After a five-timer at Fairyhouse on Sunday, it was a slightly quieter afternoon for the all-conquering Willie Mullins on the final day of the track’s Easter meeting.
While hopes were high for his runners in the feature BoyleSports Irish Grand National, the Closutton representatives were out of luck, with 20-1 chance Minella Cocooner faring best in third under Danny Mullins.
That said, it was still a hat-trick of winners for the champion trainer, after Implicit got him off the mark in the opener before he finished with a double in the two races that brought the curtain down on the card.
It was Minella Cocooner’s rider who got Macdermott (5-1) home in front in the first of those, the Envirogreen Building Services Handicap Chase over three miles and half a furlong.
Mullins said: “He’s been running over trips that were too short, but we couldn’t find races for him.
“Today was the first time he got his ground and trip. He’s a horse that I’d be really looking forward to going over extended trips in the future, in some of the those bigger handicaps.
“He could be an Irish National horse or one for Aintree, any of those extended races.
“I think he’s only coming to himself. He’s a very gross horse and it’s taken me a long time to get him fit.”
Jody Townend – who rode a Grade Two winner over hurdles for the stable on Sunday – then took the Leinster Reinforcements & Brazil Piling (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race with Redemption Day (2-1 joint-favourite).
Mullins said: “He’s had his problems but he’s coming right now, even on ground he didn’t like there.
“Jody got him lovely and settled and was able to use his bit of class.
“I think now we’ll head to Punchestown for the Champion Bumper.
“He has a little bit of class and hopefully he’ll go novice hurdling after that.”
In sixth place for Mullins in the National was We’llhavewan, who in turn was one place in front of his stablemate and 4-1 favourite Nick Rockett.
Mullins said: “I was really pleased with Minella Cocooner, he ran a cracker.
“Nick Rockett ran well as well, but just had too much weight.
“We’llhavewan just didn’t get home today but we do know he stays that trip.”
The Bahamas had an excellent start to Monday's day three of the 51st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada thanks to a dominant showing in the Under-17 Girls javelin throw.
Dior-Rae Scott, who won gold in Kingston in 2022 and silver last year in Nassau, returned to the top of the podium with an excellent new personal best and Carifta record 52.53m with her third-round effort.
Her teammate, Kamera Strachan, had a best throw of 47.61m for silver while Jamaica’s Zoelle Jamel was third with 45.00m.
The Girls Under-20 high jump also saw a quinella, with Jamaica enjoying their own 1-2 finish this time around.
Rasheda Samuels secured gold with a third-time clearance of 1.78m while her teammate Dejanea Bruce took silver with a best clearance of 1.76m.
Trinidad & Tobago’s Keneisha Shelbourne was third with 1.70m.
In the Under-20 Girls long jump, Trinidad & Tobago’s reigning NACAC U-18 champion Janae De Gannes produced one of the performances of the meet with a massive personal best 6.50m to win gold.
De Gannes only produced two legal jumps throughout her series, 6.50m in the first round and 6.40m in the second round.
Her mark also broke the Carifta U-20 record of 6.48m done in 2016 by Guadeloupe’s Yanis David.
Jamaica’s Rohanna Sudlow was second with 6.30m while Bahamian Lanaisha Lubin was third with 5.90m.
Dubai Honour booked a return to Hong Kong in pleasing William Haggas with a successful reappearance in the Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Magnolia Stakes at Kempton.
Last seen running at Ascot on British Champions Day, the globetrotting six-year-old has remained at Somerville Lodge this winter rather than venturing to Australia and was by far the best horse in the race on both career achievements and official ratings ahead of his return in the 10-furlong Listed event.
The 4-6 favourite duly obliged in good style, defying early-season freshness under Ryan Moore to hand his trainer a fourth success in race, scoring by an impressive three lengths.
He will now return to overseas action with Dubai Honour set to be tasked with going two places better than his 2023 QEII Cup third at Sha Tin later this month.
Haggas said: “I was very pleased with him and he looked a bit fresh having not run for a bit. But I thought he was always looking comfortable in a race that had the potential to be messy – and probably was – despite the nice gallop.
“I haven’t spoken to Ryan yet, but I’m not sure he was where he wanted to be early on. Still, the horse picked up well and he did it nicely, as he should do at the weights. But I was very happy with him and it was exactly what I hoped for.
“He’s going to Hong Kong all being well – he’s been invited and we’ve accepted. Providing he’s fit and well he will go over there on April 28 for the QEII Cup, the mile-and-a-quarter race he was third in last year.
