Mullins dealt Skelton a damaging blow on Wednesday when reducing his lead to £24,562 after Paul Townend won both feature races at Perth for the defending champion but the title will definitely be decided on the final day of the season who is as short as 1-12 with Ladbrokes and Coral to win the title has one runner on Thursday and none on Friday providing Skelton with the opportunity to build his slender lead with 22 runners declared over the two days The title rivals will finalise their teams on Thursday morning from 38 and 33 entries respectively and Sandown’s card will build to a crescendo after the schedule was heavily changed the bet365-backed Celebration Chase and Gold Cup switched to races five and six of the seven after ITV had gone off air and potentially with the title race still in the balance The changes mean the final six races on Sandown’s card will be shown on ITV Sandown clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said: “Saturday promises to be a gripping end to the jumps season and we wanted racing fans who can’t join us on the day to be able to watch all the drama unfold live on ITV Racing participants and the teams at Haydock and Leicester who have moved races to accommodate our changes at very short notice." who will lead ITV Racing's coverage from Sandown praised the united approach to ensure the conclusion of the meeting could be covered on terrestrial television “We’re delighted that everyone has worked together to move things around on Saturday so we’ll hopefully be able to crown the 2024-2025 champion jumps trainer live on terrestrial television," he said "With Sean Bowen also being crowned and John Hales being remembered One of Mullins' longest-serving owners is hoping to play a part in the Closutton charge at Sandown on Saturday as Lombron is entered in both the bet365 Gold Cup and novice handicap chase earlier on the card The Roaringwater Syndicate is made up of the O'Leary family and the late Archie O'Leary owned the legendary King George winner Florida Pearl O'Leary's son Anthony has kept his legacy going by keeping horses in training with Mullins and he thinks Saturday could be another special occasion He said: "There is a distinct possibility Lombron will run so it will be great to be a part of it all Willie is not sending Lombron over there for the good of his health "We've been on an incredible journey with Willie all through the years Willie always joked that my father was his luckiest owner and a lot of people would agree with that Team Mullins is just the envy of every team no matter what sport you're watching." O'Leary has watched Mullins train horses for the family for the best part of four decades and reflected: "Willie is very matter of fact He doesn't try to bamboozle people with any mystery attached to what's going on and there is only one winner in every race remember I think his analysis for when a horse is beaten is what makes him that extra bit special." He added: "We were at Sandown for the final day last year and it was just amazing to see the whole thing unfold in front of our eyes It was decided with two or three races to go and to see the reception Willie got from the Brits was absolutely fantastic He's not someone who courts publicity and yet the whole crowd seemed to be euphoric about the whole thing." Dan Skelton hits back with double but Willie Mullins poised to pounce after slashing rival's advantage at Perth A commentator's nightmare: how Simon Holt is preparing to call Lossiemouth v Lossiemouth at Sandown Mark Walsh secures Jonbon ride for Saturday's Celebration Chase at Sandown Sign up to receive On The Nose Published on 23 April 2025inBritain Copyright © 2025 Spotlight Sports Group Limited or its licensors, all rights reserved Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins have both earned more than £3m in prize money in British races this season The battle for the British trainers' title between Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins will go to the final day of the jump racing season at Sandown on Saturday English trainer Skelton had led the way for much of the year-long season and was more than £1m ahead in the championship - which is based on prize money earned - before the Grand National on 5 April But Mullins, the first Irish trainer to win the British title for 70 years in 2024, saddled five of the first seven in the big Aintree race, including a one-two-three, to cut the deficit by £860,000 Skelton holds a narrow lead going into the finale meeting at Sandown where the results of big races are likely to decide the outcome he was more than £68,000 in front after racing on Friday but Mullins still remains most likely to win due to his strong Saturday hand with 10 of the 20 declared runners in the Bet365 Gold Cup where £175,000 is on offer Last year's winner Minella Cocooner and Grand National third Grangeclare West are in the Mullins squad Both trainers have runners in the Celebration Chase although the hot favourite Jonbon is trained by Nicky Henderson Jockey Nico De Boinville is out injured after a fall and will be replaced by Mark Walsh on Jonbon Racing will begin 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled to ensure ITV viewers can see the final six races on the card and there will be updates on BBC Radio 5 Live Trailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China Alexander-Arnold leaves as modern Liverpool great - but fans will feel hurt Alpine poised to replace Doohan with Colapinto The final series of Man Like Mobeen has arrived John Simm stars in the provocative 90s drama Warm-hearted comedy with Ben Miller and Sally Phillips Follow two ambitious river restoration projects Zhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights VideoZhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights 'Scheffler and DeChambeau wins further raise US PGA excitement levels' Match-fixing scandal to Crucible champion - fall and rise of Zhao 'We need to take a look at ourselves' - Arsenal stalling at wrong time Palmer's brilliance could be key moment in Chelsea's Champions League quest Europa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney VideoEuropa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney Ask Me Anything the new BBC Sport service designed to serve you Bayern's 'James Bond' - how Kane clinched his first trophy Nine bolters with a shot of making the Lions squad How 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool VideoHow 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool Still number one & 'sparring' with Draper - return of Sinner Saints 'punch' favourites Leinster in game for the ages VideoVardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer Poppy's tears Elton John & Happy Gilmore - McIlroy on Jimmy Fallon show Two opposing views on football's transgender ban Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Oh no! It looks like JavaScript is not enabled in your browser. The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers If you click links to other sites on this page Racing Correspondent Sam Turner bring us his racing tips for Saturday with a focus on the closing National Hunt meeting of the season at Sandown I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sandown is the final stop in the race to claim the British trainers’ championship with the destination of the honour set to be decided over seven races at the Esher venue Dan Skelton has the advantage over Willie Mullins heading into the finale of the jumps season but Mullins will be mob-handed at Sandown with 21 runners compared to Skelton’s nine We’ve taken a look at all seven races on the cards, selecting at least one tip for each race using the best odds from horse racing betting sites There looks the potential for a strong early gallop here with the likes of Serious Challenge HMS President and St Pancras all ridden aggressively as well as one of the selections for this contest The latter only faded late on in a strongly-run renewal of the Imperial Cup last month and, with a number of betting sites offering four places he looks a big price with his affinity for the track already assured Give It To Me Oj arrives in good heart courtesy of a canter around Huntingdon in a minor event last week and is perhaps better judged on a fine fourth in Grade 1 company at Aintree earlier this month Classic Anthem has needed time to fill his sizeable frame but the evidence suggests he is beginning to realise his potential so a mark of 123 might well be exploitable here His victory over course and distance in March again confirmed that Saturday’s venue brings out the best in the seven-year-old and