“All the great horses have won the Durkan.” Ted Walsh was full of praise for Sunday’s John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase in a recent interview. Walsh believes that running the race a week earlier has added to its appeal by making it a more attractive option to trainers.
The British Horseracing Authority has come out in support of the Whip Review Committee in the aftermath of the Alphonse Le Grande Cesarewitch disqualification reversal by an independent panel.
A well backed joint favourite, the Adrian Murray trained Queens Fury landed the plunge in commanding fashion when readily winning the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Dundalk.
A winner over course and distance two weeks ago, The World's Astage shrugged off a subsequent 8lb rise when easily following up in the Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap.
Not for the first time, Gary Carroll rode a fine tactical race when partnering the Chris Timmons trained Pearl Jewel to win the concluding DundalkStadium.com Fillies & Mares Maiden.
The use of the whip in horse racing is one of the most emotive topics, both inside and outside the sport. Within the sport there are two distinct schools of thought. Many see the whip issue as the sport’s Waterloo. Lose the battle to preserve the whip and the entire sport will start to crumble.
A counter opinion within the sport is that, while the whip has legitimate safety and corrective uses, it perpetuates a perception that the sport is cruel and its use has become increasingly difficult to defend.
Gordon Elliott Stable Tour 2024/2025
Emma Nagle visits Cullentra's media morning to get insights into the exciting team under Gordon Elliott's care
- LADY HARRIETT showed a liking for first-time cheekpieces when bolting up over C&D earlier in the month and she now has a 7lb penalty to carry. Considering the manner of that victory, she could prove very difficult to beat again. Greenways made a victorious start for the Tom Symonds stable at Hereford and should mount a bold bid, while Fresh Speculation makes most appeal of the remainder.
