June 27 / 17.50 Curragh

17.50

Good

JJ Mahon & Sons Handicap

  • Prize money: £14628.1
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • 16 runners
RTV
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JJ Mahon & Sons Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.00
  • Place: £3.40

Form: 028-00 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Winner of two handicaps last year including at this track off 3lb lower in August (1m, good to firm); has appeared out of her depth in two Listed starts on turf this year; now returns to calmer waters with cheekpieces applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(12)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

18:40 Leopardstown

Quadruple

10st 0lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: G M Lyons

Winner of two handicaps last year; out of her depth in Listed races on first two starts this term; profited from a drop in class at the Curragh on penultimate start; her stable appears to have stronger candidates.

16/1

1

(6)

13th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:05 Gowran Park

Quadruple

10st 0lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

Winner of two handicaps last year, including a Curragh defeat of today's rival Chicago Fireball; out of her depth in Listed races on first two starts this term; profited from a drop in class when beating Exquisite Acclaim over this trip at the Curragh in June; 9lb higher for the rematch.

5/2

1st

4

(2)

27th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

17:50 Curragh

Quadruple

9st 10lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

Winner of two handicaps last year including at this track off 3lb lower in August (1m, good to firm); has appeared out of her depth in two Listed starts on turf this year; now returns to calmer waters with cheekpieces applied.

9/1

16/1

  • Place: £6.60

Form: 141007 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
AW specialist; sole turf win came at Gowran last August off 2lb higher (7f, good to firm); his runs this term have been below his best; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(4)

16th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Exquisite Acclaim

9st 6lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Eight wins on this surface and returned to his best when just overhauled late in a C&D handicap last week; leading contender.

5/1

4th

8

(3)

22nd Sep 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

16:41 Listowel

Exquisite Acclaim

9st 1lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: Adrian McGuinness

One of three runners for his yard; all bar one of his nine wins have come on sand, including the Laytown race in which he was third 12 days ago (beaten just under 5l); wears new headgear combination; others appeal more.

14/1

3rd

11

(11)

10th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

19:20 Laytown

Exquisite Acclaim

11st 9lb

T: Adrian McGuinness

First reserve; won off 7lb higher at Dundalk (7f) in January, his eighth AW win; is 3lb lower than when winning this race last year and didn't run too badly over 1m at Navan on latest; could be a danger to all if getting a run.

OUR TIP

33/1

  • Place: £5.10

Form: 177-00 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Has won four times at 1m; won a premier handicap here in 2023 off a mark of 87; two runs this term have been poor including last of 18 here in May when keen (1m, good); needs more and this trip may be on the short side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(9)

21st Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

16:57 Fairyhouse

Blues Emperor

10st 0lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: William Harvey

Five-time winner for Johnny Murtagh and clearly not the horse he once was, but showed that he is potentially at a winning level when a close third in a 1m handicap at Cork two weeks ago; this might be his trip now and he is certainly respected.

8/1

3rd

3

(9)

9th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

19:15 Cork

Blues Emperor

9st 13lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: William Harvey

Five wins for Johnny Murtagh; went close for this yard at the Curragh in April (7f, soft); below best in four starts since then; has tumbled in the ratings but will make limited appeal until showing signs of a revival.

25/1

12/1

Form: 26-157 C

Last run: 46 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Narrow winner here in March (1m, soft); ran respectably back here on his next run when a 4l fifth of 15 (1m, soft); ducked severely right when finishing in mid-field last time at Roscommon (7f, soft); tongue-tie goes back on after it was left off last time but may prefer softer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(12)

16th Oct 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Goldrush Kid

8st 12lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Adrian McGuinness

Claimed out of Patrick Magee's after winning at Laytown (6f); no impression in two turf handicaps since joining this yard and not bred to stay this far.

14/1

10th

8

(9)

30th Sep 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 205y

15:15 Bellewstown

Goldrush Kid

9st 8lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Has won over 1m on soft; claimed after 6f win at Laytown and on a decent mark.

