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Tuesday, April 29, 2025
HomeHorse Law NewsTitle: "Willie Mullins vs. Dan Skelton: The Thrilling Trainers' Championship Showdown" The trainers’...

Title: "Willie Mullins vs. Dan Skelton: The Thrilling Trainers’ Championship Showdown"

The trainers’ title fight between Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton is well and truly on following the Irish maestro’s incredible Grand National result last Saturday.

Nick Rockett led home a 1-2-3-5-7 for the Closutton gang to cap off a brilliant Aintree Grand National Festival that included bagging four consecutive Grade 1s on the opening day and cut Skelton’s lead in the standings to roughly £120,000.

Skelton was the heavy odds-on favourite with Paddy Power to win the trainers’ championship before Mullins’ Merseyside magnificence and the roles have reversed as the current title holder sends a boat load of runners across the Irish Sea to Ayr on Saturday for a lucrative fixture headlined by the Scottish Grand National.

He boasts a total of 17 horses across the card and, crucially, a runner in every race. Skelton, meanwhile, has declared six horses across four renewals.

We’ve rounded up the two trainers’ runners across the cracking card and Timeform’s verdict on every race, otherwise, you can find the latest trainers’ championship odds on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app.

Prize Money: £50,000 (Winner: £28,135)
Dan Skelton saddles Etalon and Asta La Pasta (also declared Ayr Friday 15:50).
Willie Mullins saddles Western Diego.
Timeform: It evidently hasn’t been plain sailing for Dan Skelton with ETALON this campaign, yet there were definite signs of a revival on his penultimate start at Sandown and, with a tongue strap refitted (also had a wind op) following a lesser run at Kempton, he could just be worth chancing to bounce back. Western Diego is sure to be popular on handicap debut and along with Traprain Law and Homme Public, heads up the dangers in a competitive opener.

Prize Money: £50,000 (Winner: £25,720)
Dan Skelton saddles Theformismighty.
Willie Mullins saddles Loughglynn.
Timeform: LOUGHGLYNN has progressed well in maiden chases this season and his opening mark may well underestimate him with further improvement on the cards. Eyed has done nothing but improve for his current yard and rates the main threat ahead of the tough and likeable Masaccio.

Prize Money: £100,000 (Winner: £56,270)
Dan Skelton saddles Valgrand.
Willie Mullins saddles Batman Girac, Bunting, Ethical Diamond and Karafon.
Timeform: ETHICAL DIAMOND was an eyecatcher when fourth in the County at Cheltenham and can build on that promise and provide his yard with a significant winner in the trainers’ title race. Kabral du Mathan brings solid big-field form and is second choice ahead of another Willie Mullins runner Bunting, who proved way too headstrong in the 21f Coral Cup at Cheltenham but could prove a different proposition back at 2m.

Prize Money: £45,000 (Winner: £23,148)
Willie Mullins saddles Armed And Fabulous.
Timeform: RUBY ISLAND has been improving for Nicky Richards and arrives on the back of a career-best when winning at this course (21.4f). She has a fine record here and makes most appeal with this longer trip expected to suit. Lightly-raced Fox’s Fancy finished only a neck behind the selection last time, and she may well improve on her second run of the season returning to 3m. Rockola Vogue is unexposed over staying distances, as is Armed And Fabulous representing title-chasing Willie Mullins.

Prize Money: £200,000 (Winner: £112,540)
Dan Skelton saddles Sail Away and Snipe.
Willie Mullins saddles Captain Cody, Chosen Witness, Klarc Kent, Macdermott, Olympic Man and Spanish Harlem.
Timeform: Willie Mullins took this 12 months ago and could again hold sway with his unexposed handicap debutant CHOSEN WITNESS taken to emerge on top now he tackles a marathon trip for the first time. Joe Tizzard’s new recruit Rock My Way could emerge as the chief threat on the back of an excellent second in Cheltenham’s National Hunt Chase, with The Kniphand, Wiseguy and Surrey Quest also firmly in the picture. Olympic Man and Captain Cody can’t be ruled out either from the all-conquering Mullins camp.

Prize Money: £20,000 (Winner: £10,562)
Willie Mullins saddles C’Est Ta Chance and Jump Allen.
Timeform: A clutch of potential improvers on show but JUMP ALLEN looks the way to go for Willie Mullins having turned a competitive-looking Naas handicap into a one-sided affair a month ago. Histrionic beat a subsequent winner at Chepstow and his limit has not yet been reached, with Calimystic another likeable type.

