January 18 / 14.50 Thurles

14.50

Yielding

Support Thurles Bookmakers Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £8208.7
  • 2m 4f 198y
  • 14 runners
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Support Thurles Bookmakers Handicap Chase

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

2/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 211611 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Former winner for Michael Hourigan is having a very fruitful season, with back-to-back good to yielding hurdle wins (2m6f/2m7f) in September/October before disappointing at 11-10 at Clonmel next time; reverted to fences at this track for back-to-back wins off a much lower chasing mark most recently; things may be more difficult now following 15lb hit for easy win last time (3m1f, yielding).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Kempton

Rising Dust

10st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Emmet Mullins

A major improver since joining Emmet Mullins, winning twice over hurdles in the autumn and now arrives here on a four-timer over fences after three wins at Thurles (2m5f-3m1f); tackling a different level of opposition now but Sean Bowen rides off a feather weight and he could be dangerous.

10/1

1st

7

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:50 Thurles

Rising Dust

10st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Former winner for Michael Hourigan is having a very fruitful season, with back-to-back good to yielding hurdle wins (2m6f/2m7f) in September/October before disappointing at 11-10 at Clonmel next time; reverted to fences at this track for back-to-back wins off a much lower chasing mark most recently; things may be more difficult now following 15lb hit for easy win last time (3m1f, yielding).

2/1

OUR TIP

Form: 15-314 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Winning pointer and twice successful over hurdles for Pat Doyle; took third behind subsequent Galway Plate winner Western Fold on chasing debut before comfortably justifying favouritism next time at Roscommon (3m1f, good); made stable debut back from a break in a five-runner novice event at Fairyhouse last time when a distant fourth (2m5f, soft); shaped as though he would come on for the run that day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Brave Fortune

11st 7lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Irish 7yo whose broadly progressive form switched to chasing this season features a comfortable win at Roscommon (sole attempt over 3m1f; good) in the summer and good second in Thurles handicap (2m5f, yielding) last time; still reasonably unexposed and looks interesting back up in distance.

6/1

2nd

2

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:50 Thurles

Brave Fortune

11st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Winning pointer and twice successful over hurdles for Pat Doyle; took third behind subsequent Galway Plate winner Western Fold on chasing debut before comfortably justifying favouritism next time at Roscommon (3m1f, good); made stable debut back from a break in a five-runner novice event at Fairyhouse last time when a distant fourth (2m5f, soft); shaped as though he would come on for the run that day.

8/1

1

9th Jun 2025

Good

3m 1f 24y

19:08 Roscommon

Brave Fortune

11st 12lb

J: Jack Doyle

T: P M J Doyle

Winning pointer who won twice over hurdles, including a 3l defeat of Heroes Rise at Thurles in December; matched that RPR when third on recent chase debut; good chance.

3/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.90

Form: 2-2375 BF

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner; has run well in defeat at times in good races; second on his first two starts over fences, remote seventh behind Kopek Des Bordes at Navan in November; shared 9-4 favouritism in a Punchestown conditions hurdle (2m, heavy) in December but was struggling from three out; makes handicap chase debut now but needs to bounce back to his best with blinkers replacing the previously worn cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Jigoro

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

Blinkered first time when third of 14 on his handicap debut in this sphere at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January and off the mark over fences when landing fairly valuable event at Gowran (2m, heavy) last month; 22-1 and pulled up in Listed novice handicap last time but that had the makings of a warm event and he needs respecting.

7/2

2

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 140y

16:25 Fairyhouse

Jigoro

11st 11lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Improved since going handicapping, decent Thurles effort followed by 2m Gowran win last month on heavy under a positive ride from today's rider; 5lb higher and this looks a much stronger race.

7/1

1st

5

7th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

16:18 Gowran Park

Jigoro

11st 5lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Second on his first two starts over fences last April/May; remote seventh behind Kopek Des Bordes at Navan in November; below-par when sharing favouritism in a Punchestown conditions hurdle in December; ran out of steam late on handicap chase debut over 2m5f at Thurles, 2m may suit better.

