Ballylinch support for classic trials
BALLYLINCH Stud is extending its support of the opening flat fixture of the year at Leopardstown, with quality fields expected for the 2024 Ballylinch Stud Classic Trials Day on Sunday of next week.
The Co Kilkenny-based operation is again backing the Group 3 Ballylinch Stud Priory Belle Stakes, an established trial for the 1000 Guineas, and the Group 3 Ballylinch Stud Red Rocks Stakes, which has produced several Group 1 performers in recent years. There is also Ballylinch sponsorship behind the opening Bayside Boy Fillies Maiden.
“It seems like every year this card showcases some of the best talent on offer in Irish racing,” said Ballylinch’s John O’Connor.
“Witnessing these runners evolve into classic and Group 1 performers fills us with immense satisfaction, reaffirming our dedication to nurturing the next generation of champions. Our sponsorship, commemorating three important Group 1 winners bred by Ballylinch, extends further to support the grooms’ canteen. We would like to wish all our clients every success for the season ahead.”
O’Neill retires
DUBLIN native Dane O’Neill has announced his retirement from the saddle, having failed to recover sufficiently from injuries suffered in a fall at Wolverhampton in July. O’Neill, 48, rode five Group 1 winners in his 32-year career and enjoyed a long association with Richard Hannon Sr and Henry Candy. In 2012, he landed the role of second jockey to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and went on to successfully partner stars such as Baaeed, Battaash and Taghrooda.
Curtis stateside
FORMER Irish champion apprentice Ben Curtis has made an excellent career for himself in Britain, but announced this week that he is staying in America for the foreseeable future after a successful winter stint. Curtis recently finished fourth in the Fair Grounds riders’ championship with 43 winners and over $1.5 million in prize money.
Breeze-up details
THE catalogue for the 2024 Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up and Horses in Training Sale can now be viewed online. The sale features 202 breeze-up two-year-olds and will take place from May 1st to 2nd. The horses-in-training section has a record 195 lots.
Gain Final date
BALLYNOE point-to-point in Co Cork is gearing up for the final of the 2023/’24 Gain Mares Series on Sunday of next week. A bonus of €3,000 will be awarded to the winning owner. The series, which runs from November to April, features over 20 locally-run events across seven counties.
O’Neill role
LISA O’Neill has been appointed as a sports psychologist to the Mayo football team, continuing her work with the Kevin McStay-led side from during the National League.
The Racing TV and RTÉ pundit remains firmly involved in her role as assistant trainer to Gordon Elliott.
Highfield loss
THERE was a major blow last weekend for the John and Sean Quinn team after news emerged that globetrotting sprinter Highfield Princess had died following an accident in her stable. She was deemed to have encountered an “inoperable fracture”.
Mullins appeal
PATRICK Mullins has seen an eight-day whip ban for his ride on Embassy Gardens in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham cut in half after an appeal. He successfully argued that he was not guilty of using his whip in the incorrect place.
McNamara series
DAVID Doyle and Joey Dunne share the lead on 30 points apiece in the 2023/’24 John Thomas McNamara Qualified Rider Series ahead of the competition’s final leg at Cork on Monday. The maiden hunter chase (4.08) could decide the series, with Stephen Connor also hot on the leaders’ heels on 24 points.