July 31 / 16.30 Galway

16.30

Good

Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap (Grade 3)

  • Prize money: £131652.89
  • 2m 0f 11y
  • 22 runners
RTE2
View Course
Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap (Grade 3)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 2334-5 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Set some tough assignments since finishing fourth to Nurburgring in this race 12 months ago, notably when third in the Champion Hurdle; most recent of his five hurdle wins was gained in a Grade 3 event at Tipperary last summer, fifth in the same race this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Winter Fog

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable.

8/1

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Winter Fog

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable.

8/1

14

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Winter Fog

8st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: W P Mullins

Aged 11 but he's a seriously unexposed, dark horse on Flat; smart hurdles form in Grade 1s in August 2024-May 2025; three Irish maiden races are all he's contested on Flat, when runner-up twice last year (2m/1m6f) and winning by a short head this August (2m) but he's not been hit hard with this opening Flat mark and having Willie Mullins as his trainer demands respect.

12/1

Form: 4144-4 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Grade 3 winner at Naas in March before fourth behind stablemate Irancy in Fairyhouse Grade 2; made a lot of the running before fading into fourth in a Listed handicap hurdle at the Punchestown festival; was trying to concede 9lb to the winner Jesse Evans when fourth in a Grade 3 event at Tipperary four weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

7

(12)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Gaucher

9st 5lb

J: Colin Keane

T: W P Mullins

Won a Grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary (good to yielding) last October and progressive form on AW since reverting to the Flat for this yard, posting two easy wins at Dundalk (1m4f/10.6f) before excellent second in 1m2f Newcastle handicap on Good Friday; not that far off on form but quickish ground would be an unknown (raced only on good or softer on turf).

20/1

2nd

1

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Gaucher

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: W P Mullins

Represents top Irish jumps trainer Willie Mullins; won a Grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary last October and he's posted easy wins on the Dundalk AW on his last two starts (1m4f/10.6f); has a lofty mark to defy now back in a handicap but he may well prove capable in view of his impressive winter form.

3/1

1st

4

(4)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Gaucher

9st 6lb

J: W J Lee

T: W P Mullins

Very smart hurdler, winning Tipperary Grade 3 in October; very keen when fourth on 2m AW debut in November; settled much better when forging clear to win 1m4f course handicap by 6l next time; must have strong credentials again.

7/4

Form: /621-2 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Grade 3 winner over fences, rated 150 in that sphere; won a handicap hurdle from a mark of 134 at Leopardstown last Christmas; now promoted to 145 after a fine second to Jesse Evans at Tipperary with Sunchart, Gaucher and Winter Fog among those behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 180y

20:15 Killarney

Enniskerry

11st 7lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

An 11yo who remains capable of running well on the Flat and he's been in good form over jumps, going close in the Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary before a respectable run in the Galway Hurdle; others are preferred but he can give his running.

8/1

4

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Enniskerry

11st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Barry Connell

Grade 3 winner over fences, rated 150 in that sphere; won a handicap hurdle from a mark of 134 at Leopardstown last Christmas; now promoted to 145 after a fine second to Jesse Evans at Tipperary with Sunchart, Gaucher and Winter Fog among those behind.

12/1

2nd

7

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:10 Tipperary

Enniskerry

11st 1lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Barry Connell

Grade 3 winner over fences and best hurdle run when scoring off 134 at Leopardstown over Christmas; entitled to need this and it's a tough looking return to action.

16/1

Form: 36/22- D

Last run: 139 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Creditable third to Lark In The Mornin in the Fred Winter the season before last; chased home 7l winner Nurburgring in this race last season; flopped in the Cesarewitch in October; produced in fine shape after a break to finish second to Kargese in the County Hurdle; 11lb higher than 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 5f 80y

17:20 Listowel

Ndaawi

11st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart dual-purposer type got the Galway Hurdle in the stewards' room last summer and beat very useful Absurde in conditions' hurdle last month; his Flat run at Chester in September proved that he's worthy of this mark and showed he had a bit of boot when running well over 1m on AW pre-Cheltenham.

6/4

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Ndaawi

11st 2lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won the Galway Hurdle last year off 145 (awarded race by stewards) and has also won twice on the level (rated 91); trip and ground fine here and he finished well ahead of Absurde in the County Hurdle last month, though he had a fitness edge that day; talented claimer takes off 5lb and every chance at the weights.