8/1

Form: 913180 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Bagged two handicap chase wins at Kilbeggan over the summer at 2m4f, with last win coming off a mark of 120; decent eighth in the Troytown at Navan (3m, heavy), but 21l behind at Leopardstown last time (3m, yielding); all wins have over shorter than 3m so return to this trip can help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 90y

19:40 Kilbeggan

A Wave Of The Sea

11st 6lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Broderick

A Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler in his younger days, far from the force of old but still well capable; latest win came in handicap chase over C&D in September; down the field at Leopardstown and in veterans' event at Wexford last twice; dropped 3lb; 3-6 at this track and each-way player.

12/1

12th

9

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

A Wave Of The Sea

10st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: J P Broderick

Fine servant won a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle and most recent successes came in 2m4f Kilbeggan handicap chases last year; penultimate Thurles fourth his best recent effort, stamina test probably beyond him in valuable 2m6f Leopardstown handicap latest; more suitable trip/ground here and drops in grade.

8/1

14th

19

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

A Wave Of The Sea

10st 0lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Broderick

Fine servant won a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at this meeting in 2021; a record of 5-43 over fences and a decent effort at Thurles last time, but needs more from 1lb out of the handicap.

25/1

Form: 5414P2 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Added third chase win at Down Royal in November (3m, good to yielding); struggled off 8lb higher mark in following two runs; took the runner-up spot in a weak Cork contest last time after the leader unseated; needs more to score again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 150y

20:18 Limerick

Battle Of Mirbat

11st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Michael J McDonagh

Gained third chase win off 5lb lower at Down Royal in November; some decent runs in defeat since including when a 12.5l fourth of 13 at Leopardstown on latest (28.5f, yld-sft); this trip more suitable; place shout but may need more help from the handicapper to get his head back in front.

17/2

4th

2

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 4f 61y

16:55 Leopardstown

Battle Of Mirbat

11st 11lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Michael J McDonagh

Added third chase win at Down Royal in November (3m, good to yielding); struggled off 8lb higher mark in following two runs; took the runner-up spot in a weak Cork contest in January after the leader unseated; weakened into a 12.5l fifth at Thurles last time (2m5f, yielding); tries this trip for the first time but probably not crying out for it.

10/1

5th

8

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:50 Thurles

Battle Of Mirbat

10st 11lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Michael J McDonagh

Added third chase win at Down Royal in November (3m, good to yielding); struggled off 8lb higher mark in following two runs; took the runner-up spot in a weak Cork contest last time after the leader unseated; needs more to score again.

6/1

Form: 8P5235

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
A winner over hurdles and fences, but no wins since January 2024; out of form earlier in the winter but positive signs in two December placed runs at this track and at Limerick over 2m5f and 2m1f respectively; below that level at Naas last time when beaten 28l (2m, soft); place chance if bouncing back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

19th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 140y

16:28 Tramore

Mount Frisco

11st 4lb

J: Daniel King

T: John Patrick Ryan

Course winner at 15.5f; seems best on heavy ground and scored twice in those conditions earlier this year, over hurdles at Clonmel (16.5f) and over fences at Gowran (19.5f); capable off this mark and rain would boost his claims.

10/1

3rd

4

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

16:30 Clonmel

Mount Frisco

11st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: John Patrick Ryan

Won over fences at Gowran and hurdles here in February but was below form over fences at Limerick since; has a lot to find against some of these rivals; due to run in the 6.42 at Limerick on Tuesday.

25/1

3rd

4

31st Mar 2026

Soft

2m 1f 200y

18:42 Limerick

Mount Frisco

11st 4lb

J: Daniel King

T: John Patrick Ryan

Won over hurdles at Clonmel and fences at Gowran last month but disappointed here over fences last time so has to rebound; claims if he does.

5/2

Form: 5P1-P3 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Won hunter-chases last season at Fairyhouse and Cork; two point-to-point runs term well below best, but posted a decent effort in a 2m5f handicap around here last time when a distant third of 14 behind a runaway winner (Mount Frisco 3.5l in front of him that day); needs to build on that off same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

16:07 Listowel

Lisleigh Lad

11st 2lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: Ms Eleanor Broderick

Dual hunter chase winner who can hold his own in handicaps but unlikely to be overly competitive at this level.