it is no coincidence that his run of solid performances have been recorded with Champion Jockey Sean Bowen on board The talented Pic D’orhy sidestepped an Aintree engagement for this contest and will be fresher than most Gaelic Warrior served notice on Merseyside that he could become a real class act over a trip and is taken to follow up The selection recorded some terrific data in picking up Grey Dawning and Stage Star in the closing stages of the Grade 1 Golden Miller last time and looks to possess the rare combination of speed and stamina Victory for the seven-year-old may have a major bearing on the destination of the trainer’s title Another Willie Mullins market leader, Kitzbuhel, was as big as 15-2 on some betting apps earlier in the week when his trainer also had Lossiemouth entered those prices are resigned to history now but he should appreciate the drop in trip and the application of a hood will help after he raced much too keenly in the Liverpool Hurdle over three miles Some bookmakers may offer three places so each-way backers should research the markets but Take No Chances is still worth backing as she has performed with great credit at both Cheltenham and Aintree and looks a shade overpriced in the betting markets Jonbon is unbeaten in all five starts at the Esher venue so is pretty difficult to oppose especially as he is also seven from seven going right-handed he is priced accordingly at long odds-on as he bids to complete a hat-trick in this race so it might be prudent for backers to investigate the markets ‘without Jonbon’ and back the returning Il Etait Temps to chase him home as he has previously won following racecourse absences of 208 and 219 days so clearly goes well fresh With half of the 20 runners in the bet365 Gold Cup trained by Willie Mullins backers are set a real poser trying to evaluate which of the 10 have the best chances especially with a number of the contenders having contested Nationals in the last month Neither High Class Hero or Dancing City have done that and have understandably migrated to the head of the market but in the hope that Minella Cocooner has recovered from his Aintree exertions he is taken to repeat last year’s success his saddle won’t slip like it did in the National and he can give Danny Mullins as good a spin as last year Having been rested since the middle of March especially as he is 4-6 right handed and goes well on decent ground Finally, thrill seekers might like to take a small chance with another right-hand track specialist Goshen who is as big as 40/1 on some horse racing betting apps despite finishing just half a length behind the well-touted Hoe Joly Smoke last time out at Sandown A couple of my original fancies for this race have sidestepped the engagement so Bunting gains the nod as this trip looks a better fit than the two miles he contested in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last time He was a little keen early on that day and was hampered by a faller so will need to settle a little better here but a patient ride could yield a first victory of the season and victory for him over the Dan Skelton-trained Mostly Sunny could be a fitting conclusion given the way the trainer’s title may play out Bettors should always follow responsible gambling practices Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses It’s particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites You can stay in 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Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare. Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers. Below you’ll find the latest features highlighting the upcoming events here on the Isle of Wight If you would like to promote an event to OnTheWight readers, find out more Our Travel section is the place to check for fast and accurate travel updates from all the ferry companies we’ll also let you know about road closures and diversions Below are articles relating to Isle of Wight travel The final day of the Jumps season at Sandown looks spicy as Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton go to war for the British trainers’ title There is more than £500,000 up for grabs and the Closutton maestro appears to have the advantage as he boasts 21 runners across five race of the seven races on the card He fires a whopping 10 darts at the feature including last year’s winner Minella Cocooner and Grand National third Grangeclare West while Gaelic Warrior is the standout name in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase with the hat-trick seeking Riskintheground going in the Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase The most lucrative race on the card is unlikely to go to either trainer as the mighty Jonbon is declared for the Grade 1 Celebration Chase which he is trying to win for the third year in a row Sandown odds can be found on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app everything you need to know about today’s action at the Esher track is below Minella Cocooner wins the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Details of today’s runners and riders plus Timeform’s horse-by-horse analysis for every race on the Sandown schedule can be found on our snazzy Racecards page The latest ground report conducted at Sandown on Friday 25th April has the official going as Good on the Chase Course and Good on the Hurdle Course Forecast: A cloudy start to the day is expected before paving way for sunny intervals in the afternoon Paddy’s pals at ITV Racing carry live coverage of six races at Sandown on Saturday You can live stream every single race at Sandown on Saturday for free on the Paddy Power website and via the Paddy Power app Just head to paddypower.com or the Paddy Power app and sign up or log in find the betting page for the renewal you wish to watch and click the button that says ‘Watch Live’ It’s that simple – and you don’t even have to place a bet to catch the action Paddy Power News is your one-stop shop for Sandown betting tips Our top stable of pundits includes the legendary rider Ruby Walsh current champion jockey Harry Cobden and ITV Racing presenter Matt Chapman PPB Counterparty Services Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. For customers in the UK, PPB Counterparty Services Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission South EastShareSaveGetty ImagesSandown Park is celebrating its 150th birthday in 2025Sandown Park racecourse has launched a fund to help charities and community groups in its area It is part of the 150th anniversary celebrations for the venue near Esher The fund will hand out grants to organisations across Elmbridge It is being run in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey general manager at Sandown Park Racecourse said: "Partnering with the Community Foundation for Surrey ensures that we can make a real difference where it matters most "We look forward to seeing the positive impact this fund will have for years to come." Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Mark Walsh will ride Jonbon in the Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday (3.00) after regular rider Nico de Boinville was ruled out of action due to injury De Boinville sustained broken ribs and neck injuries after being kicked after the first-flight fall of As The Fella Says during Plumpton's Sussex Champion Chase card on Easter Monday The rider was brought by ambulance to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he spent the night on Monday for further assessment but will miss a number of key rides for Henderson who revealed that Gold Cup-winning jockey Walsh will partner Jonbon as he bids for a hat-trick of victories in this weekend's Grade 1 Henderson said: "We do have to make riding plans for our horses and Mark Walsh will come over to Sandown Park on Saturday to ride Jonbon." who has three winners from 18 rides for Henderson in Britain and Ireland said: "I'm looking forward to the race and really excited to be riding him." Henderson said: "Constitution Hill has an important gallop on Friday and he will be partnered by James Bowen If that goes well they will school together over the weekend and if we get a double green light so to speak then we can all head over to Punchestown Everything hinges on how this weekend goes." who has ridden 118 winners from 589 rides for Henderson in Britain will also secure the ride on Lulamba if the Triumph Hurdle runner-up heads to Ireland Henderson said: "Lulamba is in great form and could also head over It’s a brave shout but I’m very happy with him and James would also take the ride if we line up." There has been no timeframe as