Teahupoo proved too game for hot favourite Impaire Et Passe as he completed back-to-back wins in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Gordon Elliott’s charge ended the long unbeaten run of Honeysuckle in the Grade One contest last year and this time it was Willie Mullins’ Impaire Et Passe who had his bubble burst.

Sent off the 4-5 favourite, Impaire Et Passe was looking to pick up where he left off last term with top-level successes at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals and he appeared to be travelling supremely well as they turned for home.

Pacemaker Zanahiyr dropped out in the straight, leaving Paul Townend to go for home on the market leader – but Teahupoo had other ideas.

The pair were neck and neck on the approach to the final flight but it was Teahupoo who kept finding for pressure on the run to the line, with Jack Kennedy’s mount registering a length success at odds of 85-40.

Teahupoo finished a close third in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last term and Betfair go 4-1 from 6s about him for that race, while Impaire Et Passe is out to 8-1 from 11-2 for the Champion Hurdle following the first defeat of his career.

I Am Maximus made a victorious return to Fairyhouse to secure Grade One glory in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase.

The seven-year-old won the Irish Grand National at the track back in April, defying his novice status to claim a length success in the Easter highlight for trainer Willie Mullins.

Having his first start since then – and his last in novice company – I Am Maximus travelled well into the race for Jody McGarvey, having been happy to let 5-4 favourite Letsbeclearaboutit cut out much of the early running.

Found A Fifty was also to the fore and it looked between the three of them coming down to the final two obstacles, with Letsbeclearaboutit the first to crack.

A slow jump at the last hardly helped Found A Fifty’s cause and, dropping back to two and a half miles – nine furlongs less than the Irish National distance – I Am Maximus (11-1) had more than enough stamina to assert again on the run-in and win by two and a half lengths.

Coral make I Am Maximus the 16-1 joint favourite for next year’s Randox Grand National, while Betfair go 12-1 about his chance in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

Farren Glory led home a one-two for Gordon Elliott in the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Elliott fielded three in the Grade One contest, with Jack Kennedy opting to ride 11-2 shot Farren Glory as An Tobar was sent off the 5-2 favourite for Henry de Bromhead.

Rachael Blackmore had the market leader to the fore throughout, disputing the lead with Horantzau D’airy before his early exertions told and he dropped away, leaving An Tobar in the driving seat.

However, King Of Kingsfield was travelling notably well for Elliott and jockey Jordan Gainford and he seized the initiative heading down to the final flight, with Farren Glory jumping the last a bit awkwardly in second.

Despite a slight check on his momentum, Farren Glory found plenty for Kennedy on the run to line, eventually pipping his stablemate by a length and a half, with a further length and a quarter back to An Tobar in third.

Dual Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle is reported to be embracing potential motherhood after a positive update about her new broodmare career.

The daughter of Sulamani dominated on the track over the course of her racing campaign, bringing the house down when bowing out with an emotional fourth Cheltenham Festival victory in the Mares’ Hurdle this March.

However, as soon as the dust settled on that triumphant farewell, she left Henry de Bromhead’s Knockeen training grounds to embark on the next stage of her career and in May was discovered to be in foal to Walk In The Park, having been sent to the star National Hunt sire for her maiden cover.

Although the foal’s due date remains the best part of five months away, the journey so far has gone well and, following a scan in early October, anticipation builds ahead of the arrival of Honeysuckle’s first progeny.

“She’s good and still in foal,” said Peter Molony, racing manager to owner Kenny Alexander and at whose Rathmore Stud in County Limerick Honeysuckle currently resides.

“She was in foal on October 1 and she is due in April next spring, so fingers crossed, everything crossed, everything will be good.

“It’s so far, so good and all seems fine with her so far.”

Fairyhouse and Carlisle have been given the green light to race this afternoon, but the meetings at Leicester and Southwell have been lost to the cold weather.

Day two of the Fairyhouse Winter Festival, which features a trio of Grade One contests, has survived the threat of frost and a dense fog.

Clerk of the course Brendan Sheridan said: “The fog has lifted, even a little earlier than Met Eireann said it would, which is great.

