July 28 / 18.40 Galway

18.40

Good

Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap

  • Prize money: £53636.36
  • 2m 0f 179y
  • 20 runners
RTE2
View Course
Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 1204-0

Last run: 41 days

W: 12st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Off the mark over hurdles at Ballinrobe in May on second start for this yard at Ballinrobe; useful five-time Flat winner for Andrew Balding; could make no impression when returning to Britain for the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot; no match for a Willie Mullins-trained favourite in a novice hurdle at Roscommon three weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

28th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Fairbanks

12st 2lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: William Durkan

Off the mark over hurdles at Ballinrobe in May on second start for this yard at Ballinrobe; useful five-time Flat winner for Andrew Balding; could make no impression when returning to Britain for the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot; no match for a Willie Mullins-trained favourite in a novice hurdle at Roscommon three weeks ago.

25/1

2nd

1

7th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 204y

18:43 Roscommon

Fairbanks

11st 8lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: William Durkan

Off the mark over hurdles on second start for this yard at Ballinrobe (16.5f, good) in May; smart form on the Flat for Andrew Balding but came up short back on the level in a hot Royal Ascot handicap three weeks ago; top-rated here at 128; obvious chance on ground that will suit.

15/8

4

(19)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Fairbanks

9st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: William Durkan

Progressive for Andrew Balding last year, winning two handicaps (1m4f/1m6f, AW/good); went over hurdles last month for his new yard and won a maiden at Ballinrobe three weeks ago; could go well now back on the Flat.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 97-227

Last run: 38 days

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Third in last year's Dante for Owen Burrows; two less distinguished runs before sold for 155,000gns last October, gelded, and returned with second to Falcon Eight in 1m6f conditions event at Gowran in April; touched off in a similar event at Killarney in May; seventh of 18 behind an Irish-trained winner of a 1m4f Royal Ascot handicap; big chance if he stays.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(9)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:20 Killarney

War Rooms

9st 7lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Gerard Keane

Gained first win since 2023 with good attitude shown at Ballinrobe (1m5f, good) 32 days ago, defeating Truth Be Told by a neck; raised 6lb and probably not guaranteed to back that up but did run well over C&D last year.

10/1

1st

3

(7)

20th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 179y

19:10 Ballinrobe

War Rooms

9st 10lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

No win since 2023; big chance off this mark on best runs over 1m6f/1m4f last season and though well beaten in both runs this term, they were over an inadequate trip; this distance much more suitable and Colin Keane takes over; interesting.

16/1

Form: 61-600 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot in 2023; third in the same race and landed 2m Curragh Group 3 last November; also effective in major staying handicaps but ran no sort of race in the Chester Cup and was a long way down the field in the Ascot Stakes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

3

(17)

31st Jul 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

18:35 Galway

Dawn Rising

9st 12lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Group 3 winner ran a huge race in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, gd-fm) last October, beaten just 1.25l into second; just 1lb higher here but hasn't really fired in three runs this term and this trip looks on the sharp side.

33/1

8th

1

(9)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 0lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Smart dual-purpose performer but on losing run since November 2024; excellent second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last October but well below best in three runs this term and this trip looks far too sharp; others appeal more.

18/1

7th

2

(4)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Dawn Rising

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; recent run here was over an inadequate trip, more expected of here and seemingly McMonagle's pick.

10/1

Form: 47-416

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Dual-purpose veteran with 7-31 Flat record; beat War Rooms at level weight in a 1m6f Gowran conditions event on yielding ground in April; may have found the ground a bit quick when 10l sixth of 13 in a 1m6f handicap at the Curragh last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 116y

16:52 Punchestown

Falcon Eight

11st 4lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: D K Weld

Classy stayer on the Flat but getting long in the tooth; infrequent runner over hurdles nowadays and was well behind when unseating late on at the festival here.

16/1

17

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Falcon Eight

11st 6lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: D K Weld

Chester Cup winner in 2021, also a 2m Curragh Group 3 winner in 2023; seven Flat wins in all; at the veteran stage now; four seasons since his only hurdles success.

20/1

6th

5

(6)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:27 Curragh

Falcon Eight

9st 5lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Veteran who got his seventh Flat win at Gowran last April (1m6f, yielding); hasn't counted in four handicaps since and finished last of the 20 runners at Naas when last seen in October; others preferred.