to how long the Seven Barrows stable jockey will be out for but Henderson was grateful for all the messages He added: "I want to say thank you to everyone for their thoughts and kind messages following Nico’s fall He is now back at home and will need to rest We don’t know exactly when he’ll be back riding but we wish him a speedy recovery." bet365 Celebration Chase (3.00 Sandown, Saturday)Sponsors: 4-7 Jonbon Nico de Boinville 'definitely won't be riding this week or next' with Nicky Henderson left searching for Jonbon jockey 'That gallop is going to be crucial' - Constitution Hill's Punchestown run hangs in the balance Sign up to receive On The Nose Copyright © 2025 Spotlight Sports Group Limited or its licensors Bad (1.50 Sandown) Bad ended a somewhat frustrating spell when fitted with blinkers producing back-to-back career-best Racing Post Ratings with wins at Kempton the last of which came when beating the well-handicapped course specialist Flegmatik It's easy to forgive his last run in the Topham over the National fences as he's arguably better going right-handed and his RPR of 146 the start before suggests his mark of 138 is workable now going the right way round Lucky Place (3.00 Sandown) Lucky Place caught the eye in fourth in last season's Coral Cup when Nicky Henderson's yard was under a cloud and has bettered that with two wins this term beating Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace on both occasions including when proving too strong on the run-in for subsequent Cleeve Hurdle winner Gowel Road in January He was too keen to do himself justice in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the festival when last seen in March but this is far less competitive and this trip on this stiff circuit should be perfect for him to bounce back Minella Cocooner (4.10 Sandown) The presence of Grangeclare West means Minella Cocooner gets a racing weight of just 11st 1lb compared to the 11st 9lb he carried in 2024 He ran a fantastic race in the Grand National last time jumping the last right behind the one-two but just being outstayed and eventually finishing seventh despite having had his saddle slip early on He gets to run off 2lb lower than that day and given he’s proven over the course and distance likes quicker ground and is reunited with Danny Mullins Paul Kealy's play of the day at Sandown Free horse racing tips for Saturday, April 26 at Sandown, Ripon and Haydock Subscribe to Racing Post + Ultimate now Published on 25 April 2025inFree tips Here we look at their runners on the bet365 Gold Cup card and assess where the title race will be won and lost 1st £20,8122nd £9,5683rd £4,7844th £2,3925th £1,1966th £596 Riskintheground Riskintheground is a spring horse who arrives in career-best form. He looks to have a great chance to get Skelton off to a flyer, and it's hard to see him not finishing in the money. 1st £45,5602nd £17,0963rd £8,5604th £4,2645th £2,1446th £1,072 Boombawn The might of Mullins is perfectly illustrated in this race. Hot favourite Gaelic Warrior will be hard to beat, and Skelton will be hoping his old boss Paul Nicholls can help him out by toppling the market leader with Pic D'Orhy. This could be a key race in determining the destination of the title. Boombawn will struggle to get competitive. Kitzbuhel Gwennie May Boy, Take No Chances Kitzbuhel has a strong favourite's chance. Once again, Skelton may need the intervention of Nicholls to keep Mullins out of the winner's enclosure as Blueking D'Oroux has a better chance than his odds imply. 1st £99,6622nd £37,3973rd £18,7254th £9,3275th £4,6906th £2,345 Energumene, Il Etait Temps Harper's Brook, Unexpected Party Unless Jonbon spectacularly underperforms, which seems highly unlikely, it will take something special from Energumene or Il Etait Temps to seize the near £100,000 for winning this Grade 1. Energumene was the subject of support on Friday, but surely needs softer ground to be seen to best advantage. The Skelton duo have little chance. 1st £98,4722nd £37,1003rd £18,5674th £9,2755th £4,6556th £2,3277th £1,1558th £595 Hoe Joly Smoke 1st £18,2102nd £8,3723rd £4,1864th £2,0935th £1,0466th £521 Mostly Sunny, Got Grey It will be a shock if the title hasn't been decided by now but six of the ten runners for the final race of the 2024-25 jumps season are trained by Mullins or Skelton Don't be surprised if the Mullins-trained Bunting bounces back to form or if Skelton's Mostly Sunny manages to build on Monday's fluent Plumpton victory He still looks well treated under a 6lb penalty Read more on the trainers' title race: Tale of the season: Willie Mullins looks set to get up on the line after coming with another perfectly timed run 'We'll have to have a go. We'll see you at Ayr, Perth, and as many meetings here between now and Sandown' - the trainers' title in quotes 'I know exactly what he’s going through' - the inside track on the title contenders by those who know them best This is not the first time the trainers' title battle has gone down to the wire - and this one is better-tempered than some Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more Published on 25 April 2025inBritain It looks like JavaScript is not enabled in your browser 1.20 bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (£100,000)Willie Mullins: NoneDan Skelton: None 1.50 bet365 Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase (£40,000)Mullins: NoneSkelton: Riskintheground 2.25 bet365 Oaksey Chase (Grade 2, £80,000)Mullins: Appreciate It 3.00 bet365 Select Hurdle (Grade 2, £80,000)Mullins: KitzbuhelSkelton: Gwennie May Boy 3.35 bet365 Celebration Chase (Grade 1, £175,000)Mullins: Energumene 4.10 bet365 Gold Cup (£175,000)Mullins: Grangeclare West 4.45 bet365 Handicap Hurdle (£35,000)Mullins: Bunting, Dr Eggman, Jump Allen, King AlexanderSkelton: Got Grey, Mostly Sunny confirmed runners and ridersEdwardstone Tom CannonEnergumene Paul TownendHarper’s Brook Kielan WoodsIl Etait Temps Danny MullinsJonbon Mark WalshMaster Chewy Sam Twiston-DaviesUnexpected Party Harry Skelton 'There were lots of bad words between us' - inside the most compelling and controversial title race of all time Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links Offers are handpicked and come from operators our experts have first-hand experience of Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing and sports betting Published on 24 April 2025inBritain The Mullins-trained Cheltenham Festival winner will be a strong favourite to beat her Polly Gundry-trained 129-rated rival of the same name in the Grade 2 event and is one of 38 entries Mullins has made at Sandown as he bids to win the British trainers' championship for the second time who has been commentating for almost 40 years said the race had the potential to throw up something "very No race in Britain has featured two horses competing with the same name since an Irish-bred Averti took on a US-bred namesake in a conditions race at Yarmouth in 1994 The same scenario occurred in Ireland three years ago when two Sierra Nevadas took on each other in a fillies' maiden at Gowran Park Holt said: "I haven't thought too much about it yet but my thinking is to call Polly Gundry's horse the other Lossiemouth and keep it as simple as that I could look at going the Mullins Lossiemouth and the Gundry Lossiemouth but the other Lossiemouth might work best "I've never had anything like this before We've had duplication and repeated names but it is very rare that they run against each other The other quirky one I remember was the horse called George Baker Holt called home numerous Mullins and Dan Skelton winners as Plumpton proved a key battleground in the trainers' title over Easter weekend and he said Absurde was "possibly the best horse to have ever run at Plumpton" after his impressive win in the Sussex Champion Hurdle "Plumpton was great and the trainers' title certainly lifted the levels of interest," he added there were a few mumbles of discontent about Mullins coming in and almost gatecrashing the title There's plenty to think about around this "Sandown should be great on Saturday and a very fitting finale to the jumps season." Title race: Willie Mullins takes huge chunk out of Dan Skelton's advantage thanks to Paul Townend's Perth double Sandown announces series of changes to Saturday's jumps finale card Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more The official end of the 2024-25 jump racing season was set up nicely to see who would be crowned champion British trainer with Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton going toe-to-toe to see who would come out on top at the Bet365 Jump Finale