7/1

1st

6

(1)

10th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

16:39 Laytown

Goldrush Kid

10st 3lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Patrick Magee

Stable won this race last year; won a Curragh handicap in March of last year (1m, soft); no joy since and went wrong when pulled up at Bellewstown when last seen in April (sent off favourite); market can guide after a break.

9/1

Form: -96047 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
2.5l fourth of 20 over C&D when 6lb out of the handicap in May (good); stayed on well to finish 2.75l behind the winner here last time (6f, good); return to 7f looks like a positive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(7)

15th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 40y

19:30 Killarney

Secret Magician

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Martin Hassett

Last turf win came at Naas nearly two years ago (off 63); standout run this term when C&D third (neck off second-placed Jasmine Affanalis) in May, most recently didn't seem to get home at Bellewstown; Colin Keane booking takes the eye.

15/2

6th

8

(3)

2nd Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 211y

18:10 Bellewstown

Secret Magician

9st 9lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: Martin Hassett

Last turf win came at Naas in August 2024 (7f, good); signs he could capitalise on sliding mark when close third at Killarney (1m, good) in May but disappointing favourite at Listowel next time; failed to see out 1m1f on soft at Leopardstown on latest but definite player at his best.

14/1

7th

8

(1)

11th Jun 2026

Soft

1m 1f 0y

20:30 Leopardstown

Secret Magician

9st 10lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Martin Hassett

Last turf win came at Naas in August 2024 over 7f on good; signs he could capitalise on sliding mark when close third at Killarney (1m, good) in May but disappointing favourite at Listowel 11 days ago; step up in trip should suit but becoming hard to predict.

14/1

7/1

Form: -54634

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
0.75l in front of Dark Viper when fourth of 12 last time at Leopardstown (7f, good); made a very positive return to turf over the C&D when a 2l third of 20 last month (good); he is consistent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

22

(25)

13th Sep 2026

Yielding

0m 6f 0y

13:45 Curragh

Genesis

8st 7lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Most consistent sprinter, scoring over C&D earlier in season and battled on well to land Rockingham Handicap (5f) in June; subsequently third of 20 to Sondad in Scurry over further and good third to Bear On The Run over C&D latest; model of consistency but could be vulnerable off likely strong pace and 4lb out of handicap.

16/1

3rd

5

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

14:15 Curragh

Genesis

8st 12lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Succession of good runs over various sprint trips here this year; won the Rockingham in June and good second over that 5f distance last time; previously, had four of these behind when third in the Scurry over an extended 6f, which was a bit too far.

11/2

2nd

10

(10)

9th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

14:50 Curragh

Genesis

8st 13lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Has been in the form of his life this season; won over 6f here on seasonal return and bagged another victory in a C&D premier handicap in June despite being 3lb out of the weights; didn't quite see out the 6.5f trip of the Scurry handicap here last month, but it was still a blinding run to finish third; went too quick at Cork last time; definite chance.

10/1

Form: 28-002 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Bounced back to form when beaten a neck at Gowran last time in a first-time hood (7f, soft); short of room that day before running on well; in front of Ribchestina on that occasion; raised 3lb but she has a good chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(11)

16th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Four Blondes

10st 1lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Just the one win in 2024 but has run with credit in a couple of big field handicaps this summer; surprisingly has never run on this surface before; getting down to quite a handy mark.

8/1

9th

10

(1)

21st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

18:57 Fairyhouse

Four Blondes

9st 6lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Sole win was in 7f maiden here two years ago; has come down appreciably in the ratings and a couple of creditable 6f runs at the Curragh this season, including when around 4l off Clonmacash last time.

10/1

Form: 53-000 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Needs rain to be seen at his best; 2-35 and is still 5lb above his last winning mark which came here last April (6f, heavy); hard to see him being involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

22nd Sep 2026

Yielding

0m 7f 15y

14:57 Listowel

Mercurial

9st 6lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: John J Nallen

Far better known for finishing second or third than winning; runner-up in a handicap here in May and a close third at Roscommon last month; can be thereabouts again; fourth in this race last year.

8/1

3rd

12

(5)

31st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 94y

17:55 Roscommon

Mercurial

9st 1lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: John J Nallen

Plenty of ability but very hard to win with; sole Irish success came at the Curragh in April 2024; later that year, twice second to Merisi Diamond over C&D; again ran well here on seasonal debut and when second at Listowel later in May; possibly needed the run here last time.