“He’s won over £3million in prize-money now and he’s a thoroughly nice horse who has been great fun, we think the world of him. He’s a kind horse, too.”
Hydel High School’s track and field athletes are expressing hope that their achievement in earning Chairman’s Award will inspire others at the institution to excel while representing their school. Led by the versatile Class One sprint-double champion Aaliah Baker, four of the school’s top performers at the recent ISSA Boys’ and Girl’s Athletics Championships were rewarded for their outstanding output.
Baker, Abigail Campbell, Teixeira Johnson and Shania Myers will all share in the JMD$300,000 award that was donated by Chairman of the school’s board, Ryan Foster, in recognition of the athletes’ effort.
“This Chairman Award recognizes the strong ethos of what a student athlete represents, and also the strong character of what champions are made of,” the chairman said. “These girls displayed commitment, determination, school spirit and overall fight within the team to give Hydel a chance to defend our title. They went beyond the call to pull a team along despite some of the rigours and obstacles they encountered.”
Foster had recognized Hydel High School’s team for winning its first ever ISSA Girls Champs title in 2023 with the Chairman’s Award, along with the outstanding sprinter Alana Reid.
This year, the team gave an exceptional performance as it placed second with 326 points. Edwin Allen High won with 335.5 points.
Leading Hydel’s charge was Baker, the 400m, 400m hurdles champion in 2023 who showed her range of sprinting by winning gold in the shorter individual sprints, 11.34 seconds in the 100m and another personal best, 23.89 seconds in the 200m. Baker also led her school to victory in the Class One girl’s 4x100m and 4x400m gold medals.
“I hope my story will motivate younger kids so they’ll be able to help our school and win the Chairman’s Award,” Baker expressed. “I stepped down from the 400m and 400m hurdles to the 100 and 200 metres and won two gold medals. Hopefully someone will be able to say if she did it I can do it too.”
Continuing, she said that her accomplishments are even more satisfying because she had to overcome challenges.
“Preparing for Champs was not easy because I went back and forth with injuries and just some bad days at training. But I just kept my composure, I trained hard when I could train hard, I went, I didn’t question my coach, I just did what he asked,” she admitted of Corey Bennett’s tutelage.
“I’m pretty happy I just listened to him and that I trusted the process and then I did my thing and ended up winning four events. I’m proud of myself, my family is proud of me, my teammates are proud of me and my school is proud of me,” said the final year student.
Campbell won three gold medals and a silver, claiming the 400m gold and 800m silver in 52.27 and 2:09.07, respectively.
Reflecting on the tough, sparely run 400-800 double, Campbell expressed joy at making the Chairman’s Award list, noting that “I’m pretty excited and elated because what I did was very phenomenal”.
Continuing, she said: “I’m very proud of myself because last year I couldn’t compete at Champs but this year I came back, winning three gold medals and a silver for my team and myself and it was a pretty good championship because I came out here to do the best for my team and to score good points.
“For next year I would like to produce more, I would like to stand out for next year, I would like to continue doing my best for my school and for myself and my coach,” Campbell added.
Johnson won three gold medals, the Class Four 100m in 11.87 seconds and 200m in 25.44, as well as the sprint relay.
Myers fought off an emotional roller-coaster following the death of her mother, promising, delivering and dedicating victory in the Class One 100m hurdles to her mom, as she won in a time of 13.14 seconds. She also won silver in the long jump final, leaping 6.30 metres in the event won by St Catherine’s Roanna Sudlow (6.37m).
“Though the team was much smaller than Edwin Allen, we certainly made it into a competition until the final race,” expressed Foster. “These girls went beyond to place their bodies on the line and for that I must applaud and recognize them. Alliah won four gold medals, Abigail and Teixeira Johnson won three golds and Shania Myers won two.
“I am extremely proud of them and the overall team to include Korey and his coaching staff,” the Hydel board chairman added. “We will have an even bigger celebration with the team after the Easter break.
“The Hydel spirit is very much alive and the Board of Management, myself included, will continue to shape the future of our students and student athletes."
Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini could start his campaign in either the French or the English 2000 Guineas.
The Camelot colt was twice a winner as a juvenile, taking a Newbury maiden and then the Listed Flying Scotsman at Doncaster.
He then stepped up to Group One level to contest the Kameko Futurity Trophy back at Doncaster, a mile event run on heavy ground in October.
There he finished fifth as Charlie’s Appleby’s Ancient Wisdom took first place, a run Teal has taken the positives from as Dancing Gemini gained experience ahead of his three-year-old campaign.