25/1

Form: 41/03-

Last run: 267 days

W: 11st 13lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Versatile veteran won the Cesarewitch in 2023; slowly away and never figured in repeat bid last year on belated seasonal debut; 40-1 outsider of five when 6l third behind Dawn Rising in 2m Curragh Group 3 last November.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(2)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 71y

14:30 Curragh

The Shunter

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Emmet Mullins

Useful jumper has won twice on the Flat, the last being the 2023 Cesarewitch; didn't get the clearest passage when beaten 11l in this year's renewal; handles this ground and can run well.

12/1

Form: /071-3

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful hurdler, below form in two festival runs this spring; ran in three big-field Flat handicaps last autumn, strong form when beating Toll Stone in the 2m Naas November Handicap at the end of the season; ran a fine race when third behind Ascending and stablemate Nurburgring in an Irish-dominated Ascot Stakes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

7

1st Aug 2026

Good

2m 6f 108y

15:12 Galway

Comfort Zone

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Came back to form in terrific style when winning the Connacht Hotel Flat Handicap over 2m on Monday here; hasn't run over hurdles since May 2025 but can be a big player with his confidence boosted.

5/1

1st

8

(20)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Comfort Zone

11st 9lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Most recent of his five wins was in a valuable 2m handicap at Naas in October 2024; ran poorly when well fancied for this race last year, others seem more dependable; one of three in the field for his owner, Derek O'Connor rides.

14/1

11th

8

(14)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Comfort Zone

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Always behind in his two races this spring (1m2f/1m4f; ended pulled up last time) and last season was a mixed bag; however, his strong-finishing thirds last year in this race (off 1lb lower than today) and another big-field contest at Naas (2m) show that he needs a close look, particularly as some headgear (absent this season) is reinstated.

18/1

Form: 417-

Last run: 320 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Big improver in bumpers for previous yard in first half of 2024, the last of four wins gained in mares' Grade 3 at Punchestown; won 2m maiden at Tramore last August on second start for Gordon Elliott. 2-5 over hurdles since January; won a 2m6f Grade 3 mares' hurdle at Limerick, unplaced in two subsequent Grade 1 attempts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(5)

28th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Familiar Dreams

11st 9lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Big improver in bumpers for previous yard in first half of 2024, the last of four wins gained in mares' Grade 3 at Punchestown; won 2m maiden at Tramore last August on second start for Gordon Elliott. 2-5 over hurdles since January; won a 2m6f Grade 3 mares' hurdle at Limerick, unplaced in two subsequent Grade 1 attempts.

15/2

6th

8

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 192y

16:15 Punchestown

Familiar Dreams

11st 3lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

in rear, hit 6th

8/1

6th

8

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 192y

16:15 Punchestown

Familiar Dreams

11st 3lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

in rear, hit 6th

8/1

Form: 3-0000

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner in Poland and also a winner in Germany; placed in four 1m2f German Pattern races (including a Group 1) last year for Andreas Wohler but has failed to fire since joining this yard; probably capable of better at some stage; now down 15lb from his rating on arrival in Ireland.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

(1)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Westminster Moon

9st 1lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: A J Martin

Ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024; took a while to find his level in Irish handicaps but decisively landed a gamble in a 24-runner race at the Curragh (1m6f, good) in May; should stay this far but never threatened at Royal Ascot (2m4f, sole start on officially good to firm) next time and weakened right out of it at Galway (2m1f) on latest, which leaves him with something to prove again.

18/1

13th

7

(11)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Westminster Moon

11st 10lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: A J Martin

Ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024; took a while to find his level in Irish handicaps; decisively landed a gamble in a 24-runner handicap at the Curragh (1m6f, good) in May; never threatened in the Ascot Stakes; this trip should be within his range; live each-way chance.

12/1

13th

13

(11)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Westminster Moon

9st 4lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: A J Martin

Officially unraced on firmer than good; ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024 before a 260,000euros sale; failed to fire last year (including one 2m1f race) but shaped nicely on second start this term and landed a gamble in clearcut fashion in 24-runner handicap at the Curragh (1m6f, good) on latest, challenging 2f out; he was ridden that day as if stamina is a strength and, despite his revised mark, is one to note.

12/1

Form: 3284-2 BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Raced keenly in the Triumph on hurdles/stable debut and was then beaten 30l in fifth in the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Punchestown; sole win in Britain came over 1m2f early last season, though subsequently placed at 1m4f/1m6f; stamina established with second to stablemate Lot Of Joy in a 25-runner 2m contest at the Curragh.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Too Bossy For Us

10st 11lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Struggled in top company after a maiden win at Punchestown in February; one place behind Tounsivator when sixth in the amateur handicap on Monday.

