August 23 / 14.52 Curragh

14.52

Good

Neville O’Byrne Memorial Irish EBF Fillies & Mares Handicap

  • Prize money: £12677.69
  • 1m 4f 0y
  • 9 runners
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Neville O’Byrne Memorial Irish EBF Fillies & Mares Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.40
  • Place: £3.00

Form: 41 CD

Last run: 80 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Unexposed filly having only her third start, building on promising Naas debut in April by landing C&D maiden in June (good), despite racing keenly; type to keep progressing and has been given time off since; high enough opening mark mind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 1

16:55 Nottingham

Its A Heartbeat

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: John S O’Donoghue

Irish filly who has very low mileage; completed a Curragh double (maiden/handicap) last summer; reappearance effort in Cork Listed event (kept to 1m4f) suggests this drop back in trip is worth exploring; may rate higher still; interesting.

8/1

4th

3

(5)

4th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 4f 25y

17:12 Cork

Its A Heartbeat

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: John S O’Donoghue

Won a maiden and handicap at the Curragh over this trip last year; started favourite but finished lame when poor in a Naas Listed contest final start; however, can be a player on return if resuming her progression.

5/1

14th

14

(1)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

15:45 Naas

Its A Heartbeat

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: John S O’Donoghue

Unexposed filly having only her fourth start, having won her last two over this trip at the Curragh, winning fillies handicap (second subsequently won a premier handicap) with plenty to spare in August on good when last seen; reportedly will appreciate softer ground and likely leading contender.

7/2

2nd
1 (3)
Shaool

13/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 234133 BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Steadily progressive 4yo won a Leopardstown handicap over 1m1f on soft and career-best when close third to subsequent Group 3 winner Elana Osario in Killarney fillies handicap over this trip on similar; again putting in best work at finish at Ballinrobe on latest on quicker ground; top-weight respected but probably wants it softer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(5)

4th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:10 Curragh

Shaool

9st 2lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Highly progressive last season, improving to the tune of 35lb between June and October; versatile in respect of both trip and ground, but best at form 1m2f on last two starts; won a 21-runner premier handicap here in October and a Listed race at Leopardstown in November; failed to make an impact on return in Naas event won by Beset.

8/1

6th

6

(2)

22nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 2f 125y

16:22 Naas

Shaool

9st 5lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Highly progressive last season, improving to the tune of 35lb between June and October; versatile in respect of both trip and ground, but best at form 1m2f on last two starts; won a 21-runner Curragh premier handicap in October (good-to-yielding); took the rise in class in her stride when storming clear in a Listed race on heavy at Leopardstown in November.

9/4

9

(4)

19th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

15:26 Leopardstown

Shaool

9st 2lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Nicely progressive handicapper won here earlier in the season and career-best last month when taking Curragh premier handicap over today's trip in some style; upped in grade now but could well be up to it.

8/1

100/30

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 741326

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Landed 1m2f Leopardstown handicap earlier in the campaign and best effort when second over C&D in Apprentice Derby in late June, having been tight for room a furlong out; too keen and didn't get a clear run at Galway on latest so that can be forgiven; definite player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(9)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

14:52 Curragh

Fortuna Vera

8st 13lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Landed 1m2f Leopardstown handicap earlier in the campaign and best effort when second over C&D in Apprentice Derby in late June, having been tight for room a furlong out; too keen and didn't get a clear run at Galway on latest so that can be forgiven; definite player.

100/30

6th

5

(8)

28th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 84y

19:50 Galway

Fortuna Vera

9st 4lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Second runner for yard; AW maiden winner scored off 74 at Leopardstown (1m2f, good) in May; solid efforts in defeat off revised mark since including at 1m4f on latest; needs to find a bit more to win.

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 4-2438 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Limerick maiden win at this trip last summer hasn't been added to, although good efforts in staying handicaps this season, twice here and when third behind a stablemate at Down Royal; way below best on fast ground at Ascot latest but respected on overall profile; back in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

14:52 Curragh

La Vita Nova

9st 12lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Limerick maiden win at this trip last summer hasn't been added to, although good efforts in staying handicaps this season, twice here and when third behind a stablemate at Down Royal; way below best on fast ground at Ascot latest but respected on overall profile; back in trip.

7/1

9

(3)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

La Vita Nova

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Mrs John Harrington

4yo filly who has had just six races; won a maiden last July and sent handicapping this season, placed twice in big fields at the Curragh (1m6f/2m) before her good third of five at Down Royal (1m5f), all on good ground; cheekpieces are added today; his Irish trainer won this event two years ago and this representative may well have more to offer on this return to 2m.

4/1

3rd

2

(3)

18th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 0y

20:00 Down Royal

La Vita Nova

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Excellent efforts both starts this season in handicaps at the Curragh, finishing 3l second of 20 over 1m6f and a 2.75l fourth of 25 upped to 16.5f last time, both on good ground; nudged up another 1lb for that last run but should go well again; Foley's pick over Mo Ghille Mar and leading chance.

13/2

Form: 25-719 D

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Maiden winner over this trip at Roscommon in May (good) struggled on handicap debut following month behind Heather at Ballinrobe on easier ground; better ground here should suit but lots to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(3)

29th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 194y

14:39 Down Royal

Sissi

8st 13lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won a Roscommon maiden over 1m4f but has been below that level twice since so has to get back to form sharply.

