NH Review 2017

While Grade 1 success eluded him in 2017, Joseph was among the big winners. He won the year’s richest prize over hurdles as Tigris River and Barry Geraghty took the Guinness Galway Hurdle.


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Flat Review 2017

Almost a match for his father’s year long exploits was Joseph’s win in the Emirates Melbourne Cup with Rekindling, a third Irish-trained success in the race. What made this win so special from an Irish point of view is that Rekindling was chased home by fellow raiders Johannes Vermeer, trained byAidan O’Brien and Willie Mullins’ Max Dynamite, narrowly defeated in the race in 2015. Rekindling was the first three year-old to prevail since 1941.



Owning Hill National Hunt Jockeys 2017

Barry Geraghty He was Irish Jump Racing Champion Jockey 1999/00 and 2003/04. Winner of the Grand National in 2003 on Monty’s Pass. Barry also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Kicking King in 2005. In 2008 he became first jockey to Nicky Henderson. He became the retained jockey for JP McManus following the retirement of Sir AP McCoy in 2015. He is also associated with Moscow Flyer and Sprinter Scare champion 2-mile chasers.

Mark Walsh – Mark has a close association with JP McManus, He rode his first Grade 1 winner on Defy Logic in 2013 for JP. Injury ruled him out of winning a first Jockey’s championship in the 2014/15 season. He has been associated with Jezki when he won the Grade 1 Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle at the Irish National Hunt Festival at Punchestown. Also associated with Carlingford Lough, Gilgamboa and Kitten Rock

Jody McGarvey – Has yet to win a major race. Famously helped back on board Old Supporter by Danny Mullins in true sportsman fashion.

Sara O'Brien – Sister to Joseph, Donnacha and Anastasia. No big race success to date but shows plenty of promise. She Claimed Joseph’s second winner of his training career when riding Oathkeeper.

B T O'Connell – Has yet to win a major race. Has a 50% strike rate with horses trained by Joseph.

Davy Russell – Irish Jump Racing Champion Jockey 2011/12 and 2012/13. Has had a lot of big race success with Thyne Again winning the Arkle in 2008. Aintree Hurdle with Solwhit in 2009,The 2010 RSA with Weapons Amnesty and the 2014 Gold Cup with Lord Windermere. Also associated with Windsor Park, War of Attrition and Forpadydeplasterer.

J J Slevin – Has tasted big race success with Moylisha Tim in the Grade 3 Paddy Power Acca Insurance EBF Fund Novice Hurdle in 2015.

M P Fogarty – Has tasted big race success in the past with the Amarillo Kidd in the Grade B Cork Racecourse Kinsale Handicap chase 2013,with Fiscal Focus in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle 2014, with Rashann in the Grade 3 Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle 2015, and with Pairofbrowneyes in the Grade B Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase.

Donagh Meyler – Has tasted big race success with Mrs Mac Veale in the Grade C Tegral Supporting Kildare GAA Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle in 2015, with Colms Dream in the Grade B TRI Equestrian Handicap Chase 2016, with Last Goodbye in the Grade C Easter Handicap Hurdle 2016 and Lord Scoundrel in the Grade A The Tote.com Galway Plate Handicap Chase 2016.

J M Moore – Winner of the Cork Grand National in 2015 with Tulsa Jack.

Patrick Mullins – Son of Famous Irish trainer Willie Mullins, Nephew of trainers Tony, Tom and Mags. He is a successful Amateur jockey being champion a few times. He has tasted big race success in 2008 with Cousin Vinny in the Grade 1 Weatherby’s Champion Bumper (Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race) and in 2012 with Champagne Fever, 2008 in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Champion INH Flat Race with Cousin Vinny, 2011 in the Grade 1 Betchronicle.com Champion INH Flat Race with Lovethehigherlaw and 2012 with Champagne Fever, and the 2015 Grade 1 Racing Post Novice chase with Douvan. Other big race success came with Union dues, Zuzka Bellshill and Bacardys.

Robbie Power - Has tasted big race success with Paddy Power Onside App Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) Forge Meadow,Woodlands 100 Club Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase (Grade B) Edwulf,Stan James Irish Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) and Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase (Grade 3) Sizing John, Neville Hotels Novice Chase (Grade 1) Our Duke, Murray Spelman Handicap Hurdle (Grade C) Cup Final,Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 3) Newberry New, Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase (Grade A) My Murphy, Coral.ie Hurdle (Extended Handicap Hurdle - Rated 0-150) (Grade B) Henry Higgins, Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Klairon Davis Novice Chase (Grade 3 Ttebbob along with various other big race successes.

Mr K E Power – Has gone over a year without a winner.

B J Cooper - Has tasted big race success with the ill fated Our Conner JCB Triumph Hurdle Grade 1, Special Tiara Grade 1  John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase, No More Heroes Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase, Don Cossack Grade 1 Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase and a host of other big race successes.

