Andy McNamara

RTÉ Sport racing analyst

'In a week of fallen stars, where have all the big names gone? We need a hero. But he's gotta be strong, he's gotta be fast and he's gotta be larger than life.'

Is there a modern Mill House to frank Galopin's legacy?

With Willie Mullins' star Galopin Des Champs set to make history with a third Gold Cup, Andy McNamara wonders if any of his opponents can give him the challenge the occasion deserves.

Racing • 14 Mar

'Twenty years later and the Ryanair Chase has never fully caught the imagination'

French raider adds intrigue to a proper Ryanair battle

The two miles five furlongs of the Ryanair Chase hits a nice sweet spot between the skeltering speed of a Champion Chase and the enduring grind of a Gold Cup, writes Andy McNamara

Racing • 13 Mar

Jonbon owes connections nothing but needs festival win

The Champion Chase is the big event on day two at Cheltenham and Andy McNamara believes that the race could be decided by how Jonbon performs.

Racing • 12 Mar

'The camps behind favourite Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead are both bullish'

Constitution Hill's chance to gallop into history books

The Cheltenham Festival has landed and the highlight of Day 1 is the Champion Hurdle. The starter will be vainly shouting at disobeying deaf ears around 4pm.

Racing • 11 Mar

'I won't be swapping the parade ring for the pool, thanks'

Mullins to reign supreme as Cheltenham buzz descends

The annual festival in the Gloucestershire countryside begins with a race named in honour of the late Michael O'Sullivan, as Willie Mullins is expected to provide a hail of winners again

Racing • 09 Mar

'I cannot attest to Arkle or Flying Bolt but in my 41 years, this is the best Irish-trained chaser there has been'

Mullins to dominate but DRF a top-class racing festival

The Dublin Racing Festival was a brave bet, squashing three big days with long histories into just one weekend. We can look forward to its eighth running knowing that gamble has paid off handsomely, writes Andy McNamara.

Racing • 01 Feb

'Another to keep on your side is Gentleman's Game, the lightly-raced eight-year-old beat Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall, easily a career best. The most interesting aspect to him is his Mouse Morris's faith'

Big two catch the eye but lots of gold in the showpiece

The battle between Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow will dominate discussions, but there is depth to the Gold Cup field as always, writes Andy McNamara.

Racing • 14 Mar 24

'Owners who find their entire string missing the spring may well want to diversify'

Henderson woes may herald peak trainer concentration

Andy McNamara on the now growing trend of owners directing their investments into a narrower pool of trainers.

Racing • 13 Mar 24

'The Champion Chase is the most extreme experience in horse racing'

Forward, fast and fearless El Fabiolo poised for glory

The best jumpers are often not phenomenal or flamboyant, over the two miles of the Champion Chase they are forward, fast and fearless. El Fabiolo is all of those three, writes Andy McNamara.

Racing • 13 Mar 24

State Man's form deserved a rematch with Constitution Hill

State Man can impress despite sad absence of his rival

The absence of Constitution Hill may rob eager racegoers of an opening day 'I was there when moment', writes Andy McNamara.

Racing • 12 Mar 24