“Conditions were soft when we won the Listed race but it wasn’t as bad as when we ran him in the Group One,” he said.
“We perhaps committed him too soon and then there was the horse that got upset in the stalls, so there was a delay as they’d all been loaded.
“He probably used up a bit of nervous energy, but he didn’t run bad at all in those conditions.”
Teal is pleased with how the colt has developed over the winter and is taking aim at either the French or English Guineas as his opening run of the season.
“He’s taken his work very well, he looks like he’s come forward so we’re really happy,” he said.
“He’s in both Guineas, French and English, so that’s what we’re aiming at. We’ll see a bit closer to the time which one we’re going to go for.
“He’s by a Derby winner and out of an Australia mare, so he’s bred to get the trip. Fingers crossed he goes well in the Guineas so we can start to dream big.
“He was a bit of a frame last year but he was always growing, he was a bit bum high but he seems to have levelled off now.
“He’s done very well, we’re very happy with him. He’s not a massive horse but he is a nice stamp, a nice athletic animal.
“He’s a Camelot and he tends to stamp them as good-looking horses.”
Jamaica’s Mixed 4x400m relay team that was disqualified after finishing third on Sunday night has been reinstated, Sportsmax.TV can confirm.
Jamaica’s team of Princewell Martin, Rickeisha Simms, Paul Henry and Britannia Bailey had initially won the bronze medal in the relay that was won in dominant fashion by Guyana. However, the team was disqualified after a Jamaican runner was accused of impeding a runner from another team.
The Jamaican team managers filed a protest and the decision went under review and the decision was eventually overturned and the team re-instated. Jamaica has officially been awarded the bronze medal after finishing in a time of 3:30.42.
Grenada won the silver medal after fining second in 3:29.19.
Constitution Hill is back at Nicky Henderson’s yard after a colic scare, with any thoughts of a trip to the Punchestown Festival now firmly ruled out.
The Seven Barrows handler announced on Sunday that his superstar hurdler had been taken to a veterinary hospital due a suspected colic on Wednesday night, describing it as a “few traumatic days” with the unbeaten gelding.
Henderson issued an upbeat bulletin on Monday with Constitution Hill returning to the Lambourn yard to continue his recovery, although the 2023 Champion Hurdle hero is in need of an extended period of rest.
That means a potential clash with last month’s Cheltenham victor State Man is now off the agenda until next term.
In a statement posted on X, Henderson said: “Constitution Hill returned to Seven Barrows this morning and it is wonderful to have him home after what he has endured.
“He resumed normal feed yesterday with no further ill effects and had a nice pick of grass in the welcome sunshine.
“Hopefully this is all behind him now but I am afraid it is easy to see he had a difficult week and the reality is he is going to take some time to recover and put some weight back on again.
“Therefore our much anticipated match with State Man will have to wait until next season.”
Constitution Hill has run just once this season after cold weather scuppered his initial planned return in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, with deep ground seeing him bypass the rescheduled event at Sandown.
He won the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day in a canter, but an unsatisfactory scope saw him miss an intended Trials day run at Cheltenham before a respiratory infection ended his hopes of a Champion Hurdle defence last month.
The Fighting Fifth is pencilled in as a starting point for next season, though Henderson’s main priority remains Constitution Hill’s health.
He added: “As long as he is OK that is all that matters, but it has been a horrible few months since his great performance in the Christmas Hurdle. It is time for him to have a summer holiday now look forward to his return, hopefully in the Fighting Fifth.”
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf champion Unquestionable will attempt to become a Classic hero at ParisLongchamp after being set a French 2000 Guineas objective.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the son of Wootton Bassett was getting on the scoresheet for the first time at the highest level as he carried the Al Shaqab colours to a maiden Breeders’ Cup victory at Santa Anita in November.
A consistent performer throughout his juvenile season, prior to his success in America he chased home Richard Hannon’s Rosallion in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and it is therefore no surprise connections have their eye on a return to the French capital.
His Ballydoyle handler is still toying with the idea of an early-season tune-up run, but the one race all connections have circled on their calendar is the Poule d’Essai des Poulains on May 12, when O’Brien will seek his sixth victory in the colts’ Classic.
“Unquestionable is fine and Aidan is going to decide if he goes for a trial, but the plan is for him to go to the French Guineas,” said Alison Begley, UK racing consultant for Al Shaqab, who co-own the three-year-old in partnership with Coolmore and Westerberg.
