Connacht finished their final pre-season game on a high, securing a 28-21 victory over Glasgow Warriors. The Westerners started strongly, with Dylan Tierney-Martin crashing over from a well-executed maul to take the early lead. Cathal Forde added the extras to make it 7-0.

Glasgow responded with a try from Tom Jordan, leveling the score at 7-7, but Connacht struck back swiftly. A second maul try, credited to David O’Connor, put them ahead once more. Forde’s consistent kicking made it 14-7 before Shane Jennings crossed the line just before half-time for a 21-14 lead.

Connacht’s intensity carried into the second half, with Shayne Bolton adding a try, extending the lead to 28-14. Despite a late surge from Glasgow, who scored through Gregor Brown, Connacht held firm for a deserved win. A strong finish to pre-season with plenty of positives to take into the competitive campaign ahead!

Connacht play Bristol next week in closed doors match.

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But in Irish National Hunt racing, one thing has remained constant: the complete dominance of Willie Mullins as the premier trainer over obstacles.

The 2024/25 season is underway, with Mullins eyeing a 17th consecutive Champion Trainer title – first won in 2007.

However, it’s his friendly rival – Gordon Elliott – that is setting the pace at the head of the standings…

Long Way to Go

There’s so much racing still to come in the National Hunt season, which rolls through until next April.

But Elliott will be hoping to use his early-campaign form as a springboard for success in the sport’s major festivals. The Cheltenham ante-post betting odds give him a strong chance, too: Teahupoo (9/4) and Irish Point (12/1) are expected to go well in the Stayers’ Hurdle, while Gerri Colombe (12/1) may be a contender in the Gold Cup after finishing second in the 2024 renewal.

The Cheltenham Festival results from last year also confirm Elliott’s wins with Stellar Story and Better Days Ahead, while hardy veterans Delta Work and Galvin will be expected to go well in the Cross Country Chase after its absence from the 2024 edition of the meeting due to a waterlogged track.

Talk about leaving it late

Stellar Story denies The Jukebox Man to win the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/hHY99G0dzn

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 15, 2024

In addition to Gerri Colombe, Elliott also saddled four other runners-up at the March festival and five third-place finishers, so there’s plenty of strength in depth at his Cullentra yard.

And he will need all of those horses to come to the fore in 2024/25 if he is to wrestle the Champion Trainer trophy from the mantelpiece of Mullins, where it has sat gathering dust since 2007.

It’s testament to both his ability as a trainer and also his gift for attracting the best horses from the leading owners and breeders, so the rest of the Irish training community will need Mullins to have an off-year if they are to have any chance of upending his dominance.

For Elliott, at least he has started the 2024/25 season in fine fashion…

Fast Out of the Gate

The meat of the National Hunt campaign is still yet to get underway, but Elliott already has more than €800,000 (£685,000) in prize money to his name.

Much of that has been claimed from action at Galway, where Elliott has enjoyed a stellar time of things in July and into August.

The Wallpark landed a valuable handicap hurdle on August 3 at the venue, staying on well in a race ran at an electric pace – five of the 18-strong field being pulled up.
A day earlier, veteran chaser Battleoverdoyen rolled back the years, defying a four-year age gap to Moonovercloon to head off Matthew Smith’s horse by a nose – clinching a handsome £40,000 payday for his connections at the age of eleven.

Incredible scenes! Eleven years young, one of our favourite old boys Battleoverdoyen somehow gets his head home in front from Moonovercloon in the @GuinnessIreland Galway Blazers Chase at @Galway_Races under Danny Gilligan pic.twitter.com/UcgsgZ4Up9

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 2, 2024

Prior to that, in the Grade 3 Galway Plate on July 31, Duffle Coat made a mockery of his 25/1 odds to run a fantastic race – beating the well-fancied Perceval Legallois and former Cheltenham Festival contender Zanahiyr, but finishing in second place behind Pinkerton.

It’s been an excellent start to the campaign for Elliott; can he carry that form through the rest of the season?

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The previously unbeaten Kodiac filly maintained her 100% record when taking the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes over six furlongs, the highlight of an eight-race Saturday card at flat racing’s headquarters.

Sent off the 5/2 second favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained son of No Nay Never, Whistlejacket (8/13 favourite), Babouche gave Tally Ho Stud stallion Kodiac an eighth individual Group 1 winner.

