April 19 / 16.30 Fairyhouse

16.30

Yielding To Soft

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final (Listed Race)

  • Prize money: £24380.17
  • 2m 7f 141y
  • 24 runners
TG4
View Course
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final (Listed Race)

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 12431

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Point-to-point winner whose two hurdle wins have been on good ground; 2m5f Ballinrobe maiden and most recently nice bit of improvement in first-time cheekpieces in 2m7f Thurles novice in January, just holding on after leading after last; ground doesn't look likely to be in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 2

16:40 Sandown

Millforce

11st 7lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Henry Oliver

Signed off for Gavin Cromwell in Ireland with hard-fought win at Galway (2m6f, yielding) in the autumn but was pulled up when reappearing for new stable at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) ten days ago and needs to turn things around quickly.

16/1

6

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

17:00 Haydock

Millforce

10st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Henry Oliver

Absent since October when he signed off for Gavin Cromwell with a 2m6f win at Galway (yielding); stays 3m and should get this far, but would need to see some confidence behind him.

10/1

1st

2

26th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 111y

14:35 Galway

Millforce

11st 1lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won two of his six starts over hurdles; latest second at Fairyhouse his most encouraging run yet over fences but only four ran and his jumping was a bit scruffy; will need to be sharper all round in his first handicap but the ability is there.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 354549

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Point/bumper winner who was sent hurdling in only October, winning at first attempt in 2m6f Galway maiden but hasn't won in six attempts since, most recently none too fluent when never landing a blow in midfield in 3m Pertemps Final; bit to find but rider's claim a positive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Patter Merchant

11st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner is 0-6 over fences; ran well in a beginners' here in November but beaten 21l and pulled up in first two handicap chases at Punchestown and Cheltenham; others have more appealing profiles.

18/1

18

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Patter Merchant

10st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

7yo who is lightly raced over fences and represents top Irish yard; went close at Fairyhouse in November on second chase start but his form has gone the wrong way since and he was soundly beaten at Punchestown last month in his first handicap chase; ninth in the Pertemps Final here last March.

33/1

11th

2

15th Feb 2026

3m 3f 60y

15:00 Punchestown

Patter Merchant

11st 10lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper winner; failed to add to a maiden hurdle win; remote third behind top-class stablemate Romeo Coolio on chase debut at Down Royal; went close in less demanding company over 2m4f at Fairyhouse; has failed to build on that in races at Leopardstown and Navan; cheekpieces fitted for handicap debut.

10/1

Form: 337124

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Stamina proven having won 3m1f Navan handicap in December (yielding-to-soft) and subsequently second in 2m4f handicap at same track; solid fourth at Uttoxeter (3m) latest, despite hanging left; place claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Blaze The Way

12st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Off the mark over fences in good style at Cheltenham (extended 3m2f, good to soft) in December and that's the furthest he's been; worked his way into contention at the Festival there (3m1f Ultima) on latest outing until some bumping on the home turn and running out of steam; not disgraced there but 4m has to be something of a guess; cheekpieces are added.

25/1

7th

5

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Blaze The Way

11st 3lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Off the mark over fences at fifth attempt in good style here (3m2f, good to soft) in December, when back up in trip; well beaten in Grade 3 novice at Naas since but the heavy ground provides an excuse; a mark 8lb higher than for his course win may not be insurmountable for this unexposed 8yo.

14/1

5th

3

25th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 125y

15:25 Naas

Blaze The Way

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Fairly useful hurdler and stepped up a to another level on most recent of five attempts chasing when landing valuable 3m2f Cheltenham handicap (2lb wrong) last month, relishing the return to an extended trip (good-to-soft); out-and-out stayer who has winning form on heavy so has to be considered a major player.

11/4

Form: -15222

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Cork maiden win (2m4f) came on good but handled soft ground well on latest when good second in 2m7f Thurles novice last month; still improving so one to consider on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

16

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Blue Mosque

10st 5lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Won a bumper and Cork maiden hurdle in 2024 but no win since; however, she has run well in defeat several times up to 2m7f including at this track; up 2lb from last time and one to consider.