“You can see the full length of the straight here now and you can also see right around Ballyhack.

“As you know, fog is a bit tricky and it can come and go, but at this point in time, we don’t envisage any more problems.

“We’re in a good place now and we’re all good to go.”

Sheridan had earlier reported on the IHRB Twitter site: “Thankfully, the frost didn’t set in overnight.

“The ground on both tracks is soft. We’ve a completely fresh hurdles and bumper track and we’ve seven or eight yards of fresh ground on the chase track.”

Parts of Cumbria were hit by heavy snowfall overnight but Carlisle passed an early-morning inspection, although racegoers have been warned to be careful on the surrounding roads.

If ever there was a fitting way for a team to win the first title of the ISSA Schoolboy football season, it is to cop their first ever hold on that title, and Glenmuir High did just that when they snared the Champions Cup all-island knockout crown on Saturday.

The fact that Glenmuir achieved the feat by coming from behind to condemn their highly thought of neighbours Clarendon College to a first defeat of the season in an enthralling contest that ended 3-2, sweetened the deal, and the celebrations by the team and its fans which formed a sea of red in the Grandstand at the National Stadium, declared that much.

Ja-Son Whyte (27th), captain Kyle Gordon (53rd) and the menacing Orane Watson (82nd), etched Glenmuir's name in the annals of the competition's history, as they became the third rural area team to win the title and, more importantly, remain on course to secure the coveted treble.

They now join Jamaica College (2014 and 2022), St George’s College (2015), Wolmer's Boys (2016), Kingston College (2017 and 2019), Cornwall College (2018) and Clarendon College (2021) in the champions column.

Keheim Dixon (18th) and captain Malachi Douglas (90+5) got the goals for Clarendon College, who played most of the second half with 10 players after Nashon Bolt was red carded in the 51st minute.

Though elated, winning coach Andrew Peart cut a subdued figure, as he is aware that another tough battle against the same opposition for the more prestigious daCosta Cup title awaits.

 "To God be the glory, as I said at the start of the season, it is a three-year journey and so we are happy to be here as champions. The boys did well to come from behind and we couldn'task for a better fight," said Peart, who alps guided Glenmuir to Ben Francis triumph last season.

"We now have a one week break ahead of the next game. We know it's going to be tough, so we have to be better than we were today (Saturday), but this is one accomplishment achieved and so we prepare to fight for another, " he added.

It was always expected to be an entertaining encounter, and it didn't disappoint as both teams gave as good as they got from the start when they got off some early warning shots in their press for the early ascendancy.

Clarendon College eventually broke the deadlock when a decent team buildup sent Atibo Green down the right channel to play a perfect pass across the face of goal for Dixon to finish from close range.

They almost found a second in the 26th through Douglas, who found space inside the 18-yard box for a left-footed drive along the pitch, but Antwone Gooden got down well to his left to parry.

Glenmuir responded a minute later and were back on level terms courtesy of Whyte, who tucked away a firm right-footed effort from just about 20-yards out that left Roshae Burrell, in goal for Clarendon College, flat-footed and as a mere spectator.

Though they engaged in end-to-end action from there and created a few half chances, neither team was able to add to their tally as the score remained unchanged at the break.

Clarendon College was more purposeful at the top of the resumption, but their progress was thwarted six minutes in as Bolt was shown a straight red card by referee Steffon Dewar after he took out Orane Watson just inside the arc.

And if that wasn't bad enough, Gordon threw salt in Clarendon College's wounds with a firmly struck right-footer from the resulting freekick that gave Burrell no chance at a save.

With the numerical advantage and scoreline in their favour, Glenmuir enjoyed a decent passage of play, but failed to add to their tally at that point. 

Clarendon College were brave and instead of going defensive, Head coach Lenworth "Teacha" Hyde threw some fresh legs in attack, and the move almost proved fruitful as they went close on a few occasions through Douglas and Dixon.

In fact, they had two opportunities in quick succession in the 71st through Dixon, whose first effort from just inside the 18-yard box came off the left upright, and seconds later Douglas hit the right upright as the Chapleton-based team cursed their luck. To make matters worse, Glenmuir found a third when Burrell left his lines and made a big blunder which allowed Orane Watson to steal possession and calmly fire into an empty net from a distance.