Prize Money: £20,000 (Winner: £10,406)
Willie Mullins saddles Chart Topper.
Timeform: QUEENSBURY BOY and Chart Topper are the pair that make most appeal. The latter has clocked some strong timefigures, notably when second in a Grade 2 at Kelso on most recent outing, but the former has more scope to improve further as a hurdler given his smart bumper form, which swings the vote narrowly in his favour.

Prize Money: £16,500 (Winner: £8,986)
Willie Mullins saddles Dysart Dolomite.
Timeform: Willie Mullins newcomer DYSART DOLOMITE is bred to be smart and gets the vote, with confidence increased should the betting vibes be strong. Conman John shaped well on his Newcastle bumper debut and is second choice ahead of Rules newcomer Kaklbrenner, who has had the form of his point win boosted.

Title: "Willie Mullins vs. Dan Skelton: The Thrilling Trainers’ Championship Showdown" The trainers’ title fight between Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton is well and truly on following the Irish maestro’s incredible Grand National result last Saturday. Nick Rockett led home a 1-2-3-5-7 for the Closutton gang to cap off a brilliant Aintree Grand National Festival that included bagging four consecutive Grade 1s on the opening day and cut Skelton’s lead in the standings to roughly £120,000. Skelton was the heavy odds-on favourite with Paddy Power to win the trainers’ championship before Mullins’ Merseyside magnificence and the roles have reversed as the current title holder sends a boat load of runners across the Irish Sea to Ayr on Saturday for a lucrative fixture headlined by the Scottish Grand National. He boasts a total of 17 horses across the card and, crucially, a runner in every race. Skelton, meanwhile, has declared six horses across four renewals. We’ve rounded up the two trainers’ runners across the cracking card and Timeform’s verdict on every race, otherwise, you can find the latest trainers’ championship odds on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app. Prize Money: £50,000 (Winner: £28,135) Dan Skelton saddles Etalon and Asta La Pasta (also declared Ayr Friday 15:50). Willie Mullins saddles Western Diego. Timeform: It evidently hasn’t been plain sailing for Dan Skelton with ETALON this campaign, yet there were definite signs of a revival on his penultimate start at Sandown and, with a tongue strap refitted (also had a wind op) following a lesser run at Kempton, he could just be worth chancing to bounce back. Western Diego is sure to be popular on handicap debut and along with Traprain Law and Homme Public, heads up the dangers in a competitive opener. Prize Money: £50,000 (Winner: £25,720) Dan Skelton saddles Theformismighty. Willie Mullins saddles Loughglynn. Timeform: LOUGHGLYNN has progressed well in maiden chases this season and his opening mark may well underestimate him with further improvement on the cards. Eyed has done nothing but improve for his current yard and rates the main threat ahead of the tough and likeable Masaccio. Prize Money: £100,000 (Winner: £56,270) Dan Skelton saddles Valgrand. Willie Mullins saddles Batman Girac, Bunting, Ethical Diamond and Karafon. Timeform: ETHICAL DIAMOND was an eyecatcher when fourth in the County at Cheltenham and can build on that promise and provide his yard with a significant winner in the trainers’ title race. Kabral du Mathan brings solid big-field form and is second choice ahead of another Willie Mullins runner Bunting, who proved way too headstrong in the 21f Coral Cup at Cheltenham but could prove a different proposition back at 2m. Prize Money: £45,000 (Winner: £23,148) Willie Mullins saddles Armed And Fabulous. Timeform: RUBY ISLAND has been improving for Nicky Richards and arrives on the back of a career-best when winning at this course (21.4f). She has a fine record here and makes most appeal with this longer trip expected to suit. Lightly-raced Fox’s Fancy finished only a neck behind the selection last time, and she may well improve on her second run of the season returning to 3m. Rockola Vogue is unexposed over staying distances, as is Armed And Fabulous representing title-chasing Willie Mullins. Prize Money: £200,000 (Winner: £112,540) Dan Skelton saddles Sail Away and Snipe. Willie Mullins saddles Captain Cody, Chosen Witness, Klarc Kent, Macdermott, Olympic Man and Spanish Harlem. Timeform: Willie Mullins took this 12 months ago and could again hold sway with his unexposed handicap debutant CHOSEN WITNESS taken to emerge on top now he tackles a marathon trip for the first time. Joe Tizzard’s new recruit Rock My Way could emerge as the chief threat on the back of an excellent second in Cheltenham’s National Hunt Chase, with The Kniphand, Wiseguy and Surrey Quest also firmly in the picture. Olympic Man and Captain Cody can’t be ruled out either from the all-conquering Mullins camp. Prize Money: £20,000 (Winner: £10,562) Willie Mullins saddles C’Est Ta Chance and Jump Allen. Timeform: A clutch of potential improvers on show but JUMP ALLEN looks the way to go for Willie Mullins having turned a competitive-looking Naas handicap into a one-sided affair a month ago. Histrionic beat a subsequent winner at Chepstow and his limit has not yet been reached, with Calimystic another likeable type. Prize Money: £20,000 (Winner: £10,406) Willie Mullins saddles Chart Topper. Timeform: QUEENSBURY BOY and Chart Topper are the pair that make most appeal. The latter has clocked some strong timefigures, notably when second in a Grade 2 at Kelso on most recent outing, but the former has more scope to improve further as a hurdler given his smart bumper form, which swings the vote narrowly in his favour. Prize Money: £16,500 (Winner: £8,986) Willie Mullins saddles Dysart Dolomite. Timeform: Willie Mullins newcomer DYSART DOLOMITE is bred to be smart and gets the vote, with confidence increased should the betting vibes be strong. Conman John shaped well on his Newcastle bumper debut and is second choice ahead of Rules newcomer Kaklbrenner, who has had the form of his point win boosted.