12/1

6th

18

(12)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Too Bossy For Us

11st 5lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: W P Mullins

Beaten favourite for this race last year, never looked likely to feature, 12th of 20; needs to step up on the form of two Curragh runs this season.

8/1

6th

6

(13)

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 76y

19:55 Curragh

Too Bossy For Us

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: W P Mullins

One of two for yard that has won two of the last four renewals; useful hurdler was well held on return to the Flat behind Poetic Sound here on latest (1m6f, yielding) but was runner up in this last year on good ground off 1lb higher; dangerous to discount.

13/2

Form: 40-578

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Tramore maiden winner over 1m4f last August; three runs in Listed company this term have seen her fall well short of the standard required, failing to reproduce the form of her fourth of 16 over 1m4f at Naas last October; now down to 89 from a high of 95; first handicap, top ridere booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(8)

28th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Riviera Queen

11st 5lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: Mrs John Harrington

Tramore maiden winner over 1m4f last August; three runs in Listed company this term have seen her fall well short of the standard required, failing to reproduce the form of her fourth of 16 over 1m4f at Naas last October; now down to 89 from a high of 95; first handicap, top ridere booked.

12/1

10

(4)

1st Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 17y

19:38 Roscommon

Riviera Queen

9st 6lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

Tramore maiden winner over 1m4f last August but two runs in Listed company this term has seen her fall short; plenty to do.

25/1

16/1

Form: 62/00-

Last run: 302 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Horse

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Winner of 14 Flat races on the continent; very easy winner of 2m5f Sligo maiden hurdle on his stable debut last August; well held twice afterwards in good staying handicaps on Flat; limitations exposed in high-class novice hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

22nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 6f 80y

15:10 Killarney

Plontier

11st 3lb

J: Danny Power

T: Terence O’Brien

Sligo maiden hurdle winner for Willie Mullins two years ago; three runs on the Flat for this stable have not revealed a huge amount; best watched.

33/1

6th

4

(1)

15th Aug 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:25 Tramore

Plontier

9st 11lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Terence O’Brien

Won a maiden hurdle at Sligo for Willie Mullins in August 2024; failed to win on the Flat for that stable (no Flat win since 2022); ran respectably over 1m4f on stable debut here in a claimer; not disgraced in a valuable Galway Flat handicap last time (2m1f, yielding) when wearing this headgear for the first time; dropped 3lb for that.

6/1

12th

19

(8)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Plontier

11st 4lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Terence O’Brien

Won a maiden hurdle at Sligo for Willie Mullins in August 2024; failed to win on the Flat for that stable (no Flat win since 2022); sixth in this last year for Mullins; ran respectably at Tramore on stable debut; however, that was in a claimer; tough task here.

33/1

Form: 3-2521

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Talented hurdler is 2-9 in that sphere and rated 131; recorded her first Flat win at the fifth attempt when landing a 1m6f maiden on yielding-to-soft at Killarney; promoted 8lb to 87 for her first handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:20 Killarney

Royal Hollow

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Versatile mare who landed a C&D maiden a year ago; good form this year, ran a cracker when second to Deressa off 4lb lower at Ballinrobe in June; Galway Hurdle run can be ignored and holds each-way chance.

10/1

15th

17

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Royal Hollow

10st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Andrew Slattery

Three hurdle wins and six seconds, including a pleasing effort behind Murcia at Listowel in May; has run twice on the Flat since then, went close in a handicap at Ballinrobe, out of the money behind Tounsivator at Fairyhouse.

20/1

Form: 02-044

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m maiden hurdle at Naas in April; fair form in handicaps at the Curragh this term; needs to find extra to make an impact here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(10)

4th Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 141y

18:00 Down Royal

Zoffman

9st 7lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Noel Meade

Dual Flat winner in 2022 and added a maiden hurdle last year; nothing of note this year until signs of a return to form when a staying-on third over 2m at Tramore; confidence dented by a moderate run over 1m4f on Monday.

14/1

10th

8

(8)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

19:25 Roscommon

Zoffman

9st 8lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Noel Meade

Dual Flat winner in 2022 and added a maiden hurdle last year; nothing of note this year until signs of a return to form when a staying-on third over 2m at Tramore.