meeting at Sandown Park Racecourse. Before the start of Saturday’s card, Skelton had a lead of almost £68,500. However, the main race of the day the Bet365 Gold Cup was worth not far off £100,000 to the winner. Mullins, looking to defend his title won 12 months ago, was up for the challenge by sending 21 horses across the water with Skelton entering nine. However, before the main course there was still time for Gary and Josh Moore to bag a double with the opening two races on the card. Give It To Me Oj took the opener on the card by defying top weight of 12 stone. Under Caoilin Quinn, the four-year-old previously finished fourth in a Grade One at Aintree before landing the spoils at Huntingdon to hold on in the 2m Class Two Handicap Hurdle. The experienced eight-year-old had to produce a career best to land the 2m 4f novices handicap hurdle off a mark of 144. Mahons Glory, looking for a third consecutive win, set a strong pace, at one point being six lengths clear. Entering the straight the leader’s advantage was eventually swallowed up with Mark Of Gold pulling clear by three quarters of a length. Mullins drew first blood in the battle of the two leading trainers after the impressive Gaelic Warrior backed up his Grade One Aintree victory with a comfortable five-length victory to lead home a Mullins one-two. The Irish trainer also had the fourth and the sixth in the race to trail Skelton by just a few thousand pounds. The Class One Bet365 Celebration Chase saw the return of Jonbon, who earlier on in the day was named racehorse of the year. The Nicky Henderson nine-year-old was odds on to complete yet another victory with the Mullins trained Il Etait Temps his likely challenger in the race. Despite being off a remarkable 359 days, entering the straight the seven-year-old was travelling well under Danny Mullins. On the tail of Jonbon, the grey swept pass the Henderson favourite to score impressively by five-and-a-half lengths to give Mullins another big pot in the race to be crowned champion trainer. By the time the main feature of the afternoon the Bet365 Gold Cup was run, Mullins had one hand on the trophy. Skelton had just one runner in the feature race Holy Joly Smoke with the Irish maestro saddling no less than ten of the 20 runners on show. Although Mullins failed to produce the winner, he still finished up with the second, third, fourth and fifth, which was enough to guarantee another British champion trainer’s honour for Mullins with a winning lead of almost £200,000. There was even time for yet another winner from Mullins who landed the finale on the card through Jump Allen to claim a treble for the newly crowned champion British trainer. Ironically, Jump Allen finished ahead of the Dan Skelton trained Mostly Sunny to send the Irish trainer home with a deserved heavy night’s celebrating ahead of him and his family. Comments Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd. | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 SUN Racing's Saturday picks are below. He ran well in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last time and will enjoy this proper test of stamina with improvement to come. He went close at Warwick last time on his hurdles rerun and is on a fair weight. He didn’t enjoy the National fences last time after two good wins at Kempton. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page gambleaware.org.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who: Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ Star Sports (licence number 009177) is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission I can’t keep going on about the first time I came to Sandown back in 1985 but it did make an big impression on me I’ve had a couple of reunions with old pals recently you wonder when you should have turned right when they turned left back in 1985 I used to devour Dick Francis books and dream about the life and characters they included but I have and still have a rewarding working life in racing never really feeling like I’ve worked a day OK I’d have only been someone Sid Halley brushed past in ‘Odds Against’ but I’ve been part of that world Dick and latterly Felix wrote about and feel extremely lucky to be still in it misty-eyed self-gratifying trumpet blowing premise over Star Sports’ team on the rail were Kaan at the helm This was the first flat meeting of the season I’d attended though didn’t know what to expect as far as decent punting business went there was a buzz about the place so hopes were high 1:15 bet365 Handicap (Class 2) (3yo 0-100) 5f (5f10y) There was no sign of any bag men or big punters for the opening 5f of the Sandown flat season there was decent business from off the floor Bets totalled £1400 with £2000 – £100 each-way on Ardennes the biggest Kaan had a bet with the Wharton Slaney firm he took 9/1 each-way the runner-up Brosay which finished runner-up behind the 4/1 winner Queen All Star The book copped £288 and Kaan an extra tenner thanks to BOG added by Gary Brown and Gerry Chesneaux’s generosity 1:50 bet365 Esher Cup Handicap (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) 1m Next up and the money was mostly for Thunder Wonder with notable bets of £2000 – £500 each-way and £1200 – £300 stuck with Star into a book that ultimately held £2166 ‘It’s got away’ said Kaan just strides before the long time leader and big loser Thunder Wonder fell into a metaphorical hole the race looks different when you have one for a lump led by the 5/2 favourite where it mattered at the post did sweep past the bogie though he did hang on for fourth not much consolation for the £500 each-way punter but worth £2286 to connections it’s just the way the cards fell but very handy none the less 2:25 bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (4yo+) 1m2f (1m1f209y) Star’s head of political betting William Kedjanyi turned up and why not it’s surely better than Parliament or a polling station the plunge horse this time was initially See The Fire with a rapid rat-tat-tat of bets totally £600 at 11/4 then bets of £150 at 9/1 on Al Aasy and £200 at 9/1 Ancient Wisdom right in the hole they laid £2000 – £600 Arabian Crown which made that a late loser for £460 behind bogie for £1814 See The Fire and they were off Kaan’s getting them in pluck paid off when 15/2 chance Al Aasy laid early at 9/1 come racing Despite the £150 bet copping the book still held on to £692 of the £2502 the hod held 3:00 bet365 Mile (Group 2) (Class 1) (4yo+) 1m and it transpired that WK had blagged his way in that is a disgrace but fair play to the Head of Political betting but as we know these politics types do love a freebie Amazing what time surrounded by capitalists will do to a man The betting on the next was steady but without anything of note At the off off there was £1660 in the hod apart from £900 – £300 Dancing Gemini but not with Star had been Haatem with reportedly some decent bets laid which would have pleased those that laid the lumps the winner and 5/2 favourite Dancing Gemini wouldn’t have had many in the ring cheering Star lost £190 largely due to the aforementioned carpet bet 3:35 bet365 Classic Trial (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo 1m2f (1m1f209y) The next saw two horses backed with Star though there appeared to be lively business all along the rail Notable bets included £3333 – £1000 and £1000 – £300 I Am I Said and £1800 and £400 Windlord at 11/8 At the off the book held £5569 with the two losers for over £2000 riding for Aidan O’Brien on Swagman didn’t capture the betting public’s imagination but did win the race it took the combination a while to get past the jolly Windlord but won decisively in the end 4:10 bet365 ‘Wild Card’ Fillies’ Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (Class 2) (3yo) 1m2f (1m1f209y) and I got a message from professional punter Alan Potts he’s kind enough to mark my card occasionally when he fancies one Tattycoram which he said should have beaten Winter’s Song last time but got trapped on the rail until too late Winter’s Song opened 10/11 but was virtually unlayable quickening when challenged to win going away cheering home a loser in the book used to be a sacking offence on some firms the winner was owned and bred by Betfair founder and previous #BettingPeople interviewee Andrew Black and now has a wildcard entry into The Oaks #BettingPeople: ANDREW BLACK 4:45 Nordoff & Robbins Jeff Beck Memorial Handicap (Class 4) (3yo 0-85) 1m2f (1m1f209y) Views of authors do not necessarily represent views of Star Sports Bookmakers. Star Sports (licence number 009177) is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. 