Latest news with #GrangeclareWest
RTÉ News
25-04-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Willie Mullins going for Gold at Sandown in bid to defend title
Willie Mullins is responsible for half of the 20-strong field for the £175,000 bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on Saturday, with the outcome of the race likely to go a long way to deciding if the master of Closutton defends his British champion trainer crown. Mullins trailed Dan Skelton by £57,718 when racing got under way on the penultimate afternoon of the National Hunt season across the Irish Sea, but it's Mullins who will boast by far the stronger hand in the lucrative handicap. Grand National third Grangeclare West runs for Mullins, meaning 11 of the field run from out of the handicap, while the trainer also saddles defending champion Minella Cocooner and High Class Hero, who is Mullins' idea of the stable first string. The 68-year-old said: "Paul rides High Class Hero and he's one who is going to be high on the list, if not right at the top. "We switched from the Irish National to this late, we had a lot of rain in Fairyhouse and we just felt a drier track would suit him. "Grangeclare West and Minella Cocooner both ran well in the National and must have their chances." There is also a Grade One winner amongst the Closutton team in Dancing City, while Mullins fancies O'Moore Park to go close having knocked on the door at Cheltenham the last twice. "Dancing City fell at Aintree but on his form before that you'd think he would have a really good chance and I think he's a good enough jumper, maybe we just concentrate on getting him around, then see," said Mullins. "O'Moore Park is due a big race and has been improving all season, whether that win is this or next season, I don't know." Others on the Mullins teamsheet include Olympic Man, Lombron, Klarc Kent, Spanish Harlem and Chosen Witness, with the reigning champion trainer not ruling any out of contention. He said: "Olympic Man was running a great race for Patrick in Ayr and will be ridden by Johnny Burke. He will be wearing a hood for the first time as he just raced with the choke out a little bit at Ayr and he won't be without a chance. "Klarc Kent ran a cracker when second in the Scottish National, but even with Kieran Callaghan claiming 5lb, he's still going to be out the handicap. "Spanish Harlem I think will like this nice ground and he's not out of it and the same applies to Chosen Witness. "They are two horses I haven't really run before on this type of ground, but I think it's time they did and we take a punt on the ground. They are two big, chasing types that I had been keeping to ground with soft in, but at this stage of the game it's time to let them take their chance." Hoe Joly Smoke will fly the flag for Skelton, with the trainer's brother Harry Skelton at his near minimum weight to ride. "We never entered him in the Scottish National, rightly or wrongly, because I always felt this was the right race for him. We didn't expect Grangeclare West to turn up, but that's happened because of circumstances and we're 12lb wrong before we start," said Skelton. "We've got to give it a go. I feel a bit sorry for Harry, who has got to do 10st 2lb, which is not exactly a walk in the park, but he'd do 9st 2lb at the moment for me – I know how much support I've got from him and I know how much he wants it. "We've got a nice chance, but the data shows it's going to be 12lb difficult before we start." Skelton will also be cheering on fellow British trainers Olly Murphy and Emma Lavelle, who saddle the tough Resplendent Grey and in-form King's Threshold respectively seeking their own slice of the prize-fund, with the value of the former's National Hunt Chase fourth to Haiti Couleurs given a significant boost recently.
