Author: James Dooley

The Dublin Racing Festival this year was a medley of breathtaking performances and unexpected surprises, offering much to reflect on in the world of horse racing. Hosting a spectacular display of equestrian talent, the festival saw some standout performances and plenty of lessons for trainers and jockeys alike. Patrick Mullins, steeped in the traditions of the racing world, offers his seasoned insights. Galopin des Champs: A Masterful Display In the electrifying environment of the Dublin Racing Festival, Galopin des Champs emerged as a testament to training prowess. Mullins prepares the scene with vivid imagery: the tense anticipation with every towering…

In the heart of the winter racing season, the historic Kempton Park Racecourse hosts another thrilling day of racing on February 7, 2025. Our seasoned experts, with a lifetime of experience in the racing world, have turned their knowledgeable eyes to provide compelling insights and tips for those looking to follow the action.Each race day at Kempton offers a tapestry of stories, with horses thundering down the stretch and showcasing their unique talents. It takes a keen eye to sift through the lineup and uncover hidden gems poised to make their mark in the winner’s circle.Highlighted Horse for the Kempton…

As the sun peeks over the grandstands, revealing the perfectly manicured turf of the UK’s most cherished racecourses, punters across the nation prepare to follow the call of well-placed bets. Today, the air is thick with anticipation as we saddle up for another thrilling day of horse racing. With decades of experience in the paddock, our retired trainers offer expert insights, steering you through Friday’s line-up of must-watch races. 1:32 Lingfield – Enchanted Way In the opening feature at Lingfield, a filly with plenty to prove graces the track. Though Enchanted Way has been caught off-stride in her past outings,…

In the thrilling world of horse racing, Ballyburn has made his mark by securing a win in the Grade One event at Leopardstown during the Dublin Racing Festival. Showcasing his skill and determination, Ballyburn, the 8/13 favorite, emerged victorious after a gripping contest against formidable adversaries.The seasoned trainer Willie Mullins has seen many champions under his guidance, and Ballyburn might just be on the way to joining the ranks of illustrious names. Known for his prowess in coaxing the best from his stables, Mullins was pleased with Ballyburn’s performance, particularly his improved jumping and endurance over the extended two-mile-five-furlong race.Ballyburn…

Il Est Francais, the talented seven-year-old who gave a solid showing as the runner-up in the King George VI Chase, has been withdrawn from the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup during the latest forfeit stage on Tuesday, February 4. The decision by connections Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm leaves this promising steed in two other notable races: the Ryanair Chase and the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, allowing the horse other competitive options at the Cheltenham Festival. The plot thickens as the field for the Gold Cup slightly narrows. Hopes were already sky high with Galopin Des Champs labeled as…

Ben Pauling, a seasoned trainer with an eye for promising talent, is making strategic choices for his Grade 1-winning novice chaser, Handstands. This decision sees him skipping the renowned Cheltenham Festival, opting instead to aim for Aintree in April. With muscle and grit, Handstands carved a name at the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase by outpacing Jango Baie. Pauling is honing in on the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree next, eyeing races like Kempton’s King George VI Chase as future milestones. Pauling relishes in Handstands’ resilience post-victory, noting the horse’s robust recovery. ‘He’s bounced out of Saturday – you…

Willie Mullins, the seasoned trainer whose reputation precedes him in the world of horse racing, has opted to withdraw four of his prized horses from the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. This unexpected move has stirred the racing community, especially as it includes a Gold Cup contender who has been praised for his natural affinity over fences. The renowned trainer, with an eye for reading the subtleties of each horse’s readiness, made these decisions at the latest scratching stage, a critical juncture before the festival’s action unfolds next month. Embassy Gardens Scratched Despite Promising Performance Among the horses Mullins pulled, Embassy Gardens…

The seasoned trainer Gavin Cromwell is gearing up for an unforgettable spectacle at Cheltenham this year, assembling his largest team yet to take on the challenging course.David Ord was on the ground in Ireland, capturing the sights and sounds of Cromwell’s bustling yard, where preparations are in full swing for the prestigious event. Known for their impressive performance, Cromwell’s team is set to make waves with an astounding 34 entries planned over the festival’s four days.Horses to Watch: Sixandahalf and StumptownThe Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle will see the talented Sixandahalf, a shining star in Cromwell’s lineup. Described by the trainer…

On a crisp Wednesday morning, the buzz of anticipation surrounds the much-anticipated races at Ludlow and Sedgefield. As the trainers lead their steeds through morning workouts, one can almost hear the thundering of hooves echoing across the tracks. Longtime racing enthusiast Tom Lunn has sifted through the form guides, scrutinizing the going and jockey partnerships to deliver his select picks of the day. Sedgefield Spotlight: Tom Creen at 2.35 Tipping his hat to the stamina and spirit of Tom Creen, Lunn illuminates the ten-year-old gelding’s remarkable season. Despite being a veteran, this son of Yeats remains in sterling condition. Tom…

Renowned horse trainer Mick Halford has announced his decision to retire, bringing a close to a remarkable career spanning over four decades. With a storied history in the horse racing industry, Halford is best known for his achievements at Group 1 races and the prestigious Royal Ascot, having trained his first winners at an astonishingly young age, and cementing his status among the sport’s elite.The announcement marks the end of his fruitful collaboration with Tracey Collins, as Halford plans to hang up his boots before the start of the 2025 turf season. Since 2023, the two have worked under a…