Latest news with #RubyWalsh


ITV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
ITV Racing Live at Sky Bet Ebor Festival 20-23 August 2025
ITV Racing will broadcast FIVE live races every day of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York Racecourse from 1.30-4.30pm on Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 August on ITV1 ITVX, STV and STV Player. The Opening Show preview programme is on at 9.30-10.30am on Saturday 23 August on ITV4 and ITVX. · Ombudsman and Delacroix are on course to clash again in the Juddmonte International on Wednesday · The City of York Stakes on Saturday now receives Group One status for the first time and becomes the first all age, seven-furlong race to gain Group One status in Great Britain and Ireland · The Sky Bet Ebor, first run in 1843, Europe's richest flat handicap race and York's oldest race is the highlight of a week on Saturday · ITV will have a wire cam in the parade ring and a drone to enhance Ruby Walsh's expert analysis of the action Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani are joined daily for expert analysis by Jason Weaver and Adele Mulrennan. Ruby Walsh will be in his analysis hub with a drone ensuring viewers a bird's eye view of the action. Out and about will be Oli Bell, Mick Fitzgerald and Matt Chapman with Richard Hoiles in the commentary box. The Opening Show on Saturday is hosted by Oli Bell and the team will look back at a wonderful week of racing and preview the best of Saturday's action including the Sky Bet Ebor. There will be a free-to-enter ITV7 competition with huge prizes across the week. Wednesday 20 August 1.50pm Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Stakes 2.25pm Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3) 3.00pm Sky Bet Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2) 3.35pm Juddmonte International Stakes – Group 1 4.10pm Sky Bet Stayers Stakes Thursday 21 August 1.50pm Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Group 2) 2.25pm Harry's Half Million by Goffs Stakes 3.00pm Clipper Stakes 3.35pm Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks - Group 1 4.10pm British EBF and Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes Friday 22 August 1.50pm Sky Bet Stakes 2.25pm Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup (Group 2) 3.00pm Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) 3.35pm Coolmore Wooton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes - Group 1 4.10pm Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies' Stakes


The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Ruby Walsh warns Thurles Racecourse ‘can't be lost forever' and urges Horse Racing Ireland to ‘stand up and be counted'
RUBY WALSH believes the impact on horse-racing from Thurles' closure will be "felt for some time". The privately-owned track in Tipperary - which hosted its first meeting in 1732 - has 2 Thurles Racecourse has closed with immediate effect Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile 2 Ruby Walsh has reacted to the closure Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Riona Molony, whose family have owned the venue since the early 1900s, said rising costs were one of the reasons they had decided to pull the plug. Former jockey Ruby Walsh reacted to the shock news in his And he believes the impact on National Hunt Racing will be felt for some time. He wrote: "I doubt too many in the Irish racing world expected to wake up Friday morning after the drama of Thursday's Galway Hurdle to the news that Thurles race course was closing down." Read More on Ruby Walsh "This family-run enterprise has reached a crossroads, and the Molony ladies want a change. "Fair play to them, because the biggest calls are always the hardest to make, and like anyone in any walk of life, they have to do what is right for them." The 12-time Irish champion jockey warned that it won't be as simple as moving the fixtures set for Thurles to other race courses due to its adaptability to winter conditions. And he called for Horse Racing Ireland to "stand up and be counted" by facilitating a takeover of the track. Most read in Sport He continued: "The Molonys' statement does read like they are retiring from the business, but the course is still there, and perhaps another interested party can take over. "That might be something HRI can look into, but either way, Thurles on Thursday without Riona directing the show, Kate as her First Lieutenant, Trish and Helen running the coffee docks, and Anne-Marie making sure everyone else was busy, just won't be the same. Gordon Elliott and Noel Meade in surreal live RTE moment as they react to controversial Galway Hurdle ruling "It has a fabric, a core of local supporters, and an essential role to play in National Hunt racing. "It can't be lost forever, so the HRI board must stand up and be counted. "They are spending millions on the other side of the county on an all-weather track for a decreasing population of horses, so perhaps they could do something to help save a track that already exists, has the fixtures and the stock to fill the demand." Jockey The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider - who was O'Sullivan never recovered from a coma and In touching scenes at Cheltenham the following month, O'Sullivan's beloved horse Marine Nationale, who gave him his first Festival winner, 'HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE' In a statement, Riona Molony said: "It has been an honour and a privilege for our family to have run Thurles Racecourse, and I am officially announcing our retirement today. "We are very proud of the immense contribution our family has made to racing and we are most grateful to our extended racecourse family, our dedicated staff, generous sponsors, loyal patrons and the wider racing community for all your support. "Horseracing is part of the fabric of our family, and we have been very fortunate to have made so many great friends within the industry over the years. "My family and I look forward to going racing with you again, as spectators. "Since my beloved husband Pierce passed away in 2015, with the help of our four daughters Patricia, Helen, Ann Marie and Kate and our wonderful staff, we've managed to keep the show on the road and I know he would be very proud of us for that. "The girls all have their own families, careers and lives to live. "Ever increasing industry demands and the cost of doing business has also been a major factor. "We're going to enjoy this time together and relax now the decision is made and the news is out before we consider our options."


Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: The Galway Races, A Killer's Confession and Blood Father
Racing From Galway Monday-Thursday, RTÉ2, times vary; Friday, TG4, 4.45pm Ruby Walsh is joined by Fran Berry, Jane Mangan and Lisa O'Neill for the first four days of this year's Summer Festival. Then, on Friday, Seán Bán Breathnach takes over presenting duties. Fake or Fortune? BBC One, 9pm Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould's latest artistic investigation involves a pair of paintings whose owners hope are previously unknown works by Renoir. In 2016, a car carrying a Cork family on their way to see Santa collided with another carrying three young men on Military Road in Co Waterford. This documentary revisits one of the most devastating road collisions in Irish history. The Veil RTÉ2, 10.35pm The lines between truth and lies are becoming blurred as Steven Knight's espionage thriller continues. This time, Imogen manages to bring Adilah and her daughter back together in Paris, but is she getting any closer to uncovering the truth? Blood Father TG4, 10pm An ex-con gets a chance to prove his worth by protecting his estranged 17-year-old daughter from the drug dealers on her trail. Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty and Diego Luna star. ADVERTISEMENT Shiny Happy People: The Teenage Holy War Prime Video, streaming now 'How do you know you're in a cult if it's your normal?' For most under the power of leader Ron Luce, believing you were meant to die a teen martyr for Christ was normal... It would appear there was so much for the Teen Mania Ministries escapees to unpack of their time at the church that Emmy-winning filmmakers Nicole Newnham and Cori Shepherd are back with a second season. They continue to focus on America's largest youth ministry, which attracted millions through wildly popular stadium shows known as 'Acquire the Fire'. Packed with Millennial-era energy and copious levels of cringe, the series captures massive crowds of teens swept up in fervent religious concerts, purity pledges, and missionary zeal — when all most of them needed was a decent regular rave to attend. Beneath the polished youth group image, it reveals rigid spiritual training, theatrical indoctrination, and emotional manipulation orchestrated by Luce. My Melody & Kuromi Netflix, streaming now Fellow Sanrio fans, rejoice! In this charming stop-motion series, celebrating their respective birthdays, (cooler) younger sister Kuromi hunts for My Melody's cake secret, triggering sweet chaos in Mariland. If you can't handle the kawaii burblings, consider watching on mute; it's worth it for the animation. A Normal Woman Netflix, streaming now A socialite's life unravels when a mysterious illness — and her family's disbelief (and latent misogyny) — push her to sabotage her perfect facade and uncover a darker, truer self. Happy Gilmore 2 Netflix, streaming now Yay, 1990s nostalgia! Can you believe it took only three decades for a sequel to this Adam Sandler vehicle? That's either an exceedingly good or a not-so-good sign. It was also released straight to Netflix. Take from that what you will. Hitmakers Netflix, streaming now Twelve top songwriters and producers come together at high-stakes music camps to create hits for stars like John Legend, Shaboozey, and Lisa of Blackpink — revealing the creative tension and breakthroughs behind the music-making process (for humans). This week's K-drama features the rising threat of illegal firearms and shootings; an unsettling shift in South Korea's typically gun-free landscape. The Facebook Honeytrap: Catching a Killer Prime Video, streaming now A woman grappling with chronic illness helps track down her aunt's murderer from 6,000 miles away. How? By using fake profiles, unseen messages, and sheer determination, all from her couch in the UK. For yet more true crime on Prime, there's A Killer's Confession (Christopher Halliwell's, to be precise), landing today.


Irish Independent
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
What to watch on TV and streaming today: Up for the Match, Amy Bradley is Missing and The Big Lebowski
Racing From The Curragh RTÉ2, 2.30pm Entertainment shows are thin on the ground today, but at least sports fans have plenty to get their teeth into, including Classic Day, which features the Irish Oaks. Ruby Walsh hosts, with commentary coming from Richard Pugh. The Hit List BBC One, 5.45pm Marvin and Rochelle Humes are back on the box, hosting the eighth series of their ever-popular music quiz. Once again, a big cash prize is up for grabs, with three duos determined to get their hands on it — best friends from Sheffield, a husband and wife from Nottingham and a father and son from Liverpool. Up for the Match RTÉ One, 9.30pm Presenters Jacqui Hurley and Des Cahill are back with a new edition of the series in which they hear from GAA legends, fans and surprise guests ahead of tomorrow's All-Ireland hurling final. We're promised it's the perfect show to get us in the mood for the big game. The Big Lebowski TG4, 9.50pm Wonderful Coen brothers comedy featuring a memorable performance from Jeff Bridges as a laidback, bowling-loving hippie who inadvertently becomes embroiled in a kidnapping. John Goodman, Julianne Moore and Steve Buscemi co-star. Klute RTÉ2, 12.50am Jane Fonda won an Oscar for her portrayal of a sex worker who helps a private investigator hunt for a missing man, little realising how dangerous the situation will become for both of them. Donald Sutherland also appears in director Alan J Pakula's brilliant drama. ADVERTISEMENT Amy Bradley is Missing Netflix, streaming now In 1998, Amy Bradley vanished from a cruise ship without a trace. Decades later, sightings and speculation still swirl. This three-parter explores this haunting cold case and her family's fight to bring her home. Krays: London Gangsters Prime Video, streaming now Twins Reggie and Ronnie ruled London's underworld for two decades — and had their story portrayed by the Kemps to boot. Through prison recordings, this documentary reveals the powerful bond behind their dubious legacy. Untamed Netflix, streaming now If you've already mainlined all three series of Sneaky Pete, it's OK — Netflix has teed up this new Eric Bana and Sam Neill (both looking suitably at home in rangers uniforms) vehicle for you. Set in Yosemite, the National Parks agents are caught between a brutal crime, the wilderness, and themselves. Ironically, in Trump's America, they'd have probably been laid off. Surf Girls: International Prime Video, streaming now From breakout star Ewe Wong to Olympian Sol Aguirre, follow four female surfing athletes as they face personal hurdles, cultural expectations, and fierce competition. Wall to Wall Netflix, streaming now Imagine saving enough to buy an apartment only to face financial ruin while sandwiched between mysteriously noisy floors. It's South Korean, so Woo-seong's neighbourinos could be anyone (or anything).