2025 · 1w agoThe bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase is the big betting race on the final day at Sandown and Matt Brocklebank has an each-way fancy among his Saturday tips 1pt win Mahons Glory in 1.50 Sandown at 16/1 (Coral 1pt win Divine Libra in 2.40 Haydock at 12/1 (Paddy Power King’s Threshold in 4.10 Sandown at 22/1 (William Hill Sky Bet offer EXTRA VALUE to Sporting Life Plus readers with exclusive guaranteed advertised prices for ONE HOUR from the time of publication* - max £25 Just make sure you're logged in and click on the links below to automatically populate your betslip (does not include Sky Bet Money Back As Cash races) *One-hour price guaranteed has now expired It’ll be hard to bear for Dan Skelton but the final day of the jumps season at Sandown is all about Willie Mullins who will remain long odds-on to claim back-to-back trainers’ championships even if Skelton picks up a slice of the prize money before his Irish counterpart even has a runner on Saturday Four horses gunning for Mullins in the bet365 Oaksey House Chase and 10 of the 20 runners in the day’s feature bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase is a formidable assault and after all that last year’s champion is responsible for four of the 10 horses declared in the concluding handicap hurdle for good measure There’s even a chance the diminutive Il Etait Temps could get in on the act against Jonbon in the bet365 Celebration Chase but I suspect there is a bit of the title race hype factored into his overnight price around the 6/1 mark No Irish runner at all in the bet365 Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase but a fascinating contender in MAHONS GLORY and I can’t really understand why he’s available at such a big price Newmarket trainer Dylan Cunha’s only jumps horse to date he’s a perfect two from two for this yard since moving from Pat Neville and the way he popped away around Stratford before winning as he liked under 12 stone marked him down as a really progressive chaser He’s only had a handful of starts in this sphere (was 2-18 over hurdles) but is clearly thriving and the last win appeared to come in spite of the two fences on the side of the track being bypassed Jumping looks his forte if anything and I’m really looking forward to seeing what this horse can do at Sandown especially as the latest generous-looking 3lb rise means he’s still only 1lb higher in the weights than when second to Hyland at Southwell last June Mahons Glory has only really got Pic Roc for company on the Timeform pace map and if that one jumps like he did at Ayr the other week then it could turn into a bit of a solo up front for Lee Edwards on the selection You’re almost forced to be with or against Mullins in the bet365 Gold Cup and I just don’t think any of his horses represent anything in the way of value I can see Dancing City taking a slide in the betting but he seems unlikely to hit double-figure odds which would interest me a little and I’m prepared to think outside the box a bit in order to eke one out a bigger price KING’S THRESHOLD is competing from 8lb out of the weights and has a question mark over his stamina for this kind of trip but they are the obvious negatives out of the way and aside from that there seems to be loads to recommend him Trainer Emma Lavelle must have been tearing her hair out when this gorgeous-looking son of Yeats wasn’t quite seeing his races out properly earlier in his career but the fitting of the tongue-tie has worked wonders and he’s now three from three since it was first applied The horse also underwent wind surgery prior to the second leg of that hat-trick at Warwick in February and it was hard not to be impressed by how well he won at Newbury last month too he’s effectively running off 142 on Saturday so it’s a significantly taller order but who knows quite where the ceiling of ability lies now he’s on a roll and full of confidence Just looping back to the potential stamina doubts briefly it’s definitely worth underlining the fact that he’s closely related to Captain Cattistock and Bretney while winning this would be a fitting end to the campaign for his rider Ben Jones as he’s been one of the success stories of the season Jones has a very tidy Sandown record to keep up as well having had four winners from just 14 rides on the chase course here over the years (2-6 in current season) I’d have liked this horse’s claims in a more typical renewal and have to stand by him at current odds which are inflated accordingly on account of the army from Closutton including the slightly annoying Grangeclare West who is rated 168 and acts as a bit of a spoiler up at the top Away from the jumping action, DIVINE LIBRA looks too big a price in the Try Unibet’s New Same Race Multis Handicap at Haydock it was second time out that was the time to catch him last spring and with Chester’s big meeting just around the corner – something he’s bound to have on the agenda again – perhaps it would be wise to tread carefully on seasonal debut here but it’s worth recalling he did win on his three-year-old comeback in 2023 and that’s not the only thing going for him Trainer Charlie Hills is in pretty good form while the prevailing ground looks right up his street as he wouldn’t want it too quick The low draw counted against him first time up in a sprint at Newbury last April and not only did he deliver on that fairly promising effort when winning well on the Roodee in May he twice recorded strong figures in major seven-furlong handicaps at Newmarket and back at Chester later in the campaign Currently rated just 1lb higher than for the second of those efforts in late-August he hung his chance away and reportedly lost a shoe when down the field on his last run towards the back-end of the year at Ascot and I still think there’s scope for further improvement from the nicely-bred son of Dark Angel whose progeny so often go on and get better with age A central draw this weekend given Jason Watson all the options he’d like and if he can just sit off the like pace-makers Myal and Gorak through the early stages then Divine Libra could be in business as there isn’t much competition at all for the lead Click here for full and transparent Value Bet record We are committed in our support of safer gambling Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133 Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org Electric Mason (4.45 Sandown) but finished a fairly close-up fifth in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle A mark of 130 looks very fair and Chris Gordon is back in form.Steve Mason Want to get more from your horse racing bets today? Bad (1.50 Sandown) Much improved since the fitting of blinkers winning twice at Kempton and producing back-to-back career-best RPRs and he looks to have scope off this mark for Ben Pauling.Harry Wilson Ziggy's Ariel (7.05 Ripon) Had a wide trip when fourth at Wolverhampton and the form is looking stronger retrospectively.Richard Lowther Enjoying today’s free racing tips? Explore even more expert horse racing tips and in-depth analysis to help you back a winner Inedit Star (1.50 Sandown) Found everything happening a bit too quick when third in Red Rum Chase at Aintree but still clocked an excellent speed figure and extra distance should suit.Craig Thake Victtorino (4.10 Sandown) Ignore his Cheltenham run as he was unsettled at the start and can be seen to better effect going right-handed Twice a winner at Ascot this season and runs off a 2lb higher mark here.Sam Hardy Safari Dream (3.50 Haydock) Good second last time out and can go one better off low mark.James Stevens Signposts: punting pointers for Saturday's racing Paul Kealy's play of the day at Sandown The Punt Acca: Harry Wilson with three tips from Sandown on Saturday Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more Looking for the best betting offers? Find this week’s top picks across racing, football, golf, and more. Willie Mullins could call upon stable stars Lossiemouth Gaelic Warrior and El Fabiolo to win him the trainers' championship on Saturday as he has made 38 entries across Sandown's seven-race season finale card Among them is Scottish National hero Captain Cody and Grand National third Grangeclare West, while the Closutton trainer also has a strong challenge in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase (3.00) led by Aintree winners Gaelic Warrior and Impaire Et Passe Two-time Champion Chase winner Energumene and Il Etait Temps could also line up although they will have to take on the Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon who is set to bid for a hat-trick