“He ran really well there at Longchamp in the Lagardere and that will be the plan for him. At the moment Aidan is just deciding over a trial, but the first aim this season is the French Guineas.”
One-time Classic contender Passenger could make his return to action in France next month after being entered for the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp.
An impressive winner of the Wood Ditton on his racecourse debut at Newmarket last spring, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt subsequently finished a luckless third when favourite for the Dante at York, earning himself a place in the Derby.
Passenger was disappointing in Epsom’s premier Classic, but rounded off his three-year-old campaign with a narrow verdict in the Group Three Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor – beating subsequent Caulfield Cup runner-up West Wind Blows – and the son of Ulysses appears to be closing in on a comeback.
“Passenger’s in good form, we’re just coming out of the winter and Sir Michael has made an entry for him in the Ganay,” said Alan Cooper, racing manager for owners the Niarchos Family.
“There’s also the Gordon Richards Stakes (at Sandown), but we’ve got plenty of time to decide on the programme. We’re only at the end of March and like everyone we’d like a bit of warmth and a bit of dryness – it’s been so wet.
“His form is good, so let’s hope he progresses from his Group Three win and everyone can have some fun with him this year.”
Passenger is one of 19 initial entries for the Prix Ganay on April 28, with Charlie Appleby’s pair of Measured Time and Military Order, John and Thady Gosden’s Lord North and the William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour other potential British raiders.
Aidan O’Brien’s Luxembourg heads an Irish contingent that also includes Al Riffa and Maxux, both trained by his son Joseph, and Adrian Murray’s duo of Crypto Force and Elegant Man.
Monday’s fixture at Redcar has been called off due to a waterlogged track.
The venue was due to stage a seven-race card but significant rain overnight left clerk of the course Jonjo Sanderson with no option but to abandon.
He said: “The forecast changed yesterday afternoon and while we were expecting rain, it changed from a couple of millimetres to a significant amount overnight.
“We’ve had seven millimetres since 1am and it is still raining now with probably another 7mm forecast.
“It’s just been so wet all winter that it’s taken relatively little rain to push us over.”
Wednesday’s card at Nottingham, which was due to feature the Listed Further Flight Stakes, has also been called off.
Officials inspected the track at 8am on Monday but parts of the course remain unraceable following further overnight rain, with little prospect of sufficient improvement ahead of racing.
The excitement at the 2024 Carifta Games in Grenada reached a fever pitch as Guyana clinched a thrilling victory in the mixed 4x400m relay, sealing their triumph in the final event of the day. However, controversy loomed as Jamaica, initially finishing third, faced disqualification pending a review, prompting considerations of a protest from their management.
In a display of exceptional teamwork and determination, Guyana’s team, comprising Malachi Austin, Narissa McPherson, Dh Neilson Gill, and Tianna Springer, clocked an impressive time of 3:23.51, securing the gold medal and igniting celebrations among their supporters.
Following closely behind, Grenada, represented by Elisha Williams, Joshiem Sylvester, Cheffonia Houston, and Kemisha Dominique, delivered a commendable performance, finishing with a time of 3:29.19 to claim the silver medal.
Trinidad and Tobago, featuring Keone John, Kyah Hyson, Jaden Clement, and Kadija Pickering, rounded out the podium, clinching the bronze medal with a time of 3:31.24.
Earlier in the day, athletes showcased their talents in various events, adding to the spectacle of the Carifta Games. In the Girls Long Jump Under 17, J'kaiyah Rolle of Bahamas soared to victory with a jump of 5.77m, closely followed by Jamaica's Sashana Johnson and Belize's Brooklyn Lyttle, who leaped out to marks of 5.74m and 5.73, respectively.
In the Under 20 Boys Javelin Throw, Kaden Cartwright of Bahamas impressed with a winning throw of 67.34m, while Grenada's Rayvohn Telesford (67.34) and Dominica's Addison Alickson James (65.57m) secured second and third place, respectively.
Chrystophe Calliste of Grenada emerged victorious in the Boys Triple Jump Under 17 with a leap of 14.67m, beating out Jamaica's Amani Phillips ( 14.18m) and Bahamas' Davon Davis (14.16m) for the top spot.
The Girls Heptathlon saw an extraordinary tie for the gold medal between Jamaica's Kimeka Smith and Guadeloupe's Clémentine Carias, both amassing a total of 4699 points. Bahamas' Aaliyah Evans secured the bronze medal with a total score of 4181 points.
