September 24 / 14.05 Listowel

14.05

Yielding To Soft

McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6095.04
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • 18 runners
TG4
View Course
McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.10
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 7112- D

Last run: 156 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper winner after a modest run on debut in a Cork maiden hurdle; off since a 12l second in a Fairyhouse bumper in April; easy ground fine; market should reveal expectations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:20 Cheltenham

Ill Sort That

11st 7lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

100-1 and borderline tailed off in a Cork maiden hurdle in December 2024 but he subsequently turned into a quality bumper performer and has taken it up a notch since resuming career over hurdles, unbeaten in four including Navan Grade 3 (2m, soft to heavy) in November and when repeating forcing tactics in Naas Grade 1 (2m4f, soft; Sortudo second, Saint Baco behind) two months ago; won't find it easy to dominate this field but his gritty attitude was admirable last time and he likely won't go down without a fight.

20/1

2

26th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 156y

15:05 Galway

Ill Sort That

11st 10lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

Good form in winning two of his three bumpers, posting an RPR of 121 on the second occasion; surpassed that figure in a maiden hurdle at Listowel (2m, yielding), hammering a subsequent winner in the process; has further to go here but looks a smart prospect.

4/5

1st

5

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Ill Sort That

11st 12lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

Dual bumper winner after a modest run on debut in a Cork maiden hurdle; off since a 12l second in a Fairyhouse bumper in April; easy ground fine; market should reveal expectations.

6/1

Form: /26432 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Rated 112 after seven starts over hurdles; narrowly denied in a maiden at Killarney (16.5f, good) on latest under Jack Kennedy who keeps the faith; however, has run poorly both starts on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

16

25th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:25 Listowel

Wholelotofbusiness

10st 3lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Killarney novice hurdle winner last October has run well in defeat at times since, notably Killarney third to Ragmans Corner, just okay Galway effort on latest; looks to have a bit to find.

20/1

8th

10

1st Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 175y

14:37 Galway

Wholelotofbusiness

11st 2lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Killarney novice hurdle winner last October has run well at times in defeat since, notably back at that track in May; poor behind Spy at Listowel since so questions.

18/1

8th

3

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:57 Listowel

Wholelotofbusiness

11st 8lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Won a novice at Killarney in October (2m1f, yielding) and probably posted a similar effort when third in a handicap there last month; solid chance off an untouched mark.

4/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 325-

Last run: 272 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Placed in a bumper at this meeting last year on debut (2m, soft) and again on hurdles debut at Cork a week later; off since 19l defeat at Limerick in December; may need this run after 272 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

18th Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:05 Limerick

Torps

11st 12lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

Third on sole bumper run; the best of four maiden hurdle runs came when second over C&D last time and a repeat of that should see this consistent sort go close for a local yard that does well here.

7/4

9

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

14:37 Limerick

Torps

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Has been consistent in defeat in a bumper and three maiden hurdles, the latest on comeback at Listowel; however, was beaten 22l then and has to improve a fair bit on that.

9/1

3rd

15

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Torps

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Placed in a bumper at this meeting last year on debut (2m, soft) and again on hurdles debut at Cork a week later; off since 19l defeat at Limerick in December; may need this run after 272 days off.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 160-

Last run: 196 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Limerick bumper winner subsequently not disgraced in a Grade 2 bumper at Leopardstown and when mid-field in the Champion bumper at Cheltenham; lacks a recent run and hurdling experience but worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 190y

16:15 Punchestown

I Started A Joke

11st 10lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Won 2m maiden here in January (soft-to-heavy) and excellent run following month when favourite in very competitive 19-runner 2m Leopardstown handicap, going clear with winner from last; took another step forward when third to a top-class novice in 2m4f Grade 2 Fairyhouse novice on latest (Generous Risk second) in first-time cheekpieces, despite slipped saddle; good chance he'll improve again at 3m and don't rule out.

12/1

3rd

6

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

I Started A Joke

11st 3lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Won 2m Punchestown maiden hurdle in good style in January (soft-to-heavy) and excellent run following month when favourite in very competitive 19-runner 2m Leopardstown handicap, going clear with winner from last; cheekpieces added and upped in trip on switching to novice company.

7/1

Form: 307

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Not a bad effort on debut in a Killarney bumper in May but hasn't matched that in two runs since; can only be watched on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

9th Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

16:53 Downpatrick

Something Simple

10st 11lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Bumper form was okay; little of note hurdling until Limerick fourth in May (2m6f, soft); weakened over 3m latest; headgear and top jockey.

10/1

12

6th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

19:50 Roscommon

Something Simple

10st 9lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Pulled up in opening two handicaps and well beaten at Clonmel in May; however, he showed a lot more when fourth of 12 at Limerick last time; needs to continue on the up.

14/1

4th

11

28th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

19:55 Limerick

Something Simple

10st 10lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Pulled up in opening two handicap runs and well beaten last time at Clonmel; others preferred.

