31.07.17
Chess Grand Master 2nd Galway 8.40
Eagle Spirit 10th Galway 8.10
Le Richebourg wins Galway 5.20
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31.07.17
Le Richebourg justifies his odds in the opener at Galway
By Gary Carson
Le Richebourg was sent off a short price to make it three from three over jumps in the opening contest at Galway this evening and stamped his class on proceedings in the Galwaybayhotel.com & Radissonhotelgalway.com Novice Hurdle.
Barry Geraghty, having his first ride back since Easter, tracked front-runner Twobelucky in the two-miler before moving up to challenge before the second last.
Joseph's gelding got things wrong at the penultimate flight handing the advantage back to the Twobelucky but picked him up again going to the last.
The 4/9 hotpot quickened to lead on the run-in and was pulling away at the line to record a five-length victory. Le Richebourg was maintaining a perfect record over jumps having scored twice at Killarney.
“He's a grand horse and Barry gave him a lovely ride,” said O'Brien.
“They went very slow and then winged down over the last two. It was very tactical but he's a nice horse.
“He's a national hunt bred horse and he's running against horses off the Flat so that would be playing into their hands. He's exciting.
“He missed the second last and it's hard to gain momentum up the hill here and he seemed to do it fairly sharpish.
“We might look at the race at Tipperary in October. He's had three runs over hurdles now. We'll speak with Frank and JP and see what the plan is.”
Geraghty added:- "Andrew (Lynch) rode a clever race in front and I was conscious to be on his heels coming down the hill. I fluffed the second last and we quickened well from there.
"He has plenty to learn but he feels like a nice type and if he keeps improving he could be very nice."
It remains Irish racing’s most singular event but there will be an undoubted changing-of-the-guard element to Galway’s 2017 festival should Joseph O’Brien emerge as the week’s top trainer.
Aidan O’Brien’s 24-year-old son has officially held a licence for only just over a year but has been backed into 9-4 second favourite to lift the Leading Trainer award.
A year ago Willie Mullins pulled off what once would have seemed near-impossible and dethroned the traditional “King of Ballybrit”, Dermot Weld Jump racing’s maestro is odds-on to retain the title.
But with Weld dismissing his chances of resuming Galway dominance on the back of a virus-hit campaign, it is Joseph who is widely anticipated to emerge as Mullins’s main danger.
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31.07.17 Houses returns to hurdles
Housesofparliament (left)
Housesofparliament was among the talented bunch of ex-Ballydoyle horses to join Joseph O'Brien last year and he gets the chance to kick start his jumping career in the Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle at Galway on Tuesday.
The Galileo gelding hasn't been seen since struggling in Grade One company on his second outing over timber at Leopardstown back in February.
The four-year-old had been a smart staying type on the level for Aidan O'Brien, finishing a close third in the St Leger at Doncaster on his final Flat outing.
He shaped with promise on his debut over jumps when chasing home the talented Meri Devie at Leopardstown last Christmas but in more testing conditions back at that course, he made little impact when upped in class.
Showers are forecast but the ground is likely to be much more to his liking now and he looks a classy animal who is capable of much better than he has shown yet over jumps.
Judging by the early markets, punters are going to rely on Joseph O'Brien's Le Richebourg to get the 2017 festival off to a good start in the Galwaybayhotel.com & radissonhotelgalway.com Novice Hurdle (5.20) under Barry Geraghty - and that's no surprise given the potential he's shown.
A relation of Grands Crus, he showed fair form in bumpers before winning a maiden and a novice hurdle, and it was particularly noteworthy how he powered clear after the last in that novice at Killarney recently.
Definitely one for the notebook.
Apparition (dark coloured noseband) sees it out well under Derek O'Connor
Spin A Yarn and JJ Slevin pictured on their way to victory
By Donal Murphy
Joseph O'Brien recorded his tenth winner in the last week, as Spin A Yarn took the opener at Ballinrobe, the Paddy Smyth Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
Tenth on debut in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at the Punchestown Festival, the son of Flemensfirth put in a much improved performance to finish third on his next start over flights at Roscommon.
Having opened at 15/8 on-course this evening, he eventually went off the clear favourite at 7/4.
