Tom gives Rockabill a great ride
Rockabill is pushed out by Tom Hamilton to beat Bay Hill (hidden) and Makitorix
Healy Racing Photos
31.08
Rockabill got up close home to take the Paddy Power Amateur Riders Derby Handicap under Tom Hamilton for Joseph O'Brien.
Successful at Killarney last week, the son of Fastnet Rock was upped in trip to a mile and a half for the first time this evening, and was sent off at 13/2 in the colours of owner Demi O'Byrne.
Settled towards rear, the bay victor was pushed along on the outer from the three furlong pole, and soon made progress.
He was ridden to challenge with a furlong left to race, getting to the front inside the final 100 yards, before going on to prevail by half a length.
Bay Hill, who improved to lead from the four furlong pole, was the one just denied, and he was returned at 20/1 under Aine O'Connor for Padraig Roche.
The 5/2 favourite Makitorix was a nose back in third, with Patrick Mullins aboard this one for his father Willie.
O'Brien said afterwards: "He's been a slow learner and he's toughed it out. We liked him early on and then he had us scratching our heads. He's started to progress like a typical Fastnet Rock, and that was even a huge step up from his last run.
"We think he'll stay a bit further, and he's a nice colt.
"The plan was to sit second or third but we ended up sitting second or third last! That was a step up in class from a small field in Killarney to a big field around here, and he was green and immature in the first half of the race."
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30.08
Stella D'oro Wins Tipperary 7.55
Amthaal 7th & Now You're Talking 9th Tipperary 6.55 Kilfrush Stud Abergwaun Stakes (Listed)
Gold Seal 6th Bellewstown 6.10
Damselfly 6th & Ship Of Dreams 3rd Tipperary 5.55 Coolmore Stud Fairy Bridge Stakes (Group 3)
Commodus 9th Tipperary 5.25
Joseph has a new horse Master Of Reality & a New 2 year old Filly Irradiate
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Stella D'oro gets up under a well judged ride
Stella d'Oro leads home his rivals under Seamie Heffernan
Healy Racing Photos
30.08
the easy to back Stella d'Oro was a surprise winner of the last at Tipperary, the Buy Tickets Online @TipperaryRaces.ie Maiden.
A good second on debut at Dundalk, the Joseph O'Brien trained bay was as short as 5/1 in early shows, but opened on-course at 12s, before going off a 14/1 chance.
Settled behind the leaders on the inner by Seamie Heffernan, the son of Sea The Stars was switched to the outer over two furlongs from home.
He was soon pushed along to challenge, and got to the front inside the final furlong, keeping on well from there to score by two lengths.
The well-backed 6/4 favourite Sayar (from 9/4) finished second under Colin Keane for Willie Mullins, while 7/4 chance Freetown was a head back in third.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "That was a lovely performance and he is a nice horse. He took a bit of time and the owners have had to be very patient. We were able to give him time, and are now reaping the rewards.
"He stepped up nicely from his debut and we'll see what the handicapper does now but we could look at some of those mile and a half listed races later in the year.
"He should stay further being by Sea The Stars."
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Latrobe heads Joseph's team of 3 for the Melbourne Cup
30.08
Irish Derby hero Latrobe headlines three nominations for Joseph O'Brien as the handler takes aim at a second successive victory in the Lexus Melbourne Cup on November 6th.
O’Brien enjoyed the highlight of his training career so far as Rekindling led home a memorable one-two-three for the Irish team at Flemington in 2017, with Johannes Vermeer second for Aidan O’Brien and Max Dynamite third for Willie Mullins.
While neither Rekindling or Johannes Vermeer is in contention this time, Max Dynamite is one of Mullins’ possibles again along with the likes of Stratum, Thomas Hobson and Ascot winner Lagostovegas.
Joseph O’Brien has Latrobe in the reckoning as well as Ming and Master Of Reality while Torcedor, who was trained by Jessica Harrington until his sale earlier this month, has been entered by new handler Andreas Wohler.
Aidan O’Brien has nominated 12 horses, headed by leading St Leger hope Kew Gardens with Deauville, Idaho, Cliffs Of Moher and Lancaster Bomber other notable contenders.