66/1

3rd

11

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 90y

19:40 Kilbeggan

Lisleigh Lad

11st 3lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: Ms Eleanor Broderick

Two-time chase winner, encouraging run when beaten 0.5l behind Harbour Highway at Leopardstown (2m6f, yielding) in March before well-held fourth at Fairyhouse 41 days ago; ground should suit and place claims.

14/1

Form: 52P-75 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Two-time hurdles winner; last win came when beating Jigoro by over 4l in a Limerick conditions hurdle in December 2024 and rated 143 in that sphere; slight improvement in second beginners' chase at Naas (2m4f, heavy) when weakening gradually into a 23l fifth; may do better now in handicaps from a 10lb lower chase mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:05 Punchestown

Meet And Greet

11st 10lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Has been chasing since pulled up in this race last year; 66-1 chance then; an unenviable task again; first-time cheekpieces.

66/1

2nd

3

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

16:07 Down Royal

Meet And Greet

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

No wins since December 2024 and three chase efforts to date have not been super encouraging; beaten 23l in a Thurles handicap last time (2m5f, yielding); nonetheless, he's the second highest rated of the field here and possibilities if putting his best foot forward.

9/4

Form: 6223P8 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 11lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Four wins over fences and some decent runs over hurdles recently, twice a runner-up at Sligo over the summer; stamina test too much at Clonmel in November (3m, soft); never better than midfield back over fences at Leopardstown last time (2m1f, yielding); others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

14

25th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 136y

19:05 Ballinrobe

Grange Walk

10st 6lb

J: Daniel King

T: John Patrick Ryan

Won a hurdle at Limerick (fair fourth in corresponding contest latest) before finishing fourth in this race last year; over three years since latest chase win and struggling in this discipline lately, despite declining mark.

18/1

4th

3

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 100y

13:35 Limerick

Grange Walk

11st 5lb

J: Daniel King

T: John Patrick Ryan

Last year's winner off 1lb lower but hasn't won since; below his best chasing this season, albeit set some stiff tasks; not discounted back hurdling but veteran will need to improve significantly.

10/1

Form: 1-843P CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Five-time winner under Rules, with both his chase wins coming at this track on good ground in a 2m2f beginners' and in this race last year; just 2lb higher since his win last year but beaten fairly comprehensively in three summer starts and pulled up around here last month (2m5f, yielding); comes into the race in lesser form than last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Thats About Right

10st 5lb

J: Miss P Elvin

T: P J Rothwell

Five-time winner; both his chase wins have come at Thurles on good ground; last two runs have been respectable but looks held by Harbour Highway and Lisleigh Lad on Leopardstown running; rider Phidelma Elvin won this in 2023.

20/1

5th

7

3rd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:55 Leopardstown

Thats About Right

11st 9lb

J: Miss P Elvin

T: P J Rothwell

Five-time winner; both his chase wins have come at Thurles on good ground; two below-par displays at that venue before signs of a return to form when fourth over 2m2f there on latest.

12/1

10th

12

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:50 Thurles

Thats About Right

10st 7lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Five-time winner under Rules, with both his chase wins coming at this track on good ground in a 2m2f beginners' and in this race last year; just 2lb higher since his win last year but beaten fairly comprehensively in three summer starts and pulled up around here last month (2m5f, yielding); comes into the race in lesser form than last year.

20/1

Form: 115-80 D BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Better chaser than hurdler with two wins from seven chase starts; well beaten in three runs since his last win in February 2025, in a handicap chase and two hurdles; sent off 4-1 joint favourite in a handicap hurdle at Clonmel last time but beaten 20l from much lower rating over timber (2m4f, heavy); more required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

19th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 140y

16:28 Tramore

Midweek Voices

11st 1lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Eoin Doyle

Has lost way since back to back wins in early 2025; pulled up and beaten 76l in last two chase starts; hard to fancy on recent showings.