Brien Kane - Has yet to win a major race.

Mr T Hamilton - Has yet to win a major race.

Mr S Clements - Has tasted big race success with Oiseau De Nuit in the Grade 3 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup.

PhillipT Enright-Has tasted big race success with Days Hotel Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase, Idarah Grade A Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase, Carrigmoorna Rock Grade 3 IFG/Willis European Breeders Fund Mares Hurdle, Byerley Babe Grade 2 Fame And Glory & Sans Frontieres Coolmore National Hunt Sires EBF Mares Novice Chase and a host of other big race successes.

Mark Enright - Has tasted big race success with Oscar Knight  Foxrock Handicap Chase (Grade B), Miss Xian Woodlands Park 100 Club Leinster National Handicap Chase (Grade B), Farrells Fancy Leopardstown Handicap Chase (Grade A), Great OakIrish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Lombardstown Mares Novice Chase (Grade 3), Murchu Caffrey's Bar And Restaurant Of Batterstown Handicap Chase (Grade C)    

Mr D O'Connor - Has tasted big race success with Vision Des Flos Goffs Land Rover Bumper, Minella Rocco 146th Year Of The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase) (Listed Race), Chicago Grey 141st Year of National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase), Gonebeyondrecall Goffs Land Rover Bumper, Reine Des Reines Bewleys Hotels & EBF National Hunt Fillies Bumper

Ruby Walsh - Has tasted big race success with Kauto Star in 2 Grade 1 Gold Cup's & 5 Grade 1 King George VI's chase, Hurricane Fly in the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle Cheltenham (2011 & 2013), Faugheen Grade 1 Champion Hurdle Cheltenham, Annie Power Grade 1 Champion Hurdle Cheltenham, Thisthatandtother, Taranis, Vautour & Un De Scauex in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase, Hedgehunter & Papillion in the Grand National among a host of other big race successes. 

Barry Browne - Has yet to win a major race.    

Katie O'Farrell- Has yet to win a major race.         NEW  


OWNING HILL FLAT JOCKEYS 2017

Donnacha O'Brien  - Brother to Joseph, Sara and Anastasia, he rode 2 winners for Joseph on his first day as a licensed trainer with Justice Frederick and Zig Zag. His biggest race success' have come with Order of St. George in the Group 3 Palmerstown House Estate Irish St.Leger Trial Stakes and Intricately in the Group 1 Moyglare stud stakes .

Anastasia O'Brien  - Sister to Joseph, Donnacha and Sara. 

Michael Hussey – Has tasted big race success with Craftsman in the Group 3 JRA Killavullan Stakes.

Sara O’Brien – See her entry in the National Hunt Jockey’s.

W J Lee- Has yet to win a major race.

Connor King - Has yet to win a major race.

Eamonn P. Egan - Has yet to win a major race.

F Maguire - Has yet to win a major race either on the flat or over jumps.

Seamie Heffernan - Has tasted big race success with Highland Reel in the Grade 1 Breeder's Cup Turf, Seventh Heaven in the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks, Minding in the Group 1 Moyglare stud stakes, Was in the Group 1 Investec Oaks, So You Think in the Group 1 Irish Champion stakes, Galileo in the Group 3 Derrinstown stud Derby Trial stakes. Also Group race success with Sword Fighter, Found, Caravaggio, Churchill, Misty For Me, Fame and Glory, Dylan Thomas and High Chaparral.He is the best jockey around to teach a two year old the ins and outs of racing. 

Shane Foley - Has tasted big race success with with Jet setting ,Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes Group 3, Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Group 1, Guineas Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes Group 3,with Success days P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes Group 3, Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes Group 3, Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes Group 3 to name a few 

Danny Sheehy - Has yet to win a major race.

Brian Hayes- Has yet to win a major race on the flat over the jumps he has tasted big race success with Hidden Cyclone thetote.com Fortria Chase Grade 2 , Ancient Sands Ladbrokes Ireland Handicap Hurdle Grade B 

Wayne Lordan - Has tasted big race success with Legatissimo Qatar Nassau Stakes (British Champions Series) Group 1 (Fillies & Mares)and Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes Group 1 (Fillies & Mares),Curvy Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes Group 3,Onenightidreamed Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes Group 3 and the  Ard Glen Amethyst Stakes Group 3,Gordon Lord Byron  Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes Group 2 and Friarstown Stud Minstrel Stakes Group3 Slade Power Darley July Cup (British Champions Series And Global Sprint Challenge) Group 1 and Diamond Jubilee Stakes (British Champions Series & Global Sprint Challenge Group 1 and Wannabe Better Ballycorus Stakes Group 3 to name a few.