Ridden by JJ Slevin, the four-year-old bay was far from fluent at times as he raced mainly in second.
He improved to lead before the third last, and kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong, holding off the challenge of Skeaping by a length and a half.
The runner-up was returned at 14/1 under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott, while Artiste Celebre (6/1) was eighteenth lengths back in third for Donagh Meyler and Eoin Doyle.
"I could here Davy coming to me and my lad was a bit lairy out in front. He wasn't doing a whole lot. He found plenty and I think if Davy had to get closer my lad would have kept finding. He dug deep," said Slevin.
"He has a nice level of ability and he's improving away the whole time.
"He's a nice horse for the future."
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
Detailed (nearest) comes with her effort under Donnacha O'Brien By Donal Murphy
After winning the second with Thomas O'Malley, Joseph and Donnacha O'Brien, along with owners the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate, doubled-up with Detailed in the Tote Handicap.
Second at Hamilton on her last start, the daughter of Motivator was available at 8/1 last night, but opened on-course at 9/2, before going off a 7/2 chance.
Settled towards rear, she was in rear with three furlongs left to race. She was pushed along from the two furlong pole, and improved to challenge on the outer as they straightened up for home.
She got to the front inside the final 100 yards, and kept on well to score by half a length.
Mr Adjudicator (12/1) finished second under Killian Leonard for Joe Murphy, while Empress Lyla (3/1jfav), Gary Carroll aboard for Sheila Lavery, was another half a length away in third.
The other joint-favourite was Level Of Intensity, and he finished a disappointing eighth under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.
The winning rider said afterwards: "I told the lads before I went out that I was going to make the running on her. That obviously didn't go to plan.
"They were going so quick and got racing early as well so I was happy to sit as long as I could and when I whipped her out she sprinted.
"They went quick and I was surprised they started racing so early. I just tried to keep her in on the bends for as long as I could and I was happy that I'd pick up and go very close once I did pull her out."
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
Thomas O'Malley is ridden out by Donnacha O'Brien By Donal Murphy
Joseph O'Brien recorded his eighth winner in the last five days, as Thomas O'Malley got off the mark in the Win Big With Tote Maiden.
Without a win in twelve starts, the son of Henrythenavigator was last seen finishing eighth of nineteen in the Apprentice Derby at the Curragh last month.
Having opened at 5/2 on-course this evening, the bay gelding proved easy to back, going off a 7/2 chance under Donnacha O'Brien.
Settled in fifth, he took closer order from three furlongs out, and was ridden to challenge on the outer in third with just over a furlong left to race.
He got to the front inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts.
Newcomer My Amazing One (20/1) ran well to finish second under Wayne Lordan for Thomond O'Mara, while Winston Wolfe (9/4) was a short head back in third for Leigh Roche and Darren Bunyan.
Alahida was sent off the 2/1 favourite (from 3s), and she was a disappointing fifth under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
The winning rider said afterwards: "When you handle the track around here it's half the battle, and he went around it really well.
"There was half a gap between Leigh and Pat coming around the bend, I didn't really want to kick into it so I just had to wait and go around them. Once I did go around he quickened up nicely.
"Around a track like Ballinrobe is a disadvantage to a lot of horses, but it's an advantage to him.
"His owners (the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate) love racing. The have four or five horses with Joseph so hopefully they'll get some more success."
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
Boragh Steps justified her short price with a straight forward win in the median auction maiden at Fairyhouse.
Donnacha O'Brien was soon in front on the 4/5 favourite and she looked in control in the closing stages.
Solar Wave gave chase down the straight but could only get within a length of the Joseph O'Brien-trained filly.
The winner had shaped with promise when third to Dawn Delivers in a hot looking Curragh maiden on her debut last week.
“She had a good run the first day and if she reproduced that she was entitled to win and she did thank God,” said Donnacha O'Brien.
“She came out of the Curragh well and it was a perfect race for her. It probably weaker than some maidens but it slotted in lovely.
“She travelled strongly, she'd probably be a bit keen over seven but over six she's fine. When someone came to me she went on again and she quickened up nicely.”
