Six-time Grade One winner Energumene has retired aged 12, after finishing third behind his victorious stablemate Il Etait Temps in the Punchestown Champion Chase on Tuesday (28 April).

Energumene started his career in a British point-to-point under the guidance of the Laceys before joining top Irish trainer Willie Mullins. He went on to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the Punchestown Champion Chase in both 2022 and 2023.

In all, the Denham Red gelding, owned by Tony Bloom, won 14 of his 23 races under Rules and more than £1.2m prize money.

His final win was the Underwriting Exchange Fairyhouse Fairyhouse Chase on 6 April.

“He gave us a great day out at Fairyhouse the last day, he rolled back the years,” Mr Mullins told Racing TV, following Energumene’s final start in the William Hill-sponsored Champion Chase at Punchestown.

He said the ground was too dry for him, but that he “still ran a great race”.

Mr Mullins named Energumene’s first Champion Chase win at Cheltenham as his favourite memory with the horse and added: “He’s a huge big horse, a strong horse, probably not one you’d think would be a Champion Chaser looking at the size of him – you’d think he might be more a three-mile chaser. The fact that he had that speed and ability to jump marked him out.”

Jockey Paul Townend, who was in the saddle for the majority of Energumene’s races, also paid tribute to the horse on Racing TV.

“He was a star of a horse,” he said. “He was a joy and will be hard to replace.”

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Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Don Cossack is enjoying the start of his new career after retiring from racing.

Irish Olympic eventer Louise Lyons has taken on the retraining of the National Hunt hero.

Formerly trained by Gordon Elliott, the 11-year-old son of Sholokhov has been to several shows with Louise and has qualified for Tattersalls July Show.

Louise, who competed at the 2008 Olympics with Watership Down, said “Don” has been a “complete gentleman”.

“He has been with me for about a month and we have been to three shows — he is loving it and is really enjoying the attention,” Louise told H&H.

“At the shows we have had people coming up to stroke him and have their picture taken with him.”

The pair have contested some racehorse to riding horse and working hunter classes and Louise added the horse is “very balanced and light on his feet”.

“He has been really good, the only thing he has struggled with a bit is standing still in the line up,” she said.

“The judges that have ridden him loved riding him — he is a real showman and loves showing off, you can see why he won his gold cups!

“He is great over a fence and doesn’t rush or get faster, it is just a case of adapting [to the new style of jumping].”

Louise added she has kept the jumps small and is taking everything steadily with the horse to “see how he gets on”, with the possible aim of taking him to Dublin Horse Show in August.

“He will only improve, he just needs to strengthen up again — he will be a different horse again in a month or so’s time,” she added.

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Don Cossack won 16 of his 27 starts under Rules during his glittering racing career.

With the exception of the King George VI at Kempton, where he fell two out, the horse won every race he ran in during his final season (2015/16).

Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Don Cossack’s major victories included the 2015 Punchestown Gold Cup and Aintree’s Melling Chase both in 2015, the 2014 Grade One Punchestown Chase. He was also the top-rated National Hunt horse in both 2015 and 2016.

Don Cossack’s final victory on the track came in the 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup, where he was steered to a four-and-a-half length victory over Djakadam by Bryan Cooper.

The gelding was being aimed at Punchestown, when he sustained a tendon injury. He returned to training in the 2016/17 season, but was retired from racing after the injury resurfaced.

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 28 June 2018, don’t miss our full report from the Hickstead Derby meeting, including all the showjumping and showing action, plus don’t miss our six-page report from Royal Ascot.

We also have a feature on the much discussed whip rules across the disciplines and in this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ we find out how to spot the signs of sand colic.

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Jockey Paul Townend has apologised for a “genuine mistake” after a bizarre manoeuvre caused chaos at Punchestown on Tuesday (24 April).

As the field approached the final fence in the Growise Champion Novice Chase, Paul suddenly swerved his ride, the Willie Mullins-trained Al Boum Photo, across the track.

They bumped into Finian’s Oscar, ridden by Robbie Power, and both horses left the course, with Al Boum Photo crashing through the rails.

The Storyteller, piloted by Davy Russell, was left in the lead and galloped home to win for trainer Gordon Elliott.

In evidence to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), Paul said he was riding with his “head down between the last two fences and heard roaring on his left”, which caught his attention.

“He thought he had to bypass the fence but didn’t know which side to bypass on,” said a statement from the IHRB on the evidence given by Paul.

“He panicked and commenced his move to bypass the fence on the right side, but then realised there was nothing on the fence to indicate a bypass was needed and tried to correct his actions but it was too late.

“He accepted in hindsight that there were no bypass procedures in place. He said he made a genuine mistake and apologised for what occurred.”

