of free bets with Sky Bet as it is offering boosted odds of 60/1 for the current Champion trainer to have a winner on Wednesday at Cheltenham. There is a maximum stake of £1 and the free bets will be paid as six £10 free bets to be used only on horse racing – a perfect amount to get you through the rest of the day, or maybe even the rest of the week. And if you are not a regular bettor on horses, do not worry as you have 30 days to spend your free bets. If the bet loses, new customers will still receive £30 in free bets. Mullins has every chance of a Cheltenham winner on Day 2 Today the trainer holds a strong hand with favourites in the first, second and final races among other promising runners. While not a certainty, his favourite in the first, Final Demand, has been well found in the market and if he can prove he has the speed for this trip should take all the beating. That first race was won last year by Willie Mullin's Ballyburn, who is the odds-on favourite in the next race, the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase. Ballyburn is being touted as a bit of a superstar so again it is hard to see him beaten today, as his odds reflect. In the third race, Mullins has Bunting, who held an outside chance in last year's Supreme. He steps up in trip for today's handicap debut in the Coral Cup, but faces a big field and stiff competition. It looks like other horses are attracting shorter odds than him as the day goes on. And in the final race of the day, Mullins holds all the cards with five runners, including the top three in the betting. Claim the Sky Bet 60/1 offer here How to claim the Sky Bet 60/1 offer Click here to sign up to Sky Bet New customers only First single and each-way bet only Odds of 1/1 or greater 6x £10 bet tokens Free bet stakes not included in returns Free bets for horse racing only Free bets are non-withdrawable Free bets expire after 30 days Sky Bet 60/1 offer T&Cs New customers only. First single and each-way bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets for horse racing only. Free bets are non-withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts' best bets and 13 horses to watch on day two
The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2025 edition has already got off to a barnstorming start, with Golden Ace a surprise winner of the Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill fell among the storylines on a compelling first day. A cool, dry day two – known as Style Wednesday – promises more thrills with the Coral Cup and the Queen Mother Champion Chase among the highlights of a packed schedule. Nicky Henderson's Jonbon is back for glory in the Champion Chase, having withdrawn at the 11th hour last year. Henry de Bromhead's Captain Guinness triumphed in Jonbon's absence but the form book suggests defending his crown will be tough and betting sites make him a big outsider. Jonbon has been a superstar for owner JP McManus since he parted with £570,000 for the brother to Douvan and he is a rare example in National Hunt racing of a very expensive horse looking a bargain. He has won 17 races out of 20 under rules, with all three defeats coming at Cheltenham, albeit the first of those can be excused as he was up against Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Find the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport ready to provide daily coverage from the festival and get our free betting newsletter for the latest Cheltenham tips. Sign up here. Our racing expert Sam Turner will be at Cheltenham all week, plus legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh has shared his tips with Paddy Power, and Ed Chamberlin and Oli Bell share their tips with Sky Bet. Day two – Wednesday, 12 March 13.20: Turners Novices' Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Final Demand 6/4 Final Demand is a very good horse. He jumped brilliantly at Limerick and brought that to a whole new level at the Dublin Racing Festival. He travelled really well and his jumping was rock solid. His form overall is more solid than The New Lion's. If Paul Townend is positive on him then he'll be hard to beat. The Yellow Clay is a bigger danger than The New Lion. Sam Turner's tip: Final Demand 6/4 A cracking renewal of this race with the powerful Dublin Racing Festival winner Final Demand facing a strong challenge The New Lion and The Yellow Clay, while the likes of Potters Charm (tongue tie for the first time) and Sixmilebridge help to provide a strong supporting cast. The shower that fell at the track on Monday may just play to the strengths of Final Demand who posted a freakish performance at Leopardstown and is held in extremely high regard by Willie Mullins and the team at Closutton. A decisive winner of the Challow Hurdle at Newbury, The New Lion must overcome the poor strike rate of those winners trying to win this, while The Yellow Clay could be slightly underestimated by the market given, he is tough and genuine and boasts a touch of class. Ed Chamberlin's tip: The New Lion 15/8 It's The New Lion – big head-to-head against Final Demand – who I think is going to be a Gold Cup horse, against The New Lion, who I think could be a champion hurdle horse, hopefully he'll have too much speed. Ruby Walsh's tip: Ballyburn 5/6 Ballyburn's jumping has improved throughout the season. He's the best horse in the race but I wouldn't rule out the outsiders. There may only be seven of them but it's a really decent race. I can't get away from Ballyburn being the best horse. Sam Turner's tip: Better Days Ahead 13/2 Ballyburn redeemed his reputation with a fine victory at the Dublin Racing Festival and, as a winner at last year's Festival, has already proven himself a horse for the big occasion. The one slight doubt is his exuberance and that might see him vulnerable at the end of three miles, a trip he has never run over before. If he settles, he will be