Colm O'Donoghue- Has tasted big race success with Seventh Heaven Group 1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks, Qualify Group 1 Investec Oaks ,Bracelet Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks,Treasure Beach Group Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes, Jan Vermeer Group 1 Criterium International, Astronomer Royal Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains to name a few.

Pat Dobbs - Has tasted big race success with Esentepe in the Group 3 Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes, Dick Turpin in the Group 2 totesport.com Summer Mile Stakes and with Steel Of Madrid in the Group 3 bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes to name but a few.

Tony Hamilton - Has tasted big race success with Don't touch in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup, Gabriel in the Betway Lincoln, Supplicant in the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef stakes to name but a few.

Padraig Beggy - Has tasted big race success with Wings Of Eagles in the Group 1 Investec Derby & Hydrangea in the Group 3 1,000 Guineas Trial

Fran Berry - has tasted big race success with Mkuzi in the Group 3 ATR Curragh cup, Duff in the Group 3 Ballycorus stakes, Kool Kompany in the Group 2 Gain Railway stakes to name but a few.

Pat Smullen - has tasted big race success with Harzand winning the Group 1 Investec Derby & the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, Refuse To Bend in the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas in 2003. Pat Smullen has also ridden big race winners on the likes of Rite Of Passage, Dress To Thrill, Emulous, Free Eagle and Benbaun 

Andrea Atzeni -has tasted big race success with Decorated Knight in the Group 1 Qipco Irish champion stakes, Group 1 tattersalls Gold Cup, Group 1 Jebel Hatta, Marcel in the Group 1 racing post trophy, Simple Verse in the Group 1 St. Leger, Kingston Hill in the Group 1 St. Leger, Group1 Racing post trophy & Group 3 Autumn stakes to name a few. 

Ryan Moore - has tasted big race success with Minding in the Group 1 Qipco 1000 Guineas, Group 1 Investec Oaks,Group 1 Pretty Polly stakes, Group 1 Qatar Nassau stakes to name a few.

Adam Kirby - has tasted big race success with Harry Angel Group 1 Darley July Cup, My Dream Boat Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes, Profitable Group 1 King's Stand stakes & Reckless Abandon Group 2 Norfolk stakes to name a few.  NEW 

Corey Brown - has tasted big race success with Rekindling Emirates Melbourne Cup Group 1, Invincible Gem Group 2 Missile Stakes, Polarisation Group 1 Sydney Cup, Terravista Group 1 Black caviar Trophy & shocking Emirates Group1 Melbourne Cup to name a few.   NEW 

Oisin Murphy - has tasted big race success with Blond Me Grade 1 E.P.Taylor stakes, Aclaim Group 1 Qatar Prix de la Foret, Highland Colori Ayr Gold Cup, Pallasator Group 3 Henry II stakes to name a few  NEW 

2017 Stats Jockey wins

(National Hunt Jockeys)


Mark Walsh -17                  

Jody McGarvey -11 

J J Slevin - 9            

Mr T Hamilton -7   UPDATED 

Shane Shortall -7     UPDATED 

Barry Geraghty -7       

Patrick Mullins - 5                

Mr D O'Connor - 4 

Jamie Codd -2 

Davy Russell -2 

Robbie Power -1 

Sara O'Brien - 1 

Mr B. O'Neill - 1     UPDATED 

B T O'Connell -0

Ricky Doyle -0

M P Fogarty -0

Donagh Meyler -0

J M Moore -0

Mr K E Power - 0

Bryan J Cooper -0

PT Enright - 0

Ruby Walsh -0 

Barry Browne -0

Katie O'Farrell - 0    



2017 Stats Jockey wins

(Flat Jockeys)

Donnacha O'Brien  - 30 

Wayne Lordan -6 

Sean Corby - 4 

Anastasia O'Brien  -3                

Connor King -2

A C Persse - 1   

Derek O'Connor - 1 

Pat Smullen-1

Billy Lee -1

Sara O'Brien - 1  

Jimmy Quinn - 1 

Seamie Heffernan -1 

Padraig Beggy-1 

Corey Brown - 1        

Oisin Murphy -1   

Adam Kirby -1     UPDATED     

Michael Hussey -0

Sara O'Brien  -0

Shane Foley -0  

Danny Sheehy -0  

Brian Hayes -0  

Colm O'Donoghue -0

Tony Hamilton-0

Fran Berry -0

Ryan Moore -0

Andrea Atzeni -0











31.12.17

Tigris River 6th & Ivanovich Gorbatov 7th Punchestown 1.40

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29.12.17

The Gunner Murphy 2nd Leopardstown 3.35

West Coast Time 2nd Limerick 3.15

Mischevious Max 10th & Let's Twist Again 14th Leopardstown 3.05

Mortal 2nd Leopardstown 12.50

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28.12.17

High Sparrow wins Limerick 3.55  

Art Nouvelle wins Lingfield 3.30

Edwulf PU Leopardstown 3pm

Whatchamacallit NR Alighted wins Leopardstown 2.25 

Hardback wins Leopardstown 1.50

King Leon PU Leopardstown 12.50

Tower Bridge 4th Cut Em Down 10th & Border Control 8th Leopardstown 12.15 

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28.12.17 

High Sparrow gives Joseph a 4 timer

High Sparrow, yellow cap, toughs it out in Limerick
©Healy Racing Photos

















 By Michael Graham
High Sparrow rounded off a terrific day for Joseph O'Brien by rallying to good effect in the bumper at Limerick.