12/1

8th

16

(1)

18th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 111y

19:15 Roscommon

Mercurial

9st 4lb

T: John J Nallen

First reserve; has run well in both starts this season; beaten 2.25l when runner up at Listowel when last seen in May; has gone well fresh before and C&D form figures read 224; chance if gets a run.

9/1

Form: 2-1505

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Four wins on AW; 1-18 on turf but ran on well last time at Fairyhouse to finish 2l behind the winner in fifth (6f, good to yielding); well beaten at this track on penultimate start in May; worth another try at 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(2)

25th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

18:00 Dundalk (AW)

Mehman

9st 12lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: P J F Murphy

Four wins here; plenty of placed form here in headgear early in the year and running okay on turf lately; good draw and unlikely to be too far away.

10/1

7th

9

(12)

9th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:10 Cork

Mehman

9st 7lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: P J F Murphy

Four-time AW sprint winner is 1-24 on turf; ran well at Bellewstown and Naas earlier this season but below best of late over 7f; back in trip with a bit to prove.

14/1

Form: 10-507 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
AW and turf winner in the UK last year for Owen Burrows; made a promising stable debut at Cork in April when fifth (7f, good); hasn't beaten a rival on his last two starts; he is capable of better
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(7)

12th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:05 Bath

Green Icon

9st 6lb

J: Millie Wonnacott

T: John & Rhys Flint

Ex-Irish 4yo who bettered low-key stable debut when respectable third of seven behind well-handicapped winner at Ffos Las (7.3f, good; refitted cheekpieces) last month; needs more again today but will be fine over 1m.

14/1

3rd

6

(6)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 80y

Class 6

14:45 Ffos Las

Green Icon

9st 2lb

J: William Carson

T: John & Rhys Flint

Regressive in Ireland over last two seasons and made nothing better than a mildly encouraging stable debut when midfield at Chepstow (7f, good to firm) last month; needs a boost from the refitted cheekpieces.

20/1

7th

3

(5)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

16:25 Chepstow

Green Icon

9st 9lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: John & Rhys Flint

Promising 2yo for Owen Burrows (RPR 83); 0-20 in Ireland for Denis Hogan, with 2026 offering no sign of a revival in his fortunes; starts out for a new yard off a lowly mark so worth a precautionary market check.

20/1

11th
11 (12)
Monotone

33/1

Form: 7-4370

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Hasn't progressed since winning a Cork maiden on second start last year (5f, heavy); stayed on into third at Gowran in April (7f, yielding); hasn't backed that up in two runs since and finished last of 12 recently; new headgear is now tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(9)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

16:50 Catterick

Monotone

9st 9lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Antony Brittain

Juvenile winner for Jim Bolger (Cork, 5f maiden, heavy); disappointing since joining this trainer (0-6), falling 20lb in the weights; slowly away and never involved at Thirsk (6f, good; 40-1) latest; hard to recommend now returning to 7f.

25/1

14th

12

(12)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:47 Thirsk

Monotone

8st 12lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Antony Brittain

Dropping down the weights and his latest Pontefract fifth was marginally more encouraging; more required back up in class though.

33/1

5th

1

(7)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 6

17:35 Pontefract

Monotone

9st 9lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Thrown in on his form for Jim Bolger but he has finished down the field in four runs for new connections, weakening over 7f and 6f; the return of a tongue tie may help, as will the drop into a Class 6, so not discounted back at 5f for the owners who took this race 12 months ago.

33/1

Form: 3344

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Close third in soft ground maiden at Gowran in April (7f); 1m may have been too far last time at Leopardstown when he weakened into fourth (good); return to 7f likely to suit him better and he is worth a look on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

24th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:07 Listowel

Hopes Are High

11st 4lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: William Durkan

Was 2-4 in early 3yo hurdles last season, including over C&D; absent after finishing second at Punchestown in October until fair Flat comeback at Galway in July; respectable display back over hurdles when third behind two older rivals at Kilbeggan early this month.