Grey horse Bhutan with Jody McGarvey upTwenty minutes before Boragh Steps' win for the stable at Fairyhouse, Joseph O'Brien started the day on the right note with J P McManus' well-backed odds-on chance Bhutan took the Walter Hennessy Auctioneer, Valuer and Estate Agent MIPAV TRV Maiden Hurdle at Tipperary.
Jody McGarvey did the steering on Bhutan, and the 4/5 shot accounted for Born To Size by three and three parts of a length.
"He is a nice horse and has a big engine and hopefully he will progress with racing, as it's only his third run ever," said O'Brien.
"He is still green but came back on the bridle coming to the second last. He does have to do some things a little bit better but the raw material is there. It wasn't a brilliant race but I thought he went to the line very very well.
"Maybe the four year old novice hurdle at Galway on Monday week might come too soon for him but we'll see how he comes out of it. I've nothing off the top of my head planned for him but he'll stay hurdling and aim nice and low."
Monarch and Jody McGarveyThe 'green and gold,' successful trainer Joseph O'Brien, and the man aboard Monarch here, Jody McGarvey, have really been making hay of late and their representative here was expected to keep the run going.
Backed from 15/8 into 6/4 favouritism, the Galileo gelding, a useful Flat performer, brought to an end a sequence of three second placings over flights by comfortably seeing off Canny Tom by four and a half lengths.
"He had that bit of experience against maidens and that makes a big difference. We'll find a little handicap for him," elaborated Berry.
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21.07.17
Lynn's Memory Set For Newbury Raid
Lynn's Memory goes for a big pot when she lines up in the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury on Saturday.
The daughter of Acclamation will always be fondly remembered by Joseph O'Brien as his first winner as a trainer on British soil but owner Nick Bradley feels more hopeful than confident.
"She won at Bath and was Joseph's first winner here and she wasn't beaten too far in a Listed race last time to say the jockey stopped riding once her chance had gone," said Bradley.
"I'm not sure stall one is great, to be honest, and she needs the ground to dry out.
"There's so much money on offer that once you've paid to stay in you may as well run.
"She's got loads of boot and will be up there, it's if she can hang on."
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20.07.17
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20.07.17
Lord Justice makes it four
Lord Justice crosses the line in front under Donnacha O'Brien By Donal Murphy
Joseph O'Brien recorded his fourth winner of the day, as his Lord Justice took the finale at Leopardstown, the Manguard Plus Handicap.
O'Brien earlier saddled a treble at Killarney, winning with Le Richebourg, Immortal Bridgeand Santiago De Cuba.< Lord Justice was recording his first win on the level this evening, with his two previous victories coming over flights.
Sent off the 3/1 joint-favourite, the son of Zoffany raced in mid-division under Donnacha O'Brien.
He took closer order on the approach to the straight, and was ridden to challenge in second over a furlong from home.
He got to the front inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well from there to score by a length for owners the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate.
Black Label (12/1), who hit the front entering the straight, had to settle for second under Colin Keane for Adrian McGuinness, while El Tren (6s to 5s) was a head back in third for Donagh O'Connor and Johnny Levins.
Theophilus was the other joint-favourite and he finished fourth.
The winning rider said afterwards: "They went a nice gallop and the bit of ease in the ground helped him. He did it nicely in the end, he has plenty of ability.
"Joseph is on fire at the minute so long may it continue."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
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20.07.17
Santiago De Cuba completes a treble for Joseph & JP McManus
Santiago De Cuba leads home his rivals under Derek O'Connor By Donal Murphy
Newcomer Santiago De Cuba completed a treble for Joseph O'Brien and JP McManus at Killarney, as he ran out a good winner of the last, the Christy Lucey Transport Limited Flat Race.
O'Brien and McManus earlier won the opener with Le Richebourg, while the were also successful in the third race with Immortal Bridge.
The winning trainer was recording his second 1, 2 of the afternoon, with fellow newcomer Chess Grand Master filling the runner-up spot.
Formerly trained by Aidan O'Brien, the winning son of Pour Moi was sold for 210,000 guineas as a yearling.
Available at 7/2 this morning, he touched 9/4 on-course, before going off a well-backed 15/8 chance under Derek O'Connor.