14/1

5th

7

(5)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

14:52 Curragh

Sissi

9st 5lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Maiden winner over this trip at Roscommon in May (good) struggled on handicap debut following month behind Heather at Ballinrobe on easier ground; better ground here should suit but lots to find.

14/1

10

(3)

23rd Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 9y

20:20 Ballinrobe

Sissi

9st 5lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Maiden winner over 1m4f at Roscommon last time (good); steps into handicap company for the first time; makes just her sixth start and could still have enough improvement in her to play a role here.

10/1

6th
3 (8)
Heather

4/1

Form: -12128

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 3yo won AW maiden in February (1m2f) and beat a smart sort (pair clear) in Ballinrobe fillies handicap over 1m5f (yielding) under today's rider; ahead of La Vita Nova when beaten favourite in similar Down Royal contest but dropped out tamely in Gowran Listed latest, having been made plenty of use of; back in handicap company with 7lb claimer back on so has her chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(8)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Heather

9st 0lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: G M Lyons

3yo won her maiden over 10.5f here in February; added a Ballinrobe fillies' handicap off 83 in June (1m5f, yielding); below par the last twice but the return to the AW is a positive; not discounted.

6/1

6th

3

(8)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

14:52 Curragh

Heather

9st 9lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: G M Lyons

Lightly raced 3yo won AW maiden in February (1m2f) and beat a smart sort (pair clear) in Ballinrobe fillies handicap over 1m5f (yielding) under today's rider; ahead of La Vita Nova when beaten favourite in similar Down Royal contest but dropped out tamely in Gowran Listed latest, having been made plenty of use of; back in handicap company with 7lb claimer back on so has her chance.

4/1

8th

7

(1)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 50y

14:50 Gowran Park

Heather

9st 0lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: G M Lyons

Lightly raced 3yo has never finished out of the top two in five starts; AW maiden winner in February (1m2f); stepped into handicap company at Ballinrobe (1m5f, yielding) when winning by a head off 83 (second has won since); couldn't follow up at Down Royal eight days ago when odds on off 89 (1m5f, good); likeable filly but needs more to win here.

9/1

7th
4 (7)
Oriole

11/2

Form: -09392 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Galway winner last summer returned to form when slow-starting Tramore third last month and returned there a week ago (having finished only midfield at Galway) when strong-finishing second (clear of remainder) to a hot favourite over this trip; tends to leave herself with plenty to do but first-time blinkers and this more galloping track should suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

12th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 166y

17:58 Sligo

Oriole

11st 7lb

J: Thomas O’Connor

T: Mark Fahey

Not the most consistent on the Flat but useful on her day and three wins to her name, including over 1m4f at 2024 Galway festival; hurdling debut and has been off since November.

12/1

10th

5

(3)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Oriole

9st 3lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Mark Fahey

Similar mark off which she won over 1m4f at Galway over a year ago but struggling to recapture that level of form, with last two runs very disappointing; this only her second run on the AW.

25/1

10/1

Form: -10175 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
In fine form this term, winning over 1m4f at both Dundalk and Gowran but handicapper seems to have her measure of late, including behind Heather at Down Royal; bit to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(6)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 40y

14:34 Gowran Park

Beauparc

9st 12lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

Won this last year off 3lb lower; in good form on AW earlier this year but underwhelming return to turf when beaten 7l at Sligo (10.5f, yld-sft) on latest; return to 1m4f a plus and Colin Keane takes over; should go well.

16/1

7th

4

(9)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 2f 158y

15:58 Sligo

Beauparc

9st 8lb

J: James Ryan

T: Gerard Keane

Won over 1m4f either side of being well beaten in this race last year, and been in good form over that trip on AW lately; dropping back in trip not a positive.

10/1

4th

4

(9)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Beauparc

9st 6lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

Dual C&D winner, gaining fourth career win here last month off 75, plenty to spare when beating Voice Of Reason; good effort when third from this mark in follow-up bid; Colin Keane takes over now; shortlisted.

3/1

8/1

Form: -59182

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Dual-purpose sort sprang a 25-1 surprise at Limerick (2m1f, good) in June and good run on latest in first-time cheekpieces when chasing home an all-the-way winner over 1m7f in Leopardstown lady riders handicap earlier this month; one to consider off same mark with senior rider now aboard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

26th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 63y

14:42 Clonmel

Party Dress

11st 7lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: W McCreery

Thurles maiden hurdle winner in November 24; well held in handicap off 109 on last hurdles start 343 days ago; won 2m1f Flat handicap in June but lost form since; big ask on chase debut and likely needs better ground.

16/1

13th

11

(10)

20th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 3f 175y

17:25 Gowran Park

Party Dress

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: W McCreery

Won over 2m1f at Limerick in June (good) off 2lb lower; beaten 20l on soft at the Curragh (1m4f) on latest and visor now replaces tongue tie; this trip may be on the sharp side.

18/1

8

(1)

4th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

16:02 Curragh

Party Dress

11st 3lb

J: Miss J Walton

T: W McCreery

Two Flat wins and one over hurdles; a bit hit and miss this year but on a competitive mark and has won on soft ground; did win her last race when the tongue-tie went solo.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €49.70
Straight Forecast €39.37
Tricast €146.94
Trifecta €174.60

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Beauparc

SPOTLIGHT:

Fortuna Vera

POSTDATA:

Shaool

The Irish Sun:

La Vita Nova

TOPSPEED:

Beauparc