Latest news with #IrishClassic
Irish Examiner
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Classic redemption beckons for Field Of Gold in the Irish 2,000 Guineas
Field Of Gold can earn compensation for his near miss at Newmarket by taking the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas, the first Irish Classic of the season, on Saturday afternoon at the Curragh. John and Thady Gosden's colt won two of his four outing as a juvenile and was most impressive in the Craven on his return to action. On the back of that, he was sent off favourite for the Newmarket 2000 Guineas but his late charge for glory came up just shy of Ruling Court. He took a little time to find full stride on that occasion but finished off to great effect and there is every chance this track will help bring out the best in him. He probably isn't a mile ahead of the opposition, but his Newmarket effort sets the standard, and he can emulate his sire, Kingman, who won this in 2014. Scorthy Champ and Expanded were disappointing at Newmarket and there wasn't enough in their efforts to suggest they could improve enough to win this just three weeks later. Hotazhell was a Group 1 winner at two and is interesting on his return to action, while the unbeaten Cosmic Year may carry his head high, but he is a smart sort, worthy of respect. Windlord is one of the outsiders, and third choice of three in the Juddmonte colours, but he can outrun his odds. He isn't entirely straightforward, which he showed when hanging left in the straight at the end of the Classic Trial at Sandown, but he has plenty of ability and if allowed to race prominently and not in a pacemaker role, he could cause an upset. The nap on the card goes to Himalayan Heights in the Tulfarris Hotel And Golf Resort Handicap. Always a smart sort, he looked much improved when winning on his return, after being gelded, and there is every reason to expect further improvement despite him having to run off a career-high mark of 93. In the Group 2 Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes, Storm Boy is an obvious starting point, but the Australian import is hard to assess. The market will speak volumes with regard to his claims but regardless of which way he trends, Iberian makes plenty of each-way appeal. Unlucky last time, on his first run after wind surgery, the make-up of the race should suit, and he has leading claims. Sunday is Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas day and Aidan O'Brien can claim an 11th win in the race courtesy of Lake Victoria. During her juvenile season, she won three Group 1s, but her trainer admitted from an early stage of this season that it would be a struggle to get her to the Newmarket Guineas. In the end, she managed to turn up there but looked like a filly who badly needed the outing. Beaten just two and a half lengths into sixth place behind Desert Flower, she ran a superb race, and with much improvement expected, she will be hard to beat. Flight, who finished runner-up in Newmarket, seems not to have been given the credit she deserves. She raced in a small group on the near side of the track, away from the group which contained five of the first six home, and ran a huge race to be beaten just a length by Desert Flower. She has the scope to improve further and should not be dismissed lightly. The Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup is a superb race on paper, and it may pay to side with the only filly in the race, Kalpana. The Andrew Balding-trained Juddmonte filly developed rapidly last season, and it culminated in that classy success in the Champion Stakes at Ascot. She is dropping back in trip just a touch but has always shown plenty of pace, so that shouldn't be an inconvenience. There is every reason to expect further progress from the four-year-old and she can prove too sharp for Los Angeles and White Birch.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Colin Keane a class act but to ditch Kieran Shoemark with his strike rate? That was quite something
FOR the second time in three years Colin Keane appears to have been gifted an Irish Classic – when your luck is in your luck is in. Keane, of course, rides red-hot favourite Field of Gold in Saturday's Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas, live on ITV. 1 He takes the ride off Kieran Shoemark, who was dumped by either John & Thady Gosden or Juddmonte or both – no-one seems to know the truth - after suffering a narrow defeat in the Newmarket equivalent. My Saturday NAP Wasn't beaten far in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket on return from 76 days off and can strip fitter for the run Three years ago Keane picked up winner Westover for the same owners in the Irish Derby after Rob Hornby was seemingly rejected for his performance on that horse at Epsom. On paper it was a gimme and that's how it turned out. I like Keane. He's a six-time champion jockey and has always been charming when I have met him over the years, which was quite a lot in the days when Irish racing was shown on Attheraces. He's also got a sense of humour and is fun. Keane has built up a terrific relationship with Ger Lyons, a man who knows a fine rider when he sees one. And the Meath man has done well for Juddmonte. As well as Westover, Siskin took this race for the Saudi team in 2020 and Babouche scooted up in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes. Irish folk are much more passionate about horse racing than those in the UK, and most won't have a word said against Keane. I'd agree with them. Keane is a class act. But it's always interesting