Latest news with #PunchestownFestival
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Willie Mullins posts tribute to ‘amazing horse' after retirement aged 10
Blue Lord won three times at Grade 1 level and excelled over two miles at Leopardstown and Punchestown for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede Willie Mullins has posted his own tribute to one of his star jumpers after his retirement was announced. The record-breaking champion jumps trainer trained Blue Lord for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, whose horses are distinguishable by their double green silks. Blue Lord won on his first start for Mullins, scoring in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown. He had been bought in France for £30,000 and went on to win more than £385,000, which included six successes over fences. The gelding competed at three Cheltenham Festivals but fell at the last when booked for second place in the 2021 Supreme Novices' Hurdle and finished third in the Arkle Trophy 12 months later. Blue Lord saved his best for events closer to home, winning the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown in 2022, the Grade 1 novices' chase at the Punchestown Festival and posted his last victory in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown in December 2022. He went on to finish third in the Champion Chase at Punchestown in 2023 and the Ascot Chase in February this year but was pulled up at Aintee and Punchestown. Announcing the news Munir posted on X, 'We have decided to retire Double Green stalwart Blue Lord, winner of eight races including three Grade 1's the ten year old son of Blue Bresil can now enjoy a well earned retirement!' Mullins issued his own tribute and said: 'Blue Lord has been an amazing horse for Simon and Isaac and a great flag bearer for the double green colours. 'He was a pleasure to train and given us some great days at the track. We wish him all the best in his retirement.'
The Irish Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Great news' say music fans as popular Irish summer festival to take place after ‘greatly exaggerated' rumours
FANS have been left relieved as a popular music festival confirmed that they will proceed as usual after rumours of cancellation circulated. Beyond the Pale is a popular small music festival held on the ancient land of Glendalough Valley in Co Much confusion was caused among music fans and staff, as suppliers revealed that they were told by the organisers that the event was not going to go ahead. It was reported that some booking agents had received a call on Friday night telling them that the And many people were urging the organiser for a statement as the confusion continued to grow. However, a statement has been issued by the organiser on READ MORE ON FESTIVALS They said: "Look, it's unbelievably tough out there for independent festivals, venues, promoters, all know that. "Today we very nearly stumbled, ngl. But the festival gods smiled upon us, and the fate of Beyond the Pale is secure for 2025, and for many years to come. "Thanks for bearing with us today, thanks for all the messages and gestures of support... and see you at Glendalough next week!" The organiser also revealed that sunny and warm weather is in the cards for next weekend. Most read in Music RTE star A music fan wrote: "That's actually great news for the musical and entertainment scene." Kathryn Thomas enjoys day out at Punchestown Festival Another person commented: "What a ride! So glad to hear it's still going." FESTIVAL LINE-UP The festival is set to kick off from Friday to Sunday, June 13 to 15, with thousands of music lovers expected to attend over the weekend. It was launched in 2022, with under 5,000 attendees, and doubled to 10,000 by 2024 with 15 stages. This year, more than 12,500 people and 1,000 staff and artists are expected to attend, with many due to camp on site. And it recently won Best Small Festival at last year's Irish Music Rights Organisation awards. Tickets are currently still available on the official website, with prices starting from €126.90. The festival line-up for this year includes And many small artists across the country and beyond will be performing as well, providing a great mix of music for all music fans. 1 Beyond the Pale festival will proceed as normal Credit: Facebook
Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Constitution Hill removed from Gold Cup reckoning
Nicky Henderson teased the exciting prospect of his hurdling star switching codes when handing the eight-year-old an entry for the Group One staying showpiece. However, after a disappointing spring, which has included falls at both the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree, he will now head for a summer break after a lacklustre performance at the Punchestown Festival. Speaking at Newbury, Henderson told Sky Sports Racing: 'He's good and he's actually been having various tests throughout the week. He had a body and bone scan which actually told us very little and there is nothing chronically bad about it at all at the moment. 'We did actually take him out of the Gold Cup at Ascot this morning and he will very shortly be going to Charlie Vigors (of Hillwood Stud) for his summer holiday. I think some R and R is the best thing for him.' Constitution Hill may have left Seven Barrows for the summer, but Sir Gino is still under the watchful eye of his handler as he continues to recover from the leg injury which became infected and left him in hospital. Henderson continued: 'He's good and he's still at Seven Barrows. Gradually we are getting there and he's walking further and further. Hopefully we'll get him out in a field before too long.'
North Wales Chronicle
17-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Constitution Hill removed from Gold Cup reckoning
Nicky Henderson teased the exciting prospect of his hurdling star switching codes when handing the eight-year-old an entry for the Group One staying showpiece. However, after a disappointing spring, which has included falls at both the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree, he will now head for a summer break after a lacklustre performance at the Punchestown Festival. Speaking at Newbury, Henderson told Sky Sports Racing: 'He's good and he's actually been having various tests throughout the week. He had a body and bone scan which actually told us very little and there is nothing chronically bad about it at all at the moment. 'We did actually take him out of the Gold Cup at Ascot this morning and he will very shortly be going to Charlie Vigors (of Hillwood Stud) for his summer holiday. I think some R and R is the best thing for him.' Constitution Hill may have left Seven Barrows for the summer, but Sir Gino is still under the watchful eye of his handler as he continues to recover from the leg injury which became infected and left him in hospital. Henderson continued: 'He's good and he's still at Seven Barrows. Gradually we are getting there and he's walking further and further. Hopefully we'll get him out in a field before too long.'
Rhyl Journal
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Constitution Hill removed from Gold Cup reckoning
Nicky Henderson teased the exciting prospect of his hurdling star switching codes when handing the eight-year-old an entry for the Group One staying showpiece. However, after a disappointing spring, which has included falls at both the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree, he will now head for a summer break after a lacklustre performance at the Punchestown Festival. Speaking at Newbury, Henderson told Sky Sports Racing: 'He's good and he's actually been having various tests throughout the week. He had a body and bone scan which actually told us very little and there is nothing chronically bad about it at all at the moment. 'We did actually take him out of the Gold Cup at Ascot this morning and he will very shortly be going to Charlie Vigors (of Hillwood Stud) for his summer holiday. I think some R and R is the best thing for him.' Constitution Hill may have left Seven Barrows for the summer, but Sir Gino is still under the watchful eye of his handler as he continues to recover from the leg injury which became infected and left him in hospital. Henderson continued: 'He's good and he's still at Seven Barrows. Gradually we are getting there and he's walking further and further. Hopefully we'll get him out in a field before too long.'