10/1

2nd

16

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 110y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Blue Mosque

10st 8lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Cork maiden hurdle winner in November 2024 (2m4f, good); struggled in first two runs this season at Leopardstown but signs of life when a 13l fourth at Naas (2m3f, sft-hvy) 29 days ago; the return to better ground here will suit and yard had a double at the Curragh on Good Friday; could go well.

16/1

4th

7

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 10y

15:30 Naas

Blue Mosque

11st 6lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Bumper winner here and maiden hurdle winner at Cork in 2024 (2m4f, good); good effort when runner-up behind Kaid d'Authie at the Punchestown festival in a conditions hurdle (2m4f, yielding); needs to return to form following two poor runs this season, finished last of 18 at Leopardstown last time (2m2f, heavy).

14/1

Form: -116P6

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won back to back handicaps in May-June of last year on decent ground; well below that level on three runs since November return, soft ground probably not ideal last time; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

16

3rd May 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:25 Punchestown

All For Rachel

10st 1lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

midfield

40/1

9th

16

3rd May 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:25 Punchestown

All For Rachel

10st 1lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

midfield

40/1

Form: 50-31P C

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Improved jumping under forcing tactics to land 2m4f maiden here in January (soft) but never counted in 3m Albert Bartlett Novices last month, a stiff task; Townend's pick entering handicaps here and one of the least exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

14

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Fishery Lane

10st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Maiden hurdle win over 2m4f; 0-6 chasing this term, decent handicap debut run at Leopardstown (2m6f), most recently halfway faller in 3m5f Ulster National; others possibly better handicapped and trip remains an unknown.

16/1

3

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 120y

16:27 Downpatrick

Fishery Lane

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Maiden hurdle over 2m4f; 0-5 chasing this term, modest placings behind stablemates in two beginners' events; fair effort when fourth at Leopardstown in his first handicap chase; open to improvement, but stablemate Uncle Pat appears more attractively handicapped

9/1

4th

10

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Fishery Lane

10st 4lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

After winning his maiden hurdle over 2m4f (Fairyhouse) he was pulled up twice; 0-4 chasing this term, modest placings behind stablemates the last twice; doesn't exactly seem thrown in on handicap chase debut (5lb higher than hurdles).

12/1

Form: 1O31

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Listowel bumper winner (2m4f) for Eugene O'Sullivan; promise first two hurdle runs before readily landing lesser 2m Hexham maiden last month; good chance he'll improve for this stamina test but opening mark on the high side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Road To Home

10st 13lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

He was set to be the only Willie Mullins runner in last week's Scottish National but was withdrawn due to the heavy ground; 7yo who was delivered with what seemed a winning challenge under Patrick Mullins in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m2f, good; furthest he's been) six weeks ago only to find that Ask Brewster battled back; up 6lb but has to be in serious calculations.

7/1

2nd

17

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Road To Home

11st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Pulled up over hurdles at Leopardstown (3m, heavy) last month and there's a stamina question to answer; however, his best form has come on good to soft ground over fences and the way he kept on for third at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in December hints he may have potential over a staying trip.

11/1

Form: 631315 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Point-to-point winner was winning for the second time over hurdles when landing 2m7f Thurles novice in December (good), winning going away; heavy ground probably didn't suit in Grade 3 last time; needs to some drying in the ground here on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Brave Fortune

11st 7lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Irish 7yo whose broadly progressive form switched to chasing this season features a comfortable win at Roscommon (sole attempt over 3m1f; good) in the summer and good second in Thurles handicap (2m5f, yielding) last time; still reasonably unexposed and looks interesting back up in distance.

6/1

2nd

2

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:50 Thurles

Brave Fortune

11st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Winning pointer and twice successful over hurdles for Pat Doyle; took third behind subsequent Galway Plate winner Western Fold on chasing debut before comfortably justifying favouritism next time at Roscommon (3m1f, good); made stable debut back from a break in a five-runner novice event at Fairyhouse last time when a distant fourth (2m5f, soft); shaped as though he would come on for the run that day.

8/1

1

9th Jun 2025

Good

3m 1f 24y

19:08 Roscommon

Brave Fortune

11st 12lb

J: Jack Doyle

T: P M J Doyle

Winning pointer who won twice over hurdles, including a 3l defeat of Heroes Rise at Thurles in December; matched that RPR when third on recent chase debut; good chance.