The Ballydoyle runner, Whistlejacket, in the hands of Ryan Moore was second, one and a half lengths behind the winning filly, with the Adrian Murray-trained, David Egan-ridden 16/1 chance Arizona Blaze coming home third, a length and three-quarters behind the runner-up.

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The champion National Hunt conditioner training the winner of a major race at an Irish racing festival was no surprise, but what was a shock was the 50/1 price of the winner in the hands of English amateur rider David Dunsdon.

Right at the bottom of the handicap, carrying 10-13, Dunsdon came late and wide on the eventual winner in the colours of Coldunell Limited to take victory in the opening day feature by three and a half lengths.

Another big-priced runner, Baltic Bird (25/1), ridden by County Cork jockey Johnny Barry for owner/trainer Bill Durkan. Spasiba (8/1), another Closutton runner, this one the mount of Jody Townend was third one and a half lengths behind the runner-up.

Eleven-year-old Lord Erskine was fourth for trainer Harry Rogers at 33/1 another one and three-quarters of a length back in fourth place.

Lot Of Joy (4/1f), another Willie Mullins-trained runner, ridden by his son, Patrick, eventually finished in 9th place.

Danny Mullins and Richard O’Brien claim 2024 Festival opener

The well-supported Feud (16/5) was an easy winner of the opening The Galmont Hotel and The Galway Bay Hotel Novice Hurdle.

Ridden by Danny Mullins for Richard O’Brien, the winner was well placed throughout the 2 miles 130 yards contest, before putting three and a half lengths between himself and the runner-up Mordor (15/2), the mount of Sam Ewing for the Gordon Elliott stable. Pigeon House (4/1), who was close to the front of the field throughout crossed the finishing line in third place, a further six and a half lengths behind.

The race favourite, the French-bred Willie Mullins-trained Sysko (9/4f) was never a threat, and finished in fourth place on his Irish debut.

County Meath-trained double on day one

Father and son Matthew and Kevin Smith teamed up to easily win the Easyfix Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles 130 yards.

The Co Meath outfit claimed the win Son Of Hypnos (16/1) who was a facile 10-length winner over Clonburg Bridge (16/1), with Vischio (10/1) and Harley Street (17/2) taking third and fourth places respectively.

Smith’s fellow Co Meath-based conditioner Jack Davison also returned to the winner’s enclosure, with Artful Approach (7/1), in The Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap.

In the hands of five-pound claimer James Ryan, the chestnut gelded son of Mehmas came on the outside of the field in the dying stages of the 7-furlong 50-80 Handicap, to take the win by one and a half lengths, with a short-head separating the runner-up and third, Cuban Confusion (10/1) and Louiescall (10/1). The 100/30 race favourite, Avatar Jet, crossed the line back in 12th place.

Rock Of Cashel loses maiden tag

Rock Of Cashel (3/1), eighth on debut at The Curragh last month, broke quickly at Ballybrit today, and was at the head of the field for the duration of the seven furlongs race.

When Wayne Lordan asked the son of Wootton Bassett to take his race, the two-year-old colt powered up the Galway hill and take a two and a quarter length win from another 3/1 shot Admiral Churchill under Billy Lee for the Paddy Twomey stable, with Joseph O’Brien’s Viking Invasion (7/1) next home, a further length behind.

The Dermot Weld-handled favourite Truth Be Told (13/8) finished fourth, another length and a half back.

Tony Mullins and Rory Cleary teamed up for success in The Grá Chocolates Handicap over 1 mile 4 furlongs and 84 yards at 7.45pm.

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Trained in England by Ralph Beckett, last year’s Darley Irish Oaks runner-up, had to battle late to get past last season’s Group 1 Coronation Stakes winner Emily Upjohn in the one mile two furlongs contest.

With Lumiere Rock and Dylan Browne McMonagle cutting out the early pace, the John and Thady Gosden-handled Emily Upjohn looked a serious threat as she loomed up on the outside of the Joseph O’Brien-trained daughter of Saxon Warrior.

With rider Kieran Shoemark looking confident aboard Emily Upjohn, she was soon joined by the Juddmonte Farms’-owned Bluestocking and Galway native Rossa Ryan in the saddle.

The two fillies battled gamely to the line, with Bluestocking, a daughter of Camelot, holding sway on the line, with half a length called as the official distance between winner and runner-up.

With the visiting runners taking the first and second place, Aidan O’Brien’s Content, with Ryan Moore in the saddle, was best of the home team, three and three-quarter lengths further back in third place.

Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore had earlier teamed up for a Group double, with Truly Enchanting and Jan Breughel tasting success.