Settled in mid-division, the bay victor took closer order on the approach to the straight, and he was soon briefly squeezed for room.
He travelled strongly and challenged the favourite Special Ted from the two furlong pole. He got to the front over a furlong out, and soon went clear, keeping on well to score by three and three parts of a length.
Chess Grand Master, who was badly hampered over two furlongs out, kept on nicely to take second under Tom Hamilton at 12/1.
The aforementioned 5/4 favourite (from 13/8) Special Ted was another two and three parts of a length back in third for Patrick and Willie Mullins.
O'Brien said afterwards: "It was a very good day and he is a lovely horse and Derek gave him a lovely ride.
"The other horse (Chess Grand Master) ran well too and we thought Santiago De Cuba wasn't too far away from some of the others (bumper winners) at home.
"That was his first-time out today and he got tightened up and did it fairly well. He could go hurdling now."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
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20.07.17
Immortal Bridge brings up a double for Joseph & JP McManus
Immortal Bridge clears the last under JJ Slevin By Donal Murphy
After winning the opener with Le Richebourg, Joseph O'Brien and JP McManus doubled-up with Immortal Bridge in the Killarney Grand Live Music Venue Handicap Hurdle.
O'Brien and McManus were also recording a 1, 2, with Hallmark filling the runner-up spot.
Successful on the level for Aidan O'Brien in May of last year, Immortal Bridge won again on his second start over flights at Downpatrick last month.
He was third on his handicap debut at Limerick on July 9th, and he was sent off the well-backed 2/1 favourite this afternoon, having opened at 4s on-course.
Settled in mid-division by JJ Slevin, the son of Fastnet Rock was pushed along on the approach to the straight.
He was ridden to challenge on the outer after three out, and swept through to lead on the run to the last, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts.< Hallmark got squeezed for room when travelling strongly before two out. He jumped the last in third, keeping on well on the run-in to take second under Jody McGarvey at 25/1.
The well-backed Mindsmadeup (8s to 9/2 on-course) was a further three parts of a length away in third for Davy Russell and James Sheehan.
O'Brien said afterwards: "They both ran very well and JJ's horse seemed to get the trip very well and he gave him a great ride.
"He was a decent horse on the flat and seems to have taken to hurdling but he's a lazy horse, and has been his whole life - that's why he wears blinkers. I don't think he's un-genuine but he just takes a bit of riding.
"We'll find another handicap hurdle with him next.
"Hallmark (runner-up) was a bit unlucky but is an unlucky horse and seems to like being unlucky!
"I think he'll go back for another handicap hurdle and today was his first time going that trip so that opens up a few more doors for him."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
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20.07.17
Le Richebourg lands the odds at killarney
©Healy Racing Photos
Le Richebourg made it two from two over flights, as he took the opener at Killarney, the Killarney Welcomes Bordeaux Novice Hurdle.
Placed on his first two starts, the Joseph O'Brien trained four-year-old made the breakthrough on his hurdling debut over the course and distance in May.
The son of Network was expected to follow-up this afternoon, and went off the 8/13 favourite under Jody McGarvey.
Having raced in second, the JP McManus owned victor travelled strong to close on the leader from three out.
He wasn't fluent at the second last, but jumped to the front at the final flight, and quickly stretched clear, going on to score by six lengths.
The front-running Timi Roli (9/4) had to settle for second under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins, while Vinnie Luck was a further
Royal Hawk was third when he made a bad mistake three out. He unfortunately injured himself in the process and was subsequently pulled up. "it was a good performance. They went very slow and sprinted down over the last three and it was nice to see him win. He was long at the third last and got a bit close to the second last but was good at the last and on the whole he jumps well.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "Jody said he came back on the bridle very quick after his mistake at the second last and he is a nice horse who can progress.
"I'd hope he'll run during the winter as it was good and soft when he ran twice in bumpers and his bumper form is top class. He wouldn't run on any ground better than today and we'll try and mind him."