14/1

3rd

7

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:25 Tramore

Zoffman

9st 3lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Noel Meade

Dual Flat winner in 2022 and added a maiden hurdle last year; just okay Flat handicap runs this season before tailed off effort over hurdles at Ballinrobe; beaten 22l at Fairyhouse last time; others preferred.

14/1

Form: /1742- C

Last run: 288 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Was having his first run since unplaced in last year's Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham when beaten around 12l in fifth in a handicap hurdle at Bellewstown early this month; holds a clear chance based on his second to Comfort Zone in last season's Naas November Handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 100y

19:42 Kilbeggan

Toll Stone

11st 3lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Emmet Mullins

Dual-purpose; no win over hurdles since Fairyhouse maiden success in February 2024 (2m, heavy); shaped ok when staying on for 16.5l fifth behind Jacovec Cavern on seasonal return but didn't back it up when 5-1 favourite at Ballinrobe (22.5f, good) latest; stamina to prove now up in trip.

11/2

12th

10

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Toll Stone

11st 1lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Sole success over hurdles a Fairyhouse maiden (2m, heavy) in February 2024; beaten a head off 3lb lower at the Galway Festival last August (2m1f, good); shaped like this trip might suit when remote third behind Jacovec Tavern at Punchestown (19.5f, yielding) in sole start since; could go well.

5/1

3rd

10

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Toll Stone

11st 11lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Emmet Mullins

Won over 1m6f on the Flat at the 2024 Galway festival; never landed a blow when 6-1 for the big amateur handicap at the same fixture last July; different proposition later that week, only just denied in a valuable 2m1f handicap hurdle; could be a big player if fit and ready.

9/1

33/1

Form: 406-03

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two wins gained early in career in Germany came on softer ground; mainly hurdling (rated 98) in recent years, trip inadequate on Flat return in Irish Lincoln before respectable handicap hurdle third at Fairyhouse in April; third in a five-runner conditions last time; needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(1)

2nd Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 71y

20:23 Bellewstown

Weston

11st 0lb

J: Mr L P Shanahan

T: H Rogers

Two-time Flat winner when trained in France; has run a couple of decent races for this yard and one of his better efforts came when beaten just 2.5l by Lark In The Mornin when third in this last year; 10lb better off now and should strip fitter for his okay comeback run at Navan; chance.

4/1

5th

12

(8)

30th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 6f 0y

15:18 Navan

Weston

8st 8lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: H Rogers

Two wins when trained in Germany but yet to get his head in front on these shores; handicapper giving him a chance but soundly beaten on last two starts over hurdles and on the Flat and needs to leave those efforts well behind; best watched after break.

25/1

10th

8

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

16:00 Limerick

Weston

11st 2lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: H Rogers

Dual Flat winner in Germany; out of depth in hot Flat handicaps at Galway Festival last twice; good effort on last start over timber at Fairyhouse in April (2m, sft-hvy); raised 4lb for that 2.25l third and might prefer softer ground.

7/1

Form: 0595-1

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Raised 12lb for an emphatic win in an ordinary handicap at Limerick in June; refused to take part when sent back over hurdles at Bellewstown
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(5)

4th Sep 2026

Good

1m 4f 194y

19:00 Down Royal

God Of Thunder

9st 12lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won over hurdles and on the Flat (12.5f) at Limerick last year; ran well over timber at Sligo last month, but poor effort back on the Flat at Naas leaves him with questions to answer.

9/1

16th

13

(18)

23rd Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 0y

17:00 Naas

God Of Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Jared Huggan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won over hurdles and on the Flat (12.5f) at Limerick last year; ran well over timber at Sligo on his penultimate start in a claimer but heavy defeat back on the Flat at Tramore (2m) on latest; well handicapped but needs to rebound back in trip.

22/1

7th

1

(7)

15th Aug 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:55 Tramore

God Of Thunder

10st 4lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Was in better form last year when winning at Limerick over hurdles and on the Flat (1m5f, good, rated 73); largely struggled in both codes since, although ran to his mark at Killarney last month when sixth (1m4f, good); took second in a Sligo claiming hurdle last time when well treated; others make more appeal.

7/1

Form: 8164/0

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
142-rated hurdler has run only five times on the Flat; odds-on winner of a Tramore maiden on good ground in August 2023, close-up fourth on handicap debut in the 2023 Naas November Handicap; did not appear again until finishing in mid-division at the Curragh last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(6)

15th Aug 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:25 Tramore

Filey Bay

10st 3lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Emmet Mullins

Dual hurdles winner has scored twice on the Flat, including over C&D; latest win was in the valuable amateur riders' handicap at the Galway festival last year (2m1f, yielding) off 5lb lower; disappointed on seasonal return in that race last time; must take a big step forward from that first run, but he has tended to do so in past seasons.