in the last top-level contest of the British jumps season Mullins' star mare Lossiemouth could intriguingly take on another horse called Lossiemouth, trained by Polly Gundry in the Select Hurdle (4.10) who chased the Mullins-trained Lossiemouth home in second in the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival Dan Skelton has 33 entries at Sandown including three in the bet365 Gold Cup with recent course winner Hoe Joly Smoke looking like the standout chance Take No Chances and Gwennie May Boy lead his Select Hurdle team Riskintheground, who held off the Mullins-trained O'Moore Park in Cheltenham's £80,000 Silver Trophy on Wednesday, could be set for his third run in the space of two weeks in the Oaksey Chase (2.25) Team Mullins take him on with Gaelic Warrior and El Fabiolo among seven entries If it all comes down to the last, Skelton looks likely to have the numerical advantage. He has entered eight and Mullins has four in the 2m4f handicap hurdle (5.20) worth £35,000 1.50 bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (£100,000)Entries: 20Willie Mullins: NoneDan Skelton: None 2.25 bet365 Oaksey Chase (Grade 2, £80,000)Entries: 19Mullins: Appreciate It 3.00 bet365 Celebration Chase (Grade 1, £175,000)Entries: 17Mullins: Energumene 3.35 bet365 Gold Cup (£175,000)Confirmations: 34Mullins: Grangeclare West 4.10 bet365 Select Hurdle (Grade 2, £80,000)Entries: 12Mullins: El Fabiolo 4.45 bet365 Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase (£40,000)Entries: 21Mullins: Chosen Witness 5.20 bet365 Handicap Hurdle (£35,000)Entries: 28Mullins: Bunting bet365 Gold Cup (34 confirmations) bet365 latest betting: 11-2 High Class Hero bet365 Celebration Chase (17 entered) Asta La Pasta Dan SkeltonBoombawn Dan SkeltonBrookie Anthony HoneyballCaptain Guinness Henry de BromheadEdwardstone Alan KingEnergumene Willie MullinsEtalon Dan SkeltonGaelic Warrior Willie MullinsHarper’s Brook Dan SkeltonHeltenham Dan SkeltonIl Etait Temps Willie MullinsImpaire Et Passe Willie MullinsJonbon Nicky HendersonMaster Chewy Nigel Twiston-DaviesRubaud Paul NichollsSans Bruit Paul NichollsUnexpected Party Dan Skelton Dan Skelton restores £50,000 lead over Willie Mullins with across-the-card four-timer Enthralling trainers' title race builds to a final-day shootout at star-studded Sandown Published on 21 April 2025inBritain Want to get more from your horse racing bets today? It was a big effort that went a little under the radar and she can make a winning return.Richard Russell Gunship (4.45 Sandown)Has shown promise in two runs over a mile on the all-weather latterly when never nearer than at the finish behind one who has since run well in Listed company He's bred to be better over this longer trip and could be hugely underestimated by an opening mark of 82.Harry Wilson Enjoying today’s free racing tips? Explore even more expert horse racing tips and in-depth analysis to help you back a winner High Treason (2.40 Perth)Off since December but has some promising form and should handle conditions.James Stevens Frankies Dream (4.50 Doncaster)It is his first time trying 7f but he should stay based on pedigree he has yet to make his mark on turf but ran well at Nottingham on his last start when third.Liam Watson Signposts: punting pointers for Friday's racing Paul Kealy's play of the day at Perth Paul Kealy's top tips on Friday - including one who 'could make their mark in Group 1 company this season' Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more Looking for the best betting offers? Find this week’s top picks across racing, football, golf, and more. Published on 24 April 2025inFree tips Minella Cocooner is set to face nine stablemates in his bid to bag back-to-back renewals of the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Willie Mullins’ all-out assault on the British trainers’ title means last year’s winner is joined by talented team-mates including Grand National third Grangeclare West Grade 1-winning hurdler Dancing City and Paul Townend’s choice High Class Hero in Saturday’s 16:10 Olmypic Man and Spanish Harlem complete the Closutton crew Title rival Dan Skelton relies on Hoe Joly Smoke is one of 11 horses in the race that is out of the handicap if 168-rated Grangeclare West goes to post a disappointing 13th in last year’s edition is the highest-rated of the non-Mullins brigade and renews rivalries with the Venetia Williams-trained Victtorino who has landed a couple of Premier Handicaps this term The latest bet365 Gold Cup odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below Timeform: The all-conquering Willie Mullins team arrive mob-handed and can hold sway once more with the unexposed HIGH CLASS HERO fancied to take a big step forward now going into handicap company with his stamina drawn out Last year’s victor and stablemate Minella Cocooner rates a big threat with this drop back in trip seeming sure to suit after his fading Grand National seventh In-form duo Transmission and Resplendent Grey could emerge as the best of the home contingent in a cracking bet365 Gold Cup *All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change The following horses have been declared for the bet365 Gold Cup 2025 runner-up in Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February and posting a fine third of 34 on his handicap debut in Grand National at Aintree last time when blundered final fence Up 5 lb but he can go well again for the Mullins team Thrived last spring when landing this prize and he got right back on track with a seventh of 34 in Grand National at Aintree three weeks ago A likely player down in trip off a 2 lb lower mark Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 10 Weight: 11st 0lbs A smart and consistent chaser but he turned in a rare poor effort when pulled up in Grand National at Aintree Lightly campaigned this term though and the sort to bounce back Leading staying novice hurdler who bagged his first two chases at Punchestown and Naas (Grade 3) either side of Christmas Still going well when fell 15th in Grand National at Aintree so he needs considering A smart staying hurdler who has bettered that form in just three runs over fences scoring at Punchestown (3m) before runner-up in a Grade 3 at Thurles (21f) Appeals as a likely improver now up in trip for his handicap debut and is the choice of Paul Townend from the Mullins 10 Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 7 Weight: 10st 8lbs Largely progressive chaser who enhanced his excellent Ascot record when winning a couple of premier handicaps there either side of Christmas Pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham last time but no surprise to see him get back on track here O’Neill Jockey: Richie McLernon Age: 9 Weight: 10st 5lbs Smart staying chaser came in a good fourth in the Welsh National before ending a 2-year losing run at Uttoxeter (3m) in February Hampered early when pulled up in Grand National at Aintree and can’t be dismissed with relatively few miles still on the clock Mullins Jockey: Rachael Blackmore Age: 6 Weight: 10st 2lbs Much improved since sent chasing and he opened his account in this sphere in 2m4f novice at Clonmel last month This is much tougher but he shouldn’t be underestimated on his handicap chase bow with his stamina drawn out Mullins Jockey: Jonathan Burke Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs Only third run over fences when winning 2m4f novice at Naas in March Not discredited on his handicap debut when a non-staying seventh of 23 in Scottish Grand National at Ayr two weeks ago Considered now back in trip with cheekpieces added Trainer: Olly Murphy Jockey: Sean Bowen Age: 7 Weight: 10st 2lbs Got off to a winning start over fences at Uttoxeter in October and has continued in good nick staying on late having raced lazily when fourth of 18 in National Hunt at Cheltenham (3m6f) last time Yet to score over fences but he’s improved with experience and has posted two very good placed efforts in 2m5f handicaps at Cheltenham on his last two runs Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore Jockey: Niall Houlihan Age: 9 Weight: 10st 2lbs Opened chase account at Exeter last spring and not discredited back over fences third of 6 to Hoe Joly Smoke in 3m handicap here last month Mullins Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Age: 7 Weight: 10st 2lbs It’s now 13 runs since his last win in 2022 but he was in good form until carried out 15th in Scottish Grand National at Ayr two weeks ago A dual chase winner (at up to 3m2f) at Uttoxeter and Wincanton this season but he was pulled up in Eider at Newcastle in February A useful 3m-winning hurdler and