As the sun set on Day 2 of the Carifta Games, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation for the upcoming Day 3, promising more exhilarating performances and thrilling moments on the track and field.
Jamaica showcased their sprinting prowess at the Carifta Games in Grenada on Sunday night, securing victory in three out of four 4x100m relay events. Their bid for a clean sweep was foiled by Trinidad and Tobago in the Under 20 Boys 4x100m relay, adding excitement to an electrifying evening of track and field.
In the U17 Girls 4x100m relay, Team Jamaica surged to victory with a stellar performance. The quartet blazed across the finish line in 45.36 seconds, clinching the gold medal. Team Bahamas secured the silver with a time of 46.28 seconds, while Team Trinidad and Tobago took the bronze with a time of 47.49 seconds.
The U17 Boys 4x100m saw Jamaica dominate the competition. The team composed of Nyron Wade, Malike Nugent, Byron Walker, and Oshane Jervis stormed to victory in 41.30 seconds, claiming the gold medal. Trinidad and Tobago finished closely behind, securing the silver with a time of 41.53 seconds, while Bahamas grabbed the bronze in a time of 42.30.
Continuing their sprinting dominance, Jamaica triumphed in the Under 20 Girls 4x100m relay. The team of Habiba Harris, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, Briana Campbell, and Shanoya Douglas delivered a sensational performance, clocking a time of 43.63 seconds to clinch the gold medal. Trinidad and Tobago settled for silver with a time of 44.43 seconds, while Bahamas secured the bronze in 45.40.
However, Jamaica's quest for a clean sweep was thwarted in the Under 20 Boys 4x100m relay by Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica's team, hampered by poor exchanges fell short of the top spot, finishing with a time of 40.55 seconds, earning them the silver medal. Trinidad and Tobago claimed victory in 40.45 seconds, while Grenada "A" secured the bronze in 40.71.
Despite missing out on a sweep, Jamaica's dominant performance in three out of four 4x100m relay events underscored their sprinting prowess and left a lasting impression on the Carifta Games in Grenada.
The Carifta Games in Grenada witnessed remarkable performances on Sunday as Demetrie Myers and Kaydean Johnson successfully defended their 3000m titles, showcasing their dominance in distance running. Additionally, Chavez Pen delivered a standout performance in the Boys Under 20 High Jump event, setting a lifetime best to secure victory.
In the Boys 3000m run Under 17, Myers of Belize exhibited outstanding endurance and determination, crossing the finish line in 9:05.86 to claim the gold medal. Wyndel Beyde of Aruba finished strong to secure the silver medal with a time of 9:21.30, while Isaiah Alder of Trinidad and Tobago clinched the bronze with a time of 9:29.35.
Meanwhile, in the Girls 3000m Open, Johnson of Jamaica showcased her exceptional talent and strength, defending her title with a commanding performance. Johnson crossed the finish line in 10:04.44 to secure the gold medal, while her compatriot Ashara Frater claimed the silver with a time of 10:24.83. Attoya Harvey of Guyana impressed with a third-place finish, securing the bronze medal with a time of 10:36.59.
In the Boys High Jump Under 20 event, Chavez Pen of Jamaica soared to victory with a remarkable jump of 2.13m, setting a lifetime best. Timothy Greenidge of Grenada delivered a commendable performance to secure the silver medal with a jump of 2.05m, while Bernard Kemp of the Bahamas claimed the bronze with a jump of 1.95m.
Day two of the Carifta Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada witnessed thrilling performances in the Boys U17 high jump and shot put events, with athletes showcasing their strength and skill on the field. The Bahamas emerged as a dominant force in the high jump competition, while Jamaica secured victory in the shot put event.
In the Boys High Jump Under 17, Bahamian athletes Joshua Williams and Claudius Burrows displayed exceptional talent as they soared over the bar with finesse. Williams claimed the gold medal with a superb jump of 2.00m. His compatriot, Claudius Burrows, secured the silver medal with a commendable jump of 1.95m, demonstrating the depth of talent in the Bahamas team. Tyrique Vincent of Trinidad and Tobago clinched the bronze medal with a jump of 1.90m.
Meanwhile, in the Boys Shot Put Under 17, Jamaican athlete Javontae Smith delivered a stunning performance, setting a new record with a massive throw of 18.80m. His remarkable feat earned him the gold medal. Jayden Walcott of Barbados secured the silver medal with a throw of 15.37m, while Jaylen Stuart of the Bahamas claimed the bronze with a throw of 15.28m rounding off the podium.
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