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29.08
Faradays Law 11th Bellewstown
Lady Godiva 3rd Bellewstown 4.05
Joseph has a new horse Best Not Argue
28.08
Joseph buys Lot 154 a Camacho colt at Goffs UK Yearling sales for £45,000
Ballybrowney Jack 3rd Boston Spray Fell & Imperial Way 9th Ballinrobe 7.30
Maifitz's Madonna PU Ballinrobe 6.30
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Revised Plans for Latrobe
28.08
It is looking more than likely that Joseph will scrap the plans that he had for Group 1 Irish Derby winner Latrobe to take on the wonder mare Winx in the Group 1 Cox plate in Australia. He has indicated that the Camelot colt will be stepped up in trip as he looks to tackle the final classic of the English season the Group 1 St Leger at Doncaster on the 15th of September.
Joseph was using the Group 1 Juddmonte International as a fact-finding mission for Latrobe, but the colt was unable to match Roaring Lion's turn of foot and trailed in seventh of the eight runners under Wayne Lordan at York last week.
Joseph said: "We went to York to see how Latrobe would get on over 10 furlongs against older horses. We knew it would tell us where we stand with him and help us figure what route to take with him for the rest of the season. We are thinking of stepping him back up in trip now and aiming him at the St Leger at Doncaster. The Irish St Leger is a lesser possibility. He saw out the mile and a half in the Irish Derby really well, so you would be hopeful that a mile and three-quarters at Doncaster would be right up his street. He is certainly not short of pace and that is why we had a crack at the Juddmonte, but he stays very well too."
If all goes well at Doncaster he may aim to follow in the hoof prints of his stable companion of last year Rekindling in participating in this year’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup in November in Australia.
Latrobe is currently 16/1 with Boylesports for the St Leger and 33/1 with bet 365 for the Melbourne Cup.
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27.08
Border Control 5th Downpatrick 4.30
Paris Texas Wins Downpatrick 2.45
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Paris Texas gets off to a flyer
©Healy Racing Photos
27.08
Paris Texas got a deserved win to his name in the opener at Downpatrick this afternoon, the Mash Direct Maiden Hurdle.
Placed on his last three starts, the Joseph O'Brien trained five-year-old was sent off the 15/8 favourite (touched 2s on-course) with Mark Walsh aboard.
Settled behind the leaders, the French bred son of Kapgarde took closer order before the last and soon challenged.
He got to the front shortly after that flight, and stretched clear in the final 150 yards, going on to score by five and a half lengths.
The front-running Silver Star (11/4 from 7/2) finished second under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott, while Jonnigraig (11/2) was another seven and a half lengths back in third.
Walsh said afterwards: "It was a poor enough race, he's rated 112 and got away with it.
"He has been showing plenty of form in his last few runs. It was a weak race and he got through it.
"That's his grade, he's 112 and hopefully he can go a bit higher.
"He travelled away and he'll get further in time."
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26.08
Rattling Jewel 2nd Curragh 5.25
Julienne 5th Curragh 4.15
Joseph has 2 new owners Paul Smith & Mrs Michael J Byrne.
Reckless Gold Pulled Up Curragh 3.40 Group 3 Royal Whip stakes
Iridessa 5th & Vallambrosa Non Runner Curragh 2.35 Group 2 Debutante stakes
Feetinthesand 12th Curragh 2.05
Recovery Road 16th Curragh 1.35
Ming Non Runner Curragh 3.40 Group 3 Royal Whip stakes change in the going
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Monarch completes a double for Joseph
©Healy Racing Photos
25.08
After winning the opener with Air Supremacy, Monarch completed a double for Joseph O'Brien, Mark Walsh and JP McManus in the Great Southern Hotel Beginners Chase.
A three time hurdles winner, and also successful on the level, the bay son of Galileo (also the sire of Air Supremacy) was making his debut over fences this afternoon.
Last seen finishing down the field in the Galway Hurdle, he was sent off the 4/1 favourite today, just ahead of four rivals who were returned at 9/2.
Given a patient ride by Walsh, he gradually closed on the leaders from three out, and got to the front shortly after the last, going on to score snugly by a length and three parts.
Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus, said: "He has taken well to chasing but we've no big plans.
"He jumped great and we'll look down the novice route now."
