So what became of the likely lads and lassies? Since 2011, there has been a seven-figure top lot each year at the Arqana August Sale.  We are talking about some of the best-bred horses in Europe here. Yearlings that have been given the best possible chance of being good from the day that they were [...]

Uncertainty hangs over the breeze-up sector ahead of the first major yearling sale of the season at Arqana this week after the Breeze-Up Consignors Association [BUCA] instructed Goffs and Goresbridge not to go ahead as previously planned with its respective new sales in 2025. Goffs chief Henry Beeby and Goresbridge boss Ed Donohoe revealed to [...]

The Irish Racehorse Trainers' Association has cast its net out in search of a new chief after Ryan McElligott left his post after two years at the helm. McElligott, who succeeded former trainer Michael Grassick in the position, has joined Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing organisation.  McElligott said, “For the last two years my time at [...]

Over a decade on from Pathfork recording a memorable Group 1 triumph in the National Stakes at the Curragh, the American-based Bonnie and Tommy Hamilton of Silverton Hill Farm are dreaming of further big-race riches in Europe with Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}).  If it has been a while between drinks for the Hamiltons [...]

Full-time hairdresser and small-time breeder Ashley Hillyard admits to having been left dumbfounded by the victory of Black Forza in Thursday's Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.  Why so? Well, the Kentucky-based 38-year-old snapped up Harlee Honey (Harlan's Holiday), the dam of Michael O'Callaghan's bright young star, for just $11,000 at Fasig-Tipton Digital from Legacy Bloodstock last [...]

Trainers Edward O'Grady and Jessica Harrington have led the tributes to leading owner and breeder Dermot Cox following the death of the successful businessman on Tuesday.  A pillar of the community in Kildare, Cox owned many leading lights over jumps, including Cheltenham Festival hero Back In Front and Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Tranquil Sea. [...]

It has been the season of all seasons for the ever-young Dark Angel (Ire). So much so that Gay O'Callaghan has agreed to go in front of the camera to talk about the horse he describes as “part of the family”.  The master of Yeomanstown Stud speaks about Dark Angel like a father of his [...]

Harry Sweeney is one of Irish racing's finest exports. A qualified vet, he has been based in the Far East for 35 years, where he operates from the world renowned Paca Paca Farm as well as holding the position of President at Darley Japan.  From big-money pinhooks to sleepless nights after some frightening losses, breeding [...]

Owner-breeder Arturo Cousino has promised to cheer on Jancis (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) when she lines out in the G1 Matron Stakes at the Irish Champions Festival after admitting to have been completely lost for words when his star filly landed a Group 3 at Leopardstown last week. What that victory meant to the 63-year-old, whose [...]

The irony is not lost on Gavin Hernon. Less than a decade after he elected to launch his training career in France rather than his home country in favour of more opportunities, the Irishman will return to home soil to at the Curragh on Saturday with leading claims of making the Classic breakthrough when his [...]

MV Magnier has described the Japan Cup as “the main aim” for Auguste Rodin (Ire) where the six-time Group 1-winning son of Deep Impact (Jpn) will bid to bridge a gap of almost two decades to the last European-trained winner of the race.  Speaking at the JRHA Select Sale in Japan last week, Magnier firmed [...]

The racing and breeze-up communities in Ireland have been rocked by the news that prominent rider Valdi de Souza has died at the age of 49 following “a freak accident” at work. The Brazilian native's finest hour in the saddle came when he partnered Rock Of Rochelle to win a Listed race at the Curragh [...]