The Herald Scotland
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Skelton fears title chances may go up in Smoke
However, the Lodge Hill team are hopeful the decision to skip the Scottish Grand National will pay dividend as they bid to keep trainers' title dreams alive in a race that could prove crucial. A big success for the Skeltons with Hoe Joly Smoke! 🥇 How many winners will the Skeltons have this week at Cheltenham? 🏆#ITVRacing — ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 9, 2025 'We never entered him in the Scottish National, rightly or wrongly, because I always felt this was the right race for him. We didn't expect Grangeclare West to turn up, but that's happened because of circumstances and we're 12lb wrong before we start,' said Skelton. 'We've got to give it a go. I feel a bit sorry for Harry, who has got to do 10st 2lb, which is not exactly a walk in the park, but he'd do 9st 2lb at the moment for me – I know how much support I've got from him and I know how much he wants it. 'We've got a nice chance, but the data shows it's going to be 12lb difficult before we start.' Skelton will also be cheering on fellow British trainers Olly Murphy and Emma Lavelle, who saddle the tough Resplendent Grey and in-form King's Threshold respectively seeking their own slice of the prize-fund, with the value of the former's National Hunt Chase fourth to Haiti Couleurs given a significant boost recently. Resplendent Grey has been a smart performer for Olly Murphy this season (John Walton/PA) Murphy said: 'He ran well in Cheltenham. He didn't go round very well but he came home strong. We'll ride him a little bit differently. 'He's got first-time cheekpieces and hopefully they will help him, he's got a lovely weight on his back and if he gets into a rhythm, he's got an each-way chance.' Sean Bowen will pick up his first title on the day but had to get off Haiti Couleurs at Cheltenham to ride Resplendent Grey and still awaits a first Festival winner. He did, though, win the Irish National on Rebecca Curtis' charge on Monday. Murphy added: 'It would be great if Sean could wrap up the season by winning this. He's been freshened up and we're looking forward to running him.' Neil Mulholland's Transmission was a place behind Resplendent Grey at Cheltenham, while Skelton's old boss Paul Nicholls runs Threeunderthrufive. However, it is hard to ignore the aces Mullins has up his sleeve and as well as the aforementioned Grangeclare West, he will saddle the likes of defending champion Minella Cocooner and High Class Hero, who is the trainer's idea of the stable first string. Mullins said: 'Paul rides High Class Hero and he's one who is going to be high on the list, if not right at the top. High Class Hero leads the Willie Mullins team (Brian Lawless/PA) 'We switched from the Irish National to this late, we had a lot of rain in Fairyhouse and we just felt a drier track would suit him. 'Grangeclare West and Minella Cocooner both ran well in the National and must have their chances.' There is also a Grade One winner amongst the Closutton team in Dancing City, while Mullins fancies O'Moore Park to go close having knocked on the door at Cheltenham the last twice. 'Dancing City fell at Aintree but on his form before that you'd think he would have a really good chance and I think he's a good enough jumper, maybe we just concentrate on getting him around, then see,' said Mullins. 'O'Moore Park is due a big race and has been improving all season, whether that win is this or next season, I don't know.' Klarc Kent in action in the Scottish grand National (Jane Barlow/PA) Others on the Mullins teamsheet include Olympic Man, Lombron, Klarc Kent, Spanish Harlem and Chosen Witness, with the reigning champion trainer not ruling any out of contention. He said: 'Olympic Man was running a great race for Patrick in Ayr and will be ridden by Johnny Burke. He will be wearing a hood for the first time as he just raced with the choke out a little bit at Ayr and he won't be without a chance. 'Klarc Kent ran a cracker when second in the Scottish National, but even with Kieran Callaghan claiming 5lb, he's still going to be out the handicap. 'Spanish Harlem I think will like this nice ground and he's not out of it and the same applies to Chosen Witness. 'They are two horses I haven't really run before on this type of ground, but I think it's time they did and we take a punt on the ground. They are two big, chasing types that I had been keeping to ground with soft in, but at this stage of the game it's time to let them take their chance.'