40/1

100/30

Form: 2222

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
108-rated mare has filled the runner up spot in all four of her starts in maiden hurdles, including over C&D in June (good); softer ground fine and she should be in the mix again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

14th Oct 2026

Good

2m 0f 95y

14:45 Punchestown

Astelia

10st 12lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

Placed on the Flat for Jessica Harrington early in her career; belatedly opened her account when landing a maiden at Killarney ten days ago; had finished second in eight of her previous 11 attempts; has contested only two handicaps, something amiss at Galway when she was pulled up in a race in which Cleopatra's Needle was fourth.

7/2

1st

3

4th Oct 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

13:35 Killarney

Astelia

10st 13lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

Placed on the Flat for Jessica Harrington early in her career; consistent but highly frustrating over hurdles, second in eight of her 11 attempts, including in four of five since May; towards the rear in a 1m6f handicap at Listowel; would not be a surprise winner but her profile makes it hard to be confident.

13/8

13th

6

(4)

21st Sep 2026

Good

1m 6f 55y

17:12 Listowel

Astelia

9st 11lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Peter Fahey

0-7 on the Flat but had placed form for Jessica Harrington; has been knocking on the door over hurdles this year and could have a part to play.

10/1

Form: 64/6-5

Last run: 137 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Has shown a bit of potential in 3m maiden hurdles at Cork on his last two starts; drops in trip; more needed to get off the mark here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:40 Limerick

Rowdy

11st 11lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

Showed some potential in 3m maiden hurdles at Cork in April/May; found 2m too sharp at Listowel after a break; not without a chance back over a staying trip for handicap debut.

10/1

8th

10

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Rowdy

11st 12lb

J: E Walsh

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

Has shown a bit of potential in 3m maiden hurdles at Cork on his last two starts; drops in trip; more needed to get off the mark here.

20/1

5th

11

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 80y

16:35 Cork

Rowdy

11st 12lb

J: E Walsh

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

in touch with leaders

25/1

Form: —

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Failed to hit the frame in six point-to-points and similar story on hurdling debut at Killarney; oppose.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 7f 110y

17:02 Downpatrick

Walkmethroughit

10st 1lb

T: Kieran Callaghan

First reserve; maiden pointer has yet to display winning potential under rules; well held on chase/stable debut at Kilbeggan in July; not easy to fancy.

7th

16

24th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 85y

20:30 Kilbeggan

Walkmethroughit

11st 2lb

T: Kieran Callaghan

Second reserve; modest maiden hurdler, pulled up last twice in handicaps early in the year; debuts over fences here for new yard.

Form: 92-

Last run: 182 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Order Of St George gelding ran well in a Hereford bumper on final start for Nicky Henderson in March; bought for 18,000GBP at Goffs in May; worth a market check on hurdles debut and first start for Noel Kelly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

13th Oct 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

17:07 Punchestown

Soldier Saint

11st 1lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul W Flynn

Maiden after 12 starts but some decent runs, notably on stable debut at Downpatrick over 2m6f four days ago; can be more involved if improving from that.

6/1

6th

8

4th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 110y

19:18 Bellewstown

Soldier Saint

11st 3lb

J: Jordan Canavan

T: Mark Edmund McCrory

Placed in a bumper for Nicky Henderson; nothing in four runs for Noel Kelly; has shown improvement in recent starts and continues to slide down the weights; each-way contender.

20/1

Form: 00-

Last run: 145 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Placed in sole point-to-point but heavy defeats first two starts under Rules; 150-1 when beaten 59l in a Punchestown novice when last seen in May; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

21st Aug 2026

Good

3m 1f 180y

19:05 Kilbeggan

Lecales Diamond

11st 11lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Shed his maiden tag at Wexford in May when winning a 3m handicap hurdle off 87 (good to yielding); way below that level on his handicap chase bow at Killarney (2m7f, good to yielding) last time when tailed off; stable has hit form in the meantime and blinkers go on so he might be worth another go as he had run with credit in his two beginners'.

7/1

8th

3

17th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

16:17 Killarney

Lecales Diamond

11st 10lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Shed his maiden tag at Wexford last time when winning a 3m handicap hurdle off 87 (good to yielding); that was his first try at a 3m trip and he won going away; didn't disgrace himself in his two beginners' chase runs last season; shortlisted.

5/1

Form: —

Last run: —

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; Kessaar gelding is a half-brother to 1m-1m5f Flat/2m4f hurdle winner Sophosc; dam unraced sister to 1m2f winner Deck Walk, out of close relation to 7f Listed winning dam of Cityscape/Bated Breath; bred to have a future but best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

14th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 165y

16:30 Downpatrick

Magnificent Era

10st 10lb

T: John F Gleeson

First reserve; 0-4 and heavy defeat on handicap debut at Clonmel just 9 days ago; still early days but others make more appeal.