Truly Enchanting,13th in the Group 2 Queen Mary over five furlongs recently at Royal Ascot, was in the winner’s enclosure today, taking the six-furlong Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes for fillies from Adrian Murray-trained and David Egan-ridden California Dreamer in the colours of AMO Racing Limited.

The second part of the Coolmore, O’Brien, Moore Group double was the success of Jan Breughel in the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld International Stakes over one mile two furlongs.

Jan Breughel, a full-brother to Dawn Rising who was winner of the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2023, had a neck advantage over the Joseph O’Brien-trained and Dylan Browne McMonagle-ridden Trustyourinstinct in the colours of J.P. McManus.

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From their exceptional performances on the track to their profound influence in the breeding shed, many of Coolmore’s horses have left a lasting mark on the sport.

Here, we rank five of Coolmore’s greatest horses based on their achievements, legacy, and overall impact on the world of horse racing.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Galileo’s impact is monumental, extending well beyond his illustrious racing career. As a sire, he has produced numerous champions, including the undefeated Frankel, one of the greatest racehorses ever.

Galileo’s progeny have dominated major races worldwide, making him a cornerstone of modern thoroughbred breeding. His ability to consistently sire top-class horses has secured his place as one of the most influential sires in history.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Sadler’s Wells is the patriarch of Coolmore’s breeding empire. He topped the sire lists 14 times in Great Britain and Ireland.

His progeny includes multiple Group 1 winners and influential sires like the aforementioned Galileo and Montjeu.

Sadler’s Wells’ remarkable ability to pass on his talent has made him a linchpin in Coolmore’s breeding programme and a legend in the racing world.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Montjeu’s prowess as a sire has greatly influenced the world of staying races. His progeny includes Epsom Derby winners such as Camelot, Motivator and Authorized, and St. Leger winner Leading Light.

Montjeu’s knack for siring horses with exceptional stamina has made him a critical figure in producing Classic winners, maintaining Coolmore’s reputation for excellence in breeding.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Camelot’s racing career was nothing short of remarkable, narrowly missing out on the English Triple Crown.

As a sire, Camelot has produced Group 1 winners such as Latrobe and Even So, showing great promise in continuing his legacy through his offspring.

His influence in both middle-distance and staying races highlights his versatility and value to Coolmore’s breeding operations.

Achievements:

Legacy:

Australia combines the best of his sire Galileo and his dam Ouija Board, herself a multiple Group 1 winner.

As a stallion, Australia has already made an impact with Group 1 winners like Galileo Chrome and Order of Australia.

His capability of passing on his elite genetics positions him as a vital part of Coolmore’s future breeding success, ensuring that the legacy of excellence continues.

—

Coolmore Stud’s reputation for producing exceptional racehorses is exemplified by the achievements and legacies of these five greats.

Galileo, Sadler’s Wells, Montjeu, Camelot, and Australia have not only excelled on the track, but also in the breeding shed, ensuring that their impact will be felt for generations to come.

These horses have set high standards in the world of thoroughbred racing and breeding, contributing significantly to Coolmore’s status as a leader in the industry.

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And exhale! City Of Troy makes it Derby wins for Aidan O’Brien… pic.twitter.com/7DW7AkHAZX

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 1, 2024

After such an impressive performance, the options are now wide open for the son of Justify. Here is a look at some of the races he may feature in this season.

Irish Derby 

The most obvious next assignment for City Of Troy is likely to be the Irish Derby at the Curragh. That would allow him to become a dual Classic winner. He is odds-on at 4/7 in the bet on horse racing market for the prestigious Irish contest.

City Of Troy does have an entry in the St James’s Palace Stakes later this month where he has Ascot 2024 odds of 33/1. With the royal meeting and Irish Derby taking place within two weeks of each other, he is unlikely to line up in both races.

Deep Impact colt Auguste Rodin completes the English-Irish Derby double!

It’s also a first win in the @DDFRacing Irish Derby for Ryan Moore, and Aidan O’Brien’s 100th European Classic victory #オーギュストロダン | #ディープインパクト | #競馬 | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/GQ8wBZXMsp

— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) July 2, 2023

There have been 19 horses that have completed the English and Irish Derby double. Auguste Rodin became the latest to do so for O’Brien in 2023. As his record suggests (15 triumphs), the Irish Champion Trainer is a big supporter of this race, so it would be no surprise to see his latest superstar feature.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

In his post-race interview following the Derby, O’Brien revealed that City Of Troy’s owners were keen on a shot at the Breeders’ Cup Classic this season with their talented three-year-old. It is a race they have been desperate to win throughout their time in the sport.

