LATEST ARTICLES
Racing
MARK BOYLAN: Six talking points from the track on a stellar Royal Ascot day one
Mark Boylan
After being on hand for the opening races of the 2026 Royal Meeting, Mark Boylan reacts to the week's early skirmishes
12 June 2026 Columns
MARK BOYLAN: Forget Benvenuto's law - this rule is a disaster waiting to happen
There has been plenty of talk around fairness at the start for punters, but Mark Boylan argues another rule is set up particularly poorly for the betting public
4 June 2026 Columns
MARK BOYLAN: The Derby hope who could finally prove his trainer right at Epsom
After a 1-2-3 for team Ballydoyle in the French Derby last week, Mark Boylan reckons the Epsom finish will be dominated by O'Brien-trained colts too
MARK BOYLAN: A closed shop on the flat? Curragh results tell a different story
There have been a number of winners at Irish flat racing headquarters bought for modest sums
31 May 2026 Columns
MARK BOYLAN: 22 maiden winners in 2026 - O'Brien's electric start to flat season
Could his fastest ever start to a campaign lead to a career-best number of winners for the in-form trainer?
15 May 2026 Columns
MARK BOYLAN: Who got the verdict in the battle of the bumpers for 2025/'26?
There were some noteworthy trends in Irish bumpers in the season just ended, and a standout sire performance at the Punchestown Festival
10 May 2026 Columns
SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER: Could this Irish division be vulnerable to the British?
Mark Boylan assesses a theme emerging towards the end of the National Hunt season in Britain and Ireland
6 May 2026 Columns
MARK BOYLAN: Sandown ground gives more credit to Skelton's Aintree suggestion
After a second year of ground described by Timeform as good to firm for Sandown's season finale meeting, is it worth contemplating a change to the programme?
5 May 2026 Columns
MARK BOYLAN: Lack of Lotto regulation in Gambling Bill is a galling misstep
The topic of a move for the National Lottery's broadcasts was discussed on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland programme this week
24 April 2026 Columns
MARK BOYLAN: Townend role in I Am Maximus' heroics cannot be underestimated
When the need was greatest, Paul Townend again shone brightest aboard the well-backed Grand National favourite
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
MARK BOYLAN: How will spring hopes fare after running on 'good' at Cheltenham?
Times suggested the going for Wednesday and Thursday at Prestbury Park were 'good' - contributing to some fast times
3 April 2026 Columns