This gave O'Brien four winners on the day - Art Nouvelle (9/2) in Lingfield and 16/1 shots Hardback and Alighted in Leopardstown were the other three. The four-timer paid 4,171/1.

High Sparrow, the 13/8 favourite, was there to be shot at by Big Nick, a son of Sea The Stars, and Diamond Turf as the race unfolded coming to the final furlong.

The other two protagonists drew alongsideHigh Sparrow at the furlong pole and in fact Diamond Turf soon edged slightly ahead.

However,High Sparrow kept finding on the rail for Tom Hamilton and gamely ground out a victory by three parts of a length.

Tom Hamilton said: "He was second in a point-to-point for Joseph and was then sold to his present owners. I'd imagine he might now go for a winners' bumper."

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28.12.17

Art Nouvelle gives Joseph a treble




Joseph's treble came up thanks to Art Nouvelle, the journey across the Irish sea to Lingfield proved no barrier to success, She was given a perfect ride by Adam Kirkby she tracked the leaders for most of the race, chased the leader over a furlong out where Adam got down in the drive and lead inside the final furlong she stayed on well to record the 2nd success of her career. 


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28.12.17

Alighted brings up the double for Joseph

Alighted, white cap, storms through to win
©Healy Racing Photos















 By Michael Graham
Alighted gave Joseph O'Brien a second winner on Leopardstown's card by staying on best in the bumper.

The four-year-old son of Getaway was never far from the pace throughout.

Patrick Mullins went for home on 9/10 favourite Voix Des Tiep swinging into the straight as the pair passed Young Wolf and Katie Walsh.

Barry O'Neill went after the leader in the final furlong and his mount kept on strongly to prevail in the closing stages by one and a half lengths at 16/1.< Young Wolf rallied on the inner to get up for second at 11/2 with Voix Des Tiep in third.

Joseph O'Brien said: "He was quite green. He’d been working nicely at home and we liked him and thought he’d run well but felt he’d be a bit immature to win. The penny dropped late and he quickened up well.

“He should learn a lot from that as Barry said that he was ducking at the rail throughout the race. He’s an immature horse but a horse with an engine. He'll learn a lot and he's an exciting horse to look forward to.


"He quickened up very well and got to the line very well. It was probably a strong race so really looking forward to him next year when he jumps a hurdle."

‘It’s great to get two winners on the board as we’ve had a few placed horses.”

Barry O'Neill, in the Gigginstown silks, added: "An exciting prospect. He was pretty green throughout. Leaving the back he was shying away from the rail. I was always going well and had loads of horse but I was just afraid if he got to the front too soon would he have a look (around).

"He had loads left and he will come on loads from this and he will improve a tonne."

O'Brien landed the preceding race with Hardback also at 16/1. The O'Brien double paid 288/1.

This was Gigginstown's third winner on the card.

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28.12.17 

Hardback wins again



Hardback (left) and Low Sun jump the last
©Healy Racing Photos












 Hardback put up a gutsy display to stave off Low Sun in a thrilling finish to the Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

There was nothing between the pair on the dash to the line from the final flight, but 3lb claimer Shane Shortall forced the Joseph O'Brien-trained six-year-old past the post as a narrow winner.

The 16-1 shot was completing a quick double for owners Gigginstown House Stud following the success of Apple's Jade in the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle.

"It all worked out well. We tried a different tactic with him today and dropped him in and switched him off, as he was doing a bit too much in his previous races and not getting home," said Shortall.

"Things worked out really well that way and he came home really well. He missed the last, but stuck his head out and tried hard under top weight. It was a good performance."

