Posts filed under 'Horse Racing'
In a year in which there are a number of lively veteran candidates for the John Smith’s Grand National, Oliver Sherwood’s Eric’s Charm comes into the race in fine form and could well give supporters a serious run for their money at a big price with Grand National 2010 betting, writes Elliot Slater.
The 12-year-old fairly bolted up in the three-and-three-quarter mile London National Chase at Sandown in December off a mark of 135 and has been allotted a racing weight for Aintree of 10st 9lbs, reflecting an 8lb rise in his mark. Essentially Eric’s Charm’s current figure suggests that the horse is remarkably running to a very similar level of form to five years ago when he was considered one of the up-and-coming young chasing stars.
A winner of 10 of his 34 career starts, Sherwood’s grand servant has a particular liking for Sandown, a track where he has won twice and only narrowly failed to win the Betfred Gold Cup (formerly the Whitbred Gold Cup) in 2006. In 2008 Eric’s Charm ran his one and only race thus far over the daunting Aintree fences and only got as far as the sixth when coming a cropper whilst racing in the leading group.
Hopefully that experience won’t have put the French bred gelding off the unique Liverpool course and being a generally sound jumper there are good reasons for believing that he can put in a very respectable performance. Although he appears to handle anything other than fast ground, it seems that with the passing of the years the veteran prefers to get his toe in, and should the ground ride on the soft side of good that can only be a positive indication to his chances.
When placing your bet on Aintree Grand National, consider that this is horse who handles the big occasion well, has been specifically trained for the race this year and is a relentless stayer, Eric’s Charm (a 100/1 chance) can roll back the years and finish with more behind than in front on April 10.
March 10th, 2010
Anyone shrewd enough to have selected Razor Royale at fancy prices for the 2010 Grand National prior to his gutsy success in the Racing Post Chase, will be on very good terms with themselves now after the gelding’s ante-post odds tumbled following his neck defeat of Nacarat in a thrilling race, writes Elliot Slater.
Trimmed to a best offer of 40/1 having generally been available for the Grand National at 66/1 before Kempton, Razor Royale adds further strength to the hand of trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, who could also be represented in the four-and-a-half mile marathon by Ballyfitz, Ollie Magern, Irish Raptor and Hello Bud.
A prior engagement in the William Hill Handicap Chase could possibly be the next stop on the trail for Twiston-Davies’ charge who put behind him a disappointing effort when made favourite at Sandown last time out when he could only finish seventh behind the grand veteran Monkerhostin.
Not only his Racing Post Chase success, but also his earlier effort this term when a fine second to the smart handicapper Poquelin in the Boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham, demonstrate that Razor Royale is quite capable of mixing it in top handicaps. Although yet to race beyond 25 furlongs, there appear few concerns on the part of connections that the eight-year-old will have any stamina problems at Aintree.
Further back in the Kempton field another possible Aintree contender Madison Du Berlais ran well for a while but appeared to be lit up a little too much by the first-time blinkers, whilst Kilcrea Castle, a market mover over the last few weeks of February, was rather disappointing in managing only eighth, having previously shaped well when third at Ascot on his first start for Emma Lavelle. He has now been pushed out to a top-priced 50/1 with Ladbrokes for the John Smith’s Grand National.
March 3rd, 2010
Saturday’s Grade 2 Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton will hopefully answer some serious questions about the wellbeing of three contenders for the championship crown at the Cheltenham 2010 next month, writes Elliot Slater.
Since he won the Champion Hurdle 11 months ago I have been very sweet on the chances of Nicky Henderson’s Punjabi retaining the title. This season the Komaite gelding did nothing wrong on his debut when far from fully tuned up, shaping well until the run to the last flight when he blew up and faded into fourth behind the impressive Khyber Kim in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham. His subsequent defeat at the hands of another very good horse, Medermit, in a four-horse race on desperate ground at Haydock is best ignored.
Last year Punjabi came to the Kingwell and was a beaten favourite before going on to win the big one four weeks later. There is no doubt that Punjabi saves his best for Cheltenham and I would urge supporters not to give up faith.