to put a few facts in the mix, particularly in a situation like the one with Field of Gold. Keane rode Juddmonte's Detain, another Gosden animal, in the French 2000 Guineas the other day. The horse was never placed to challenge before running on well. Nothing was said by anyone about the ride, and here we are a few days later with the jockey gaining the biggest mount of them all. If Shoemark had ridden Detain in that way – whether it was a poor ride or not, and I'm not saying it was - the world would have gone mad. I guess that's just life. Equally, Ryan Moore can have a moment he'd like to alter and not a mention. That's the esteem he's held in. In the last five years Keane trades at 13 per cent wins to rides at the Curragh, with 69 successes from 517 mounts. Moore is at 31 per cent with 92 victories from 299 rides. Of course, riding for Ballydoyle his statistics should be impressive, but it's a huge difference. The point is in no way to slate Keane. His talents are clear for all to see and as I have said I'm a fan. It's just the 'one jockey is rubbish' and 'another jockey is amazing' attitude on social media is rarely backed up with statistics. Field of Gold, taught to now settle beautifully by Shoemark, would probably have won the 2000 Guineas at HQ on another day. He will forever wish he had pushed a few strides sooner. But so might the actual hero Ruling Court and so might Shadow of Light, who got there too soon and finished third. Nevertheless, it was enough for the Gosdens or Juddmonte or both to sack a man who, in 2024, was trading for the owners at 30 per cent wins to rides. To throw away someone who is winning for you at that rate is quite something. Would Moore or Keane have been sacked by Ballydoyle or Lyons if they had handled Field of Gold in similar vein? I suggest not. I find all these relationships fascinating. It's part of what makes this such an interesting sport. Shoemark, incidentally, put up one of the rides of the season at Kempton on Wednesday night on roughie Radiant Beauty. No-one seemed to care, but it was pure genius. I really hope Field of Gold wins. He's a gorgeous, impressive horse. The type we should enjoy all season and possibly in 2026 as well. Juddmonte make it interesting by running unbeaten Harry Charlton inmate Cosmic Year under the unstoppable Oisin Murphy, while Moore and O'Brien team up with Officer. Coincidentally, the Bob Baffert-trained Officer was the 4-6 favourite for the 2001 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He was beaten by O'Brien's Johannesburg. Perhaps they just liked the name! Rock Band Keane sang on their Hopes and Fears album 'Everybody's Changing'. Not everybody, just the jockey of Field of Gold. The colt's fans, however, remain loyal, unlike some, to a son of Kingman who should rule this afternoon. 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:
North Wales Chronicle
23-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Rashabar team full of confidence for Irish Guineas challenge
The Brian Meehan-trained Coventry Stakes winner sports the famous Sangster family colours which have been carried to victory in the Irish Classic five times already. Jaazeiro (1978), Sadler's Wells (1984) and Prince Of Birds (1988) were all trained by Vincent O'Brien, before Peter Chapple-Hyam won twice in three years with Rodrigo De Triano and Turtle Island in 1992 and 1994 respectively. 'He's in tremendous form. He did a lovely bit of work this week,' said Sam Sangster of the Manton Thoroughbreds-owned colt, who has been second in the Prix Morny, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Greenham Stakes since Ascot. Camille Pissarro comes from the back and sweeps home in the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere for Aidan O'Brien and @CSoumillon 🏆 A fifth success at the Arc meeting for @Ballydoyle 💪 — British Champions Day (@Champions_Day) October 6, 2024 'We had to miss the French Guineas due to a spiked temperature a week before, but he's been absolutely fine since then. 'He's got a lovely draw in stall one and obviously he's paired up with the man that won the race last year (Sean Levey), so we're coming into the race full of confidence, to be honest. 'If you were taking the form out of the Lagardere, you'd have every right to be coming with every confidence. 'I think he's probably the horse that's a little bit underestimated, he definitely needed the run in the Greenham, he's had plenty of time between runs, Brian and the whole team are extremely happy with him, so it's all systems go really.' The Juddmonte silks of the late Khalid Abdullah bid for a third win in the race, after Kingman in 2014 and Siskin in 2020. They are well represented this year with John and Thady Gosden's Newmarket runner-up Field Of Gold, Andrew Balding's Windlord and the only unbeaten runner in the race, Harry Charlton's Cosmic Year. Oisin Murphy rode Cosmic Year in his first two outings before Ryan Moore took the mount last time out, but Murphy is back on again this weekend. 'I'm really looking forward to Cosmic Year. It's obviously a Group One and he's stepping up in class, but he's been very good in his three runs so far,' he said. 'It looks a very good renewal of the race with Aidan O'Brien's two Officer and Expanded, Field Of Gold and a Group One winner in Hotazhell, and who knows with some of the other horses who are lightly raced. 'Harry seems very happy with him though, hopefully he can travel over there well and let's see how we get on.' Colin Keane – who steered Siskin to glory – replaces Kieran Shoemark on John and Thady Gosden's Field Of Gold and speaking earlier this week said: 'I'm delighted to be asked to ride him, he looks a very good ride going into the race, I'm very much looking forward to it. 