Rhyl Journal
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Skelton fears title chances may go up in Smoke
The Closutton handler is responsible for half of the 20-strong field and with Grand National third Grangeclare West topping the weights, it means Skelton's course winner will have to race from out of the handicap and with the trainer's brother Harry Skelton at his near minimum weight to ride. However, the Lodge Hill team are hopeful the decision to skip the Scottish Grand National will pay dividend as they bid to keep trainers' title dreams alive in a race that could prove crucial. A big success for the Skeltons with Hoe Joly Smoke! 🥇 How many winners will the Skeltons have this week at Cheltenham? 🏆#ITVRacing — ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 9, 2025 'We never entered him in the Scottish National, rightly or wrongly, because I always felt this was the right race for him. We didn't expect Grangeclare West to turn up, but that's happened because of circumstances and we're 12lb wrong before we start,' said Skelton. 'We've got to give it a go. I feel a bit sorry for Harry, who has got to do 10st 2lb, which is not exactly a walk in the park, but he'd do 9st 2lb at the moment for me – I know how much support I've got from him and I know how much he wants it. 'We've got a nice chance, but the data shows it's going to be 12lb difficult before we start.' Skelton will also be cheering on fellow British trainers Olly Murphy and Emma Lavelle, who saddle the tough Resplendent Grey and in-form King's Threshold respectively seeking their own slice of the prize-fund, with the value of the former's National Hunt Chase fourth to Haiti Couleurs given a significant boost recently. Murphy said: 'He ran well in Cheltenham. He didn't go round very well but he came home strong. We'll ride him a little bit differently. 'He's got first-time cheekpieces and hopefully they will help him, he's got a lovely weight on his back and if he gets into a rhythm, he's got an each-way chance.' Sean Bowen will pick up his first title on the day but had to get off Haiti Couleurs at Cheltenham to ride Resplendent Grey and still awaits a first Festival winner. He did, though, win the Irish National on Rebecca Curtis' charge on Monday. Murphy added: 'It would be great if Sean could wrap up the season by winning this. He's been freshened up and we're looking forward to running him.' Neil Mulholland's Transmission was a place behind Resplendent Grey at Cheltenham, while Skelton's old boss Paul Nicholls runs Threeunderthrufive. However, it is hard to ignore the aces Mullins has up his sleeve and as well as the aforementioned Grangeclare West, he will saddle the likes of defending champion Minella Cocooner and High Class Hero, who is the trainer's idea of the stable first string. Mullins said: 'Paul rides High Class Hero and he's one who is going to be high on the list, if not right at the top. 'We switched from the Irish National to this late, we had a lot of rain in Fairyhouse and we just felt a drier track would suit him. 'Grangeclare West and Minella Cocooner both ran well in the National and must have their chances.' There is also a Grade One winner amongst the Closutton team in Dancing City, while Mullins fancies O'Moore Park to go close having knocked on the door at Cheltenham the last twice. 'Dancing City fell at Aintree but on his form before that you'd think he would have a really good chance and I think he's a good enough jumper, maybe we just concentrate on getting him around, then see,' said Mullins. 'O'Moore Park is due a big race and has been improving all season, whether that win is this or next season, I don't know.' Others on the Mullins teamsheet include Olympic Man, Lombron, Klarc Kent, Spanish Harlem and Chosen Witness, with the reigning champion trainer not ruling any out of contention. He said: 'Olympic Man was running a great race for Patrick in Ayr and will be ridden by Johnny Burke. He will be wearing a hood for the first time as he just raced with the choke out a little bit at Ayr and he won't be without a chance. 'Klarc Kent ran a cracker when second in the Scottish National, but even with Kieran Callaghan claiming 5lb, he's still going to be out the handicap. 'Spanish Harlem I think will like this nice ground and he's not out of it and the same applies to Chosen Witness. 'They are two horses I haven't really run before on this type of ground, but I think it's time they did and we take a punt on the ground. They are two big, chasing types that I had been keeping to ground with soft in, but at this stage of the game it's time to let them take their chance.'