15/8

14th

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Ndaawi

12st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart hurdler whose two visits to this meeting have produced a third in the 2024 Fred Winter and second to Kargese in this last year; improved again to win last summer's Galway Hurdle (pipped by Helvic Dream but awarded the race after suffering interference); below par when remote third to Lossiemouth in Grade 1 Morgiana in November but warmed up for this with a fine run on AW Flat last month over a trip short of his best; while his good record in top handicap hurdles (also second in 2024 Galway Hurdle) makes him a dangerous one to discount, he'll require a high-class performance to win off 156.

20/1

Form: 212-13 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat performer who produced a career-best hurdling performance when third at Tipperary four weeks ago, splitting Enniskerry and Gaucher, with Winter Fog in fifth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 70y

19:02 Limerick

Sunchart

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Useful dual-purpose sort, 3-35 on Flat and second on 10 occasions; his only two stakes race wins from 29 attempts have been in the 1m2f Naas event in which he was third of eight on return; well beaten in the Vintage Crop on latest but will be more suited by testing conditions.

12/1

7th

7

(2)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 6f 0y

15:05 Navan

Sunchart

9st 5lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Andrew Slattery

Useful dual-purpose sort, 3-34 on Flat (and second on ten occasions); his only two stakes race wins from 28 attempts have been in the 1m2f Naas event in which he was third of eight last month; suited by testing conditions, drying ground against him.

12/1

3rd

2

(7)

22nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 2f 125y

16:22 Naas

Sunchart

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Useful dual-purpose sort, 3-33 on Flat (and second on ten occasions), 2-9 over hurdles; has won the last two editions of this race, significantly his only two stakes race wins from 27 attempts; has finished in the first two in five of his six races at this venue; out of his depth in Group 2/3 races on his only other Flat starts in 2026.

9/2

Form: U1201- D

Last run: 116 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Won a 1m6f Gowran maiden by 7l last September and scored again in a 1m6f handicap at the Curragh in June; hurdling in between, won a 2m4f Grade 2 Novice at Fairyhouse in April; might prefer further, but a strong-run 2m could suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(23)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Mr Percy

9st 6lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of seven for yard; won the Ebor Trial here in June (1m6f, good) off 87; raised 8lb and came up short in the Ebor at York on latest; handicapper might just have him where he wants him for now.

20/1

16th

22

(23)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Mr Percy

9st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Unraced on firmer than good; wore cheekpieces on last three starts; won a 1m6f maiden at Gowran Park last September, two hurdle races last jumps season (including a 2m4f Grade 2 novice in April) and 1m6f handicap at the Curragh this June; well beaten in two major handicap hurdles, including at Galway three weeks ago, but he's on an upward curve with those other results.

16/1

7

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Mr Percy

11st 2lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won a 1m6f Gowran maiden by 7l last September and scored again in a 1m6f handicap at the Curragh in June; hurdling in between, won a 2m4f Grade 2 Novice at Fairyhouse in April; might prefer further, but a strong-run 2m could suit.

8/1

Form: F08-18 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Put a poor run of form behind him when winning a handicap at Killarney in May; let down by his jumping in a Grade 3 at Tipperary four weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Batman Girac

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Put a poor run of form behind him when winning a handicap at Killarney in May; let down by his jumping in a Grade 3 at Tipperary four weeks ago.

20/1

8th

6

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:10 Tipperary

Batman Girac

11st 1lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

Put a poor run of form behind him when dropped in grade to handicap company at Killarney, recording personal best; much tougher task now switching to Grade 3 company and would need another career best.

8/1

1st

1

11th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:05 Killarney

Batman Girac

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

Had made eyecatching headway before falling at the DRF and bounced back from his nothing run in the Imperial Cup with a respectable effort in the Scottish Champion Hurdle; that was a better race than this and, if coping with the ground (all his form is with some give underfoot), he should be a major player.

5/1

Form: 1521- D

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Flat winner for Andrew Kinirons; made a winning start over hurdles for this stable in a 2m maiden at Gowran, despite making a couple of jumping errors; next run at Navan was a major disappointment; much better when second at Naas, and did well to make all to beat the British-trained Krishma in a novice event at Punchestown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

31st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

14:37 Down Royal

Casheldale Lad

11st 6lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Good bit of experience for a 5yo, including Galway Hurdle third and on last month's return from a break when scoring for third time over timber with career-best in valuable 2m Listowel handicap under a positive ride; likely major threat to same owner's The Yellow Clay with possible race-fitness edge and getting 8lb.

15/8

3

31st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

14:37 Down Royal

Casheldale Lad

11st 6lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Good bit of experience for a 5yo, including Galway Hurdle third and on last month's return from a break when scoring for third time over timber with career-best in valuable 2m Listowel handicap under a positive ride; likely major threat to same owner's The Yellow Clay with possible race-fitness edge and getting 8lb.