12th

10

5th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 113y

18:10 Clonmel

Magnificent Era

10st 11lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: John F Gleeson

Best of three maiden runs came at Punchestown (2m1f, good to yielding) when 29l behind in a decent quality contest; decent opening mark if taking the 91 RPR he ran to that day literally; absence to overcome.

20/1

5th

4

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 100y

14:57 Wexford

Magnificent Era

11st 12lb

J: Ryan Treacy

T: John F Gleeson

Tailed-off on hurdling debut at Listowel but more encouraging at Punchestown since; this is a drop in class so should get closer.

12/1

Form: 7

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
80-1 and tailed off on debut at Ballinrobe last month; easy to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 100y

18:42 Kilbeggan

Blinding Light

10st 13lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Philip M Byrne

Tailed off in four starts in maiden hurdles; big step up in trip on handicap debut.

18/1

11th

6

26th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Blinding Light

11st 4lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Philip M Byrne

Tailed off in three maiden hurdles last year; hard to make a case for.

100/1

Form: —

Last run: —

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Rates an unlikely winner on hurdling debut on the evidence of his three point-to-point runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

14

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

The Mystery Man

11st 12lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Miss M Harding

Rates an unlikely winner on hurdling debut on the evidence of his three point-to-point runs.

66/1

Form: —

Last run: —

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
6yo son of Jukebox Jury cost 75,000EUR as a 3yo; half-brother to winners Amirite (useful 2m3f-3m1f hurdle/chase) and Cappajune Lady (point); dam unraced half-sister to smart 2m6f-4m hurdle/chase winner Back In Focus; bred for further than this but worth monitoring in the market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 185y

17:12 Clonmel

The Guinness Boys

10st 13lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

Pulled up in a chase last time; handicap hurdle form is unconvincing, pulled up twice and not in the first eight in two completed starts.

16/1

17

17th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

16:32 Wexford

The Guinness Boys

12st 0lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gavin Cromwell

First reserve; mixed fortunes in his four handicaps over hurdles, beaten 11l and 14l on the good days; makes chase debut here.

4

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

16:05 Fairyhouse

The Guinness Boys

11st 6lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Third runner for yard and the market can be revealing; was beaten 11l on second handicap start last time at Punchestown over nearly 2m4f; needs more dropped 2lb and in trip.

12/1

Form: /9/65-

Last run: 478 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Beaten a cumulative distance of 96l in maiden hurdles at Killarney and over this C&D; will qualify for handicaps after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

22nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:00 Killarney

Ikalimix

11st 4lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

Rated 95 after four hurdle runs; unlikely to be good enough to feature here.

66/1

2

3rd Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:30 Cork

Ikalimix

11st 9lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

Mild bumper promise in Britain as a 5yo but interrupted hurdles campaign for current yard, absent since tailed off in Listowel maiden last September; likely best watched on handicap debut after such an absence, although encouraging jockey booking and worth a market check.

14/1

125/1

Form: 800

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Never landed a blow in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle at Roscommon on latest; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 11y

15:45 Sligo

Keaners Boy

11st 4lb

J: Mr B M Coonan

T: V C Ward

Huge odds and well held in three bumpers and a couple of maiden hurdles.

50/1

4

11th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:15 Fairyhouse

Keaners Boy

12st 0lb

J: Miss S A Carter

T: V C Ward

Huge odds and never figured in two bumpers and two maiden hurdles; impossible to fancy.

50/1

17th

6

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Keaners Boy

11st 12lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: V C Ward

Never landed a blow in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle at Roscommon on latest; hard to fancy.

125/1

Form: 7 BF

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Flat recruit returned from long layoff with a modest effort when a beaten favourite on hurdles debut at the Galway festival (2m1f, good); ground may have been too quick that day so could do better now; hood and tongue tie go on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

5th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

16:55 Kelso

Night Moon

11st 0lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Gary Harrison

Virtually friendless in the market when tailed-off fifth of eight on debut at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) last month; best watched.

66/1

5th

5

13th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 5

16:30 Carlisle

Night Moon

11st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Gary Harrison

in rear, headway on outer 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out

66/1

Form: —

Last run: —

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
7yo Alkaadhem gelding; dam unraced half-sister to winners Jack The Hat (2m4f/2m5f hurdle/chase) and Master Massini (2m4f hurdle/2m6f chase); hooded for belated debut; watch.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Paynes Lane

11st 12lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Thomas R Hughes

7yo Alkaadhem gelding; dam unraced half-sister to winners Jack The Hat (2m4f/2m5f hurdle/chase) and Master Massini (2m4f hurdle/2m6f chase); hooded for belated debut; watch.

50/1

Non-runners

Dunany Shore, Gatsby Blue, Amburana

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €9.90
Straight Forecast €10.52
Trifecta €89.50

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Astelia

SPOTLIGHT:

Night Moon

TOPSPEED:

Astelia

POSTDATA:

Astelia

The Irish Sun:

Astelia