Stories By Darren O'Conghaile

• Racing

  The best of Damian English is yet to come

  Ambitious young trainer Damian English took a colossal gamble when initially taking out his trainers’ licence. English was a decent if unspectacular jockey, although he was undeniably hamperered with injuries throughout his short careerand eventually had little option other than retiring from the saddle.

• Racing

  Racing trainers facing biggest challenge since 2008 recession

  It is a well documented that after the Great Recession of 2008, many Irish racing trainers struggled to remain competitive and never fully recovered to pre-recession levels. There were a lot of restrictions and impediments which tested their endurance to the max.

• Racing

  Ryan Moore deserves more respect from the media

  Ryan Moore is unquestionably one of the world’s finest Jockeys. Such a statement is a double-edged sword, however, and Moore receives serious scrutiny on a regular basis from punters, bookies and the racing media.

• Racing

  Jason McKeown Cheltenham Festival Fancies

  “Winning isn’t everything, but it beats anything that comes in second.” Northern Ireland born; ex-Jockey Jason McKeown retired from the saddle a few years ago; not for the reason that he was no longer fit-for-purpose but because knew he was too good to be riding bad horses.

• Racing

  Willie Mullins set to strike again in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Asterion Forlonge

  At 1:30pm on Tuesday afternoon, a roar will detonate from the grandstands at Prestbury Park that will be overheard all across Gloucestershire, as the starter sends the runners and riders on their way in this year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle , proclaiming the start of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival.

• Racing

  Is Santini too slow to win the Gold Cup?

  One horse that could  be worth avoiding in next week’s Cheltenham Gold Cup is the Nicky Henderson-trained Santini. This lethargic son of Milan is a splendid stamp of a thoroughbred, who has always taken the eye in the parade-ring.

• Racing

  A Plus Tard set to take flight in the Ryanair Chase

  County Waterford handler Henry De Bromhead is no outsider to Cheltenham Festival success. Six different horses from his stables have afforded him seven winners at the Cotswold venue. This year he looks to have another winner on his hands in A Plus Tard A Plus tard is a rare jumps entry at the Cheltenham festival for major Flat owners Cheveley Park Stud.

• Racing

  Al Boum Photo won’t be denied more gold

  It is well recognized that no horse has attained back-to-back successes in the Cheltenham Gold Cup since Best Mate in 2004. However, the Willie Mullins trained Al Boum Photo has more than a favourites chance of changing that statistic this year.