Latest news with #ImpaireEtPasse
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Nicky Henderson set to wave goodbye to 21 horses as owners decide it's time to move on
A GRAND total of 21 Nicky Henderson-trained horses are set to be put up for sale later this month - as owners decide it's time to move on. Doncaster's Spring HIT/PTP Sale will see a whole load of Seven Barrows runners go under the hammer. Advertisement 1 Nicky Henderson will see one horse in the famous Donnelly silks, worn here by James Bowen, sold at the Doncaster sales, when Shanagh Bob goes under the hammer Credit: PA Among them is Grade 2 winner Shanagh Bob, owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly of State Man, Sir Gino and Lulamba fame. The lovable seven-year-old never reached the same heights as his owner's other superstars. But he closed out his time with Henderson with one final victory - his first since December 2023 when he scooped the Graded race at Cheltenham - in a match race at Ludlow on Sunday. Hendo said: "He's always been a lovely horse and is very straightforward to train. Advertisement "It's fair to say he's not quite been as nice as we thought he'd be but he won well and he's still got a bright future. He'll go to the Doncaster sales now." Also up for sale is First Street, owned by billionaire Lady Bamford. First Street, an eight-year-old gelding, actually finished second to State Man in the 2022 County Hurdle. The future Champion Hurdle winner was famously thrown in that Grade 3 handicap race off a ridiculous mark of 141. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing He would go on to be rated a best 169. First Street gave State Man 1lb that day and went down just over a length at 16-1 under Nico de Boinville. Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who own the likes of Impaire Et Passe, have also listed their five-year-old gelding Katana as being for sale. This many horses going under the hammer doesn't mean owners are leaving Hendo, just that these particular runners may do better elsewhere under a different ownership. Advertisement Henderson, who also recently saw The former Champion Hurdle king jumped poorly in the Grade 1 Boodles Champion Hurdle, finishing 27 lengths behind winner State Man. He fell in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and again capsized a few weeks later at Aintree. But he could be seen again next month after being given an entry in Ascot's Gold Cup. Advertisement And there is real hope for the future with the likes of Lulamba. He made amends for his narrow Triumph Hurdle defeat at the hands of 100-1 Poniros with victory in the Grade 1 Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown. The Willie Mullins-trained Poniros, owned by Brighton boss Tony Bloom, finished four lengths behind in second. List of Nicky Henderson horses due for sale at Doncaster Advertisement Broxy Music Hooper Marengo Bay Jasmin Bellevue (withdrawn) Uptown Lass Raffles Nobu Timetoshine Attacca Soldier Saint Captain Morgs Shanagh Bob Nativehill First Street Sutherland Katana Inneston Bo Zenith Kingston Pride Haddex Des Obeaux Diyaken Minella Premier Willmount 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: 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.
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Willie Mullins hotly tipped for British trainers' title despite Dan Skelton's £68,000 lead ahead of final-day showdown
Twelve months ago Mullins headed to the Esher circuit with a six-figure lead over Skelton and perennial champion Paul Nicholls and never looked in serious danger of being reeled in, with victories for Minella Cocooner and Impaire Et Passe ensuring he became the first Irish-based trainer since Vincent O'Brien 70 years earlier to lift the British title. There is a slightly different feel to the conclusion of this year's race, with Skelton having led the way for virtually the entire campaign and he appeared home and hosed before Mullins fired in eight winners across three days at Aintree and saddled five of the first seven home in the Grand National. Skelton will take a lead of over £68,000 into the last day thanks to yesterday's success for Coco Mademoiselle at Perth and Doyouknowwhatimean's Chepstow second – but with Mullins running 21 horses to his nine at Sandown, Skelton admits he is fearing the worst. 'Everyone here is full of hope and full of the possibility, but I feel like I know what's coming on Saturday,' he said. 'I've known since Aintree that Willie was going to bring a few over for the Scottish National and a few for the midweek meetings and then he was going to attack Sandown with some vigour. 'But I didn't sit back after Aintree and say the inevitability of all this is going to subdue me and my team. We've come out and done everything we can, our horses have been phenomenal and I'm so proud of everybody. 'My owners and my team, we've never been champion, we've never been to that dance. But the excitement that we might have done it and we might still do it – and the tenacity everyone is showing – is something I've taken a lot of heart from. 