Though down, Clarendon College fought on and pulled one back in time added, when Douglas converted from the 12-yard spot, after Dixon was brought down by Gooden inside the danger area. They went close to pulling level term on the final play of the game as Dixon rifled and effort from just inside the 18-yard box, but Gooden stood firm to deny the talismanic striker and sent the May Pen fans into frenzy.

Hyde, as always, lauded his team for their grit and determination despite the disadvantage.

"Even when we down to 10 players, we still created numerous chances and we could have won. So, hats off to my team, they fought hard, and it just wasn't to be, but we will get them replenished and motivated again for the daCosta Cup final," Hyde noted.

Kevlon Anderson scored a magnificent second first-class century to put the West Indies Academy in an excellent position at stumps on day one of their second four-day game against Emerging Ireland at Coolidge on Saturday.

The hosts ended the day 300-8 off 89.4 overs after being put in to bat by Emerging Ireland.

Anderson, 23, ended the day 101* off 172 balls including 14 fours and was well supported by Captain Nyeem Young who made 80 off 115 balls including seven fours and five sixes.

Matthew Nandu and centurion from the first game, Joshua Bishop, also made solid contributions with 35 and 22, respectively.

Tom Mayes has so far grabbed 3-62 off 21 overs while Michael Frost and Matthew Foster have taken 2-71 from 25 overs and 2-90 from 23.4 overs, respectively.

Full Scores:

West Indies Academy 300-8 off 89.4 overs (Kevlon Anderson 101*, Nyeem Young 80, Tom Mayes 3-62, Michael Frost 2-71)

 

Mount Pleasant Academy and Ballaz Academy are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering the development and execution of a comprehensive grassroots & elite youth development plan.  

This collaborative effort will focus on the holistic development of players and coaches, with the ultimate goal of establishing a feeder system for Mount Pleasant Academy as well as added growth opportunities for Ballaz Academy players.

The agreement outlines the commitment of Ballaz Academy to identify and present talented players for potential signing with Mount Pleasant Academy. The process will be conducted with the utmost consideration for the players' well-being and in accordance with the wishes of the players' parents or legal guardians, particularly in cases where the players are minors. 

Additional objectives of the partnership include expanding the elite player pathway for Ballaz Academy. This will be achieved through joint hosting of games, tournaments, and other events to showcase talent and promote player and coaching exposure and development. 

Andre Virtue, Director of Ballaz Academy, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating: "We are thrilled to formalize this partnership with Mount Pleasant Academy. This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts in fostering the growth of football at the grassroots level and creating a pathway for young talent to flourish within the sport, as well as to expand the elite player pathway and provide invaluable opportunities for player and coaching development. We are committed to nurturing talent, promoting exposure, and creating a sustainable framework for the growth of football at the grassroots level.” 

By leveraging the expertise and resources of each participating organization, the MOU aims to create a sustainable framework for nurturing and honing the skills of aspiring footballers and coaches. 

"We are excited to formalize this partnership with Ballaz Academy as we collectively work towards advancing grassroots football development," said Peter Gould, Founder at Mount Pleasant Academy. "This Memorandum of Understanding underscores our shared commitment to empowering young athletes and enhancing the overall football landscape. We look forward to the positive impact that this collaboration will have on the development of football talent in our community and beyond." 

The MOU represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to elevate football development in Jamaica and the region and is a testament to the collective dedication of all parties involved.

 

In the heart of the English-speaking Caribbean, the racing world is gearing up for the highly anticipated second running of the Mouttet Mile Invitational on December 2, 2023. 

This prestigious event has captured the imagination of punters and fans alike, solidifying its status as the most eagerly awaited race in the region this year. 

The Mouttet Mile Invitational is a battleground where the most elite 3-year-olds will vie for supremacy in a winner-take-all scenario. Racing enthusiasts and casual observers have been treated to a spectacle of high-quality performances throughout the year, with several standout performers emerging among the 3-year-old contenders. 

