August 02 / 17.35 Galway

17.35

Soft

Ardilaun Hotel Handicap

  • Prize money: £8289.26
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • 15 runners
TG4
View Course
Ardilaun Hotel Handicap

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

Form: -15748

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark at the Curragh in March when winning a handicap by a head off 68 (1m, soft); best form has come in softer conditions so he would like to see some rain; new headgear combination tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(5)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 205y

17:23 Bellewstown

Goldrush Kid

9st 6lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Patrick Magee

Won off 6lb higher in first-time cheekpieces at the Curragh last March (1m, soft); no joy since and beaten around 9l in both starts at that venue this season; blinkers back on instead of cheekpieces; not discounted.

15/2

5th

8

(14)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Goldrush Kid

9st 9lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Patrick Magee

Eighth of 26 here 13 days ago when bidding to repeat last year's win in a 1m contest; may do better with that run behind him.

12/1

8th

8

(17)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

17:30 Curragh

Goldrush Kid

9st 10lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Patrick Magee

Sole victory came in this race last year (soft) on his seasonal return and he is 2lb lower now; was well backed on that occasion so he's well worth monitoring in the market.

16/1

Form: 2-3009

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Sole win from 19 starts came at Naas in April last year off 66 (6f, yielding); some okay runs following that, including her comeback run at the Curragh in March when a 1.75l third (6f, soft); her three most recent runs leave a lot to be desired.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

12

(16)

4th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:20 Curragh

Tai Tam Bay

9st 5lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Second over C&D on heavy three starts ago, 1-29 record is a negative, placed ten times; visor replaces the usual blinkers.

12/1

9th

16

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

13:57 Curragh

Tai Tam Bay

8st 7lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Won 6f Naas handicap off 1lb higher in April 2024; best form last season was on seasonal debut when third over C&D off 78; went close on C&D return last month and fair effort after a slow start at Naas 12 days ago; player despite being 5lb wrong.

14/1

5th

12

(15)

22nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 5f 205y

13:35 Naas

Tai Tam Bay

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

C&D winner two years ago; best form last season was on seasonal debut and in the latter part of the campaign; big chance following last Sunday's cliamer-ridden Curragh second, 1 1/4l ahead of Mickey The Steel.

4/1

Form: 386057 D

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
9-96; winner on the AW back in March over this trip off 72; some poor turf runs since but his run here on Tuesday was a step back in the right direction when he finished a 1.75l seventh of 18 (1m, yielding); declared to run here on Thursday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(9)

27th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 20y

16:15 Navan

Comfort Line

9st 10lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Came with a late run to record an eleventh career win at the Curragh recently over this trip; 3lb rise okay so expected to be thereabouts.

6/1

1st

6

(12)

16th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Curragh

Comfort Line

9st 6lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

A winner of seven races on AW and three on turf; last turf success was in 2022, but this season's overall form provided a fair amount of encouragement; a three-time runner-up at this venue, including in June; had plenty of horses behind him at Leopardstown ten days ago.

6/1

15/2

Form: -96974 CD BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Winner over this trip at last year's festival off 78 (yielding); not at the same level since but there was some promise in his Cartmel effort last time when finishing fourth despite not getting a clear run (7f, good to soft); down to an attractive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

20:35 Chepstow

Reidh

9st 8lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Adam Kirby

Won twice over 7f for Richard Fahey in 2024; not added to that tally since, and has been below-par in three starts for new yard; tries a new trip and runs with first-time tongue-tie and blinkers which need to have a positive impact.

7/1

7th

6

(2)

8th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 6

18:30 Pontefract

Reidh

9st 6lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Adam Kirby

Won twice over 7f for Richard Fahey in 2024; not added to that tally since, and has been below-par on both starts for new yard (7f); takes a marked drop in trip.

7/1

9th

9

(10)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Lingfield

Reidh

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Adam Kirby

Won twice for Richard Fahey in the summer of 2024 but lost his way; sold for 10,000gns to join new yard in October; gambled on but well held on stable debut at Thirsk (7f, good) last month in first-time cheekpieces (now removed); may be worth another chance off sliding mark.

6/1

Form: 63-385

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Good effort here on Tuesday for new yard when a 1l fifth of 18 (Comfort Line and Loingseoir behind); some okay runs in maidens; the drop in trip here seems fine; he is one of the likelier ones.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

26th Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 40y

18:38 Bellewstown

Convincing

11st 7lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Ciaran Murphy

Gained breakthrough win off 6lb lower at Kilbeggan earlier this month (2m, good) with Surviving Murmansk 5.5l back in sixth; extra furlong here should be fine for him; player again.

9/2

1st

7

8th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:48 Kilbeggan

Convincing

11st 1lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Ciaran Murphy

Three runs in maiden hurdles over the winter were nott devoid of promise; decent effort in first-time blinkers in a 1m handicap at Naas last month; cheekpieces tried for the first time over hurdles today; could go well at a big price.