Celestial Halo, who won the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton in November, was odds-on when subsequently beaten by Khyber Kim, and then could only finish fourth at Leopardstown last time in the Irish Champion Hurdle. He is still a very smart horse and Paul Nicholls will undoubtedly be hoping that the return to Wincanton brings out the best in his horse who lost by only a neck to Punjabi at Cheltenham last year.
With the fast improving Starluck, a short-head second to Go Native in Kempton’s Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle also in the line-up, the Kingwell Hurdle promises to answer plenty of questions about three serious championship contenders.
It is possible that Starluck might just come out best on the day, but I still believe that come the Cheltenham Festival Punjabi will be at his peak and prove hard to beat in the main event.
Another horse that may well be hard to beat is last year’s Champion. It is worth checking out Kauto star betting in the coming weeks as Paul Nicholls’ horse looks to make it three victories in four years in the Gold Cup.
February 22nd, 2010
The fashion stakes are set to be higher than ever, when legendary Irish milliner Philip Treacy, in conjunction with the Design Centre, will be on hand the Hennessy Gold Cup Best Dressed on Sunday 7th February 2010, when Ireland’s most glamorous ladies will demonstrate the ultimate in style and elegance in the hope of walking away with the grand prize of €4,000 for the Hennessy Gold Cup Best Dressed, in association with The Design Centre.
The sporting and social highlight of the racing calendar, The Hennessy Best Dressed recognises style in its truest form, distinguishing those with inherent elegance, originality and vibrancy. This year marks the 4th year of the hugely successful Hennessy Best Dressed, in association with the Design Centre and significantly marks the 20th running of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown Racecourse.
The winning lady will be presented with a €4,000 voucher from The Design Centre, in the Powerscourt Centre and one lucky runner-up will receive a voucher for €1,000 from the fashion house that boasts collections from established and up-and-coming Irish and international designers including, John Rocha, Preen, Ben De Lisi, Synan O‘Mahony and John McCormack.
Judging criteria for the Hennessy Best Dressed, in association with The Design Centre will include the appropriateness of outfits for daytime winter racing, as well as the consistency and harmony of style throughout the entire outfit. Headwear and outerwear (coat/fur/stole) will be mandatory on the day and, above all else, the demonstration of an appreciation of elegance, glamour and luxury will be of paramount importance in the judging process.
For the first time ever this year, and due to the popular demand, stylish ladies are invited to pre-register for the Hennessy Best Dressed in association with the Design Centre at www.hennessybestdressed.ie . Alternatively, registration will also take place on the day in the Tote Hall at the venue.
On the day, a shortlist of 20 stylish ladies will be selected to join judges Philip Treacy, Annmarie O’Connor, fashion blogger and stylist, Ashling Kilduff, The Design Centre and Caroline Sleiman of Hennessy to describe and discuss their respective outfits. A final decision will be made collectively by the judges whereby one winner and one runner-up are selected.
Richard Hennessy left his native Cork in 1765 to sail to France where he founded the world’s leading Cognac house. The number one Cognac in Ireland, Hennessy embraces the loves of Irish people and has always been a huge supporter of racing in this country - indeed the Hennessy Gold Cup is the longest standing race sponsorship at Leopardstown racecourse.
January 25th, 2010
Dublin Events Prize
To celebrate the action packed Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, we have an exclusive prize up for grabs!
Enjoy a night’s stay for two people in Bewleys Hotel Leopardstown during the Show and a pair of tickets to the day of your choice.
Check out the competitions page to enter or follow the Competitions link.
The Show is packed with lots of exciting things to do – experience live music, marvel at the fashion of Evian Ladies’ Day, wander through the crafts and art exhibitions, shop at over 300 trade stands and visit the ultimate Kids’ and Nature Zones! Plus you will witness the best in national showing and show jumping!
The Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show August 6 – 10
Join us this August…there is something for everyone!
June 18th, 2008
Part-1 & 2 of this article enlightens you with various riding clubs and the services these clubs are offering.
If one is seeking natural beauty, rich culture, prosperous civilization, safe holiday, well-bred horses, and the best racing experience then Dublin is the place where you can find these things together.