The Mouttet Mile presents a golden opportunity for one horse to etch its name in racing history. 

The organisers have extended invitations to sixteen of the healthiest and top-performing 3-year-olds, ensuring a field of fierce competitors. Trainers are diligently preparing their charges to ensure they are in peak condition come December 2, ready to showcase their speed, stamina, and racing prowess. 

What sets the Mouttet Mile apart from other races is not only the intense competition but also the staggering purse it offers. With a prize pool of US $125,000, the Mouttet Mile boasts the largest purse in the English-speaking Caribbean. This substantial reward adds an extra layer of excitement, attracting not only top-tier competitors but also a global audience eager to witness the thrilling spectacle unfold.

 

In a groundbreaking development, the Invitational will be broadcast live on FOX 5 NY Sports, thanks to the pivotal involvement of the New York Racing Association (NYRA). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the broadening of Caribbean horse racing. 

Solomon Sharpe, expressing gratitude for NYRA's support, stated, "This move is in support of the New York Racing Association, and we are grateful for their acceptance of our vision. Their partnership not only enhances the prestige of the Mouttet Mile but also opens new doors for Caribbean racing on the global stage." 

Andy Serling, Senior Racing Analyst at NYRA, shared his excitement about the Mouttet Mile Invitational, stating, "The inclusion of the Mouttet Mile in the international racing spotlight is a testament to the quality of competition and the passion for horse racing in the Caribbean. This event not only showcases the region's top 3-year-olds but also fosters a connection between racing communities across borders. I am thrilled to be a part of this global celebration of horse racing excellence." 

While the Mouttet Mile takes centre stage as the feature race, racing enthusiasts will be treated to a full card of 11 exhilarating races throughout the day. Among them is the Chairman's Plate, a new Grade 3 stakes race introduced this year, featuring an overnight allowance of 1820 meters. Each race guarantees a minimum purse of one million dollars, ensuring an atmosphere of high stakes and intense competition. 

Punters are encouraged to arrive early, soak up the electric atmosphere, and place their bets on their favorite horses for a chance to win big. The Mouttet Mile Invitational promises a day of exhilarating racing action, culminating in the crowning of the fastest and most resilient 3-year-old on the English-speaking Caribbean racing circuit.

The race will also be broadcast live on SportsMax beginning at 3:30pm Jamaica Time.

Datsalrightgino came from last to first under Gavin Sheehan to win the Coral Gold Cup for Jamie Snowden.

Lambourn handler Snowden continues to make his mark, adding one of the most prestigious races on the calendar to his Paddy Power Gold Cup win with Ga Law and the Cheltenham Festival success of You Wear It Well.

Sheehan was not even supposed to be riding Datsalrightgino as he was meant to be heading north to Newcastle to ride his two stablemates in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and Rehearsal Chase respectively.

With that meeting abandoned due to snow and frost, Sheehan stayed closer to home and produced a peach of a ride on the 16-1 winner.

Tom Cannon was the man to make way for Sheehan and how he must have felt watching Datsalrightgino cruise into contention was anyone’s guess.

When Cloudy Glen dropped back after making most of the running it left the Harry Redknapp-owned Shakem Up’Arry and John McConnell’s Mahler Mission at the head of affairs.

Mahler Mission soon took over and he briefly looked set to atone for his late fall at Cheltenham in March with a race at his mercy, but Sheehan nursed his mount into race given his stamina doubts and he certainly was not stopping as he crossed the line three and three-quarter lengths in front.

Monbeg Genius was third with Eldorado Allen fourth.

Hansard defied a welter burden to win the Bet In Race With Coral Intermediate Handicap Hurdle at Newbury for Niall Houlihan and Gary Moore.

Saddled with top-weight due to some smart form in novices, he dwarfed many of his rivals in the race registered as the Gerry Feilden.

Beaten less than four lengths in a Grade One at Aintree by Henry de Bromhead’s Inthepocket at the Grand National meeting, he had made a satisfactory return to action when second to Rubaud in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

With Jamie Moore sidelined with a serious injury, his father has put plenty of faith in Houlihan and he continues to repay him.