The winner is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Grand Crus and nine time victor Gevrey Chambertin.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
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19.07.17
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18.07.17
Grey Waters 3rd, French Mix 6th & Inescapable 10th Killarney 7.20
All of Joseph's horses have been withdrawn from the Tatts Ireland (Ascot) sale
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17.07.17
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16.07.17
Birthplace 6th Curragh 5.50
Kamili wins Curragh 5.20
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16.07.17
Kamili Comes Good In Maiden
Kamili and Donnacha O'Brien By Gary Carson
Kamili continued on an upward curve as she landed the mile fillies maiden at the Curragh this afternoon.
The 7/2 shot was produced with a strong run inside the final furlong, by Donnacha O'Brien, to get on top in the closing stages and record a three-parts-of-a-length win over Muniza.
“She's been improving with every run. She was a slow learner but we think she's on the right track,” said O'Brien.
“It's great to have a winner for Anne (Marshall) and Frank (Dunne). We think she's a very nice filly, she's a very well-bred filly, and she's after winning a Curragh maiden now. We'll step her up in class now and see what happens.
“She was unlucky the last day. We thought she had ended up with a very nice mark just by circumstances.
“She's won a Curragh maiden now so she might be rated mid 80s. We think she's stepping up so hopefully she can keep progressing with each run.”
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15.07.17
Joseph's Lots for Tattersalls Ireland (Ascot) July Sale 18.07.17
| 77 | Shenzi (IRE) 2014 B.G. BY Fastnet Rock (AUS) EX Song of The Sea (GB) | Carriganog Racing, Ireland (J. P. O'Brien) | 77 |
| 78 | Pronounced (IRE) 2014 B.G. BY Power (GB) EX Le Montrachet (GB) | Carriganog Racing, Ireland (J. P. O'Brien) | 78 |
| 79 | Birthplace (IRE) 2013 Ch.G. BY Galileo (IRE) EX Ask For The Moon (FR) | Carriganog Racing, Ireland (J. P. O'Brien) | 79 |
| 80 | Basilisk (IRE) 2012 Ch.G. BY Flemensfirth (USA) EX Northern Mill (IRE) | Carriganog Racing, Ireland (J. P. O'Brien) | 80 |
| 81 | Oath Breaker (IRE) 2012 B.G. BY Oscar (IRE) EX Turtle Lamp (IRE) | Carriganog Racing, Ireland (J. P. O'Brien) | 81 |
Joseph has 2 new National Hunt horses Chess Grand Master & Santiago De Cuba and 1 new 2 year old Castrogiovanni & new owners J Harney & Paul Brophy.
Instinctively, Measured & Palace Guard now with Annus Mirabilis Syndicate.
A Year To Remember wins Downpatrick 3.40
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13.07.17
A Year To Remember powers on up the hill
A Year To Remember stays on up the hill in Downpatrick
By Michael Graham
Joseph O'Brien's A Year To Remember had a fortuitous victory in Downpatrick when left in the lead at the last in the extended two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle.
Leomar had the race at his mercy when a few lengths clear coming to the final flight but made a mistake and fell.< A Year To Remember was clear of odds-on-favourite Super Bowl and made the most of his fortune by galloping up the hill to win by four and three quarter lengths at 14/1.< Super Bowl (4/6f) was unable to cut into his lead and passed the post second. Shamash (13/2) was a further six lengths away in third.
Winning jockey Jody McGarvey said: "I just got lucky. Bryan (Cooper on Leomar) got a run on me down the hill. He had me flat to the boards and if he had jumped the last he probably would have put it to bed.
"We had luck on our side and our lad stayed on up the hill. We had pretty weak opposition behind. He's just very limited ability-wise. He got a bit of luck, he was lucky to win one."
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12.07.17
Dilmun wins Dundalk 2.50
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12.07.17 Dilmun finally breaks her Maiden
Dilmun 
By Thomas Weekes
Joseph O’Brien’s Dilmun (6/4f) made it third time lucky today, when winning the Bet Now With The Ladbrokes App Maiden at Dundalk today under the trainer’s brother Donnacha O’Brien.
The daughter of War Front went past leader Barca with a furlong to race and in the end scored a two and a half lengths win over that rival.
Afterwards Donnacha O'Brien stated “she had a nice run the last day (at Leopardstown, when fourth), and the form has worked out well.