3/1

Form: -23221

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Promise in France and four times for current yard before off the mark last month when making all in 2m4f Navan maiden on soft (third has won since): stays 3m; one to consider on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

Autoportrait

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: M F Morris

in touch with leaders, not fluent 2nd

12/1

10th

6

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

Autoportrait

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: M F Morris

in touch with leaders, not fluent 2nd

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 753-21 D

Last run: 88 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Both wins have come at Ayr on soft ground; bumper last season and most recently on fifth attempt hurdling in ordinary 3m maiden in January; bit to do off this opening mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 2

13:45 Ayr

Ayiko

10st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: S R B Crawford

He can make mistakes and was pulled up at Fairyhouse just 12 days ago in first-time cheekpieces (retained); however, he jumped to the left and returns to a left-handed track for the first time since his promising second on chase debut at Haydock (2m4f, soft); won 3m maiden hurdle here; interesting.

25/1

10

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Ayiko

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: S R B Crawford

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner, both at Ayr; best of three chase efforts came at Haydock in December when 2l behind the 124-rated Lario; has run well here over timber and he can't be fully dismissed in a new headgear combination.

9/1

5th

4

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 86y

16:13 Down Royal

Ayiko

11st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

124-rated hurdler was beaten 2l on his chase debut at Haydock (2m4f, soft) and that form has been boosted by the third who has won twice since; beaten 4.5l over 3m in a Carlisle handicap chase on latest; could do better dropped back in trip; chance.

7/2

Form: 132201 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner and some solid runs in defeat in maiden hurdles before making all to land odds in ordinary 3m Limerick contest last month (yielding) in first-time visor; in between only midfield in valuable 3m Leopardstown handicap; more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

4th Oct 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

15:40 Gowran Park

Custom Taylor

11st 10lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Declan Queally

On a hat-trick after wins in a 3m maiden hurdle at Limerick and off 122 in a 2m7f Listed novice handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse; stays well and is suited by plenty of ease in the ground; interesting with an experienced 7lb claimer aboard.

5/1

Form: 36-140 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Beat Ayiko 4.5l in C&D maiden in December (yielding) but well held twice since in novice company, latest when dropping out tamely in Albert Bartlett; enters handicap company and don't rule out improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

Inn At The Park

11st 4lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

midfield

14/1

9

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

Inn At The Park

11st 4lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

midfield

14/1

Form: 13U910 D

Last run: 133 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Likes a stamina test, winning 3m Kilbeggan maiden last summer and 2m7f Bangor novice handicap in November; soft ground probably didn't suit when last seen in December so legitimate ground concerns here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

24th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Cheltenham

Beaufort Scale

11st 11lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Well beaten on latest hurdling start in April and has performed well in only one of his four subsequent chases, when second in Kilbeggan beginners' event (2m4f, yielding) two starts ago; ought to be suited by today's move back up in trip but has some questions to answer.

14/1

Form: 4736

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Steady improvement in maidens, notably Punchestown third (2m) but looked a bit onepaced on handicap debut over 2m4f at Naas last month; greater stamina test here could bring improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

19th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

15:18 Tramore

Dont Tell Jack

11st 4lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: E Bolger

0-4 in chases and rated 111; good third off that mark in a handicap chase at Navan on latest; 0-5 over hurdles but ran well when third behind Ethical Diamond and Kainsbourg in a Punchestown maiden in February 2025; big chance if he repeats that.

7/2

3rd

6

21st Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 1f 0y

16:52 Navan

Dont Tell Jack

11st 3lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: E Bolger

One of two for trainer; poor in opening beginners' chases and just modest improvement for switch to a handicap last time when beaten 21l; trainer's/owner's best chance appears to be Park That.

15/1

Form: F12140 BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Progressive mare earlier in the season, winning mares' handicaps at Cork and Ballinrobe on good ground; couldn't quite cope with step up in grade afterwards and ran no sort of race back in handicap last month; upped in trip now, wants better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Cobra Queen

10st 8lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Henry De Bromhead

Better chaser than hurdler; couple of wins over 2m6f last summer, but much stiffer task here after a layoff and O'Keeffe prefers yard's other runner.