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27.12.17

Lone Wolf 5th Leopardstown 3.35 

Vieux Morvan 5th & Tesseract PU Leopardstown 3.00

Le Richebourg 2nd Leopardstown 1.50

Imperial Way 4th Limerick 12.25

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26.12.17

Ballyneety 3rd Leopardstown 3.30

Smoking Gun 4th 3.25 Down Royal

Landofhopeandglory 12th Leopardstown 2.55

Grey Waters 4th Leopardstown 1.15

Leave Your Mark 8th & Los Alamos 14th Leopardstown 12.15

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22.12.17

Taste The Salt 3rd Dundalk 8pm

Zaofu 2nd Dundalk 7pm

Irish Minister 4th Dundalk 6pm

Downdraft 4th Remmy D 7th Paolo Veronese 10th Dundalk 5pm

Spirit Power 4th Dundalk 4.30pm

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21.12.17

French Mix 7th Dundalk 8pm

Boragh Steps 2nd Dundalk 4.30

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20.12.17

Joseph has 2 new horses Smoking Gun & Alighted 

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20.12.17

Joseph's festive team 



Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are readying powerful teams for the upcoming Christmas action but it is their closest rival, Joseph O’Brien, who could supply one of next week’s most heart-warming stories with Edwulf.

The JP McManus runner was a centre of concern at Cheltenham last March after he collapsed following the final fence in the four-mile JT McNamara National Hunt Chase won by Tiger Roll.

He looked to go badly wrong after the obstacle and was pulled up by Derek O’Connor before he collapsed, leaving many to fear the worst.

However, Edwulf was eventually moved off the track – after it was established he had suffered oxygen deficit which resulted in him losing co-ordination – and made a full recovery at a nearby equine hospital before later returning to Ireland.

A remarkable return to action is now on the horizon. O’Brien said on Tuesday Edwulf is unlikely to take up an entry at Ascot on Saturday and will instead wait for next week’s €150,000 Leopardstown Christmas Chase, formerly known as the Lexus.

Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are readying powerful teams for the upcoming Christmas action but it is their closest rival, Joseph O’Brien, who could supply one of next week’s most heart-warming stories with Edwulf.

The JP McManus runner was a centre of concern at Cheltenham last March after he collapsed following the final fence in the four-mile JT McNamara National Hunt Chase won by Tiger Roll.

He looked to go badly wrong after the obstacle and was pulled up by Derek O’Connor before he collapsed, leaving many to fear the worst.

However, Edwulf was eventually moved off the track – after it was established he had suffered oxygen deficit which resulted in him losing co-ordination – and made a full recovery at a nearby equine hospital before later returning to Ireland.

A remarkable return to action is now on the horizon. O’Brien said on Tuesday Edwulf is unlikely to take up an entry at Ascot on Saturday and will instead wait for next week’s €150,000 Leopardstown Christmas Chase, formerly known as the Lexus.

That means a likely clash with Yorkhill and possibly ‘Horse of the Year’ Sizing John and Edwulf’s return to racing will be a welcome sight for many.

“Nothing like what happened at Cheltenham has happened to him again. He’s had a couple of good bits of work recently and taken it very well. If anything, he looks better than he ever was. We wouldn’t run him otherwise,” said O’Brien.

Rekindling’s dramatic Melbourne Cup success last month has been the highlight to date of the 24-year-old former champion jockey’s meteoric rise to the top rank of trainers.

The three-year-old colt is still enjoying a break in Australia – “having the sort of holiday I can only dream of!” according to his trainer – before returning to O’Brien next month and being prepared for the Ascot Gold Cup.

However, O’Brien has enjoyed major success over jumps as well in 2017 and is the only one bar Mullins and Elliott to have secured over €1 million in prize money so far this season.

Forfeit stage

The Piltown-based trainer is preparing his own Christmas team for next week but like everyone he accepts he can’t match his two senior rivals in terms of strength in depth.

“We’ll be busy but not overly so. Most of ours are four-year olds so we’ll have some nice horses for bumpers and maiden hurdles,” O’Brien said.

“Early Doors and Le Richebourg are in the Future Champions [Wednesday] and they’re also in the Grade One at Naas [Lawlors Hotel Hurdle in January]. Speak Easy is there too. He might go to Naas but we’ll see how they divide up,” he added.

three of the 48 entries for the Paddy Power chase are trained by Joseph O’Brien.

The sponsors Paddy Power reckon O’Brien’s new French recruit, Vieux Morvan, deserves to be a 14-1 shot for their race although significantly the trainer himself doesn’t seem to be so sure .

“He’s a grand horse but I’m not sure how his French handicap mark translates to here. I suppose we’ll find out. I’m not even sure he’ll get into the race so that sort of price is a bit silly. If he doesn’t get in he’ll run in the Pertemps Hurdle instead,” O’Brien said.

The young trainer saddled a pair of winners during last year’s Christmas action which was otherwise mostly dominated by Mullins and Elliott.

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20.12.17

A return to action for Edwulf 


On Thursday 28th December all eyes will be on Leopardstown for the 3.00 Leopardstown Christmas S'chase (Grade 1) over 3m. It sets up an exciting clash between Mala Beach, Yorkhill and Sizing John but it could also be the comeback race for the much missed Edwulf.