15/8

Form: 19709- D

Last run: 102 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Beat top-class novice Romeo Coolio in a 2m Grade 2 in December; struggled in valuable handicaps, including the Martin Pipe and the Sussex Champion hurdle, after his promotion to the mid 140s; down to 138 but hard to be confident.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Tounsivator

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: W P Mullins

Talented hurdler whose three Flat wins include 1m4f Tramore handicap last summer; not seen since midfield in 2m Naas premier handicap in October; another likely Galway-bound, jockey booking encouraging.

9/2

16

(20)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 7y

16:20 Naas

Tounsivator

8st 10lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: W P Mullins

Last year's Royal Bond winner returned to the Flat to get third win in this sphere at Tramore in August (1m4f, good to yielding); midfield finish in the Irish Cesarewitch last time; one of two for trainer, but Sorrentino looks the pick of them.

18/1

30

(20)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Tounsivator

8st 10lb

J: Shane Foley

T: W P Mullins

One of seven for yard; won the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last December; returned to the Flat with a 0.75l win at Tramore (12.5f, gd-yld) last month; 7lb higher here and this is a much tougher race but this 6yo can't be discounted.

9/1

Form: /3784- D

Last run: 110 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in three bumpers, including the Grade 2 at Aintree in 2023; third in the Greatwood last November and beaten less than 2l in the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April; FLAT
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(3)

3rd Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Dysart Enos

9st 10lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Fergal O’Brien

Grade 2 bumper winner and useful hurdler, albeit underperformed in major Irish handicap most recently; made the frame at Kempton earlier in July (behind Whatamoon; Flat debut) and has potential under this code.

5/2

Form: 1213-6 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Fred Winter winner who ran to a similar level when third in juvenile Grade 1 at Aintree; should be sharper as a result of his Tipperary run
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

16

(5)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Puturhandstogether

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and took a huge prize for Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding) last September, in the latter bursting clear 1f out and scoring with considerably more authority than the margin suggests; underwhelming over hurdles before last month's Chester Cup, in which he also had the widest draw, but he started favourite nevertheless and made some headway from the back to finish seventh of 15; he didn't have the rub of the green that day and is shortlisted even though connections also now resort to headgear.

6/1

7th

10

(17)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Puturhandstogether

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of three for Joseph O'Brien; won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and also took a huge prize for last September's Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding); underwhelming in his three handicap hurdles in November-April, which is a concern, as is today's widest stall, but his Curragh win (bursting clear 1f out) was delivered with considerably more authority than the winning margin suggests; respected.

9/1

13th

3

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Puturhandstogether

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Last season's Fred Winter winner at Cheltenham never threatened on return there last month in 2m5f Coral Cup; previously hampered at least twice when well held behind Zillow over today's C&D; Walsh prefers Davy Crockett.

16/1

Form: /2414- D

Last run: 89 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced mare who won twice in France on heavy ground; well held on stable debut at Limerick; faced only two rivals when making all to win mares' hurdle at that course (2m, soft) in March; fair fourth in a Punchestown festival handicap over an extended 2m4f
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 55y

14:32 Punchestown

Jalila Moriviere

11st 12lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; trounced weak opposition on chase debut at Sligo in October on good to yielding; ran a nice race in a Grade 3 Thurles novice chase in March (2m6f, soft) and bounced back from a poor effort at Fairyhouse when a distant second of 20 in a 2m1f Listed contest last time; firmly in the mix.

11/2

2nd

15

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

16:50 Punchestown

Jalila Moriviere

11st 4lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: W P Mullins

A 135-rated hurdler trounced weak opposition on chase debut at Sligo last October; best chase run was over further in a Grade 3 contest at Thurles; never a threat behind today's rival Come Walk With Me at Fairyhouse on latest.

16/1

8th

5

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 140y

16:25 Fairyhouse

Jalila Moriviere

11st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: W P Mullins

135-rated hurdler trounced weak opposition on chase debut at Sligo in October; much stiffer tasks since in Graded novices', staying on remote third over 2m at Cork and last month when made plenty of use of at Thurles but didn't seem to get home when third over 2m6f (soft); return to 2m may suit on handicap debut.

10/1

Form: 2217P-

Last run: 92 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Point winner who gained compensation for two runner-up finishes in maiden hurdles when landing a Down Royal maiden hurdle last December ; never involved in a Grade 2 since at Fairyhouse; reported clinically abnormal after Punchestown festival flop.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Downmexicoway

11st 5lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Irish point winner; has won two of his four chase starts (at 2m/2m1f on good to yielding and heavy) and had no realistic chance in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month, but he could have made a better impression with some of his jumping; this is a new test for him under rules but he should have the scope to do better back in a handicap; yard runs three.

