Brian O'Connor

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Brian O'Connor

It’s as true now as it’s ever been that if you don’t ask you don’t get. It’s true too that those in the racing game are rarely backwards about coming forward when it comes to cash. But their pervasive disgruntled attitude towards prize money shows we really do live in an era of entitlement as opposed to enlightenment. Long story short, trainers and owners feel Horse Racing Ireland isn’t putting enough into prize money.

2 weeks ago | irishtimes.com | Brian O'Connor

A squadron of Willie Mullins’ horses are being readied for Saturday’s Coral Scottish Grand National programme in Ayr as the Irish man sets his sights on defending the champion trainer’s title in Britain. Last season’s Ayr action proved pivotal to Mullins becoming the first trainer based in Ireland for 70 years to win the British championship. Macdermott’s dramatic Scottish National success was one of four Mullins winners on the card and similar dominance could be in store this weekend.

2 weeks ago | irishtimes.com | Brian O'Connor

On the back of the 177th Randox Grand National Willie Mullins could ponder the summit of his extraordinary career and jump racing sifted through the impact of its annual exposure to the global spotlight. Up to half a billion viewers tuned in to the world’s most famous steeplechase, dwarfing the close on six million tuning in on ITV in Britain and the official 59,920 attendance on the ground in Aintree. Once again, they had the spectacle of not just the National but racing’s yearly tightrope act.

2 weeks ago | irishtimes.com | Brian O'Connor

From betting being suspended by some firms on the British trainers’ championship after Cheltenham, Willie Mullins is now a heavy odds-on favourite to retain the cross-channel crown. A stunning Randox Aintree Grand National outcome, where Nick Rockett led home his stable companions I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West for a Mullins clean sweep, has transformed the championship table.

2 weeks ago | irishtimes.com | Brian O'Connor

Among those multitude of novelty bets surrounding Saturday’s Randox Aintree Grand National, the 9/4 about JP McManus becoming the most successful owner in the famous old race’s history is both notably short and still tempting. The renowned Irish businessman has five runners including I Am Maximus, who delivered him a third success in the world’s most famous steeplechase a year ago.