“I kept it simple, and I think she can get a mile and a quarter as she relaxes well."
Quotes from Alan Magee
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11.07.17
Ambiguity, Eagle Spirit, Sweetasever & Lynn's Memory all withdrawn from Tattersalls July sale. Tamboureen added as a late entry.
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11.07.17
Thermistocles wins on his debut
Thermistocles, near side, keeps on best in Roscommon By Michael Graham
Joseph O'Brien's Thermistocles stayed on well at the end of an extended two and a half miles to make a winning debut in a bumper at Roscommon.
The Oscar five-year-old gelding was third racing towards the final furlong as West Burma went for home with Slippery Serpent in second.
However, the petrol wasn't in the tank for West Burma who edged left under pressure and hampered Thermistocles 150 yards out. The latter regained an even keel under Tom Hamilton and galloped on strongly to lead going away inside the final 100 yards.
He hit the line a length and a quarter to the good at 7/2 having been backed down from 6/1.< Slippery Serpent (4/1) chased him home with a three-length gap back to 5/2 favourite West Burma.
Stephen Mahon's Silverfort was backed from 25/1 in the morning to 13/2 but stumbled and unseated Richie Deegan over half a mile out when on the heels of the leaders.
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08.07.17
Art Nouvelle 8th Naas 2.45
Eagle Spirit & Sweetasever withdrawn from Tattersalls July sale
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08.07.17
Tower Bridge makes it four
By Michael Graham
The JP McManus silks were carried to victory five times this evening in Bellewstown as Tower Bridge completed the nap hand in the bumper.
Tower Bridge impresses in BellewstownJoseph O'Brien's Tower Bridge, the 5/4 favourite, travelled well for Tom Hamilton in third before being switched out to lead approaching the two pole.
He quickly asserted and raced clear coming to the final furlong. Iolani (10/3) set off in vain pursuit but could make no impression and dropped to third near the line as Dalouga (2/1) got up for second.
The winning margin was recorded at seven and a half lengths.
Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, said: "That was lovely. He travelled great the whole way, picked up easy and did it well.
“He seemed to like the ground and I'd say he has come on from his last run. He's going the right way.
“He'll probably go for another bumper and go jumping in the autumn.
“I'm never too greedy but we were hoping for one or two tonight. To get five is a bonus — it's great!
“It's brilliant and you couldn't have had a better evening here either. There is a fantastic crowd.”
The McManus five-timer paid just over 111/1.< Tower Bridge gave Joseph O'Brien a Bellewstown treble and an across-the-card quad as he also enjoyed a winner at Naas.
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08.07.17
Aeglos brings up a treble for Joseph
By Michael Graham
Aeglos brought up a Bellewstown double for trainer Joseph O'Brien and jockey Jody McGarvey when staying on stoutly in the extended two mile maiden hurdle at Bellewstown.
Aeglos, near side, beats Canny Tom, far side, into secondHe also gave O'Brien an across-the-card treble as Eagle Spirit won on the afternoon card at Naas before Tigris River took the opener in Bellewstown.
Front-running Herminio's chance went when he ploughed through the sixth hurdle and went right down as Ruby Walsh clung on to keep the partnership intact.
He lost the lead to Play The Part and soon weakened out of contention as Shamash stalked the new leader. < Play The Part came under Roger Loughran's whip after the third last as Shamash travelled sweetly for Mark Bolger to get on terms at the penultimate hurdle.
However, coming to the last Shamash dropped to fourth as Aeglos, on his outer, moved powerfully to jump it in the lead with Canny Tom on the inside.<Aeglos (3/1) had too much for that opponent on the run-in as he strode on to score by two and a half lengths.
Runner-up Canny Tom was Burlington Bertie 100/30 with third-placed Play The Part an 8/1 shot.
Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus, said: "He seemed to jump okay and did it well. He got a bit upset before the race but it was a nice performance.
“It probably wasn't the strongest race, as there were a lot of them there going to the last, but he can do no more than win.
“We'll tip away with him during the summer. It's been a great night so far.”
This was a third winner on the card for McManus following on from Tigris River and Steamboat Quay.