Houlinhan saved every inch of ground on the inner but he looked booked for a place at best two out as Bad and Brentford Hope set a target. Arguably Under Control was travelling the best at that stage, but she was almost pulled up on crossing the line having faded tamely.

With Brentford Hope failing to pick up on ground quicker than ideal, Hansard dug deep and the 15-2 shot went on to win by three-quarters of a length.

“We were very lucky to get him and it was very nice of Noel (Fehily, syndicate manager) to send him to me. He’s a very nice horse and he’s big enough to jump fences one day, whether he does or not I don’t know,” said Moore.

“Wincanton and the pace of the race took the fizz out of him, they went hard from the word go which suits him.

“He’s in the valuable race at Ascot (Betfair Exchange Trophy, December 23) just before Christmas and after that it just depends what the handicapper does to him as we could be in trouble if we over-race him.

“He does all the right things that make you think he could be (a Pattern performer) but he has to improve again.

“He wouldn’t want to run tomorrow but he’s a hardy horse who takes his racing well.”

When asked about a possible crack at the Betfair Hurdle back at Newbury over the same course and distance, Moore said: “Absolutely, but I don’t think he could win that with 12st.”

Fehily said: “I was delighted with that and he’s a horse we liked last year as a novice.

“I was a bit disappointed maybe with his run at Wincanton the last day and I think maybe he is learning to settle a bit better now and they went fast today which suited him.

“I feel a bit sorry for Jamie Moore today, he has been fantastic and I’m sorry he’s missed it as he loves this horse. But it was a great performance and we’re very happy.

“He’s got a big step up to get into Grade Once company, but to win a handicap like that off top-weight, he probably is a Graded horse now. I’ll speak to Gary and see what the plan is, but we’re going in the right direction anyway.”

Inch House continued his rise up the chasing ranks with a game success in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase at Newbury.

Jonjo O’Neill’s six-year-old arrived on the back of an easy victory at the track last month, and the 6-4 favourite proved he is heading in the right direction over the larger obstacles by keeping on well to see off Lord Baddesley by a length and a quarter.

The Jackdaws Castle handler was thrilled to get his hands on the trophy named in honour of the legendary commentator, who was once among O’Neill’s band of owners.

“He likes it and enjoys it, he jumps well and does everything well,” said O’Neill of his winner.

“It’s a lovely race to win. We had some great times together and he had horses with me. We had lots of good fun.

“I remember him helping me out at Wetherby one day, we had new owners in and they had paid a few quid for this horse and he just got beat a short head.

“Sir Peter could see me at the bar and I was struggling a little bit and he came in and by the time he left they thought they had won! So I said ‘thank you very much, Sir Peter, that was very kind of you’ and he said ‘I could see you were struggling’.”

Manimole (8-11 favourite) may have earnt herself a trip to the Cheltenham Festival in landing the opening Play Coral “Racing-Super-Series” For Free Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

A 15-length scorer over course and distance previously, she took the step up to Listed company in her stride, showing real toughness to hold off 50-1 chance Brave Jen.

“She’s wonderful and just keeps getting better, better and better,” said her trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

“The poor girl will probably have go to the Cheltenham Festival now.

“I think she should have a bit of a break now and there are not a lot of races for her now. We’ll come back just before Cheltenham, hopefully.

“We’ve got to go to the mares’ race. She stays, we know she stays, she’s really tough.”

Dan Skelton’s Get A Tonic caused a 28-1 shock in the Coral Racing Club Handicap Hurdle, while there was a winner for Nicky Henderson in the Coral Committed To Safer Gambling Novices’ Hurdle as Jingko Blue (7-4 joint-favourite) fought back well to get off the mark over timber.

“He did well to get back there and I think they are smart horses, the future looks good,” said Henderson.

“I have absolutely no idea (where to go next), it’s a bit of a juggling game with the novices at the moment as they are a nice bunch – spreading them out is important.

“I think he is good, but he’s only a young horse so let’s go one step at a time.

“He probably learnt a lot from his run at Warwick when he was beaten and he was very green that day, but he is growing up all the time.”