8/1

3rd

1

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 1f 0y

14:55 Leopardstown

Downmexicoway

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Maiden hurdle winner last season but then lost his form; has done well in three starts over fences; won a Killarney beginners' last August, 8l second in a Tipperary Grade 3 in October; handled heavy ground when beating subsequent winner Drumgill in a handicap at Gowran in November; useful sort but hardly in the same league as his two rivals.

20/1

Form: 12-131 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin maiden hurdle winner at Limerick in January; bounced back from a disappointing run at Ayr when staying on well to land a Tramore handicap hurdle; beaten at Downpatrick before adding to his tally with a good display at Bellewstown, stepping into a different league now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

17:20 Limerick

Bowensonfire

11st 1lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Admirably consistent handicapper who brought his tally to five with two wins at Leopardstown last winter; ran in the County Hurdle before an ambitious Grade 2 attempt at Fairyhouse; has won on good ground, would probably prefer an ease.

3/1

7th

5

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 180y

15:50 Fairyhouse

Bowensonfire

11st 3lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Admirably consistent handicapper who didn't run too badly when midfield in the County Hurdle last month; however, this is a step up the ladder for him and regular rider Jack Kennedy evidently prefers the chances of The Yellow Clay.

10/1

13th

3

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Bowensonfire

11st 11lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Big improver in recent months, winning strong 2m Leopardstown handicaps at the Christmas meeting (yielding) and at the Dublin Racing Festival (heavy); will need to improve again to complete a hat-trick of big-field successes but that can't be ruled out in his current mood.

14/1

Form: 32525- D

Last run: 93 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Five-time Flat winner (including a Group 1), has been in good form over hurdles this year, though his 1-10 record in this sphere is a concern; second to Lord Erskine at Fairyhouse in April, may reverse that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(15)

3rd May 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 30y

15:43 Cork

Helvic Dream

9st 10lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Noel Meade

Last year's Galway Hurdle runner-up, a long time since the last of his five Flat wins (enjoyed highlight in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in 2021); slipping in the ratings and fit from hurdling.

16/1

17th

5

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Helvic Dream

11st 0lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

9yo was second to Lord Erskine in this last year and later first past the post in the Galway Hurdle (demoted for interference); back from winter break when midfield in County Hurdle last month (close up behind Karbau and Hello Neighbour), tiring from last; entitled to come on for that.

10/1

11th

10

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Helvic Dream

10st 13lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Dual-purpose 9yo in fine form in Flat/hurdle codes last year, first past the post in the Galway Hurdle (demoted to second behind Ndaawi for interference); respectable efforts on Flat subsequently; first race for five months.

16/1

Form: 00401- D

Last run: 100 days

W: 10st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Veteran has been in terrific form; has prospered on soft ground in his last two races, a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse at Easter (beat Helvic Dream) and a recent Flat handicap at Killarney; may find this ground too lively.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Lord Erskine

10st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: H Rogers

Admirable dual-purpose veteran is a winner of 14 races; 6-34 over hurdles but time may be catching up with him based on the evidence of his last two runs and was well beaten in this in 2024 off 2lb lower.

40/1

10th

7

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Lord Erskine

10st 11lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: H Rogers

Fine dual-purpose performer won this last year (beating Helvic Dream) off 9lb lower; won twice on Flat afterwards, back from a break when well held back over hurdles at DRF in February; 13yo probably needs a career-best over hurdles to follow up here.

16/1

11th

6

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:52 Leopardstown

Lord Erskine

11st 1lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: H Rogers

Fine dual-purpose performer is a credit to himself and his stable; won this two years ago but disappointing last year; however, was in good form over the summer and has a chance again.

14/1

Form: 2476-2 BF

Last run: 81 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Failed to maintain a good vein of Flat form when down the field in Monday's big amateur handicap; second to Stormalong in a Listed mare's hurdle at Killarney in May; first handicap hurdle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(8)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Royal Hollow

10st 2lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Andrew Slattery

Talented dual-purpose performer is only 1-8 on the Flat but brought her mark to a career-high at Ballinrobe last month when just denied close home in fillies' handicap over 1m5f; quick ground a slight concern, big player if handling it.

5/2

2nd

2

(7)

22nd Jun 2026

Yielding

1m 5f 0y

20:30 Ballinrobe

Royal Hollow

9st 10lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Talented dual-purpose performer is 1-7 on the Flat; solid effort over timber at Listowel last month and ran well off this mark when last seen on the level at Clonmel last September; easy ground fine and should go well.

