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Dublin: -1°C Sunday 24 January 2021

Thursday 21 January, 2021

Johnny Ward: Racing's need for a fitness app like Strava and who to back at Cheltenham
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: Racing's need for a fitness app like Strava and who to back at Cheltenham

Thu 7:00 AM 2,117 Views 2 Comments

Our columnist makes a case for embracing GPS technology in horse racing, and looks ahead to the March festival.

Wednesday 20 January, 2021

Johnny Ward: 'At Tramore, an unknown human being did a despicable thing to an innocent animal'
# Viking Hoard
# Viking Hoard

Johnny Ward: 'At Tramore, an unknown human being did a despicable thing to an innocent animal'

Updated Wed 8:02 PM 60,536 Views 28 Comments

Trainer Charles Byrnes is set to appeal an IHRB decision to suspend his licence for six months following an investigation into a 2018 race.

Wednesday 13 January, 2021

Johnny Ward: Cheltenham without the Irish is a dispiriting thought
# Preview
# Preview

Johnny Ward: Cheltenham without the Irish is a dispiriting thought

Jan 13th 2021, 6:30 AM 5,001 Views 9 Comments

Our columnist looks ahead to the March festival and offers his recommendation for the Triumph Hurdle.

Friday 27 March, 2020

Johnny Ward: The Dundalk controversy that has Irish horse racing talking
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: The Dundalk controversy that has Irish horse racing talking

Mar 27th 2020, 9:32 PM 59,270 Views 24 Comments

Events of last Friday, which involved a 1-2 for trainer Denis Hogan, have been referred to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.

Friday 20 March, 2020

'Racing people should not be treated as pariahs. Like everyone else, they're just trying to survive'
# Horse Racing
# Horse Racing

'Racing people should not be treated as pariahs. Like everyone else, they're just trying to survive'

Mar 20th 2020, 1:25 PM 12,793 Views 24 Comments

Johnny Ward reflects on the decision to continue horse racing in Ireland behind closed doors.

Thursday 12 March, 2020

'I have tears in my eyes' - Elliott rejoices after Samcro's heroic photo-finish win
# Emotion
# Emotion

'I have tears in my eyes' - Elliott rejoices after Samcro's heroic photo-finish win

Mar 12th 2020, 3:13 PM 4,903 Views 10 Comments

Johnny Ward reports from another dramatic day at Cheltenham.

Tuesday 10 March, 2020

'The lady on her back is just as special, she was amazing' - praise for Cheltenham winner Blackmore
# Winner Alright
# Winner Alright

'The lady on her back is just as special, she was amazing' - praise for Cheltenham winner Blackmore

Updated Mar 10th 2020, 7:19 PM 8,746 Views 15 Comments

Johnny Ward on a day of celebrations for Henry De Bromhead, Rachael Blackmore and Barry Geraghty.

Friday 21 February, 2020

Another bad break for 'tough bugger' Jack Kennedy won't dim desire to get back in the saddle
# On The Mend
# On The Mend

Another bad break for 'tough bugger' Jack Kennedy won't dim desire to get back in the saddle

Feb 21st 2020, 10:39 AM 4,831 Views 3 Comments

Johnny Ward chats to the West Kerry native about his journey back to fitness.

Wednesday 19 February, 2020

The disarming genius Mullins, chats about Faugheen over pints and the change from Ruby to Townend
# Cheltenham Countdown
# Cheltenham Countdown

The disarming genius Mullins, chats about Faugheen over pints and the change from Ruby to Townend

Feb 19th 2020, 5:03 PM 7,426 Views 2 Comments

Willie Mullins has so many big names, horses and owners, yet he nearly always seems to get his way.

Tuesday 18 February, 2020

Faith in Samcro, phonecalls from The Boss, and why 'forgotten horse' Delta Work is made for the Gold Cup
# His Own Man
# His Own Man

Faith in Samcro, phonecalls from The Boss, and why 'forgotten horse' Delta Work is made for the Gold Cup

Feb 18th 2020, 2:56 PM 5,178 Views 2 Comments

Gordon Elliott was in a combative mood but is heading to Cheltenham with a team he likes a lot, writes Johnny Ward.

Sunday 2 February, 2020

'Freak' Faugheen sparks tears of joy on magical day at Leopardstown
# High Praise
# High Praise

'Freak' Faugheen sparks tears of joy on magical day at Leopardstown

Feb 2nd 2020, 6:08 PM 7,586 Views 2 Comments

Willie Mullins was full of praise for ‘one of the most special winners’ he has seen.

Faugheen steals the show at Leopardstown while Delta Work lands Gold Cup success for Elliott
# Dublin Racing Festival
# Dublin Racing Festival

Faugheen steals the show at Leopardstown while Delta Work lands Gold Cup success for Elliott

Updated Feb 2nd 2020, 3:38 PM 6,264 Views 5 Comments

Asterion Forlonge and A Wave Of The Sea also secured victories on a busy day of racing.