Should Edwulf return from his near-death experience at the Cheltenham Festival seven months ago to land the Leopardstown Christmas Chase it would surely provide Joseph with his biggest training performance outside of his Melbourne Cup win and provide the team with the best Christmas present ever.

Edwulf the gelded son of Kayf Tara appeared to go wrong on the run-in when running a huge race in the National Hunt Novices' Chase at the festival back in March, the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old was saved by vets on course and now looks set to make his first start since the incident in the Grade 1 feature.

A clearly delighted Joseph said: "It's great to have him back. He's in good form and he's had a few nice pieces of work, showing no ill effects of what happened to him at Cheltenham. Everything has gone well so far and we're looking forward to seeing him on the track again."

He was still on course being treated almost an hour and a half after the Cheltenham four-miler had started, Edwulf was then taken away by horse ambulance for further treatment after racing, Joseph revealed the work that those on track had proved crucial to the Edwulf’s future.

Joseph said: - "I don't know the technical term for what happened, but I just hope it never happens again! He basically ran out of oxygen. It was touch and go at a point but the vets and everyone on course were so good. Nobody panicked, and they knew exactly what to do, and even though he was down for quite a while they were always hoping that he would be able to come back from this. We’ll get him started off before making any major plans with him and take it from there after Christmas."

Currently 33/1 with Paddy Power to 50/1 with Coral

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20.12.17

Rhinestone’s possible targets

 

Picture By David Betts

Joseph appears to have another smart prospect on his hands in the shape of Montjeu gelding Rhinestone, he was an impressive 19-length winner of a bumper on Sunday at Thurles, when accounting readily for the favourite Sancta Simona.

Joseph said: "I think he's a smart one, we've always liked him at home. He ran well in a ridiculously messy race at Punchestown first time up and we were delighted with him on Sunday at Thurles. We didn't think he'd win that well with there being a lot of word for the favourite – we thought we'd give him a run for his money, but it was nice to see him do what he did.”

Going forward he said "Maybe he can head to some of those spring festivals, but we'll see how he comes out of the race over the coming days. The first signs are that he's done well."

He is as short as 14/1 with Stan James and16/1 with William Hill for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival on the 14th March 2018.

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17.12.17

Rhinestone wins Thurles 3.45

All The Answers & Exactoris PU Navan 2.30

Dawn In The Park 5th Thurles 2.10 

Aforementioned 3rd & Choungaya 7th Navan 12.15

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17.12.17

Rhinestone wins his bumper by 19 lengths


Rhinestone and Derek O'Connor pictured on their way to victory
©Healy Racing Photos

















 By Donal Murphy
Rhinestone easily accounted for his nine rivals in the last at Thurles, the Ryan Tarmacadam (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

The Joseph O'Brien trained Montjeu gelding was second of three on his debut at Punchestown last month, and proved friendless with punters this afternoon.

As short as evens in early shows, the bay victor eventually went off an 11/4 chance under Derek O'Connor.

Settled in second, he was left in front when Darcis Boy ran out with over a circuit left to race. He extended his advantage early in the straight, and came home nineteen lengths to the good.

The well-backed newcomer Sancta Simona (4/7fav) finished second under Patrick Mullins for his father Willie, while Ronald Pump (50s last night and from 16s to 12s on-course) was another seven lengths back in third for Richie Deegan and Matthew Smith.

The winning rider said afterwards: "He didn't rightly relax the first day but relaxed brilliantly today and showed his full ability.

"It wasn't the strongest bumper and we've to be realistic too but it was a good performance. He'd be better on better ground and he likes to dictate and that's the mistake we made the last day."

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16.12.17

North Carolina 2nd & State Of The Art 8th Fairyhouse 1.10

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15.12.17

Uncle Henry 3rd & Zaofu 5th Dundalk 8.30 Ex Owning Hill horse Wooster wins

Lot 44F On Call (IRE) 2013 B.G. BY Flemensfirth (USA) EX Oscar's Reprieve (IRE) Wildcard Carriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)Vendor 35,000 at tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham sale

Taste The Salt 3rd Dundalk 8.00

Bachelor 6th Highly Approved 4th & Take Action 9th Dundalk 6.30

Aibell 4th Dream Point 7th & Ship Of Dreams 3rd Dundalk 6.00

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14.12.17

Leave Your Mark Non Runner Tramore 3.40

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13.12.17

Lot 44F On Call sells at Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham December sale 15.12.17

Joseph has 4 new horses Aibell, Dream Point, Uncle Henry & Vieux Morvan and 1 new owner ML Bloodstock LTD, 9 of Joseph's sales horses have been named. 

