The latest horse racing columns from The Irish Field's writers

LATEST ARTICLES
Racing
MARK BOYLAN: Townend role in I Am Maximus' heroics cannot be underestimated
Mark Boylan
When the need was greatest, Paul Townend again shone brightest aboard the well-backed Grand National favourite
17 April 2026 Columns
THE OWNER: James Stafford - 'We’ll keep knocking on the door until it opens'
James Stafford tells Amy Corrado about his family success with Lawful Ruler, ridden to victory by his son Tadhg and trained by brother Paul
17 April 2026 Columns
ANGUS McNAE: Time Will Tell - Maximus wins with moderate jumping
Angus takes us on a deep dive of the Grand National data, and identifies a strong 2000 Guineas contender
TONY KEENAN: Mullins saving his best for Punchestown
Tony Keenan reviews the Irish success at Aintree, Leopardstown's classic trials, and notes one to watch from Bellewstown last weekend
17 April 2026 Columns
EOGHÁIN WARD: Unfortunate weakness to mares’ open division
Eogháin Ward rues the lack of mares switching from the track to pointing, despite several proving it can be a fruitful avenue
17 April 2026 Columns
Beyond the Finish Line: Madame
This thoroughbred mare has really taken well to eventing and showing
17 April 2026 Columns
RACE iQ: iCatcher - Exciting season ahead for Newmarket eye-catcher
Page Fuller has spotted a Newmarket winner with an eye-catching turn of foot
17 April 2026 Columns
VIEW FROM ABOVE: Down Royal a happy hunting ground for local success
Margie McLoone highlights the northern success on both sides of the Irish sea
17 April 2026 Columns
Caption competition result
We asked you to caption this photograph and you didn't disappoint us
17 April 2026 Columns
Red Mills looking out for stable staff at Punchestown
The equine nutrition company is sponsoring on a number of fronts at the Festival
17 April 2026 Columns
Beating the roadblocks at Leopardstown
Stable staff were treated to a free breakfast last Sunday
17 April 2026 Columns
MARK BOYLAN: Making sense of spike in Fairyhouse fallers at Easter Festival
There were several high-profile runners come down at the third last fence last weekend, but what factors were at play?
10 April 2026 Columns