If the Epsom hero is to tackle one of the richest races in the world at Del Mar in November, he will need to get some experience on dirt before then. The Travers Stakes at Saratoga in August is an option for him. That was the race won by Arrogate in 2016 before he landed the Breeders’ Cup feature later that year.

No Irish-trained horse in history has won the Breeders’ Cup Classic. O’Brien has had success at the meeting, most notably in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, but this would be one of the highlights of his career, should City Of Troy beat North America’s leading dirt horses.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

The last Derby winner to score in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe later that season was Golden Horn in 2015. Since then, two three-year-olds have been successful in the open-age contest, with Enable and Ace Impact prevailing in 2017 and 2023 respectively.

The Arc is a race that O’Brien has high on his priority list each season. His most recent triumph came in 2016 when his talented filly, Found, prevailed. In City Of Troy, he now has a horse that would have an excellent chance of giving him a third victory in the most prestigious open-age turf contest in the world.

O’Brien has yet to commit to a plan for City Of Troy, but as ever, he will find the best route for the horse to allow him to fulfil his potential on the track.

The post What’s Next for Derby Winner City Of Troy? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Connacht URC Home Fixtures

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The Dramatic Drift of City of Troy: A Pivotal Moment in the 2024 Derby Market

Aidan O’Brien’s prized colt, City of Troy, has recently experienced a significant drift in betting odds, creating a stir among racing enthusiasts and bettors alike. Once a formidable favorite, City of Troy has seen his odds lengthen from 3.2 to 4.5 on the Betfair Exchange in just a few hours. This sudden shift has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about his prospects in the upcoming 2024 Derby.

City of Troy’s Disappointing Performance in the 2000 Guineas

City of Troy’s performance in the 2000 Guineas was nothing short of disappointing. Despite being the race favorite and the top two-year-old of 2023, he finished at the tail end of the field. Aidan O’Brien, the esteemed Ballydoyle trainer, later acknowledged his role in the colt’s downfall, admitting that he might have placed undue pressure on City of Troy, treating him “like too much of a God” in the lead-up to Newmarket. This candid admission has only fueled doubts about the colt’s ability to maintain his form as a three-year-old.

Los Angeles: The Potential New Derby Favorite

The uncertainty surrounding City of Troy’s future has opened the door for his stablemate, Los Angeles, to potentially become the new Derby favorite. Should City of Troy’s drift continue, Los Angeles could assume the top spot before the race kicks off next Saturday. The shift in sentiment is not entirely surprising, given the skepticism about how well the progeny of Justify, City of Troy’s sire, can progress at three years old. The colt’s shattered confidence and underwhelming recent performance have further prompted punters to reconsider their bets.

Market Predictions: Coral’s Insight

Coral, a prominent bookmaker, has observed the market dynamics closely. They predict that City of Troy, who has long been at the forefront of the Derby market, could soon be overtaken if punters continue to place their bets on the colt’s key rivals. The current trend indicates a potential reshuffling of favorites, adding an intriguing layer of uncertainty to this year’s Derby.

Conclusion: The Unpredictable Nature of Horse Racing

In the high-stakes world of horse racing, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, the drift of City of Troy serves as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictable nature. As the Derby approaches, all eyes will be on the betting boards, watching to see if City of Troy can regain his footing or if a new favorite will emerge to claim the spotlight.

Stay updated on the latest 2024 Derby news and betting odds shifts, and follow the thrilling journey of City of Troy and his contenders as the race day draws near.

The post Dramatic Drift of City of Troy in the 2024 Derby Market appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Winner of the 2023 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the same track during Irish Champions Weekend, the Karl Burke-trained filly was a two and three-quarter length winner over A Lilac Rolla, with Opera Singer next best over the one-mile distance.

Ridden by Danny Tudhope, the daughter of Too Darn Hot only finished eighth in the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this month.

Elsewhere on the card, the John Murphy-handled White Birch beat his old rival, dual Derby winner, Auguste Rodin, in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup over a mile and two furlongs.

It was a first Group 1 for the Co Cork-trained son of Ulysses who was third in last year’s Epsom Derby to Aidan O’Brien Auguste Rodin.

The Colin Keane-ridden White Birch is now three for three this season, having previously opened his campaign with a success in the Group 3 Alleged Stakes, before then claiming the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes.

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