5/1

19th

11

(2)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Filey Bay

11st 8lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this readily last year; struggled off 10lb higher in the Irish Cesarewitch; ended the season with a fair sixth in a big 2m handicap at Naas; strong contender despite veteran status; Dara McGill's 7lb claim an asset, as was Alan O'Sullivan's last year.

8/1

7

(23)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 7y

16:20 Naas

Filey Bay

9st 2lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Emmet Mullins

One of two for trainer; dual-hurdles winner got his second Flat win at Galway in July when an easy winner of an amateur contest (2m1f, yielding); struggled off 10lb higher in the Irish Cesarewitch last time and drops 2lb now.

18/1

Form: 705/60 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Fair sixth at Killarney in May on his first Flat run since a creditable fifth in the 2m Naas November Handicap in 2023 (Filey Bay, fourth); down the field in Curragh handicap in which Too Bossy For Us was second.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(2)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 3f 180y

15:50 Galway

Mon Coeur

9st 6lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Joseph G Murphy

Good record at this venue, one win and two seconds from three visits; it could pay to overlook his most recent runs, worth considering.

12/1

7

(2)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 3f 180y

15:50 Galway

Mon Coeur

9st 6lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Joseph G Murphy

Good record at this venue, one win and two seconds from three visits; it could pay to overlook his most recent runs, worth considering.

12/1

19

(4)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 7y

16:20 Naas

Mon Coeur

8st 7lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: Joseph G Murphy

Bumper winner who got his sole Flat win at the Galway festival two years ago; fine run back at Galway this year when second of 20 (2m1f, yielding); not a bad run at Killarney following that when behind Ragmans Corner and Pinot Gris but was well beaten behind a lot of these in the Irish Cesarewitch last time; needs more.

33/1

Form: 50-313 BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Dual-purpose sort gained first Flat win at Navan (1m6f, good); 10lb rise proved too much at Killarney; trainer has a more obvious chance with War Rooms.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(6)

21st Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 180y

20:20 Killarney

Ragmans Corner

11st 7lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Gerard Keane

Better known as a smart four-time hurdles winner; good recent form when fourth in the Galway Hurdle off a mark of 132, roughly the same ability as Samui; also a capable Flat performer but his 81 rating makes him 23lb inferior to Samui in this sphere.

9/2

4th

13

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Ragmans Corner

10st 5lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gerard Keane

Opened his account off a modest mark of 94 in a C&D handicap hurdle in October 2024; has now obtained a rating of 132 after recording his fourth handicap success at Killarney in May; seldom runs a bad race and was placed twice at last year's festival, third in the big amateur handicap and second in a handicap hurdle.

10/1

50/1

Form: 1-9988

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Often a slow starter; badly out of form since Southwell win last autumn; ex-Jamie Osborne, faces a huge task here on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

2nd Aug 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 160y

13:50 Galway

Wahraan

11st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Jessica Bedi

In terrific form of late, winning 2m3f Market Rasen handicap hurdle in May (good) and returned from a short break when strong-finishing neck second (clear of remainder) of 19 in 2m1f flat handicap here on Wednesday; clearly handles the track, should go well.

4/1

2nd

20

(13)

29th Jul 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

20:20 Galway

Wahraan

9st 7lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Jessica Bedi

Three flat wins for various trainers in Britain and off the mark over hurdles for current trainer in 2m3f Market Rasen maiden in late May (good); had earlier not looked a straightforward ride on occasions; has had a break since.

14/1

1st

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 4

18:00 Market Rasen

Wahraan

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Jessica Bedi

Has some useful Flat form and kept on steadily from a long way off the pace to take third on hurdle debut at Wetherby (2m, soft) in November; subsequent Grade 2 defeat is easily overlooked but he has become a very awkward ride, often refusing to settle and/or hanging; comes with risk.

2/1

Non-runners

Not Just Any Eagle, Happy Jacky, Jacovec Cavern

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €138.30
Straight Forecast €90.25
Tricast €2080.93
Trifecta €3935.90

Selections

The Irish Sun:

Too Bossy For Us

SPOTLIGHT:

Toll Stone

POSTDATA:

Comfort Zone

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Dawn Rising