difficult to beat, albeit stablemate Dancing City is a guaranteed stayer, almost certain to wind up the pace from some way out. The underrated Better Days Ahead and Gorgeous Tom are no back numbers either with the latter likely to find some improvement tackling three miles for the first time. 14.40: Coral Cup Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Bunting 11/2 The Coral Cup is not a race I'd be mad keen on because it's one of those handicaps you need a lot of luck – and I hate races you need luck! Be Aware sticks out for the Skeltons and they are really positive about him. I like Bunting, but I wouldn't rule out Jimmy Du Seuil. It's more a race for the Eliminator than trying to find the winner. I wouldn't put you off Bunting, but it's a race I could never figure out. Sam Turner's tip: Impose Toi 15/2 Be Aware fits several key trends required to win this race –12 of the past 15 winners had run at Cheltenham previously, while 10 of them had finished in the top four at the very least. Top handicap form over the minimum trip is also a positive as is less than nine hurdle starts, two criteria both Be Aware and Impose Toi fulfil. The latter represents Nicky Henderson who has won four of the past 15 renewals and this looks to have been the plan for some time. Henderson's gelding was a good winner at Newbury when last seen and the first-time cheekpieces could produce further improvement. At bigger prices, Jimmy Du Seuil is an intriguing runner, while Beckett Rock makes some appeal for a stable in better form now. 15.20: Cross Country Steeple Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Vanillier 6/1 I've been all over Vanillier for a while. He's the one for me in the Cross Country Chase. Galvin is a bigger danger at the weights than Stumpton. Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue are keen on Stumpton but I'm not listening, I'm still going with Vanillier. Sam Turner's tip: Stumptown 9/4 The vibes for both Stumptown and Busselton have been strong for some time and narrow preference is for the former who is equipped with the cheekpieces for the first time. The selection won a similar race over course and distance before Christmas and, although he has been punished by the handicapper for that defeat of Mister Coffey, his trainer is a master at finding improvement. Busselton has been backed from 20-1 into a third of those odds in the ante-post lists and has 15 lengths to find with Stumptown from December, however he is better off at the weights here and could trouble the market leader. 16.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Jonbon 4/5 Jonbon, all day, every day. He comes here on an upward curve and I hope he wins. He's a brilliant horse and I hope he gets the credit he deserves. He's an absolute good thing. Sam Turner's tip: Jonbon 4/5 Jonbon's critics will point to the fact he has been beaten three times at Cheltenham, while handicappers will point to his best six career efforts taking place away from Prestbury Park. However, the nine-year-old has won all eight of his starts with Nico de Boinville on board and he looks sure to have a good pace to aim at here with the front-running Solness in opposition. Of his rivals, Marine Nationale should relish the drying ground and strong pace and looks the best placed to cause Jonbon most problems. Ed Chamberlin's tip: Jonbon 5/6 The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the big race of the day, and one of the big horses of the week. I can't wait to see Jonbon – I love him. Sir Anthony McCoy would come back and ride him if he could. He's unbeatable, I think, under Nico de Boinville – and how pleased am I that Sky Bet are going to super boost Jonbon – fantastic! 16.40: Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup Ruby Walsh: Third Time Lucki 22/1 Last year's winner Unexpected Party has a massive chance again. Third Time Lucki ran well enough on his first run for Fergal O'Brien's yard, he's dropped enough in the weights and he's an each-way poke. Sam Turner's tip: My Mate Mozzie 6/1 No horse has won this event back-to-back since 1959 so Unexpected Party must defy history to repeat his win from 12 months ago. However, his trainer is brilliant at targeting Festival handicaps so he can't be discounted despite the stats. Proper spring ground is ideal for My Mate Mozzie who came from a long way back to take second in a hot Leopardstown handicap last time. He could be the chief beneficiary from a strong gallop. JPR One (ground will also suit), Traprain Law (should relish a generous pace) and Dancing On My Own (decent course form) also made the shortlist. 17.20: Champion Bumper Ruby Walsh's tip: Copacabana 5/2 Bambino Fever surprised up a bit at Leopardstown. She's a pretty good mare. We've only had Aqua Force a couple of weeks. Gameofinches came to us after winning a point-to-point in November so we didn't have him in the yard until a couple of weeks after that. He had been trained to win that so he's a very lean horse. He's not difficult to train but you can't train them like one you've had through pre-season and you're building through the year. Copacabana is that horse. He's been in the routine a long time. I was impressed with him at Navan. I put him up after that and I haven't changed my mind. He's the one. Sam Turner's tip: Bambino Fever 6/1 Given Willie Mullins has trained the winner of this contest a staggering 13 times, it seems prudent to seriously consider his five runners. The market seems to favour Navan scorer Copacabana and Gameofinches, a good winner at Punchestown last month, and both look to have all the skills required to win this finale. However, Bambino Fever looked an exceptional mare when scoring at the Dublin Racing Festival and she might put her turn of foot to good use. No Drama This End could be the best of British, while El Cairos will be overlooked in the market given his amateur rider.
