Irish Racing Tips

Horse racing is one of the biggest sports in all of Ireland. Whether over jumps or on the flat, Ireland stages major horse racing events throughout the calendar year, and punters flock from across the country to watch their heroes take to the track.

So, if you're looking for Punchestown Festival tips, pointers as to which horse to back in the Irish Grand National, or tips for the five Classics staged on the flat at the Curragh, you've come to the right place!

The Curragh is one of the oldest racecourses in the world, and all five Irish Classic take place on this famous track. The Irish 2000 Guineas, Irish 1000 Guineas, Irish Derby and the Irish Oaks all take place at the Curragh. As does the Irish St Leger which - unlike the British version - is open to horses of three and above.

Leopardstown's Christmas Festival is the first major event during the National Hunt season. By the time March rolls around, punters will be desperately searching for Punchestown Festival tips and pointers.

There are also two newly formed meetings that have captured the imaginations of the Irish Racing public in recent years, the Dublin Racing Festival and Irish Champions Weekend.

The O'Brien family dominate flat racing in Ireland. Aidan O'Brien is the master of Ballydoyle and, along with owners Coolmore Stud, O'Brien has won every major prize flat racing has to offer. You won't be able to read an Irish Derby tips piece, or an article about any Group One around the world, without reading the name of Aidan O'Brien.

Aidan's two eldest sons, Joseph O'Brien and Donnacha O'Brien, are now trainers in their own right, and have both celebrated Group One victories in recent years. Other notable flat trainers in Ireland include Ger Lyons, Dermot Weld, Jim Bolger and John Oxx.

Over jumps, Willie Mullins is the dominant figure, having won the Irish Champion Trainer crown for the 12th time in 2020. Gordon Elliott has used the backing of Gigginstown Stud to really push Mullins in recent seasons, and the two now stand as the most powerful trainers in all of National Hunt racing.

When reading our Punchestown Festival tips, you'll often come across the names of Grade One-winning Irish trainers like Henry De Bromhead, Jessica Harrington and Pat Kelly.

After Ruby Walsh retired, Paul Townend became the number one jockey for Willie Mullins, and the pair have celebrated many victories together since.

Rachael Blackmore is one of the rising stars of the National Hunt weighing room in Ireland, along with Jack Kennedy and Mark Walsh. Davy Russell is another famous jumps jockey in Ireland, having partnered Tiger Roll to both his victories in the Aintree Grand National.

Aidan O'Brien's first-string jockey is Ryan Moore. When the Englishman cannot make it over to Ireland, O'Brien often calls upon the services of Seamie Heffernan, Padraig Beggy and Wayne Lordan. 

Colin Keane is one of the most talented flat jockeys in Ireland, and his name will crop up whenever you read any Irish Champions Weekend tips. Shane Foley, Chris Hayes and Billy Lee have also celebrated huge victories on the flat at home in Ireland.