14/1

1st

1

29th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 146y

17:10 Roscommon

Cobra Queen

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Dual hurdle winner but this winning pointer was always likely to do better over fences and she jumped well when winning a beginners' for mares at Tramore (2m6f, good); useful RPR suggests this mark will be fine.

11/4

Form: 431 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Unraced for Willie Mullins; 8yo won at third time of asking for current yard when upped to today's trip in Limerick maiden early this month (good); likely more to come given a good stamina test which he'll get here and seems to handle soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

19

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Promontory

10st 10lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Sarah Joanna Connell

9yo who is well related (half-brother to Kildisart and The Big Breakaway) but very lightly raced for his age; remote second of 17 at Navan (3m, heavy) in his first handicap chase, which he followed with much better form to win 13-runner Dublin National at Leopardstown (3m4f, yielding to soft) last time, scooting just over 6l clear on the run-in; has a much higher British mark today but also untapped potential and he's one to consider.

15/2

1st

6

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 4f 61y

16:55 Leopardstown

Promontory

11st 10lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Sarah Joanna Connell

Not much mileage on the clock for a 9yo; Limerick maiden hurdle winner in April (3m, good); stepped up to 3m for first time over fences for handicap chase debut at Navan last time when keeping on well for second behind 22l winner Rokathir (followed up next time); had So They Tell Me 0.5l behind and Gringo d'Aubrelle a further 8l back that day; player.

6/1

Form: 721473 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner got off the mark hurdling in Cork maiden (beating Autoportrait) over this trip in January; hasn't really gone on from that although ground probably plenty quick enough on recent run in Wexford novice; not one to rule out if ground remains on the soft side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

The Story So Far

11st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

midfield

20/1

14th

13

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

The Story So Far

11st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

midfield

20/1

Form: 5237-1

Last run: 107 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Finally off the mark over timber at sixth attempt when landing 2m5f Ayr maiden in January (second won next time out and is rated 116 in Britain) on soft, despite jumping right; that had come after a 247-day absence so quite possible he'll have more to offer returned to handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

21

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Al Kalila

10st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Maiden hurdle winner built on previous chasing promise with a 2l win at Kelso in February (2m5f, good to soft) in a four-runner field; this is a different challenge altogether and needs to improve again in first-time cheekpieces.

16/1

1st

3

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 3

17:10 Kelso

Al Kalila

10st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: S R B Crawford

Ayr maiden hurdle winner (2m4f; made much of running) last winter; shaped well over the extended 2m7f here on his first two starts this season and he wasn't disgraced over 3m at Down Royal last time; this drop in distance should suit him and he could be ready to strike.

9/4

Form: 4-2411 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Improving 6yo since upped in trip, backing up 3m Uttoxeter maiden win by taking 2m7f Bangor handicap last month (good) when making all; jumping still lacks fluency which could make him vulnerable in this higher grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

24th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 11y

Class 5

16:53 Chepstow

Andy Amo

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

midfield, headway 5f out, outpaced 4f out, soon no impression, went third inside final furlong

4/1

Form: 038221

Last run: 6 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Progressive mare twice runner-up in 2m handicaps before nice bit of improvement when upped to 2m6f in Tramore maiden six days ago, readily going clear before last (yielding); good chance she'll get this longer trip too and remains on a nice mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

10th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 50y

15:15 Cork

Fairyland Opera

11st 12lb

J: Anna McGuinness

T: Mrs Lorna Fowler

Hurdles win came in a Tramore maiden in August (2m6f, yielding); form tanked after that over fences and hurdles; distant third at Naas when last seen in February (2m, soft to heavy); others of more interest.

16/1

3rd

6

7th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 158y

14:50 Naas

Fairyland Opera

11st 2lb

J: Anna McGuinness

T: Mrs Lorna Fowler

Beaten only a neck in this race last year during a good spell; a return to that form would see her involved; undistinguished chase form this term, but should not be ruled out.

