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Dublin: 15°C Saturday 18 September 2021

Thursday 9 September, 2021

Jim Bolger hoping for Poetic triumph on long-overdue return to the racecourse
# Champions Weekend
# Champions Weekend

Jim Bolger hoping for Poetic triumph on long-overdue return to the racecourse

Sep 9th 2021, 11:00 AM 3,588 Views 1 Comment

Veteran trainer saddles one of the leading contenders in Saturday’s mouthwatering Irish Champion Stakes.

Wednesday 7 July, 2021

Johnny Ward: Racing chiefs saddle up to face Oireachtas quizzing

Johnny Ward: Racing chiefs saddle up to face Oireachtas quizzing

Jul 7th 2021, 4:01 PM 2,315 Views 0 Comments

Jim Bolger’s recent comments have prompted lots of questions.

Friday 19 March, 2021

Johnny Ward: Blackmore's heroics, Kennedy's outstanding win and soul-searching for British racing
# Expert View
# Expert View

Johnny Ward: Blackmore's heroics, Kennedy's outstanding win and soul-searching for British racing

Mar 19th 2021, 7:58 PM 4,477 Views 9 Comments

Our columnist reflects on the final day of the 2021 Festival.

The League of Ireland is back – but not as we once knew it
# Comment
# Comment

The League of Ireland is back – but not as we once knew it

Mar 19th 2021, 10:55 AM 6,674 Views 3 Comments

‘I can certainly attest to absence rendering the heart all the fonder in Galway,’ writes Johnny Ward.

Thursday 18 March, 2021

Johnny Ward: A crowd at Cheltenham would have taken Rachael Blackmore to their hearts
# Expert View
# Expert View

Johnny Ward: A crowd at Cheltenham would have taken Rachael Blackmore to their hearts

Mar 18th 2021, 6:27 PM 6,625 Views 7 Comments

When will Irish racing sell the asset that she is to the extent of its enormous potential?

Wednesday 17 March, 2021

Johnny Ward: British jumps racing is in a sorry state as Irish rule the day at Cheltenham
# Expert View
# Expert View

Johnny Ward: British jumps racing is in a sorry state as Irish rule the day at Cheltenham

Mar 17th 2021, 9:28 PM 39,626 Views 23 Comments

After two days’ racing, half-time, Henry de Bromhead had won three of the Grade 1s. Of 14 races, Great Britain has won three.

Tuesday 16 March, 2021

Johnny Ward: Blackmore and Honeysuckle the picture of defiance as they haul racing off the canvas
# Front Page
# Front Page

Johnny Ward: Blackmore and Honeysuckle the picture of defiance as they haul racing off the canvas

Mar 16th 2021, 7:05 PM 15,860 Views 9 Comments

‘A woman won the Champion Hurdle, yet that really isn’t a big deal to those of us who follow racing, because we know how talented she is.’

Wednesday 10 March, 2021

Johnny Ward: Cheltenham a symbol of how our lives have changed in ways we didn't think possible
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: Cheltenham a symbol of how our lives have changed in ways we didn't think possible

Mar 10th 2021, 12:48 PM 3,609 Views 6 Comments

Johnny Ward sets the scene ahead of a Festival like no other.

Wednesday 3 March, 2021

Johnny Ward: Elliott deserves punishment but he should get a break too

Johnny Ward: Elliott deserves punishment but he should get a break too

Mar 3rd 2021, 6:39 PM 12,110 Views 17 Comments

The trainer often gave others a second chance, something he now needs himself.

Tuesday 2 March, 2021

Punishment for Gordon Elliott must reflect the damage done to racing
# Column
# Column

Punishment for Gordon Elliott must reflect the damage done to racing

Mar 2nd 2021, 1:04 PM 9,678 Views 15 Comments

The trainer has put so many jobs at risk, if not the sport’s future funding, writes Johnny Ward.

Wednesday 24 February, 2021

Johnny Ward: 'Cheltenham without people will not be nearly the same'
# Cheltenham 2021
# Cheltenham 2021

Johnny Ward: 'Cheltenham without people will not be nearly the same'

Feb 24th 2021, 8:40 AM 3,053 Views 6 Comments

Johnny Ward has his eye on some antepost value in this year’s Triumph Hurdle.

Wednesday 17 February, 2021

Johnny Ward: Dubai's missing princess forces racing to face some uncomfortable truths
# Horse Racing
# Horse Racing

Johnny Ward: Dubai's missing princess forces racing to face some uncomfortable truths

Feb 17th 2021, 2:10 PM 25,232 Views 7 Comments

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, father of missing Princess Latifa, has long been one of the sport’s great spenders.

Wednesday 10 February, 2021

Johnny Ward: 'One of the most audacious gambles in the history of sport... that almost came off'
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: 'One of the most audacious gambles in the history of sport... that almost came off'

Feb 10th 2021, 10:48 AM 5,081 Views 4 Comments

Our columnist considers the fallout and implications from the long-shot racing treble that just came up short on Sunday.

Sunday 7 February, 2021

Johnny Ward: A popular treble falls short in Scotland and more Mullins greatness at Leopardstown
# Column
# Column

Johnny Ward: A popular treble falls short in Scotland and more Mullins greatness at Leopardstown

Feb 7th 2021, 7:48 PM 2,862 Views 8 Comments

Kemboy and Monkfish both caught the eye at Leopardstown.

Saturday 6 February, 2021

Johnny Ward: Few things bring emotion out like a sporting personality rolling back the years
# Virtuoso
# Virtuoso

Johnny Ward: Few things bring emotion out like a sporting personality rolling back the years

Feb 6th 2021, 6:05 PM 5,280 Views 3 Comments

It was a good day for Willie Mullins at Leopardstown.

Wednesday 3 February, 2021

Johnny Ward: Many bookmakers are afraid that the game is up
# Going Online
# Going Online

Johnny Ward: Many bookmakers are afraid that the game is up

Feb 3rd 2021, 1:02 PM 8,555 Views 1 Comment

The life of the bookmaker has been hit hard by Covid-19.

Wednesday 27 January, 2021

Johnny Ward: Sport of kings and rogues Hoarding the headlines
# Racing
# Racing

Johnny Ward: Sport of kings and rogues Hoarding the headlines

Jan 27th 2021, 11:09 AM 2,057 Views 3 Comments

And our racing columnist earmarks one Cheltenham fancy.

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

Jan 21st 2021, 7:00 AM 2,318 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 Jan 20th 2021, 8:02 PM 61,324 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 5,089 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 59,618 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 12,904 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 4,942 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 8,788 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 4,853 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 7,501 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 5,234 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 7,603 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 3,475 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 3,503 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 3,547 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 5,713 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 41,638 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 3,089 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 3,324 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 4,849 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 13,921 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 3,178 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 5,622 Views 1 Comment

It was another disappointing afternoon for Willie Mullins.

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