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Willie Mullins enters simply staggering number of superstars for Sandown showdown with Dan Skelton
WILLIE MULLINS has entered a simply staggering number of superstars for his Sandown showdown with Dan Skelton. The legendary Irish trainer is going all out in his bid to land a second straight British jumps trainer title. Advertisement 1 Willie Mullins will be going all out in his bid to land a second straight British jumps trainer title at Dan Skelton's expense Credit: Sportsfile Skelton, who has never won the crown before and was pipped by Mullins last season, is just £27,878.44 ahead in the standings. But Mullins has entered a massive 38 runners for the seven-race card, the highlight of which is the bet365 Gold Cup, worth a shade under £100,000 to the winner. He won it last year with Minella Cocooner and he is entered again, along with current 6-1 High Class Hero. Advertisement While multiple Grade 1 winner Dancing City - who is being backed into 8-1 - and Scottish Grand National winner Captain Cody complete the top three in the betting. The classy Impaire Et Passe is a 16-1 chance too in a race where Mullins could also have Grangeclare West, Quai De Bourbon, Lombron, Olympic Man, O'Moore Park, Spanish Harlem, Paggane, Chosen Witness, A Penny A Hundred, Judicieuse Allen and Klarc Kent. The big names and where they could run 2.25pm Oaksey Chase (2m7f) Gaelic Warrior, El Fabiolo, Il Etait Temps 3.00pm Celebration Chase (2m) Energumene, Gaelic Warrior, Il Etait Temps, Impaire Et Passe 3.35pm bet365 Gold Cup (3m5f) Grangeclare West, Minella Cocooner, Dancing City 4.10pm bet365 Select Hurdle (2m5f) El Fabiolo, Lossiemouth The Galacticos don't stop there. In the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase Mullins has put Appreciate It, Blue Lord, Classic Getaway, El Fabiolo, Gaelic Warrior and Gentleman De Mee in the mix. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing While Il Etait Temps could make his return after almost a year off after being entered too. Jonbon has made the Celebration Chase his own for trainer Nicky Henderson - whose No1 jockey But Mullins is looking to take him on with the likes of the doubly-entered Gaelic Warrior, Energumene, Il Etait Temps and Impaire Et Passe. El Fabiolo is an intriguing entry in the Grade 2 bet365 Select Hurdle, where Mullins could also be represented by Jade De Grugy, Kitzbuhel and… Lossiemouth. Advertisement Rich Ricci's monstrous mare could be racing against her namesake, with Polly Gundry's ten-year-old gelding Lossiemouth also entered. The potential runners don't stop there, either, with Mullins throwing the kitchen sink at the final two races. You won't find Mullins have too many winners in Class 2 handicap chases but he has entered Chosen Witness, Lombron, O'Moore Park and Paggane in the 4.45. While the final race on the card, which could decide the whole title race, is set to feature the likes of Bunting, Dr Eggman, Jump Allen and King Alexander. Advertisement Mullins isn't one prone to exaggeration and quizzed on his colossal number of entries, he quipped: "Is that all?" Bookies make Mullins 2-11 to win a second title in a row with Skelton out to 7-2. Coral's David Stevens said: "Although Dan outscored Willie in prize money terms at Plumpton, the latter got a winner on the board in the finale at the Sussex track, and more importantly, has made a host of top class entries for Sandown next Saturday, a day that is sure to be crucial in deciding the outcome of this title race." 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: Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun 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.
BBC News
05-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Grand National 2025 result - where your horse finished
The 33-1 shot Nick Rockett led home a brilliant one-two-three for Irish trainer Willie Mullins in the 2025 Grand National at by the trainer's son Patrick, an experienced amateur rider, the winner held off the challenge of stablemate and defending champion I Am Maximus in the four-and-a-quarter-mile West took third to round out a clean sweep of the podium places for the Closutton of the 34 runners, 16 completed the course. This is the full result:Place, horse, jockey, odds 1 Nick Rockett, PW Mullins, 33-12 I Am Maximus, P Townend, 7-13 Grangeclare West, B Hayes, 33-14 Iroko, Jonjo O'Neill Jr, 13-2 Fav5 Meetingofthewaters, DE Mullins, 20-16 Senior Chief, DJ O'Keeffe, 40-17 Minella Cocooner, JJ Burke, 18-18 Hewick, G Sheehan, 14-19 Minella Indo, Rachael Blackmore, 20-110 Twig, Beau Morgan, 50-111 Three Card Brag, S Bowen, 16-112 Beauport, Sam Twiston Davies, 33-113 Horantzau D'airy, C Gethings, 150-114 Vanillier, SW Flanagan, 12-115 Bravemansgame, J Reveley, 40-116 Chantry House, James Bowen, 66-1