While planning your stay in Dublin you will come across loads of ways to make your riding vacation the best, and surely you’ll choose one which caters to your needs and style. There is a cross country trail which takes place only in the winters. It involves great expertise in horse jumping. Then there is a freehand tour offered for the experienced riders who can follow maps. This covers the beaches, dunes and the trails. There is also a trail specifically to cover the dramatic yet glorious Irish coastal line.
Then there are some planned horse riding trips to the places of great historical importance and cultural essence. This includes the castles and little towns which lie towards the center of the country.
• There is the Connemara Trail which is very fast riding and very adventurous too.
• The Markree Castle Trail offers a complete riding vacation which includes a week’s stay in a grand castle. It gives you the chances to ride through the beaches and the valleys.
It’s a good idea to plan your vacations earlier. Hence, booking can be done accordingly. Because you may end up with what you don’t want or worse what doesn’t fulfill your requirements at all if you plan at second hand. Furthermore, Dublin horse riding is in demand almost all the tear around so it would be safer to be reasonable and cautious and book your place earlier.
To explore more visit Dublin Events.
December 15th, 2006
In Part-1 of this article, horse riding in Dublin and various horse riding clubs are brought into light. This article continues telling you more about Racing in Dublin.
If horses are your first love and you can’t wait to jump for the best ride across miles of green hills and sandy beaches then Dublin is your city. It provides the best location to unleash your energy and enjoy a healthy holiday with abundance of nature and scenic beauty. To top that off Irish reverence for horses matches the best of the best that they breed there. So this way you’ll not only enjoy your ride but you will also love the horse you are provided with.
There are riding clubs scattered all over the city. Most of them are situated in the rural area where nature is preserved in its most raw form, unscathed by the rapid development around. Most clubs use the finest of the breeds and posses well trained horses so any chances of an unforeseen accident can be kept to the minimum. There are also ponies available for young children or beginners.
There is a program for horse racing holidays launched by an association of clubs called Horse Riding Ireland. It aims at providing entertainment to all age groups and gender. You choose what suits you best! There are guided trail races through the highlands, and then there are the coast trails. For those who want to, can also add hunting to their racing rendezvous to keep the thrill from dying. Judging the expertise with the horse clubs allow unguided tours as well. However for beginners there are the walking trails. In addition to this, these clubs also offer holiday packages.
For more details on how you can satisfy your love for horses in Dublin visit Dublin Events.
December 15th, 2006
Ireland produces thrill, anticipation and vibes for its tourists and inhabitants which are beyond words. The best way to get pleasure from it is through slow and steady ride i.e. horseback riding. There are few cultures which value horses as sacred the way Irish do; and Irish horses like Connemara are known world-over the best. A beautiful horse and scenic beauty drive you towards a perfect holiday!
Ireland provides you an ample variety of riding i.e. jumping, trail riding etc. It’s up to you to choose the sort of riding trip you are looking for. Once you are out on horseback in Dublin, green fields, sloping hills, rural countryside with stone walls, miles of beautiful beach; perfection greets you with open arms. The rich history of the city is a pleasure to go for sightseeing on a horseback with loads of fresh air to enjoy.
There are loads of riding clubs in Dublin, which not only plan trails but also have horses for renting. There is a Brooke Lodge Riding Center on Burrow Road. Then there is also Calliaghstown Riding Centre. It is open all year around, and gives both indoor and outdoor riding lessons.
Most of these racing clubs are located in rural settings which are conveniently accessible from the main city. The rural location serves you with tranquil, relaxing and enchanting atmosphere. The outdoorsy trained riders are provided with an attractive opportunity to test their skills with the horse. In addition, you can also ride across the country which is indeed a delight itself.
For more details about you can plane your vacation with horse riacing, visit Dublin Events.
December 14th, 2006
Horse racing is a very popular past time in Ireland, with some excellent horses bred in the country. Our horse racing section gives information about the major horse racing grounds in and around Dublin, and details for upcoming events and horse racing fixtures.
Horseracing maniacs should visit our website for more information on Horse Racing in Dublin.
November 21st, 2006