5/1

Form: 756446

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Pick of maiden form came when fourth in 2m7f Navan contest last month (heavy), poor effort three weeks later however behind Autoportrait at same track; others preferred on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

4th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 50y

15:55 Down Royal

Goody Four Shoes

11st 7lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Thomas Gibney

Some fair efforts hurdling and ran okay in both beginners' chases; 9-1 for handicap bow over C&D last month, disputing lead when fell 4 out.

8/1

5

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 50y

16:37 Down Royal

Goody Four Shoes

11st 3lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Thomas Gibney

Some decent hurdle runs without winning; not bad efforts both chase starts but will have to find improvement for handicap debut.

10/1

5th

3

3rd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Goody Four Shoes

11st 12lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Thomas Gibney

Pick of hurdle form when fourth in 2m6f Navan maiden last March (heavy); from a staying jumping family; prominent for a long way when fourth on chase debut at Thurles in January; likely to need more experience.

12/1

Form: 435016 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Won 2m4f maiden here and scored in handicap company over 2m6f at Thurles last month on good ground; seemed to be ridden to stay trip here on latest when never nearer sixth; cheekpieces now tried, ideally wants better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:05 Wexford

Born Bright

11st 12lb

J: James Smith

T: Ms Claire O’Connell

Dual hurdles winner was in good form over fences last summer, winning twice; has won after a break before, so she's in the mix on return.

7/1

4th

7

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 80y

16:15 Killarney

Born Bright

11st 3lb

J: James Smith

T: Ms Claire O’Connell

Dual hurdle winner has shown improved form chasing lately, winning handicaps at Tipperary and Market Rasen over approx 3m; needs to find more on these terms.

8/1

4

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Market Rasen

Born Bright

11st 13lb

J: James Smith

T: Ms Claire O’Connell

Under pressure a good way out but outstayed her rivals over 2m7f at Tipperary (yielding) on handicap debut over fences; that was on a par with the best of her hurdle form and she rates a likely contender.

6/1

Form: 35215P C

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in bumpers for John McConnell; consistent over hurdles and got deserved maiden win here (2m4f, soft) in January; never competitive (hampered early) upped to 3m on recent handicap debut at Cork latest, ultimately pulled up; has form at 3m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:47 Wexford

Workinonadream

11st 1lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Off the mark at the seventh attempt over hurdles in a maiden at Fairyhouse in January (2m4f, soft); pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Cork when last seen in March; rated 112 and this looks too big an ask on return.

14/1

Form: 17FU21 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won over 2m4f at Sligo earlier in the season and most recently posted career-best in winning over C&D early this month (good-to-yielding); 6lb rise but could be the type to keep improving.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

12th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 172y

19:58 Sligo

The Miracle Man

11st 9lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: A L T Moore

Course winner in October 2024 at 20.5f off 91; added a 3m Fairyhouse handicap hurdle (gd-yld) in April 2025 off 10lb higher; has held form pretty well off revised mark since and return to this venue and better ground both positives; player.

6/1

3rd

3

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 180y

15:20 Navan

The Miracle Man

11st 9lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: A L T Moore

Two-time winner at 2m4f-3m; has run well on two of last three starts, including a 6.5l second here (3m1f, sft-hvy) in December; should be staying on at the finish at this trip; place shout at least.

9/2

3rd

11

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 110y

13:10 Gowran Park

The Miracle Man

11st 0lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: A L T Moore

Dual hurdles winner, the latest at Fairyhouse (3m, good to yielding) last April off 101; back to that level when second at Navan last month (3m1f, soft to heavy); below best when fourth at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day; place claims.

12/1

Verdict

Very competitive. This is a fair step up from winning a lowly Tramore maiden but FAIRYLAND OPERA had been competitive in handicaps over shorter trips before that win, so could be ahead of the handicapper at this longer trip. She gets a tentative vote, with strong claims held by the likes of Andy Amo, Millforce and the unexposed Fishery Lane. The Story So Far is one to watch for market moves. [Alan Hewison]

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Andy Amo

The Irish Sun:

Dont Tell Jack

SPOTLIGHT:

Fairyland Opera

TOPSPEED:

Andy Amo

POSTDATA:

Andy Amo