Saturday 1 February, 2020

Johnny Ward: Sunshine, gales and Honeysuckle's reign on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival
# Fairyhouse
# Fairyhouse

Johnny Ward: Sunshine, gales and Honeysuckle's reign on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival

Feb 1st 2020, 6:02 PM 3,462 Views 4 Comments

The queen still reigns, but after answering every call in the big race she nearly left as many questions as answers.

A 'magic' day - Blackmore celebrates again as Honeysuckle takes Irish Champion Hurdle
# Leopardstown
# Leopardstown

A 'magic' day - Blackmore celebrates again as Honeysuckle takes Irish Champion Hurdle

Feb 1st 2020, 4:12 PM 3,471 Views 4 Comments

Henry De Bromhead trained the winner of the big race of the day.

Notebook wins brilliant renewal of the Arkle at Leopardstown and joy for Chacun Pour Soi
# Winning
# Winning

Notebook wins brilliant renewal of the Arkle at Leopardstown and joy for Chacun Pour Soi

Updated Feb 1st 2020, 3:17 PM 3,532 Views 3 Comments

Earlier Latest Exhibition won the opener for trainer Paul Nolan and jockey Bryan Cooper.

Friday 24 January, 2020

Five at 25: Long-shots that might keep you from entering a Cheltenham world of pain
# Horse Racing
# Horse Racing

Five at 25: Long-shots that might keep you from entering a Cheltenham world of pain

Jan 24th 2020, 12:35 PM 5,695 Views 8 Comments

Good and thorough man Johnny Ward has cast his eye on five horses that might get you over the line.

Friday 17 January, 2020

One of his first memories is holding a football, another is being sent to a foster home
# Good Place
# Good Place

One of his first memories is holding a football, another is being sent to a foster home

Jan 17th 2020, 12:19 PM 41,286 Views 8 Comments

Reflecting on a traumatic childhood in care, Mikey Place is glad to be home with Galway United and determined to be an example to kids like him.

Johnny Ward: Latest Exhibition's Cheltenham chance is a story to be savoured
# Horse Racing
# Horse Racing

Johnny Ward: Latest Exhibition's Cheltenham chance is a story to be savoured

Jan 17th 2020, 12:16 PM 3,065 Views 0 Comments

Paul Nolan can strike symbolic victory in game dominated by a few, writes Johnny Ward.

Friday 10 January, 2020

Johnny Ward: Mullins has the hunger and the hand to continue championship dominance
# Horse Racing
# Horse Racing

Johnny Ward: Mullins has the hunger and the hand to continue championship dominance

Jan 10th 2020, 11:51 AM 3,316 Views 2 Comments

Gordon Elliott holds a slim lead in the trainers’ race but it’s all still to play for, writes Johnny Ward.

Friday 3 January, 2020

Johnny Ward: Cheltenham should be careful what it wishes for with five-day debate
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: Cheltenham should be careful what it wishes for with five-day debate

Jan 3rd 2020, 2:51 PM 4,843 Views 6 Comments

Our columnist on the prospect of change for the March racing showpiece.

Excitement and caution in equal measure as Ireland's next manager embraces green shoots
# Kenny's Kids
# Kenny's Kids

Excitement and caution in equal measure as Ireland's next manager embraces green shoots

Jan 3rd 2020, 6:30 AM 13,907 Views 8 Comments

2020 is set to be a big year in the life of current U21 (and soon-to-be senior) boss Stephen Kenny.

Sunday 29 December, 2019

Sharjah triumphs and Klassical Dream flops on final day at Leopardstown
# Horse Racing
# Horse Racing

Sharjah triumphs and Klassical Dream flops on final day at Leopardstown

Dec 29th 2019, 5:25 PM 3,174 Views 2 Comments

The 2019 Christmas Festival concluded today at the Dublin track.

Saturday 28 December, 2019

Elliott lost for words after Apple's Jade turns back the clock at Leopardstown
# Reinvigorated
# Reinvigorated

Elliott lost for words after Apple's Jade turns back the clock at Leopardstown

Dec 28th 2019, 5:16 PM 5,545 Views 1 Comment

It was another disappointing afternoon for Willie Mullins.

Friday 27 December, 2019

Johnny Ward: Bull roars to dramatic victory in festive Leopardstown test
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: Bull roars to dramatic victory in festive Leopardstown test

Dec 27th 2019, 6:45 PM 4,056 Views 3 Comments

There was a memorable soundtrack as Jack Kennedy took the main prize on Day 2 of the Christmas Festival.

Johnny Ward: Time may be a great healer for those who love Samcro
# Horse Racing
# Horse Racing

Johnny Ward: Time may be a great healer for those who love Samcro

Dec 27th 2019, 1:29 PM 3,620 Views 2 Comments

Faugheen struck a blow on St Stephen’s Day, but Samcro’s race is far from run.

Thursday 26 December, 2019

Johnny Ward: Racing in Limerick, Faugheen captures hearts at Leopardstown
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: Racing in Limerick, Faugheen captures hearts at Leopardstown

Dec 26th 2019, 5:38 PM 4,100 Views 1 Comment

Our columnist reports from the first day of the Christmas Festival.