14/1

5th

5

(6)

22nd Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

19:30 Naas

Convincing

9st 10lb

J: Gabriella Hill

T: Ciaran Murphy

A 17-race maiden; plenty to prove at this stage; failed to run to expectations at Killarney last week; quite well fancied then, at a venue where he has produced some of his better efforts; blinkered now.

20/1

Form: 2-6074

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
0-9 but his run on Tuesday on return from a break sporting a first-time tongue-tie was one of his best efforts (1m, yielding); had a couple of today's rivals behind him on that occasion; his second in a maiden here in October was also up there with his best (7f, heavy); may improve again with tongue-tie retained.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

5

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 0y

17:35 Galway

Storm Averted

10st 0lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Won this race last year off 4lb lower for Mick Mulvany; has run well on all three previous visits to this venue and should be sharper for her seasonal reappearance and stable debut at Ballinrobe 40 days ago; visor added to tongue tie; could go well.

17/2

9th

9

(8)

22nd Jun 2026

Yielding

1m 1f 163y

18:55 Ballinrobe

Storm Averted

9st 5lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Has shown her best form at Galway; lacks the benefit of a recent run and may need this on seasonal/stable debut; might be one for the Galway festival in due course.

12/1

4th

9

(10)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:42 Curragh

Storm Averted

9st 7lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Thrived in handicaps at the Galway festival when tongue-tie fitted, notably bolting up over 7f (yielding); has looked held by the handicapper since however (1m) and now takes a drop in trip.

16/1

Form: 259-64 CD

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Winner of this in 2023 off 70 (heavy); won again the following month at Listowel (7f, soft) but winless since then; returned here last year and finished last of all (7f, soft); some encouragement in his last two runs, so can't be completely ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(8)

18th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 111y

19:15 Roscommon

Dragon Of Malta

9st 9lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: P F O’Donnell

9yo a winner of seven races; won twice last season at the Listowel Festival on heavy ground and has shaped encouragingly on last two starts at Limerick and Galway; rain would boost claims.

16/1

5th

5

(1)

28th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 0y

19:15 Galway

Dragon Of Malta

9st 10lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: P F O’Donnell

Has recorded three of his seven wins at Listowel and also twice successful over C&D; out of form before signs of a revival at Limerick last month; still looks risky.

14/1

4th

7

(6)

10th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

18:20 Limerick

Dragon Of Malta

9st 5lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: P F O’Donnell

Has recorded three of his seven wins at Listowel; poor effort there ten days ago, when last of 13; also failed to beat a single rival at Cork on first outing of the season.

20/1

Form: 7-0874

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Placed three times in Britain for Karl Burke at up to 1m3f; form in Ireland has not been at the same level, although his fourth in a Kilbeggan claimer last time was his best effort (1m, soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(13)

13th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

17:05 Gowran Park

Temple City

9st 0lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

14-race maiden and arrives on the back of a poor run at the Galway Festival; return to further will suit and now tried with first-time blinkers but others are more appealing; drawn wide.

66/1

Form: 107034

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Winner of a big field Leopardstown handicap in March off 60 (1m, good); down the field in three runs following that but his recent runs at Kilbeggan and Gowran over 1m when finishing close behind the winner have been more like it; he was mowed down late on last time when looked to have stolen it from the front; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

16

(5)

20th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

18:00 Leopardstown

Brains

9st 0lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: R Donohoe

Veteran winner of 14 races (11 on AW); respectable form in recent months, highlighted by a Roscommon second; another solid display when fifth of 17 here a fortnight ago, on the heels of runner-up Jazzit (second reserve) with Gordon Bennett among those behind.

10/1

Form: -52069

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Maiden has been placed five times up to 1m; second in a Gowran maiden in May was one of his best efforts (1m, good); not at the same level in three runs since; hard to have faith in him putting his best foot forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(7)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

20:00 Fairyhouse

Bishopton

8st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

2-7 on the AW but is 1-13 on turf (win came on yielding); won at Dundalk in March off 3lb higher; the best of three turf runs since then came over 7f at Cork on penultimate; not as good dropped back to 6f at the Curragh on latest; moves back up in trip now and might prefer an ease in the ground.

6/1

6th

2

(13)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:05 Curragh

Bishopton

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Progressed well last year over 7f, winning twice; resumed progress on return in March when defying top-weight at Dundalk; towards the rear over C&D before more like his best when fifth of 15 over 7f at Cork 13 days ago; probably lacks the pace of several of the 6f winners in this field.

16/1

5th

12

(5)

14th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

14:37 Cork

Bishopton

8st 7lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Progressed well last year over 7f, winning twice; resumed progress on return in March when defying top-weight at Dundalk off 84; cheekpieces worn when well beaten behind some of these rivals at the Curragh (6f, good) have been abandoned.