'The Juddmonte colours are those that growing up watching racing, you know who they are. I've been very fortunate to win two Classics wearing them and a couple more Group Ones and I'm just delighted to be asked to ride the colt at the weekend.' Jessica Harrington's Hotazhell beat Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix in the Futurity Trophy. He was scheduled to run in the French Guineas but was pulled out an hour before the race as the ground was deemed too quick. 'Hotazhell has been good since he returned from France,' said Kate Harrington, assistant to her mother. 'It was obviously a hard call (to miss the French race), but I think our decision was justified with the track record broken on the day. 'We have just freshened him up since he came back and I walked the track at the Curragh on Tuesday and it was beautiful ground with a great job done on watering it. We are really looking forward to him running a big race and he has a lovely draw as well in stall number four.' Aidan O'Brien runs Officer and Expanded, while his eldest son Joseph is represented by Scorthy Champ. Joseph's brother Donnacha is also involved through Comanche Brave.
Glasgow Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Rashabar team full of confidence for Irish Guineas challenge
The Brian Meehan-trained Coventry Stakes winner sports the famous Sangster family colours which have been carried to victory in the Irish Classic five times already. Jaazeiro (1978), Sadler's Wells (1984) and Prince Of Birds (1988) were all trained by Vincent O'Brien, before Peter Chapple-Hyam won twice in three years with Rodrigo De Triano and Turtle Island in 1992 and 1994 respectively. 'He's in tremendous form. He did a lovely bit of work this week,' said Sam Sangster of the Manton Thoroughbreds-owned colt, who has been second in the Prix Morny, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Greenham Stakes since Ascot. Camille Pissarro comes from the back and sweeps home in the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere for Aidan O'Brien and @CSoumillon 🏆 A fifth success at the Arc meeting for @Ballydoyle 💪 — British Champions Day (@Champions_Day) October 6, 2024 'We had to miss the French Guineas due to a spiked temperature a week before, but he's been absolutely fine since then. 'He's got a lovely draw in stall one and obviously he's paired up with the man that won the race last year (Sean Levey), so we're coming into the race full of confidence, to be honest. 'If you were taking the form out of the Lagardere, you'd have every right to be coming with every confidence. 'I think he's probably the horse that's a little bit underestimated, he definitely needed the run in the Greenham, he's had plenty of time between runs, Brian and the whole team are extremely happy with him, so it's all systems go really.' Cosmic Year is the only unbeaten runner in the race (David Davies/PA) The Juddmonte silks of the late Khalid Abdullah bid for a third win in the race, after Kingman in 2014 and Siskin in 2020. They are well represented this year with John and Thady Gosden's Newmarket runner-up Field Of Gold, Andrew Balding's Windlord and the only unbeaten runner in the race, Harry Charlton's Cosmic Year. Oisin Murphy rode Cosmic Year in his first two outings before Ryan Moore took the mount last time out, but Murphy is back on again this weekend. 'I'm really looking forward to Cosmic Year. It's obviously a Group One and he's stepping up in class, but he's been very good in his three runs so far,' he said. 'It looks a very good renewal of the race with Aidan O'Brien's two Officer and Expanded, Field Of Gold and a Group One winner in Hotazhell, and who knows with some of the other horses who are lightly raced. 'Harry seems very happy with him though, hopefully he can travel over there well and let's see how we get on.' Field Of Gold (right) finished well to be second at Newmarket (Joe Giddens/PA) Colin Keane – who steered Siskin to glory – replaces Kieran Shoemark on John and Thady Gosden's Field Of Gold and speaking earlier this week said: 'I'm delighted to be asked to ride him, he looks a very good ride going into the race, I'm very much looking forward to it. 'The Juddmonte colours are those that growing up watching racing, you know who they are. I've been very fortunate to win two Classics wearing them and a couple more Group Ones and I'm just delighted to be asked to ride the colt at the weekend.' Jessica Harrington's Hotazhell beat Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix in the Futurity Trophy. He was scheduled to run in the French Guineas but was pulled out an hour before the race as the ground was deemed too quick. Jessica Harrington (second left) with Hotazhell at Doncaster (Mike Egerton/PA) 'Hotazhell has been good since he returned from France,' said Kate Harrington, assistant to her mother. 'It was obviously a hard call (to miss the French race), but I think our decision was justified with the track record broken on the day. 'We have just freshened him up since he came back and I walked the track at the Curragh on Tuesday and it was beautiful ground with a great job done on watering it. We are really looking forward to him running a big race and he has a lovely draw as well in stall number four.' Aidan O'Brien runs Officer and Expanded, while his eldest son Joseph is represented by Scorthy Champ. Joseph's brother Donnacha is also involved through Comanche Brave.