The trainers’ championship race between Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton has intensified following Mullins’ impressive performance at the Grand National Festival, where his horses dominated the event. With a strong showing, including a 1-2-3-5-7 finish, Mullins has narrowed Skelton’s lead to approximately £120,000. Skelton, previously the favorite, is now sending a significant number of runners to Ayr for the Scottish Grand National, where he has six horses competing across four races.

Mullins is fielding a total of 17 horses, ensuring representation in every race, while Skelton’s entries are more limited. The article outlines the key runners from both trainers in various races, highlighting their potential and recent performances. Notable matchups include Mullins’ Western Diego and Skelton’s Etalon, both of whom are expected to be competitive in their respective events.

As the championship unfolds, the article emphasizes the stakes involved, with substantial prize money on offer across the races. Mullins’ horses, including Ethical Diamond and Chosen Witness, are positioned as strong contenders, while Skelton’s entries like Valgrand and Sail Away aim to secure crucial victories to maintain his lead in the trainers’ standings.

Source:
news.paddypower.com
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Title: Sweden and Thailand Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation on Social Issues and Children’s Rights

Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand, H.E. Anna Hammargren, met with Thailand’s Minister for Social Development and Human Security, H.E. Varawut Silpa-archa, on Wednesday 23 April 2025, to discuss key social issues and ongoing bilateral cooperation.

According to a statement from the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok released on Facebook, the meeting covered a broad range of topics, including child protection, parental leave, and the challenges of an aging society.

Sweden congratulated Thailand on the recent adoption of legislation banning corporal punishment of children and shared perspectives on child online protection laws. This topic was also discussed at the Child Protection Forum in 2024, attended by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden.

Sweden continues to be a strong advocate for children’s rights both domestically and internationally.

The meeting also emphasized the shared commitment to promote gender equality, LGBTQI rights, and disability policies in international platforms. These initiatives are seen as essential for fostering a fair and inclusive society.

Sweden’s ongoing support for literacy and children’s literature in Thailand was also highlighted. Ambassador Hammargren presented the Minister with a collection of Swedish children’s books translated into Thai, underlining the importance of reading in child development.

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Title: Meet the Jockeys of the 151st Kentucky Derby: A Blend of Experience and New Talent

The roster of accomplished jockeys for the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) May 3 at Churchill Downs is expected to include six riders that have already won this race and five who are competing in the first leg of the Triple Crown for the first time. Let’s meet 20 of this year’s scheduled riders.

Junior Alvarado
Age: 38
Originally from: Venezuela
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5
Best finish: 4th in 2016
2025 Derby horse: Sovereignty

One of the leading jockeys in New York and Florida, Junior Alvarado has perhaps his best shot at winning the Kentucky Derby with what will be his sixth starter in the race. He has been aboard Sovereignty for each of his starts save the last, a runner-up finish in the Florida Derby (G1). Alvarado missed that race due to a minor injury, but he’s back now and will pilot the Bill Mott-trained colt in the Derby.

Javier Castellano
Age: 47
Originally from: Venezuela
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 16
Best finish: 1st in 2023
2025 Derby horse: Owen Almighty

Hall of Famer Javier Castellano entered the 2023 Kentucky Derby having appeared 15 prior times without a win. By the evening of May 6, Castellano had put that discussion to bed after giving Mage a perfect ride to win the 149th Derby. This year, Castellano will ride Owen Almighty, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3).

Manny Franco
Age: 30
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5
Best finish: 2nd in 2020
2025 Derby horse: East Avenue

Manny Franco has established himself as a perennial leading jockey in the New York Racing Association circuit. He will ride East Avenue in this year’s Derby, likely using the colt’s speed to vie for the early lead.