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25.08
Chead Solas 2nd Killarney 5.20
Monarch Wins Killarney 3.10
Eagle Song 7th Curragh 2.55
The Major General 5th Killarney 2.35
Colfer Me 22nd & Ozone 15th Curragh 2.20
Air Supremacy Wins Killarney 1.25 Out Of The Blue 9th
Cosmic Horizon NR (Stone Bruise) Curragh 1.45 & Tenax NR (Temeperature) Curragh 4pm
Joseph has 3 new horses Out Of The Blue, Chead Solas, Feetinthesand
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Air reigns Supreme on hurdles debut
©Healy Racing Photos
25.08
Air Supremacy made a winning debut over flights, as he took the opener at Killarney this afternoon, the seamusweldon.com Maiden Hurdle.
Previously trained by Aidan O'Brien, the son of Galileo was last seen winning a Corinthian Challenge Race at the Curragh.
Now under the care of Joseph O'Brien, and owned by JP McManus, the four-year-old gelding was sent off a 3/1 joint-favourite.
Settled behind the leaders by Mark Walsh, he wasn't fluent on a number of occasions, but still came to challenge at the third last.
He was ridden and got to the front before the final flight, keeping on well from there to score comfortably by four lengths.
Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, said afterwards: "He has a bit to learn about jumping but it was nice to get it out of the way and he did it nicely. Hopefully his jumping will improve and he's a nice horse.
"He could go to Listowel for a novice hurdle next."
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24.08
Subjudice 3rd in the 7.30 3-Y-O Hurdle at Killarney
Successor 6th 7.10 Beginners Chase At Kilbeggan
Ivanovich Gorbatov 2nd Hallmark 5th in the 7.00 Handicap Hurdle at Killarney
Derby De Thaix 13th 6.40 Handicap Hurdle At Kilbeggan
Gutsy National Wealth wins the 6.30 Hotel Handicap at Killarney
Cascabel 2nd in the 5.55 Fillies Maiden At Kilarney
Downdraft 5th 5.20 Limited Rated Race at Killarney
Drole D'Artiste 6th 5.10 Maiden Hurdle At Kilbeggan
Facethepuckout 3rd 4.45 Weekend Nursery at Killarney
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Gutsy National Wealth sticks on to win the 6.30 Hotel Handicap at Killarney
24.08
©Healy Racing Photos
Handicap first-timer National Wealth prevailed in the Plaza Hotel Handicap at Killarney under Seamie Heffernan.
Backed from 6/1 into 9/2 favouritism, the successful three-year-old, a consistent sort, was equipped with a tongue-strap for the initial occasion, stepping up to this mile six furlong trip.
In the end the son of Invincible Spirit held on by half a length and a head from Hurricane Sky and Touch Of Gold.
"The trip was a question mark with his pedigree but it was worth giving it a whirl and we thought it might be worth taking a chance making the running with him," said Kevin Blake, representing winning trainer Joseph O'Brien.
"The seemed to crawl and he battled away.
"He showed a good attitude and he could go jumping at some stage."
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23.08
Rockabill wins the 6.00 Apprentice Handicap At Killarney
Treasure Chest 6th 8.00 Beginners Chase At Killarney
Lady Godiva 6th & Aibell 8th 5.00 Killarney Handicap At Killarney
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Rockabill stays on strongly to win the Apprentice Handicap At Killarney
23.08
©Healy Racing Photos
There was another tight finish in the apprentice handicap at Killarney as the Joseph O'Brien-trained Rockabill edged the verdict for Shane Crosse.
It turned into a good duel inside the final furlong between the Fastnet Rock colt and For Pleasure. Rockabill just found a bit more close home to stick his neck out for a head success.
The 11/2 winner had been second on his handicap debut over course and distance last month.
It was an eleventh winner of the season for Crosse.
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22.08
Light Pillar 2nd in the 5. 50 JOC Metal Fabrication Limited Race At Killarney
Apparition 3rd in the 5.20 M C Group Handicap At Killarney
Latrobe 7th in the 3.35 Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) At York
Tremendous Leap 4th in the 3.05 Killarney Advertiser Handicap At Killarney
Fabulae 10th & Flicker Flame 7th in the 2.30 Celtic Steps Maiden At Killarney
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21.08
Subset 6th Sligo 6.10
Song Of The Sky 3rd Sligo 5.10
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20.08
Ace Combat Wins Roscommon 7.20
Larmour 5th Roscommon 5.20
Calorific 6th Roscommon 4.45
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Ace Combat fights off the opposition to land the spoils
20.08
©Healy Racing Photos
Ace Combat made a winning debut for trainer Joseph O'Brien at Roscommon today as the French import landed the Londis Roscommon Maiden and in the process completed a double for jockey Wayne Lordan.