4/1

2nd

4

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:06 Listowel

Royal Hollow

10st 13lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Andrew Slattery

3-14 over hurdles and rated 128; won a Clonmel beginners' chase on her penultimate start (15.5f, yld-sft); modest third in mares' listed hurdle at Killarney latest (2m1f, gd-yld); solid place chance on the figures but more needed to win.

7/2

Form: F1230- D

Last run: 89 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Has only a maiden win to his name; runner-up in six of her 11 races; down the field in a valuable Punchestown handicap in which Jalila Moriviere was fourth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

11

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Addragoole

10st 11lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Stamina to prove and he failed to threaten when ninth in the Grand Annual last month; however, Cheltenham may not be his track (also not at his best there last October) and he showed improved form to win a competitive handicap at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) in December; only seven and there have been hints that this sort of trip may suit; no surprise to see him go well.

25/1

9th

7

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Addragoole

11st 4lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Switched to fences last August and he's been progressive, winning a competitive handicap at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) in December and solid third of 14 there (2m1f, soft) last month; today's likely return to better ground could be a plus and this 7yo remains open to further improvement; chance.

12/1

3rd

3

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 1f 0y

16:05 Leopardstown

Addragoole

11st 7lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Gavin Cromwell

1-10 over hurdles; already a much better chaser; won 2m2f Sligo beginners' event in October; struggled at Cheltenham later that month; slotted into handicap company effectively with a C&D win at Christmas at a time when the stable was generally struggling for form; can continue to improve; Thyestes-winning rider takes the sting out of 10lb rise.

8/1

Form: 21304- D

Last run: 144 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle at Cork in December; followed that with a creditable third behind two Willie Mullins-trained rivals in a 2m1f Grade 2 at Punchestown; disappointing run in a valuable handicap at Leopardstown; absent since fourth to Gaucher at Naas in March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

16:50 Punchestown

Relieved Of Duties

11st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Found things too demanding in the Grand Annual, and has been campaigned ambitiously overall since a Fairyhouse beginners' win last October; will be more at home in this company.

12/1

13th

18

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Relieved Of Duties

10st 9lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Won on chase debut at Fairyhouse (2m, yielding) in October and very creditable second in quality novice over this C&D (good to soft) 13 days later; well beaten both starts since but they have been on testing ground; could bounce back and play a leading role now he's back on a better surface.

11/1

Form: F4-723 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Twice placed in conditions races this summer; little appeal in this company; first reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Aug 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:53 Down Royal

Prairie Dancer

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Nine wins in all spheres with the last of those coming in a Thurles handicap chase last December; poor the last twice over hurdles including behind Happy Jacky at Cork; has to rebound

14/1

3

21st Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

17:07 Killarney

Prairie Dancer

11st 6lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Flat winner who is now useful over hurdles and fences; runner-up over 2m4f at Clonmel before not staying 3m at Cork; exposed but shouldn't be far away.

7/1

21

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Prairie Dancer

10st 6lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Twice placed in conditions races this summer; little appeal in this company; first reserve.

Form: 771-22 D BF

Last run: 65 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Beaten odds-on favourite in a conditions race at Ballinrobe last time; second to Batman Girac in a Killarney handicap before that; second reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:20 Aintree

Last Kingdom

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Both hurdles wins when trained by Willie Mullins; has shown little in four starts for current yard and hard to be at all confident.

25/1

Form: 633-10 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Did well to beat Royal Hollow in Killarney in May; tailed off in Tipperary race won by Jesse Evans; first reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:10 Killarney

Stormalong

11st 7lb

J: John Shinnick

T: David Kenneth Budds

Her three hurdle wins includes a Listed hurdle at this meeting last year; hasn't matched that form in five starts over fences yet but is capable of better and returning to this track may help.

20/1

9

5th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 2f 22y

13:58 Thurles

Stormalong

11st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: David Kenneth Budds

Bumper winner; 128-rated hurdler, three wins including 2m1f Listed mares' event at Killarney last May; highly tried in chases so far; will find this assignment easier than when behind Jade De Grugy in 2m5f course Grade 2 in January; shortlisted.

6/1

4th

5

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:15 Thurles

Stormalong

10st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: David Kenneth Budds

Bumper winner; 128-rated hurdler, three wins including a 2m1f Listed mares' event at Killarney last May; highly tried in chases so far, can win one but will need an easier opportunity than this.

16/1

Non-runners

Jesse Evans

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Addragoole

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Jalila Moriviere

POSTDATA:

Royal Hollow

The Irish Sun:

Batman Girac

SPOTLIGHT:

Ndaawi