10/1

3rd

1

4th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 26y

16:42 Kilbeggan

Hopes Are High

11st 12lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: William Durkan

Was 2-4 in early 3yo hurdles last season, winning around this time of year at Ballinrobe and Listowel; absent after finishing second at Punchestown in October until fair Flat comeback at Galway in July; plenty of weight against his elders on handicap debut.

8/1

6th

8

(8)

29th Jul 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 43y

19:15 Galway

Hopes Are High

11st 12lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: William Durkan

Took well to hurdles, winning at Ballinrobe and Listowel last year before good second at Punchestown in October; fair Flat form over shorter trips than today's so stamina concerns on comeback run.

12/1

Form: /36-24 BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced front-runner; returned from a year-long break to finish a 0.5l second at Cork (7f, good); missed the start at Gowran last time and ran keenly when unable to lead, finishing behind Four Blondes (7f, soft); hood goes on and may be capable of reversing the placings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

30th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

14:55 Bath

Ribchestina

9st 10lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Promising 2yo in Ireland who contested a Group race and her first blip this season was last time at the Curragh; moved yards and back from a break; market may guide.

12/1

16/1

Form: 1620-4

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won a Newmarket novice race last season for William Haggas (1m, good); ran well on handicap debut at Haydock in August when second of nine (1m, good to firm); needs to overcome an underwhelming run on stable debut at Listowel last month (1m good); drop to 7f not sure to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

24th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:42 Listowel

Kilt

10st 13lb

J: Ross Sugrue

T: P J Rothwell

Remains 8lb higher than when winning at Wexford in May; reasonably consistent in recent months, but needs to raise his game.

12/1

6th

14

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 87y

17:37 Down Royal

Kilt

11st 0lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Sole win came off 9lb lower at Wexford (2m1f, gd-yld) back in May; not beaten that far in three starts since, including when a 7l fourth of 11 at Cork on latest; needs to find a bit more off current mark.

8/1

4th

9

3rd Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:00 Cork

Kilt

10st 8lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: P J Rothwell

Flat winner won a 2m1f Wexford handicap hurdle in May (good-to-yielding) and okay runs twice since off 9lb higher; can be keen.

20/1

Form: 1000-6 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden here last year (6f, soft to heavy); followed that win with another success at this track off his current mark (7f, good); poor in following three runs but not a bad effort on seasonal return at Fairyhouse last time after being gelded; can improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(7)

15th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 30y

14:40 Punchestown

Follow Me

9st 11lb

J: W J Lee

T: Ross O’Sullivan

No further success since winning back-to-back at the Curragh in 2024 on first two starts for this stable; positive signs at Roscommon and Dundalk on his two most recent starts.

6/1

3rd

10

(14)

15th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

16:35 Dundalk (AW)

Follow Me

8st 12lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Has come up dry since winning back-to-back races at the Curragh on first two starts for this stable in 2024; positive signs at Roscommon in cheekpieces on latest and now tries a visor for his AW debut; on a dangerous mark if taking to this surface.

11/2

Form: 0-2135

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark when winning a Leopardstown handicap off a mark of 71 in March (1m, good); hasn't built on that success in two runs over 7f since then; may be finding this trip a little sharp.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(2)

18th Oct 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:12 Leopardstown

Dark Viper

10st 0lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Three-time winner here over 1m/1m1f; stamina won't be a problem as he was keeping on when fourth over 1m4f on the AW last week (visored; last win was in these reapplied blinkers); not handicapped out of it.

8/1

21

(19)

12th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

14:10 Leopardstown

Dark Viper

8st 8lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Third reserve; has only ever won here, but not easy to catch right and probably wants further these days.

6th

1

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Dark Viper

12st 9lb

J: Tara Hayes

T: Mrs John Harrington

Three wins have come at Leopardstown up to 1m1f; this trip is likely to stretch him.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €304.80
Straight Forecast €269.85
Tricast €4821.93
Trifecta €1388.40

Selections

The Irish Sun:

Genesis

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Four Blondes

TOPSPEED:

Follow Me

SPOTLIGHT:

Ribchestina

POSTDATA:

Dark Viper