Martin Garcia
Age: 40
Originally from: Mexico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 4
Best finish: 3rd in 2015
2025 Derby horse: Citizen Bull

Martin Garcia has earned a reputation as one of the best pace jockeys in the business. He will pilot Citizen Bull, who figures to be vying for frontrunner status again in the Kentucky Derby.

Brian Hernandez Jr.
Age: 39
Originally from: Lafayette, La.
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5
Best finish: 1st in 2024
2025 Derby horse: Burnham Square

Brian Hernandez Jr. became the eighth jockey to win both the Kentucky Oaks and Derby in the same year. He’ll now have a chance to become the seventh to win back-to-back Kentucky Derbys aboard Burnham Square.

Nik Juarez
Age: 31
Originally from: Westminster, Md.
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0
2025 Derby horse: American Promise

This will be a year to remember for Nik Juarez as he gets an opportunity to ride in the Kentucky Derby for the first time. He has recently settled at Oaklawn Park, where he has become one of the main jockeys for legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

Christophe Lemaire
Age: 45
Originally from: France
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 2
Best finish: 6th in 2023
2025 Derby horse: Admire Daytona

Christophe Lemaire has won some of the most prestigious races in the world and will compete in this year’s Derby aboard Admire Daytona, who earned his spot by winning the United Arab Emirates Derby (G2).

Julien Leparoux
Age: 41
Originally from: France
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 14
Best finish: 4th in 2017
2025 Derby horse: Render Judgment

Julien Leparoux has been a mainstay on the Kentucky circuit for almost 20 years. This year, he’ll be piloting longshot Render Judgment for trainer Ken McPeek.

Jareth Loveberry
Age: 37
Originally from: Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 1
Best finish: 2nd in 2023
2025 Derby horse: Chunk of Gold

Will the second Kentucky Derby be the charm for Jareth Loveberry? He returns for another try aboard longshot Chunk of Gold.

Luan Machado
Age: 30
Originally from: Brazil
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0
2025 Derby horse: Final Gambit

Riding horses is a family occupation for first-time Kentucky Derby jockey Luan Machado, who has won five meet titles at Turfway Park.

João Moreira
Age: 41
Originally from: Brazil
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0
2025 Derby horse: Luxor Café

Nicknamed the "Magic Man," João Moreira has been a leading jockey in Hong Kong and will make his first start in the Kentucky Derby aboard Luxor Café.

Irad Ortiz Jr.
Age: 32
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 8
Best finish: 4th in 2019
2025 Derby horse: Publisher

Irad Ortiz Jr. is still in search of his first Kentucky Derby victory. This year he has his work cut out for him as he’s set to ride Publisher.

Jose Ortiz
Age: 31
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 9
Best finish: 2nd in 2018
2025 Derby horse: Sandman

Jose Ortiz has had more success in the Kentucky Derby than his brother Irad, finishing second aboard Good Magic in 2018. This year he will pilot Arkansas Derby winner Sandman.

Flavien Prat
Age: 32
Originally from: France
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 7
Best finish: 1st in 2019
2025 Derby horse: Neoequos and Baeza

Flavien Prat’s 2024 was one for the record books, and he has first preference to ride Baeza should he join the field.

Joseph Ramos
Age: 25
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0
2025 Derby horse: Flying Mohawk

In his seventh year as a professional jockey, Joe Ramos has reached the big time with his first Kentucky Derby mount.

Umberto Rispoli
Age: 36
Originally from: Italy
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 2
Best finish: 9th in 2024
2025 Derby horse: Journalism

Umberto Rispoli has situated himself among the top tier of jockeys based in Southern California and will wear the favorite’s cap in the Kentucky Derby aboard Journalism.

Joel Rosario
Age: 40
Originally from: Dominican Republic
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 13
Best finish: 1st in 2013
2025 Derby horse: Tiztastic

Joel Rosario, a Racing Hall of Fame inductee, will put his finishing ability to the test this year aboard deep closer Tiztastic.

Mike Smith
Age: 59
Originally from: Dexter, N.M.
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 28
Best finish: 1st in 2005 and 2018
2025 Derby horse: Rodriguez

Mike Smith returns to the Kentucky Derby for the first time since 2022, looking to add to his impressive record.

Juan Vargas
Age: 43
Originally from: Peru
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: none
2025 Derby horse: Coal Battle

Juan Vargas has been a fixture in Louisiana and is now carrying the "little guy" banner into Kentucky Derby 151.

John Velazquez
Age: 54
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 26
Best finish: 1st in 2011, 2017, and 2020
2025 Derby horse: Grande

John Velazquez has reached every professional pinnacle imaginable for a jockey and will regain the mount aboard Grande in the Kentucky Derby.

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