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08.07.17
Eagle Spirit & Sweetasever withdrawn from Tattersalls July sale.
| 236 | Eagle Spirit (IRE) B.G. by Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) x Romie's Kastett (GER)  Update | Fur 450 |
| Consignor: Carriganog Racing, Ireland (J. P. O'Brien) — Lot Withdrawn | ||
| 237 | Sweetasever (IRE) Br.F. by Power (GB) x In My Dreams (IRE) | Fur 451 |
| Consignor: Carriganog Racing, Ireland (J. P. O'Brien) — Lot Withdrawn |
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08.07.17
Tigris River hacks up
By Gary Carson
Tigris River was sent off a short price for the opening contest at Bellewstown tonight and duly did the business as expected.
Tigris River and Jody McGarvey Jody McGarvey sat behind the leaders on the 8/11 favourite before making ground up three from home in the two-and-a-half mile conditions hurdle.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding hit the front over the last and was always in control as he went on to record a cosy two-and-a-half length win over Noble Inn.
Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, suggested the Mervue Handicap Handicap at Galway could be next on the agenda:-
“That was grand. Jody said he hit a flat patch up the back and was a bit worried for a bit but he picked up and jumped well. The conditions of the race suited him very well.
“He'll get a entry for the Galway hurdle but the race on the Saturday might suit him better as he looks like he needs a bit further these days. “He got caught a bit for speed in the Galway Hurdle last year but he might know a bit more this year.”
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08.07.17
Eagle Spirit gives Donnacha a treble
By Michael Graham
Well-backed favourite Eagle Spirit swamped his rivals in the latter stages to land the extended mile and a quarter handicap in Naas for three-year-olds and upwards.
Eagle Spirit arrives on the scene in NaasHe gave jockey Donnacha O'Brien a treble on the card after earlier victories on Seahenge (6/1) and Music Box (7/2). The treble paid 173.25 euro for a euro.
The three-year-old son of Holy Roman Emperor held a good position in mid-division on the rail He switched to the outside approaching the two pole and was ridden for his effort inside the final quarter of a mile.
He made headway to sixth at the furlong marker and kept on strongly to arrive at the head of affairs close home. O'Brien's brother Joseph trained the winner.
He was backed from 8/1 to 9/2f. Serefeli was the horse that suffered most from Eagle Spirit's fine finish as he had to settle for second at 7/1, beaten three parts of a length.
Camellia Japonica was the same distance away in third at 16/1.
Donnacha O'Brien said: "I had to bide my time but when he got out and got going he came home well."
This was O'Brien's second treble having booted his first one home in Leopardstown last year.
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07.07.17
Tamboureen wins and Prep 7th Bellewstown 5.25
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07.07.17
Tamboureen gives Pat Smullen his first win for Joseph
Tamboureen and Pat Smullen (far side) By Thomas Weekes
Nine times Champion Jockey Pat Smullen has his position under threat this year but did partner his first winner for a previous Champion Jockey when steering the Joseph O’Brien trained Tamboureen in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Bellewstown today.
Partnering his 27th winner of the season, Smullen was carrying the colours of Coolmore horse scout Demi O’Byrne on the son of Red Jazz who battled well in first-time blinkers to hold 4/6f Hyperlapse by a head.
The win moved Smullen to within seven of Kevin Manning at the head of the Jockeys’ Championship and, a little more notably, prevented Hyperlapse’s jockey Colin Keane from joining Manning on that number of wins this term.
Dual Champion Jockey-turned trainer O’Brien wasn’t present but afterwards Smullen revealed “it's nice of Joseph to give me a winner. That's my first winner for him and I think only my second ride.”
“Joseph was happy that he would improve a good bit for the blinkers.
“He missed the kick the last day so it was important to get a good start and thankfully he got it easy enough up front and to be fair to him he stuck his head out to the line.