Friday 20 December, 2019

Johnny Ward: All-weather track in Tipperary could see Dundalk suffer greatly
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: All-weather track in Tipperary could see Dundalk suffer greatly

Dec 20th 2019, 2:09 PM 11,119 Views 5 Comments

There is clamour for a second all-weather track among trainers in Ireland, but Tipperary is not the answer.

Friday 13 December, 2019

What impact will Brexit have on horse racing?
# Column
# Column

What impact will Brexit have on horse racing?

Dec 13th 2019, 3:00 PM 23,476 Views 20 Comments

These are interesting times.

Thursday 5 December, 2019

'People are noticing me as opposed to the boys, there's a long way to go but we are a bit more on a par with them'
# Talent
# Talent

'People are noticing me as opposed to the boys, there's a long way to go but we are a bit more on a par with them'

Dec 5th 2019, 6:01 PM 7,377 Views 1 Comment

Vanessa Maye speaks to The42 as she reaches the verge of her major breakthrough.

Friday 29 November, 2019

Johnny Ward: Gordon Elliott remains one of Irish racing's most glaring enigmas
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: Gordon Elliott remains one of Irish racing's most glaring enigmas

Nov 29th 2019, 11:28 AM 9,994 Views 1 Comment

‘He is the messer at the bar who wants the night to continue, yet there is no chance whatsoever of him being late for work at the morning.’

Friday 15 November, 2019

Kevin Doyle's €155,000 purchase of Altior's half-brother has grabbed headlines
# Column
# Column

Kevin Doyle's €155,000 purchase of Altior's half-brother has grabbed headlines

Nov 15th 2019, 12:11 PM 37,387 Views 18 Comments

There was drama involving the former Ireland and Premier League footballer at Fairyhouse this week, writes Johnny Ward.

Friday 8 November, 2019

'There's no panic for me to make the decision': O'Brien weighing up his options for one more year
# Horse Racing
# Horse Racing

'There's no panic for me to make the decision': O'Brien weighing up his options for one more year

Nov 8th 2019, 2:55 PM 12,434 Views 4 Comments

Johnny Ward catches up with Ireland’s two-time champion flat jockey.

Friday 1 November, 2019

Johnny Ward: Kemboy's predicament exposes the mess that Supreme Racing has gotten itself into
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: Kemboy's predicament exposes the mess that Supreme Racing has gotten itself into

Nov 1st 2019, 2:16 PM 6,386 Views 3 Comments

As of Monday of last week, the Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite is not allowed to race.

Friday 25 October, 2019

If you cannot afford to pay an odds compiler you shouldn't be laying bets on Irish racing
# Column
# Column

If you cannot afford to pay an odds compiler you shouldn't be laying bets on Irish racing

Oct 25th 2019, 1:22 PM 13,796 Views 13 Comments

It is obvious the majority of bookmakers are copying the work of a rival’s odds-compiler, writes Johnny Ward.

Friday 4 October, 2019

Immortality beckons for Enable, but this could be a Magical weekend for the O'Briens
# Paris Je T'aime
# Paris Je T'aime

Immortality beckons for Enable, but this could be a Magical weekend for the O'Briens

Oct 4th 2019, 3:54 PM 4,567 Views 5 Comments

All eyes are on Longchamp, and a very special mare, on Sunday afternoon.

Friday 20 September, 2019

The nights are getting longer, the mornings colder and nothing invites the winter like racing at Dundalk
# Column
# Column

The nights are getting longer, the mornings colder and nothing invites the winter like racing at Dundalk

Sep 20th 2019, 12:38 PM 3,214 Views 1 Comment

Geological and Mianna are worth keeping tabs on as racing returns to Dundalk, writes Johnny Ward.

Sunday 15 September, 2019

'I am overcome' - Racing comes together for Pat Smullen on special day at the Curragh
# Standing Together
# Standing Together

'I am overcome' - Racing comes together for Pat Smullen on special day at the Curragh

Sep 15th 2019, 5:58 PM 8,102 Views 9 Comments

Tony McCoy, Ruby Walsh, Joseph O’Brien, and Paul Carberry were part of an all-star cast in a charity race in aid of Pat Smullen.

Saturday 14 September, 2019

Magical lands Aiden O'Brien remarkable 1-2-3 in Champion Stakes at Leopardstown
# Prestige
# Prestige

Magical lands Aiden O'Brien remarkable 1-2-3 in Champion Stakes at Leopardstown

Sep 14th 2019, 5:50 PM 3,524 Views 9 Comments

The favourite delivered this afternoon.

Friday 13 September, 2019

Johnny Ward: Six reasons why this racing weekend will be special
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: Six reasons why this racing weekend will be special

Sep 13th 2019, 12:37 PM 2,849 Views 4 Comments

Across Saturday and Sunday, Ireland will host the best in the world at two of the globe’s finest racetracks.

Friday 6 September, 2019

Johnny Ward: Horses do the talking for shrewd, young trainer Emmet Mullins
# Next Gen
# Next Gen

Johnny Ward: Horses do the talking for shrewd, young trainer Emmet Mullins

Sep 6th 2019, 3:27 PM 6,814 Views 2 Comments

This has been an extraordinary year for Mullins and young owner Paul Byrne.

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