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10.12.17

Tattersalls Ireland Ascot December Sale cancelled due to severe weather conditions

Punches Cross 7th Punchestown 3.40

King Leon PU Punchestown 3.05

Castle Howard 6th North Carolina 12th & State Of The Art 13th Cork 12.45

Us And Them Wins Punchestown 12.30

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10.12.17


Us & Them wins helps JJ lose his claim


Healy Racing Pictures


  By Donal Murphy

JJ Slevin rode out his claim on Us And Them in the opener at Punchestown this afternoon, the Buy Annual Membership Rated Novice Hurdle.

The Joseph O'Brien trained four-year-old got off the mark on his debut over flights at Cork last month, and he was sent off a 3/1 chance to follow-up today.

Sent straight to the front he was joined by Trainwreck on the run to the last. Slevin then had to get serious aboard the son of Stowaway, and he pulled out more on the run-in to prevail by half a length in the colours of owner Justin Carthy.

The aforementioned Trainwreck (9/4jfav) had to settle for second under Dylan Robinson, while Low Sun, who was the other joint-favourite, ran no sort of race and trailed home in last.

O’Brien said afterwards: "He won well the last day, and he's jumped well and done everything right today. He's done it the hard way himself in front.

"He didn’t finish out his races in bumpers. Today he had every excuse (not to win) and he really fought. JJ gave him a lovely ride and dictated it lovely."

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09.12.17

Cut Em Down 5th & Paris Texas 9th Navan 3.35

Marlbrook PU Navan 3.05

Grey Waters 5th Aintree 2.05

Alighting 15th Navan 12.50

Speak Easy wins Navan 12.20

Joseph has 5 lots in the Tattersalls Ireland Ascot sale 11.12.17

55Band of Outlaws (IRE) 2015 B.C. BY Fast Company (IRE) EX Band of Colour (IRE)   Lot WithdrawnCarriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
56Paparazzi (GB) 2015 B.C. BY Iffraaj (GB) EX Columella (GB) Carriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
57Darkolva (IRE) 2015 Gr.C. BY Dark Angel (IRE) EX Penolva (IRE) Carriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
58Pronounced (IRE) 2014 B.G. BY Power (GB) EX Le Montrachet (GB) Carriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
59Ambiguity (IRE) 2014 B.G. BY Fastnet Rock (AUS) EX Descant (USA)   Lot WithdrawnCarriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
88Take Action (IRE) 2015 B.F. BY Lilbourne Lad (IRE) EX Jellett (IRE)   Lot WithdrawnCarriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
89Extremely (IRE) 2015 B.F. BY Excelebration (IRE) EX Quality Cheryl (IRE) Carriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
90Feadan (IRE) 2015 B.F. BY Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) EX Social Honour (IRE)   Lot WithdrawnCarriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
91Dowhatisay (IRE) 2015 Ch.G. BY Red Jazz (USA) EX Cosmic Breeze (IRE) Carriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)
92Shenzi (IRE) 2014 B.G. BY Fastnet Rock (AUS) EX Song of The Sea (GB)   Lot WithdrawnCarriganog Racing (Joseph O'Brien)

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09.12.17

Speak Easy wins impressively on his hurdles debut


Speak Easy is about to head Dis Donc over the last
©Healy Racing Photos














 By Alan Magee
Speak Easy belied a major walk in the market to make an impressive debut under rules in the Kells Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

The Beneficial gelding won a Kilworth point-to-point in March for Sean Doyle before being sold to JP McManus for 220,000 pounds, and this performance against 20 rivals suggests there is plenty more good days to come.

Mark Walsh switched out the 10/1 chance (as short as 3/1 in some lists this morning) to challenge approaching the last, and he was in front a few strides onto the run-in.

Walsh didn’t need to get animated at all as the four-year-old, whose dam For Bill won many times including at Grade 3 level, stretched clear to beat well-backed 7/4 favourite Dis Donc by six lengths.

Scarpeta, supported from 8/1 into 5/1, didn’t help his chance by blundering two out and finished a further three quarters of a length back in third.

Winning trainer Joseph O'Brien said, “We thought he'd run well. Obviously he won his point-to-point and we really liked him but to be honest I thought he was a big horse that would be even better next year. It's a surprise that he won that well and he's probably a nice horse to do that.


"This horse is a real chaser. He's a big well-bred horse, he's after winning his point-to-point, and he's a very exciting horse. Mark rode him work and really liked him. I'm surprised he won that well but he obviously has a good engine.

“His options might be limited enough. Off the top of my head I think there is a Listed race in Limerick but I'll have to talk to Frank and JP. He can go up in trip anytime and I'd imagine he probably needs a bit further.”

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08.12.17

Highly Approved 6th & Extremely 12th Dundalk 7pm

Darkolva 5th Medal Of Honour wins  & Subjudice 7th Dundalk 5.30

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08.12.17

Medal of Honour wins at 11th attempt 


Healy Racing Pictures


 By Thomas Weekes


Medal Of Honour has had a busy year and finally gained a first win at Dundalk this evening as Joseph O'Brien's colt landed the opening Winter Series At Dundalk 2018 Maiden under the trainer's brother Donnacha O'Brien.