The Sun Bloodstock owned son of Shamardal finished last on his only start as a juvenile last November when trained by Criquette Head-Maarek but today improved to score a narrow head and short-head win over Freetown and Crecerelle.
O'Brien, notching his 51st winner of the season, wasn't present but jockey Lordan, earlier successful on Thomond O'Mara's Hatton Cross, said he's a lovely big horse and it was his first run for Joseph. He thought he might want 1m4f, he's a little bit babyish and that trip might suit him better.
“He jumped and travelled and put his head down and tried. He's a fine big horse.
“He stuck his head out well. He felt a little bit babyish when I asked him to go forward so hopefully there is plenty of improvement in him.”
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19.08
Dawn In The Park Wins Tramore 3.45
Joseph buys Lot 53 Arqana yearling sales
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Dawn In The Park makes all
Dawn In The Park and Shane Shortall winning the mares beginners chase
©Healy Racing Photos
19.08
Dawn In The Park put up an improved performance over fences when making all in the Jim Harney /Joe O’Shea Memorial Mares Beginners Chase at Tramore.
The 10/1 chance, trained by Joseph O'Brien for Gigginstown, was having her sixth run over fences and adding to a maiden hurdle success at Clonmel last summer.
Shane Shortall’s mount shrugged off the challenge of 6/4 favourite Conduct Yourself at the second last and, despite a mistake at the final fence, kept on well to score by eight and a half lengths.
The favourite held off Holly Flight by half a length for the minor honours.
Shortall said, "It was the plan to make all. She was out of sorts lately but Joseph changed her training regime.
"She ran very well first time over fences at Leopardstown, and was unlucky to come down. We said we'd let her enjoy herself out in front today, and she done it well.
"She made a mistake at the last but she had plenty in hand."
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18.08
Remmy D 8th Tramore 4.50
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17.08
Commodus 8th Dundalk 8.20
Presenting Lilly 7th Tramore 6.35
Joseph has 3 new horses & 1 new owner Ollambre, Flicker Flame, Easter Orchid & JP Dunne
1 of the 2 year old's have just been named
Latrobe a possible for the Irish Champion stakes & the Prix de L'arc de Triomphe
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16.08
Lovely Is The Rose 10th Leopardstown 8.20
Palace Guard 14th Leopardstown 7.50
Ballybrowney Jack 7th & Castle Howard PU Tramore 7pm
Sad to report that Cook Islands is no longer with us thoughts to all the team
Focus Of Attention 5th Leopardstown 5.45 squeezed up at a crucial time
Boston Spray PU Tramore 4.50
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15.08
Lovely Is The Rose 12th Gowran Park 8.10
Pedisnap Wins Gowran Park 7.10
Damselfly 9th & Dynabee 3rd Gowarn Park 6.10 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Hurry Harriet Stakes (Listed)
Drapers Guild 7th & Arthurian Fame 4th Gowran Park 5.40
Facethepuckout Wins Gowran Park 5.10
Cartes 5th Gowran Park 4.35
Joseph has a new horse Ace Combat
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Pedisnap gives Joseph a double
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David Betts photography
Pedisnap completed a double for Joseph O'Brien (earlier successful with Facethepuckout), as she got up close home to take the first divide of the Gowran Park Apprentice Handicap.
Already twice successful this season, the daughter of Footstepsinthesand was last seen finishing ninth of twenty at Leopardstown last Thursday.
Available at 8/1 in early shows, the bay victor came in for plenty of market support, opening on-course at 4s, before going off the 11/4 second favourite.
Settled in mid-division, she was pushed along and closed on the front-running Lizard Pointfrom the two furlong pole.
She was ridden in third from a furlong out, and kept on best from there, getting up to prevail by a neck.
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O'Brien combined with her brothers Joseph (trainer) and Donnacha (rider) for this win, with the victorious son of Excelebration sent off the 5/4 favourite.
Beaten by just a neck at the Galway Festival, the bay colt raced in second and appeared to jump a sand path over four furlongs out.
"It's nice for Sarah as it's her first winner," the winning handler said.
"Donnacha gave him a nice ride and on his Galway run he was entitled to be thereabouts.
"He'd probably be okay going a mile as well. He'll go for another nursery and I think there is more progression to come from him."
Gold Seal (nearest) just gets the better of Mysloegin in front of a packed stand at Sligo