25/1

Form: 770-09

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner at 5f/6f; out of form since winning at Pontefranct last year; hasn't beaten a rival in two starts this term for new stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(5)

11th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

14:08 Dundalk (AW)

Cavalier Approach

9st 10lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Paul W Flynn

Won four times in Britain; weak form in Ireland last year; best watched on stable debut, and first run since last of 14 behind Sovereign Banter here in October.

25/1

14th

5

(14)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

18:15 Dundalk (AW)

Cavalier Approach

9st 12lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Won four times in Britain for Ed Bethell; poor form in three turf runs in Ireland this season; failed to land a blow at Newcastle three days ago; the jury is out at present.

25/1

5

(4)

21st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Cavalier Approach

9st 8lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

One of his four wins for earlier trainers came over C&D; poor form in three turf runs in Ireland this season but he ran off 68 on the first of them and gets in here off just 54; interesting to see if there is any market support with headgear returning.

8/1

Form: 5-4000 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Won a C&D maiden last year (yielding); has struggled in handicaps since then; well beaten at the Curragh last time (1m, good); maybe the return to this track will spark something.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

15

(7)

22nd Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 0y

14:02 Listowel

Lucky Out

9st 2lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Miss Tara Lee Cogan

Won 7f Galway maiden last year; regressive this term; unappealing despite career-low mark; well held by Racing Royalty on Galway running.

20/1

11th

11

(10)

9th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

18:05 Galway

Lucky Out

9st 5lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Miss Tara Lee Cogan

Won a C&D maiden last year on yielding; has struggled in handicaps since then, but had no luck in running last time in C&D event in which Goldrush Kid was second; cheekpieces now; not a lost cause.

10/1

13

(10)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

17:35 Galway

Lucky Out

9st 7lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Miss Tara Lee Cogan

Won a C&D maiden last year (yielding); has struggled in handicaps since then; well beaten at the Curragh last time (1m, good); maybe the return to this track will spark something.

33/1

Form: 0-4511 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Seeking a three-timer after good ground 7f wins at Limerick and Fairyhouse; slapped with an 8lb rise for his easy win last time; has ability and it remains to be seen if his revised mark is enough to stop him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

(9)

2nd Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 20y

19:10 Navan

Zaraahmando

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Four consecutive places, the latest from a good draw when second to Cala Bonita at Galway (yielding to soft); looks on the right sort of mark but his stable couldn't be in better form.

10/1

2nd

11

(3)

30th Jul 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 98y

17:05 Galway

Zaraahmando

8st 12lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Placed in three consecutive 1m handicaps lately; closely matched with No More Porter on Gowran running five days ago; missed an engagement on Tuesday.

8/1

Form: 9-7384

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
First reserve; ran keenly at Fairyhouse when last seen to finish fourth (7f, good); prior to that his best run was at Gowran in April when finishing third of 16 (1m, heavy); non-runner here on Friday
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

15

(14)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 0y

17:15 Cork

Ohmali

9st 7lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

1m heavy ground winner last year; a couple of decent efforts this season, including when a never nearer fifth of 22 at Leopardstown on latest (1m1f, good); rain no issue but has never raced over this far so stamina to prove but dam won over 1m4f so not dismissed.

15/2

5th

10

(12)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

19:45 Leopardstown

Ohmali

9st 7lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Best run this term came over 1m here in May, staying on from the back for a 3l second; 1lb lower now but has to bounce back from two below-par efforts at Limerick and Naas.

14/1

10th

7

(16)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 194y

19:10 Naas

Ohmali

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Won over 1m at Gowran last year on heavy ground but handles better too; stays this trip but has been hit and miss this year so needs his best.

16/1

Form: 509612 D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; easy winner of a 7f Limerick handicap on penultimate start off 52 (good); neck second in a Bellewstown claimer when last seen (1m, good); clearly in good form; declared to run here on Friday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 148y

19:18 Sligo

In The Minus

11st 9lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Brian Francis Cawley

Won Galway 3yo maiden last autumn and back to form in C&D handicap 13 days ago, relishing longer trip to win going away under a patient ride; 8lb rise but can go well.

13/2

1st

5

6th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 168y

19:30 Sligo

In The Minus

11st 2lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Brian Francis Cawley

Won Galway 3yo maiden in October; no impact in conditions races over hurdles since and never sighted in competitive Galway handicap last week; handicapper relenting.

12/1

18th

9

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 130y

17:40 Galway

In The Minus

11st 8lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Brian Francis Cawley

Beat Whats New in a juvenile maiden hurdle here in October; no impact in conditions races over hurdles since and down the field in a Fairyhouse Flat handicap last time; others preferred on his handicap debut over hurdles.

33/1

Non-runners

Loingseoir, Racing Royalty, Pinball Wizard

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €146.30
Straight Forecast €153.00
Tricast €2491.08
Trifecta €946.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Reidh

TOPSPEED:

Comfort Line

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Reidh

POSTDATA:

Reidh

The Irish Sun:

Reidh