Robbie, who also gave evidence, said he was “coming to win his race before the last and was carried out”.

“He described the incident as unfortunate and said he had no idea why it happened,” added the IHRB statement.

“He said he was not aware of any reason which would indicate that the fence was being bypassed.”

Paul was given a 21-day ban and ordered to forfeit his riding fee.

Robbie later tweeted that it had taken him “hours to calm down”, but he has no hard feelings and “nobody feels worse” than Paul about what happened.

In his BoyleSports Blog, he added that it was “just one of those unfortunate incidents”.

“For some reason Paul thought that we were bypassing the last fence so he made a manoeuvre to bypass,” he said.

“He just got a brain freeze. It was a case of human error. He is a top class jockey and will put it behind him and move on hopefully.

“He will take a bit of picking up this morning but he’ll get a vote of confidence from Willie Mullins and just get on with it.”

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In a statement released on Wednesday (25 April) morning, Paul said he thought he “heard a shout and that the last fence was being bypassed”.

“I wish to apologise to connections and to punters,” he said. “I’d like to leave this behind me and move on with today’s rides.”

Paul rode back-to-back winners for Willie Mullins the following day, taking the 2m 4f Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle on Pravalaguna, and the Grade One Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle on Next Destination.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

This week’s magazine (26 April), features a full Badminton preview, including a cross-country course walk with Mary King and full form guide for every horse and rider.

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Leading Irish showjumper Bertram Allen is switching disciplines in a bid to raise €30,000 (£26,219) for charity.

The European gold medallist has revealed that he will be taking part in a charity race at Punchestown on 28 April.

The race is in aid of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund and Bertram is also encouraging people to sign up to the organ donor register.

“The Punchestown kidney research race is something that I’m really looking forward to,” said Bertram.

“Over the past five years my family and I have supported this great cause and this year I finally get the chance to be a jockey for the day.

“By lending my support to this great cause I want to raise as much money as possible for the charity but I also want to raise awareness for something that is affecting so many families.

“All donations would be greatly appreciated and if I could encourage you to carry a donor card also that would be great.”

The charity flat race was first held in 1990 and is staged on the final day of Punchestown Festival.

It is run over 1 mile seven furlongs and was won last year by Ian Haughan on Mr Boss Man.

Over the past 28 years, the race has raised more than €1.4million (£1.2m) and contributed to numerous projects.

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While this will be Bertram’s first experience of race-riding, he is no stranger to speed — as his is jump-off record shows.

He won medals at European pony, junior and young rider level and made his senior squad debut aged 17 at the Austrian leg of the 2013 FEI Nations Cup series, where he jumped double clear.

In 2014 he finished seventh individually at the World Equestrian Games and last year was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2017 European Championships.

This year, Bertram already has seven international wins to his name as well as dozens of top 10 placings.

The 24-year-old is currently competing in the Miami leg of the Global Champions Tour and has had considerable success in the series in recent years.

Click here to sponsor Bertram

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ireland didn’t garner the title “Land of the horse” for nothing. Whether it’s this year’s Cheltenham maestro Willie Mullins, the versatile Connemara ponies or the action of the Dublin Horse Show, there’s a lot to love about the Emerald Isle.

And what better excuse do we need than it being St Patrick’s Day today (17 March) to celebrate all things Irish and equestrian?

So grab yourself a Guinness, don an emerald sweater and get jigging.

1. Willie Mullins

Willie Mullins’ fleet of lorries arriving at Cheltenham last week for the Festival showed everyone that he meant business. And he didn’t disappoint. On the first day alone, the County Carlow-based trainer took a whopping four titles — and by the end of the Festival he had secured a record eight.

2. AP McCoy (pictured above)

Will jump racing ever get better than the mighty AP McCoy? The 40-year-old might be retiring at the end of this season, but the National Hunt world certainly won’t forget him in a hurry. With over 4,300 wins to his name and 19 champion jockey titles, he’s not an easy act to follow.

3. Irish Draughts

We’ve got a lot to thank Irish Draughts for. They may have been developed in the early part of the 20th century for farmers who wanted a horse that could work the land in the week, go hunting all day Saturday and then be ready to bring the family trap to church on Sunday morning — but their blood can be found in sport top horses across the disciplines.

4. Aoife Clark

Thirty-three-year-old Aoife is just one of an exciting crop of Irish eventers, having taken individual seventh place at London 2012, the CCI3* title at Bramham in 2014 and the Blenheim CCI3* in 2013.

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5. Punchestown

National Hunt devotees can be feeling flat post the Grand National — which is when the Punchestown Festival comes into play (28 April-2 May 2015). Five days of top class racing is the perfect remedy to cure jump racing withdrawal symptoms.

