TG4 television series on Irish equine jumps heroes begins February 18

Laochra Na Rásaíochta, a new television series that features Ireland’s best jumps horses, will launch on Thursday, February 18, on TG4.

The series, which is produced by Touchline Media, will begin by retelling the story of triple Gold Cup winner Arkle with a documentary that was first aired in 2014.

The new series of documentaries will commence on February 25, when dual Gold Cup and Grand National winner L’Escargot will be featured.

There will also be hour-long programmes on Istabraq, Beef Or Salmon, Brown Lad and Monksfield in the new series.

Bar One Racing to sponsor Leinster National for next five years

Bar One Racing have become the new title sponsor of the €80,000 Leinster National on a five-year deal, with the independent bookmakers also supporting six races – including two Grade 3s – on the undercard at Naas on March 14.

Bar One director Barney O’Hare said: "We're excited to announce our sponsorship of the Bar One Racing Leinster National and we're keen to see the raceday grow over the next five years.

"With two Grade 3s on the programme, the meeting will attract a strong supporting card. It's the final Irish meeting before Cheltenham and racing fans will be keen to get their expenses."

On Wednesday the Curragh revealed Betway have become the official betting partner of the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival. The partnership includes six sponsored races over the two-day festival, which will be held on the weekend of May 22 and 23.

The track's racing and sponsorship manager Evan Arkwright added: "We're delighted to welcome Betway to the Curragh and their support during such challenging times is a great confidence boost to the Curragh and Irish racing."

Kieran O'Neill out until March after crashing fall at Lingfield

Kieran O'Neill is facing at least three weeks on the sidelines after damaging ligaments in his shoulder in a fall at Lingfield on Friday.

O'Neill, who is attached to the John Gosden stable, was thrown to the ground when the Milton Harris-trained Goodwood Showman broke a leg and was fatally injured before the home turn in the closing 1m2f handicap at the Surrey track.

The resulting melee led to Callum Shepherd being unseated from Cafe Milano at the same point, although he was only shaken up.

O'Neill was taken by ambulance to the nearby Redhill Hospital, where x-rays revealed the extent of his injuries, which doctors initially said could put him on the sidelines until Easter.

Speaking on Saturday, O'Neill said: "I wasn't knocked unconscious but the horse went down pretty quickly and I couldn't move my shoulder at all initially. It's quite sore this morning and I've done some ligaments in it so I have it in a sling at the moment."

He added: "The doctors at the hospital said I could be out until Easter, but I hope to get it assessed at Sir Peter O'Sullevan House in Newmarket on Monday and take it from there. Hopefully I can get back in three or four weeks if that goes well."

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