Rhyl Journal
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Rashabar team full of confidence for Irish Guineas challenge
The Brian Meehan-trained Coventry Stakes winner sports the famous Sangster family colours which have been carried to victory in the Irish Classic five times already. Jaazeiro (1978), Sadler's Wells (1984) and Prince Of Birds (1988) were all trained by Vincent O'Brien, before Peter Chapple-Hyam won twice in three years with Rodrigo De Triano and Turtle Island in 1992 and 1994 respectively. 'He's in tremendous form. He did a lovely bit of work this week,' said Sam Sangster of the Manton Thoroughbreds-owned colt, who has been second in the Prix Morny, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Greenham Stakes since Ascot. Camille Pissarro comes from the back and sweeps home in the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere for Aidan O'Brien and @CSoumillon 🏆 A fifth success at the Arc meeting for @Ballydoyle 💪 — British Champions Day (@Champions_Day) October 6, 2024 'We had to miss the French Guineas due to a spiked temperature a week before, but he's been absolutely fine since then. 'He's got a lovely draw in stall one and obviously he's paired up with the man that won the race last year (Sean Levey), so we're coming into the race full of confidence, to be honest. 'If you were taking the form out of the Lagardere, you'd have every right to be coming with every confidence. 'I think he's probably the horse that's a little bit underestimated, he definitely needed the run in the Greenham, he's had plenty of time between runs, Brian and the whole team are extremely happy with him, so it's all systems go really.' The Juddmonte silks of the late Khalid Abdullah bid for a third win in the race, after Kingman in 2014 and Siskin in 2020. They are well represented this year with John and Thady Gosden's Newmarket runner-up Field Of Gold, Andrew Balding's Windlord and the only unbeaten runner in the race, Harry Charlton's Cosmic Year. Oisin Murphy rode Cosmic Year in his first two outings before Ryan Moore took the mount last time out, but Murphy is back on again this weekend. 'I'm really looking forward to Cosmic Year. It's obviously a Group One and he's stepping up in class, but he's been very good in his three runs so far,' he said. 'It looks a very good renewal of the race with Aidan O'Brien's two Officer and Expanded, Field Of Gold and a Group One winner in Hotazhell, and who knows with some of the other horses who are lightly raced. 'Harry seems very happy with him though, hopefully he can travel over there well and let's see how we get on.' Colin Keane – who steered Siskin to glory – replaces Kieran Shoemark on John and Thady Gosden's Field Of Gold and speaking earlier this week said: 'I'm delighted to be asked to ride him, he looks a very good ride going into the race, I'm very much looking forward to it. 'The Juddmonte colours are those that growing up watching racing, you know who they are. I've been very fortunate to win two Classics wearing them and a couple more Group Ones and I'm just delighted to be asked to ride the colt at the weekend.' Jessica Harrington's Hotazhell beat Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix in the Futurity Trophy. He was scheduled to run in the French Guineas but was pulled out an hour before the race as the ground was deemed too quick. 'Hotazhell has been good since he returned from France,' said Kate Harrington, assistant to her mother. 'It was obviously a hard call (to miss the French race), but I think our decision was justified with the track record broken on the day. 'We have just freshened him up since he came back and I walked the track at the Curragh on Tuesday and it was beautiful ground with a great job done on watering it. We are really looking forward to him running a big race and he has a lovely draw as well in stall number four.' Aidan O'Brien runs Officer and Expanded, while his eldest son Joseph is represented by Scorthy Champ. Joseph's brother Donnacha is also involved through Comanche Brave.