The son of Lope De Vega is the only flat performer this year to have raced in each of the months from April through to December and today got off the mark at the 11th attempt when arriving with a late challenge to beat Port Lions by three parts of a length. Medal Of Honourdrifted left late-on and the Stewards later held an enquiry into the incident but left the result stand.

Trainer O'Brien wasn't present but afterwards Donnacha O'Brien stated “he's been a bit disappointing in his last few runs but I think we've probably been making too much use of him in his races.

“You saw today how he stopped when he got there and drifted so I'd say it suits him to come from behind. I probably should have corrected him earlier but he won anyway.”

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07.12.17

Subjudice now with Sue Magnier

Joseph has a new horse Aforementioned & Leave Your Mark from sales page 2016.

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06.12.17

Taste The Salt 9th Dundalk 5.45 

Tower Bridge non runner Dundalk 4.45

Ambiguity 8th Dundalk 3.35pm

Paparazzi wins the 2pm at Dundalk Dowhatisay 9th

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06.12.17

Paparazzi off the mark at Dundalk 


©Healy Racing Photos

Paparazzi landed the spoils in a thrilling three-way finish to the opening mile nursery at Dundalk this afternoon.


Joseph O'Brien's charge was produced to challenge over a furlong out by Sean Corby and soon disputed with Smiling Eliza and Lucky Red.


The 12/1 shot gained a narrow advantage in the closing stages and had half a length to spare over Lucky Red at the line with neck back to Smiling Eliza.


The winner, a son of Iffraaj, had finished mid-division on his handicap debut at the track 12 days ago.


“He’s a big horse and it’s probably just taken him a few runs to sharpen him up a bit,” saod Corby.


“The penny is only dropping now, and he was even a bit slowly away today which he was in the past.


“He travelled well throughout the race and picked up well and stuck his head out. There is a headwind and he got there plenty early but he battled away to the line. I think he goes to the sales now.”


(Quotes by Alan Magee)


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04.12.17

Lot 1549 Intricately sells to John & Jake Warren for 1,700,000 gns



Intricately, the Moyglare Stakes (G1) winner and Irish 1,000 Guineas fourth (G1), sells for 1.7 million guineas. She is bought by John and Jake Warren on behalf of a client who is developing a significant bloodstock and racing interest.
"She was the star of the show," said Jake Warren. "We rated her highly and she is an absolutely beautiful Group 1-winning two-year-old. She also comes from a fantastic female family and we felt she was faultless in every way.
"She will be a wonderful foundation broodmare for a client who is getting started with a bloodstock interest and looking to build a band of high class horses.

"She will be coming to Highclere and will be knocking on a number of doors regarding nominations."

Lot 1536  Dilmun sells to BBA Ireland for 280,000 gns












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03.12.17

Lone Wolf 3rd Fairyhouse 3.40

Ivanovich Gorbatov 20th Tigris River 11th Housesofparliament 12th & West Coast Time 19th Fairyhouse 2.05

Early Doors 2nd & Le Richebourg 6th Fairyhouse 1pm

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02.12.17

Hardback 9th Fairyhouse 3.05

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01.12.17

Downdraft 5th Dundalk 7pm

Extremely 7th Dundalk 5.30

Let's Twist Again Wins Limerick 3.25

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01.12.17

Let's Twist Again 3 wins in his last 4 races


From left to right; Zoe Martin, Mark Walsh, Let's Twist Again and Emma Walsh
©Healy Racing Photos
















 By Donal Murphy


Mark Walsh completed his first ever four-timer, as he partnered Let's Twist Again to victory in the Follow Limerick On Facebook Handicap Hurdle.

The Co Kildare rider was earlier successful on Chris's Dream, Getoutwhenyoucan and Wait Here, with the four-timer coming in at just over 590/1.

Let's Twist Again, who is trained by Joseph O'Brien, was as short as 13/8 in early shows, but he proved easy to back, and eventually went off the 10/3 favourite.

Pushed along in the early stages, the son of Galileo eventually settled in mid-division. He took closer order from five out, and was pushed along in pursuit of the leader Ben Brody from before two out.

The JP McManus owned victor (his third winner of the afternoon), was ridden to the front before the last, and he kept on well on the run-in to score by four and a quarter lengths.

Walsh said afterwards: "I thought I had a few chances coming today but I didn't think I'd have four winners - it's great when it all comes together.

"Joseph has done a great job with this fellow and he has improved all season and hopefully will get through another one. He went away on the ground fine but wasn't mad about it and it was a poor race today and just got away with it.

"I've had a few trebles in the past and that's my first four-timer."