'It's different when you've never won one, as you're trying to get through the door and onto the dancefloor. Maybe the bouncer won't let us into the party on Saturday, but we'll try and do it.' Despite the fact Mullins has not yet been in front during this season's title race, the master of Closutton is long odds-on to emulate O'Brien by successfully defending his British crown. The man himself, however, is taking nothing for granted. He said: 'Dan is in front and we can think about all the points we might get on the board, but as we see every year in the Premier League, having points on the board is worth more than anything. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'The fact we are both in different countries means we're not meeting each other all the time in the weighing room like you would in Ireland and we don't ring each other seeing what each other is going to run or things like that, so it's been very quiet and he's doing his business and I'm doing mine. 'I'm sure we'll have a bit of fun on Saturday and one of us is going to be disappointed and one of us is going to walk away with the cookie jar [the trophy] – it's where I kept all my sweets in and whoever wins on Saturday might be lucky and find one or two left at the bottom! 'We had a great day at Sandown last year and they looked after us very well and we were totally amazed with the support we got, it was a great day and a fantastic atmosphere.' With Mullins not represented until race three, Skelton has the chance to extend his lead with Riskintheground, which following two wins in the space of a week earlier in the month, goes in search of the hat-trick in the second race on the card – the bet365 Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase. 'We were always planning for him around this time of year, I always had the Cheltenham race in mind and we thought we'd go to Ayr beforehand,' said Skelton. 'He's in the form of his life, he looks fantastic. It's been 10 days since he ran, so it's not like I'm running him three days later, and he absolutely loves it. 'I'm sure he'll run very well, whether the handicapper has caught up with him, we'll find out.' Mullins fires a four-pronged assault on the Grade Two bet365 Oaksey Chase, with hot favourite Gaelic Warrior joined by a trio of stablemates in Gentleman De Mee, Appreciate It and Classic Getaway. He said: 'It took me all year to get Gaelic Warrior right but I got him right for Aintree. Sometimes you get a horse right once and that will be it for the year, but he will have to be at his best again. 'Paul [Townend] rides him and Mark Walsh rides Gentleman De Mee. They would be the first team while Appreciate It and Classic Getaway are sort of the second 11.' In the same race, outsider Boombawn represents Skelton, who said: 'He's been a fabulous horse all year, he's Grade One placed and a Grade Two winner, but look what's coming over! We're asking him an impossible task.' Grade Two honours are also up for grabs in the bet365 Select Hurdle, in which Mullins again saddles the market leader in Kitzbuhel while Skelton runs Gwennie May Boy and Take No Chances. 'He's a nice horse, but Nicky Henderson's horse Lucky Place might be the one we have to beat. If Kitzbuhel turned up at his best, I'd expect him to go very close,' said Mullins. Skelton added: 'Take No Chances has had a phenomenal year, she's been consistent all the way through and will love the track and the ground, and the trip is no problem. 'Gwennie May Boy underwhelmed a little bit last time but was very good the time before. I'd like to think the pair of them can be real competitors.' Mullins outnumbers Skelton 10 to one in the Gold Cup and has twice as many runners in the concluding Handicap Hurdle with four.
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Willie Mullins enters simply staggering number of superstars for Sandown showdown with Dan Skelton
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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 will be looking to turn that around and then some at the blockbuster jumps finale. 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. 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. 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 Nico de Boinville was in hospital on Easter Monday after a dreadful fall at Plumpton. 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. 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. 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: 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.
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.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The 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. 1 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 will be looking to turn that around and then some at the blockbuster jumps finale. 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. 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 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. 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 Nico de Boinville was in hospital on Easter Monday after a dreadful fall at Plumpton. 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. 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. 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." . Remember to gamble responsibly