RTÉ News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Retiring Rachael Blackmore 'didn't just break glass ceilings, she painted the sky'
Jane Mangan and Ruby Walsh have paid tribute to the retiring Rachael Blackmore, "the greatest female jockey the world has ever seen". The Tipperary woman today called time on a hugely successful 16-year career in the saddle that saw her become the first woman to win an Aintree Grand National or Cheltenham Gold Cup, among many other achievements. " My reaction initially was sad, but I'm so grateful that she can go out on her own terms, because it brings to a close an unprecedented journey," said RTÉ Racing analyst Mangan. "This has never been done by a woman before what she has achieved. Put it this way, if I said to anybody in 2018 that a woman would ride 18 Cheltenham Festival winners, including a Gold Cup, including a Stayers' Hurdle, a Champion Chase, and two Champion Hurdles, you'd probably laugh. "And then if I told you we'll throw in an Aintree Grand National for good measure, then you'd definitely roll your eyes. "Rachel Blackmore's story has been out of this world. She has made what has been abnormal seem normal, and she has made what seemed impossible, not that long ago, achievable. "She has remained completely unchanged despite all of her accolades and in terms of transcending sport." "It brings to a close an unprecedented journey. This has never been done by a woman before, what she has achieved. A hero on and off the track." - @jane_mangan pays tribute to Rachael Blackmore, who has announced the end of her glittering career as a jockey — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 12, 2025 Mangan said Blackmore had "redefined what it means to be a female jockey" and inspired future women riders. "You have proved that gender doesn't define who you are or what you can achieve or how high you can fly. "She has inspired generations. She proved [late trainer] Ginger McCain wrong, and she's been the greatest female jockey in the world has ever seen. "I think all of us can only consider ourselves lucky to have witnessed her achievements in our lifetime. "She didn't just break glass ceilings. She actually painted the sky. "National Hunt racing won't be the same without her name in the race card, but it's all the better for having had her there. Rachel Blackmore is an icon, a hero, on and off the track." Ruby Walsh, one of the few jockeys of recent times to have won even more than Blackmore, told 2fm's Game On: "Rachel Blackmore is unique. We keep saying the first but she is the only woman to have won a Grand National, a Gold Cup, a Champion Hurdle, a Stayers' Hurdle, a Champion Chase. The only woman to be leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival. "She did what all top sports people do. She made very few mistakes and that's the difference. She was very cool under pressure, calculated under pressure and just didn't get it wrong. "Rachael was able to make fewer mistakes and that's what made her so good." "Rachel Blackmore was able to fall and get up quicker than most men, and that's what made her different. She was like an elastic band" Walsh said he particularly admired ability to handle a fall and recovery from a serious neck injury to complete the sweep of Cheltenham championship races on Bob Olinger this year. "Being a National Hunt jockey is not an easy life," he said. "It's a tough sport and Rachel was unique. "Men and women do get to compete on a level playing field but it's the physicality: the falling, the thumps off the ground, the speed of the impacts and being able to pick yourself up "Rachel Blackmore was able to fall and get up quicker than most men, and that's what made her different. She was like an elastic band. "So resilient, so tough. Whilst she broke the glass ceiling and proved women can do it, I don't know how many there are like Rachael. "To win a Grand National is incredible but to watch her come back from a pretty horrific hip injury... and then this year she proved more to me about herself than any of those victories. "She got a fall in Killarney she described as a neck injury but when a National Hunt jockey walks around for three months in a neck brace you can be damn sure there's something broken. "Being a jockey, you play for pay, if you're out there's no salary. She worked herself back into the position that was hers and came back to Cheltenham this year and won. "With all she had achieved, she still had to start again and she did and got herself back to the very top. To take that dent in confidence and get back to where you were, I admire that."