“It's no great shock as Joseph was hopeful of a big run from him and the blinkers obviously did the trick, but I liked the way he battled in the finish.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
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06.07.17
The Major General 18th Tipperary 8.55
Persistent 8th Bellewstown 8.40
Myles Ahead 6th Bellewstown 7.40
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06.07.17
Plinth gives Joseph another pattern winner
Plinth and Jody McGarvey (left) By Thomas Weekes
The Joseph O’Brien trained Plinth completed the ‘McManus summer double’ at Tipperary today, when adding the featured Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker sponsored Grimes Hurdle two years after his 2015 win in the Istabraq Hurdle, which is sponsored by the gelding’s owner J.P. McManus.
Ridden today by Jody McGarvey, the son of Montjeu finished with a flourish to beat Kitten Rock by three and a half lengths. Plinth was registering his tenth career win and afterwards O’Brien stated “he’s a great horse in fairness to him and never disappoints and Jody gave him a great ride and gets on well with him.
“He ran fairly well in the Galway Hurdle one year but isn’t on the right side of the handicap now but will be well entitled to take his chance. He jumps well and he tries but coming here I thought the trip might be a bit sharp for him now that he is getting older but has handled it well today.“
The Lloyd Williams-owned Rekindling is likely to tackle the Irish St Leger after getting the better of experienced stayer Wicklow Brave in the Curragh Cup.
Unplaced in the Epsom Derby last month, Rekindling reeled in the favourite Wicklow Brave to win by half a length.
Williams has several horses in work in Ireland with Aidan O'Brien but Rekindling is in the care of the champion trainer's son Joseph who said the St Leger was a target.
"He had a little bit of class and there was a chance he would be a little bit better than them," O'Brien said.
"It looked today like he could be a Leger horse. He did well to go and get Wicklow Brave. He's a very good horse.
"There is Doncaster and the Irish Leger. He has to go to one or the other and he he probably has to go somewhere between now and then as well."
The Williams-owned Order Of St George[ ran second to Wicklow Brave in the 2016 St Leger with the latter unplaced in the Melbourne Cup.
By Gary Carson
Rekindling lunged late to land the spoils in the Comer Group International Curragh Cup for Joseph O'Brien.
Rekindling beats Wicklow BraveThe son of High Chaparral bounced back from a disappointing show in the Derby at Epsom to claim the Group 2 contest on his first attempt over one-mile and six furlongs.
Wayne Lordan settled his mount in mid-division but he got shuffled back to the rear turning for home.
11/8 favourite Wicklow Brave looked to have done enough when chasing down front-runner Wisconsin over a furlong from home.
Lordan had to weave his way through onRekindling but got a great tune from the 4/1 shot inside the final furlong and he grabbed Wicklow Brave close home for a half-length win.
“He gave him a great ride and he settled well,” said O'Brien.“He had a little bit of class and there was a chance he would be a little bit better than them.
“Obviously Wicklow Brave is a very good horse but he had a little bit of class and it worked today. Three-year-olds have a good record in this race.
“It looked today like he could be a Leger horse. He did well to go and get Wicklow Brave as he's a very good horse.
“We hadn't thought much further than today. We were probably finding out about him trip-wise today.
“There is Doncaster and the Irish Leger. He has to go to one or the other and he he probably has to go somewhere between now and then as well.
“An awful lot will depend on how the races are looking closer to the time. I'm sure there will be a few better three-year-olds than were taking him on today in Doncaster.
“We'll see what happens closer to the time but it's nice that he's back in form anyway.
“We'll probably have to meet Order Of St George somewhere. If we don't meet him in the trial here we might meet end up meeting him in September here.
“His Leopardstown form (Ballysax win) has worked out really well with Capri in behind and the Dante form (4th to Permian) worked out very well too. The winner won in Ascot and all the form is working out.
“A lot of people are knocking the three-year-old generation but it will be interesting to see in the next month or six weeks.”
Lordan added:- "Things just didn't work out for him at Epsom but he's a good horse. He was a bit too forward in Epsom and was ridden differently today.
"He's won a Derby trial over a mile and a quarter so he's not slow. He now has options over a variety of distances."
Willie Mullins said of the runner-up:- “I thought it was a very good run and we might look at finding something for him before coming back here for the Leger.
“He's a fantastic horse to be able to do it at that level on the Flat and also over jumps.”
Paddypower madeRekindling a 10/1 shot for the St Leger at Doncaster.