6. Ballindenisk

This year’s Ballindenisk Horse Trials (24-26 September 2015) is sure to attract eventing royalty — but the event had humble beginnings. The story goes that in the spring of 1974 Norman Van de Vater, master of the United Fox Hounds, was out hunting one Wednesday and whilst galloping across Ballindenisk, admiring the farm, he looked at Robert Fell and asked: “Robert, would it be okay to bring a few friends for a gallop around your farm?”

7. Guinness

You may well curse the drunken men who stumble into you, spilling Guinness down your carefully chosen tweed at the Cheltenham Festival, but what would it be without the Guinness tent? And we only have the Irish to thank for that.

8. Bertram Allen

The 19-year-old showjumping superstar may be based in Munster, Germany — but he wears his green jacket with pride. Bertram finished seventh individually at the World Equestrian Games last year and will make his debut in the World Cup final in Las Vegas in April.

9. Dublin Horse Show

First run in 1864, this show is a Dublin institution. This year it runs from 5-9 August 2015, and spectators can look forward to watching showing’s biggest names in action, the Nations Cup showjumping — as well as the eagerly anticipated puissance.

10. Connemara ponies

With their athleticism, versatility, good temperament and enviable jumping ability, any child has hit the jackpot if they can land themselves a Connemara pony to kick start their competition career.

11. Extreme hunting

Hip flasks need to be sizeable (and full) for hunting in Ireland — and there’s no shame in hopelessly clinging onto your neckstrap. Or having dirty breeches within the first 20 minutes of getting on board.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Popular racehorse Sanctuaire has been put down after a schooling accident yesterday (Sunday 17 November).

The 7-year-old broke his shoulder and leg in the fall schooling after racing at Punchestown. Ruby Walsh, who was riding him, was uninjured.

Sanctuaire was formerly in training with Paul Nicholls and won 7 races including the Grade Two Celebration Chase at Sandown on his last run in April.

The horse was moved to Willie Mullins’ yard in Ireland after being sold at Doncaster in August, fetching £170,000 from new owner Susannah Ricci.

It was a sad end to the day for Mullins and Walsh, who had earlier celebrated Hurricane Fly’s win the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle. This was his 17th win at this level and set a new world record for Grade 1 victories.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ten-time Grade One winner Beef Or Salmon was retired yesterday (Wednesday 23 April) following the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup.

A crowd favourite in his native Ireland, Beef Or Salmon was greeted with resounding cheers when he was paraded in front of huge numbers of spectators both before and after the race.

Ridden by Timmy Murphy, Beef Or Salmon bowed out honourably, finishing sixth. The pair won the race in 2004.

He finished 33 lengths behind winner Neptune Collonges — who took the race for a second consecutive year under Ruby Walsh.

The Michael Hourigan trained 12-year-old boasts an impressive career with 19 wins from 46 starts. One of the most successful Irish chasers his record of ten Grade One victories is matched only by Moscow Flyer.

“This was the hardest day in terms of him running — I just wanted him to come back safe and sound,” said Mr Hourigan. “He has meant everything, he has been a super horse for the yard and now you have to try and find another one.”

He added: “He’s absolutely fine today and looking very happy. He’s been a star, but I think he’s going to love being retired.”

In his retirement Beef Or Salmon will be ridden as a dressage horse by owner Joe Craig’s 15-year-old grandson Conor Drain in County Antrim.

The 2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter was also paraded with Beef Or Salmon at Punchestown having recently been retired.

H&H will be celebrating the career of Beef Or Salmon in the 8 May issue. For our exclusive interview, including behind the scene pictures of Beef Or Salmon at home, make sure you pick up a copy.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Punchestown Racecourse will be the venue for Ireland’s first CAI-B (driving) competition since 1997 for four-in-hands, pairs and single horses and ponies.

The event (1-3 June) will host international tandem and junior classes, as well as being a national competition.

The competition takes place a week after the international eventing at the venue.

Europe’s tandem drivers have competed internationally before, but only when invited to certain events.

“I’ve been told this is the first time a tandem class has been run under FEI rules,” said organiser Sarah Mullins.

Following the success of Britain’s junior national championships, the FEI has also approved special junior classes for drivers from 16-18 years old with single horse and pony turnouts. This will be the first time the classes are run under FEI rules.

There will also be an Irish national class for 12-15-year-olds.

“It is a great opportunity for young drivers,” said international four-inhand driver Barry Capstick, who trains Ireland’s juniors. “I hope drivers from Britain and Europe will support the event.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (26 April, ’07)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now