25/1

5

22nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 150y

16:37 Limerick

Midweek Voices

11st 2lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Eoin Doyle

Better chaser than hurdler with 2m4f handicap wins last season at Punchestown and Gowran (soft); below best this term over both hurdles and fences, mildly more encouraging run in first-time cheekpieces at Gowran last time; headgear retained for return to fences but others preferred at this trip.

9/1

5th

5

7th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

15:43 Gowran Park

Midweek Voices

11st 1lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Eoin Doyle

Better chaser than hurdler with two wins from eight chase starts; well beaten in four runs since handicap chase win here in February 2025; well-backed when well beaten on last hurdle start at Clonmel in January; cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: P96770

Last run: 84 days

W: 10st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Four wins, split evenly between chasing and hurdles; however, losing run stretches back to November 2023; no sign of a return to the winners' enclosure in 2025 runs; makes stable debut and 1lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 150y

20:18 Limerick

Hascoeur Clermont

10st 8lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: David O’Sullivan

Two-time chase winner hasn't got his head in front since November 2023; hasn't looked like ending the dry spell in two starts for this stable; beaten 54l at Killarney latest; cheekpieces tried.

33/1

9th

7

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

19:07 Killarney

Hascoeur Clermont

11st 2lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: David O’Sullivan

Four wins, split evenly between chasing and hurdles; losing run stretches back to November 2023 and debut for this yard was forgettable, as were his final runs for previous one.

66/1

12th

14

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:50 Thurles

Hascoeur Clermont

10st 0lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: David O’Sullivan

Four wins, split evenly between chasing and hurdles; however, losing run stretches back to November 2023; no sign of a return to the winners' enclosure in 2025 runs; makes stable debut and 1lb wrong.

25/1

Form: 4PP-P9 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner lost his way in second half of last season, pulling up in final two runs, and again on return to action at Down Royal in October; tailed off at Navan last time; best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

14th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Salisbury

Individualiste

8st 5lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Ben Lund

Winner over hurdles for Paul Nicholls and fences for Gavin Cromwell but pulled up at big prices in both hurdle starts for this yard; visor deployed on his belated handicap debut in this sphere.

50/1

6

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

Individualiste

11st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Ben Lund

Lost his way over fences in Ireland and showed no signs of an immediate revival when pulled up reverting to hurdles on stable debut in March; too much to prove at present.

25/1

9

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

16:20 Uttoxeter

Individualiste

11st 6lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Ben Lund

Four-time winner (hurdles/fences) but he's lost his way and was pulled up in four of his last five runs in Ireland; left Gavin Cromwell since his last run in January and has plenty to prove for new yard; equipment removed.

66/1

Form: 221537

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Point winner has been running consistently over fences this season, runner-up in two mares' beginners' before a comfortable win at Ballinrobe in September (2m7f, soft); outclassed in Graded company, but in between those efforts she ran respectably in a four-runner contest around here in October when third; makes handicap chase debut now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:50 Thurles

Littlebiggie

10st 10lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Point winner has been running consistently over fences this season, runner-up in two mares' beginners' before a comfortable win at Ballinrobe in September (2m7f, soft); outclassed in Graded company, but in between those efforts she ran respectably in a four-runner contest around here in October when third; makes handicap chase debut now.

16/1

3rd

4

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 146y

16:22 Clonmel

Littlebiggie

11st 0lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Gained a first chase win at Ballinrobe on her penultimate run but didn't jump well when tailed off since and probably needs further than this.

10/1

6

29th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 147y

16:35 Roscommon

Littlebiggie

10st 8lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Ray Hackett

1-11 over hurdles and rated 116, so not in the same league as the principals here; has made a bright start over fences but this is way tougher than winning a mares' race at Ballinrobe over much further.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €9.00
Straight Forecast €11.69
Tricast €78.50
Trifecta €136.30

Selections

POSTDATA:

Mount Frisco

The Irish Sun:

Brave Fortune

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Lisleigh Lad

TOPSPEED:

Battle Of Mirbat

SPOTLIGHT:

A Wave Of The Sea