he’s matched that form in a light campaign over fences this season Pulled up in Scottish Grand National at Ayr last time but he was still going well until scuppered by a blunder 4 out Trainer: Emma Lavelle Jockey: Ben Jones Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs Rejuvenated by breathing surgery/fitting of a tongue strap and he completed his hat-trick in 23f handicap chase at Newbury last month Races off a 15 lb higher mark (including 8 lb “wrong” in the weights) here though so a tough ask Trainer: Neil Mulholland Jockey: Conor O’Farrell Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs Has taken really well to fences this season and he posted another good effort there when a staying-on fifth of 18 in National Hunt last time 10 lb out of the handicap here but he remains one to be interested in Mullins Jockey: Kieran Callaghan Age: 9 Weight: 10st 2lbs Still to win over fences but he got back on the up with an excellent second of 23 in Scottish Grand National at Ayr two weeks ago Can’t be ruled out from Mullins yard despite being 12 lb out of the handicap Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 7 Weight: 10st 2lbs Low-mileage 7-y-o who made it 2-4 over fences this season in 3m handicap here last month This smooth traveller can do better still over this longer trip but he’s 12 lb “wrong” in the weights Trainer: Ryan Potter Jockey: Freddie Mitchell Age: 8 Weight: 9st 1lbs Took his form up a couple of notches when a wide-margin winner of Newcastle’s Eider in February but went with much less fluency on much softer ground when a below-par sixth in Midlands National at Uttoxeter following month Worth another chance but another a long way out of the handicap The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today confirmed a provisional all-Chase six-race card has been created for Sandown Park’s meeting on Saturday 1 February which will come into effect if the scheduled Hurdle races are abandoned An inspection will be held by 8am on Thursday 30 January to determine whether the Hurdles course at Sandown is raceable the fixture will revert to a six-race card will which feature three additional Chase races as follows: which will be available to view on Racing Admin this afternoon will close at noon tomorrow (Tuesday 28 January) and declarations will take place at 10am on Thursday 30 January along with the existing three Chases If the meeting is able to proceed as originally scheduled with both Chase and Hurdle races the three additional Chases will be abandoned This decision has been made both to give the original card the best opportunity to go ahead and to provide a contingency to support a Grade 1 Saturday fixture on ITV Like any new website you might come across things that need fixing, please let us know and we will get these resolved as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we would love to hear your feedback. Email us at [email protected] to tell us what you think Call the BHA: 0207 152 0260 He has won his first title. He has won two huge prizes in the last five days, not to mention riding a treble and a four-timer. Now he is off on his stag do. What an end to the season for Sean Bowen The final big race of 2024-25 turned into a battle between champions and The colossus of Closutton has swept all before him in staying chases this spring with five of the first seven home in the Grand National and a one-two in the Scottish version and he had four in contention in the straight in the bet365 Gold Cup But on the day Bowen was crowned champion jockey for the first time he showed exactly why his name is inscribed on the trophy Resplendent Grey who has provided more than 100 victories of his title-winning tally had disappointed in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and the 9-2 shot was produced by his ultra-confident rider to lead on the run-in and thwart Mullins in a race in which the champion trainer supplied ten of the 19 runners Resplendent Grey scored by a length from Lombron performed wonders to stay on board after the 10-1 chance made a bad mistake at the last of the Railway fences with High Class Hero (100-30 favourite) third Spanish Harlem (22-1) fourth and Grangeclare West (14-1) fifth It capped a tremendous end to the season for Bowen having ridden a treble and then a four-timer at Perth in midweek but also won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Haiti Couleurs on Monday "That's amazing," Bowen said "Honestly the best two weeks of my life "It's brilliant to have all the family here For his horses to hit form at the start of the season and still be hitting form now is incredible." he said: "There have been plenty of good days but the last two weeks have been something I never want to stop "Resplendent Grey is a horse full of ability and he really annoyed us at Cheltenham the way he went round The cheekpieces made some difference." Murphy agreed and said of the winner: "He confused me at Cheltenham to say the least We thought we were doing the right thing by riding him down the inner but we rode him differently today and he got an absolute exhibition off Sean he got into a way better rhythm and came home strong That's a good way to win a big one." The trainer was delighted to provide Bowen with a big winner and said: "Today is his day I've been a very small cog in his wheel We've had a really good relationship together for the last two years I'm supported by big owners and we want to get to the next level My jockeys are helping me get there and these winners are important." Murphy is looking forward to next season and stressed: "We're back to zero tonight and the hard work starts again at Uttoxeter on Saturday." as last year he won at Uttoxeter with a certain Resplendent Grey 'The best two weeks of my life' - Sean Bowen shows why he is champion jockey as he delivers Resplendent Grey in style Jonbon denied in Celebration Chase but crowned Racing Post Jumps Horse of the Year after public vote Il Etait Temps shocks Jonbon to put Willie Mullins on the brink of title Sign up to receive On The Nose Published on 26 April 2025inReports 2025 · 1w agoLog-in for free with your Sporting Life Plus ITV7 or Sky Bet account to find out what Willie Mullins is saying about his team of horses heading for Sandown on Saturday Paul has opted for him as he has all season Things just haven’t gone right for him and this is his last chance this term but hopefully he can repay the jockey’s faith He’s been running well but I just fear the trip might be too short for him I thought he ran a great race at Cheltenham last time and maybe a little change of tactics on Saturday will help too and put him up there Ran a cracker at Ayr and while it will be a different test here over two miles four on better ground He appears to have been underestimated in the market in a race full of improvers While it was only a small Kempton race he won last time it was the manner of his victory that took the eye were all in a handy position and Fifth Column had to really knuckle down and quicken from mid-pack to get by them she has run up at the top level in seven of her 10 lifetime races and has always been super competitive Given a slight ease in grade for her return and with the Andrew Balding stable in such red-hot form See The Fire can produce a telling late kick to jump-start her campaign There are only two in this line-up with recent winning form and a clear fitness edge and Alcantor is one of them It may well pan out that he gets to race on the front end all by himself under jockey Ryan Moore A completely unfancied 20/1 shot on his racecourse debut at Newmarket yet was a dominant 4 1/2 length winner that day over a mile He has a mixture of speed and stamina in his pedigree and it will be interesting to see if this 10f is as far as he goes up in trip I Am I Said is well entered up and could announce himself as a real Epsom Derby contender with a victory in this Group 3 contest Il Etait Temps stunned Jonbon to run out an easy winner of the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown the seven-year-old breezed to victory under Danny Mullins when he was last seen he beat Gaelic Warrior at the Punchestown Festival having also won at Aintree but the fact he had missed the whole of the season saw him go off a 9-2 chance he pinged every fence and appeared on the bridle at the Pond Fence who had shifted marginally right at some of his fences but in the main jumped well had no excuses as Il Etait Temps breezed by on his way to a five-and-a-half-length win to hand Jonbon his first defeat away from the Cheltenham Festival The winner’s stablemate Energumene was third Willie Mullins said: “I didn’t expect that and I was hoping both him and Energumene would finish pick up some place money and both be sound I couldn’t believe it there in the stands and that has to be one of the moments of the whole year I think “He looks top class and that’s his fifth Grade One I think chasing type and to put him against Jonbon it looked like father and son but he can jump and he’s athletic and stays and he does everything.” Mullins added: “He had a little knee problem and was supposed to be back at Christmas and then Easter and every time we got close it went wrong “We said we’d put him by for Punchestown but then we needed him for today and thank god we did but he has been working very well at home.” Nicky Henderson said of Jonbon: “He’s run well and he’s jumped and travelled and done everything right “He’s danced every dance this season and unfortunately Cheltenham didn’t work He had his hardest race there in finishing second trying to get into the race and that flattened him enough “Aintree was great and we are all starting to think that extra half-mile might help him He’s a very good two-miler but we’ll be having a chat about it But I think we’re all thinking that extra half-mile – and dare I say plus – might just help him out There’s one way to find out and that’s to try him “He’ll go back to Martinstown (Stud) and have a lovely summer of champagne and caviar and then we’ll have a chat and work it out.” Connections of third-placed Energumene felt the ground was too quick for him to play a significant role but there are no plans to retire the dual Champion Chase winner Desert Flower claimed the Betfred 1000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket to maintain her flawless record and continue Godolphin’s remarkable weekend Falakeyah made a huge impression when strolling to victory in the Betfred Pretty Polly Stakes Cinderella’s Dream shone on the Rowley Mile with a neat success in the Betfred Dahlia Stakes Isle of Wight Observer News The skies finally lit up over Sandown on Saturday night as the delayed fireworks celebration went with a bang The fireworks were due to go off on New Year’s Eve Sandown Carnival organisers kept their powder dry and waited until Easter to thrill the crowds gathered on the seafront A carnival spokesman said: “What a cracking night we had Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us and those that donated; we hope you enjoyed it to Sandown Pier for their continued support towards the event Trouville Hotel for supplying power to our DJ and to The Beach Cafe & Sandown Boulevard who also made kind donations towards the event!” Dancing Gemini confirmed his glowing reputation as one of Britian’s exciting milers with an emphatic success in the feature race of the day the Bet365 Mile Group Two over a mile on Sandown’s opening day of their flat season. Runner-up in the French 2,000 Guineas last year, the four-year-old came with a strong late run under Rossa Ryan to score by a length-and-three-quarters from the David Menuisier-trained Tamfana. The four-year-old emulated one of last season's stars Charyn by following up his Doncaster Mile victory at Sandown. Trainer Roger Teal is now looking for Group One glory with the horse. Teal said: “We always thought he could do what he has done and that is why we were pitching him in all the Group races last year. “Unfortunately, it was such a wet summer last year and we never got a chance. Everyone kept labelling him a soft ground horse but he’s not a soft ground horse. “I was delighted to see him win like that. I know some horses will improve but Mr Fabre’s horse (Alcantor, fourth) was fit and he’s no mug – he was third behind us in the French Guineas when we were runner-up. Haatem is also a serious horse. “The Lockinge and the Prix d’Ispahan are the options now. We’ve got to get him a Group One and we’ll do what is best for him, so it’s not decided yet. We’ll see how the dust settles.” Ryan doubled up on the day after steering Tattycoram to victory in the 1m 2f wild card fillies’ novice stakes, and in so doing earned the right for an entry into next month’s Betfred Oaks. Successful trainer Ralph Beckett said: “She was always a filly we liked, a proper model and as good a homebred as you’d come across. “I’d say last year she was a bit fiery at the gates and we were just trying to stay on the right side of her. “She had a good reintroduction at Yarmouth and I thought it was a good effort. “I’d say we’ll play our cards now on how she is in the coming weeks. I wouldn’t rule out the Oaks entry she now has at all and whatever we do will be with her best interests in mind rather than those of her trainer or her owner. “I’d love to see her at Epsom but that will depend on how she is over the next four or five weeks. We could have a look at Lingfield perhaps.” Beckett bagged a double on the card after Sing Us A Song won the 1m 2f handicap by two-and-a-quarter lengths after making all the running. Aidan O’Brien maintained his impressive strike rate at the course by saddling his fourth winner from the past eight runners when Swagman took the honours in the Bet365 Classic Trial. The son of Wootton Bassett, who is entered in the Irish 2,000 Guineas but not the Betfred Derby, beat the Andrew Balding-trained favourite Windlord by three-quarters of a length. It was his first start since July, when he was beaten a length-and-a-half in a Leopardstown Group Three. Jockey Ryan Moore said: “He has done well from two to three and when I got on him in the paddock I thought he had got stronger.” Tel: 01483 802700 [email protected]Follow us Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 Swagman provided Aidan O’Brien with a rare victory in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown While the master of Ballydoyle tends to make a habit of winning Derby trials at Leopardstown he had only won this Group Three once before with Imperial Monarch in 2012 Andrew Balding’s Windlord set out to make all under Oisin Murphy but Ryan Moore did not let him get too far in front of the winner As Windlord began to hang just over a furlong out Moore brought Swagman with a strong-looking run on his outside Damysus began to make ground up from the rear and Windlord kept on battling but Swagman (9-2) held off Windlord by three-quarters of a length The winner was paying a compliment to Jessica Harrington’s Hotazhell who had Swagman behind him twice last year He’s a horse that has done well since last year we always thought a mile and a quarter would suit him well,” said O’Brien “We thought he would come forward plenty from the run too he just kept on growing and he’s turned out a much bigger horse this year than last year we are just trying to get them all started really and see where they all fit in ran well and then the first Leopardstown Derby trial (Ballysax) Delacroix won well – and then we’ve got the Guineas colts as well so we’re just trying to see where they all slot in Moore said: “He only had three runs last year but his last one was a very good run at Leopardstown in the Tyros and he’s obviously been off a very long time since “He’s done very well from two to three and when I got on him in the paddock “They went along at a good even pace and he was a little bit green in places he travelled very nicely to the two-furlong pole and showed a very good attitude in the last quarter of a mile He was always getting there and doing what he had to do “He’s a lightly raced horse and with that being his first run since last July hopefully he will continue to improve and you would be very positive about everything he did today I would say a mile and a half wouldn’t be a problem but I don’t think he needs to go a mile and a half Sign up using our simple one-page form and you'll be able to access free video form The Dan Skelton versus Willie Mullins battle reaches its finale at Sandown tomorrow when one of these two brilliant trainers will be crowned Britain’s champion National Hunt trainer for the 2024-5 season goes into the final two days of the season with a narrow lead over Mullins who trains from his all-conquering Irish yard in Co it looks highly likely that Mullins will overtake Skelton’s prize money total tomorrow given the latter’s lead is less than £60,000 Mullins fields no less than ten runners in the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (4.10 p.m.) looks the most likely horse from the Mullins’ team to win this as he is an improving eight-year-old gelding who has had a light season to date Already a subscriber? Penworthy writes Spectator Life’s column about horse racing Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3 Already a subscriber?