The unbeaten Impaire Et Passe will bid to showcase his Champion Hurdle credentials in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Arguably the star of Willie Mullins’ band of novices over hurdles last term, the exciting five-year-old confirmed the promise of his smooth Moscow Flyer success when striking with authority at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals in the spring.

He is now a warm order to make a smooth transition to open company and provide his trainer with another contender to take on Constitution Hill back at Prestbury Park in March.

However, there may be a few nerves at Closutton ahead of their hot hurdling prospect’s reappearance, having seen Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs beaten on his return last weekend.

“Impaire Et Passe obviously won over two and a half in Cheltenham and the Hatton’s Grace was the obvious starting point,” said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father.

“Stepping out of novice company is always difficult, but what he did to Gaelic Warrior and Champ Kiely in Cheltenham was a huge performance.

“We’ll be disappointed if he got beaten, but Galopin Des Champs got beaten last weekend.”

Impaire Et Passe is joined in the line-up by stablemate Ashroe Diamond, who has won her last two, both here at Fairyhouse, and secured Grade One honours over track and trip in her final outing of last term.

“Ashroe Diamond will run very well, with a view to going for the Mares’ Hurdle later in the year,” continued Mullins, who will enjoy steering duties aboard the likeable six-year-old.

“My mother bred her, she’s won in Aintree for the owners and won a Grade One in Fairyhouse.

“I thought her two runs behind Facile Vega and Marine Nationale last year were the two best runs by a mare last year. She’s a long way out on ratings (on Sunday), but I think when she drops back to mares only company, she’ll be giving everything plenty to think about.”

Teahupoo lowered the colours of Honeysuckle when staying on strongly to edge out Klassical Dream and Henry de Bromhead’s champion mare 12 months ago and Gordon Elliott’s Stayers’ Hurdle third will be attempting to repeat the dose in the hands of Jack Kennedy.

Last year’s victory was the fourth time Elliott has triumphed in the Grade One after Apple’s Jade dominated the contest between 2016 and 2018 and the Cullentra House team are also represented by the consistent Zanahiyr.

“I’ve got Teahupoo and Zanahiyr in the Hatton’s Grace and both horses have got good chances,” Elliott told Racing TV.

“Teahupoo on his form last year would probably be the pick of them, but whereas Zanahiyr wouldn’t mind a bit of better ground, Teahupoo would want as much rain as he can get.”

The field of five is complete by Paul Gilligan’s Buddy One, who steps out of handicap company in search of a hat-trick, having impressed at Cheltenham during the November meeting.

“Isn’t it great to have a horse to take on the big boys? That’s what we all want, one of these horses, and we have one now and it’s great,” said Gilligan.

“He’s won at Fairyhouse. We won’t get carried away, as we know exactly what’s facing us if he steps up to take on these guys.

“Impaire Et Passe is going to be hard to beat, Teahupoo is going to be hard to beat, but he could beat them – who’s to say he won’t?”

Firefox came out on top in a thrilling duel with Ballyburn in the Kettles Country House Hotel Supporting Fingal Ravens GFC Raceday Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Both arrived with reputations as being among the smartest novices at their respective powerhouse yards.

Gordon Elliott trains Firefox for Noel and Valarie Moran’s Bective Stud and he had already had a run over timber before running in four bumpers, of which he won three.

Ballyburn, some felt, was the best bumper horse in the powerhouse Willie Mullins yard last season despite only having two outings.

The two dominated from the outset and there was little between them approaching the second-last until Firefox (evens) jumped it much quicker and suddenly opened up a three-length gap under Jack Kennedy.

Ballyburn jumped the last better but the damage had been done and while he closed up a little, there was still two and a half lengths between them at the line.

“He’s a good horse and Jack said he’s so straightforward,” said Elliott.

“We thought he needed two and a half miles and that’s why we were making every post a winning post.

“Jack said he could go two and a half but he’s got so much boot and is so relaxed that everything is very easy to him. He looks exciting and you’d like his attitude.

“We wanted to get today out of the way first and I just loved the way he jumped. Jack said he was so professional over the last two.”

Paddy Power and Betfair cut the winner to 10-1 from 20s for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

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