February 21 / 16.20 Fairyhouse

16.20

Heavy

Get Your Easter Festival Tickets Now Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £5900
  • 2m 7f 165y
  • 13 runners
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Get Your Easter Festival Tickets Now Handicap Chase

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.00
  • Place: £4.60

Form: 16-059 C BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Two wins from seven starts over fences including here in January last year (3m2f, soft) off 95; returns to chasing after three hurdle runs from a much lower mark, two of them tailed off but the middle one at Limerick (2m5f, soft to heavy) was positive when a 5.25l fifth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 1f 100y

16:55 Wexford

One Horse Army

11st 12lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Padraig Roche

Won his third chase at Fairyhouse in February before falling 4 out at Newbury next time; is up 7lb so needs more and his best form has come on softer ground.

9/1

6

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 4

16:07 Newbury

One Horse Army

11st 6lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

Irish raider who had been hurdling before a successful return to fences over 3m at Fairyhouse last time (heavy), having dug deep to make it 3-8 in this discipline; does seem to have a penchant for deep ground so that's the concern.

6/1

1st

7

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

One Horse Army

11st 4lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Padraig Roche

Two wins from seven starts over fences including here in January last year (3m2f, soft) off 95; returns to chasing after three hurdle runs from a much lower mark, two of them tailed off but the middle one at Limerick (2m5f, soft to heavy) was positive when a 5.25l fifth.

14/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: -P5252

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Point-to-point runner-up posted a nice performance when upped to 3m for the first time at Navan last time (3m, soft to heavy); beaten 6l that day but was well clear of the third; good claimer takes off 5lb; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

18

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:35 Down Royal

Duce Bigalow

10st 7lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Colm Ryan

Consistent over fences recently; finished second at Naas in December (2m, heavy) and bounced back from a below par run with two runner-up finishes in his last two starts at Navan (3m, soft to heavy) and Fairyhouse (3m, heavy); makes stable debut back over hurdles off a 9lb lower mark, but may not be as effective over timber and ground also a question.

11/2

2nd

14

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Duce Bigalow

10st 0lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Seamus Neville

Point-to-point runner-up posted a nice performance when upped to 3m for the first time at Navan last time (3m, soft to heavy); beaten 6l that day but was well clear of the third; good claimer takes off 5lb; big player.

9/2

11/4

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 90-021 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Made the breakthrough at the 14th attempt at Thurles last time with a 9l win over hurdles (2m7f, soft); up 9lb for that and now makes chasing debut; may go well again and improving but overall record a bit off putting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

9th Jun 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

19:30 Sligo

Aines Lad

12st 0lb

J: Mr J Dunne

T: Matthew J Smith

Won well over hurdles at Thurles in February and a fair chase debut next time at Fairyhouse, both on winter ground; however, has handled better ground in the past and run well here before too; chance.

6/1

Form: -48P69 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 5lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Dual point and chase winner made a nice seasonal return here in October (3m, yielding) but was way below that in four runs since; much more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Clonmeen

10st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: William P Murphy

Not a great strike rate but on song on latest when readily landing 3m1f Fairyhouse handicap last month in first-time blinkers; raised 12lb for that but still 12lb out of handicap here so plenty on his plate.

33/1

1st

18

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Clonmeen

10st 0lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: William P Murphy

Promise here on seasonal reappearance; failed to build on that on next four starts but signs of a revival when staying on for a 9.5l fourth back here (3m, heavy) on latest; blinkers could eke out more but he's 7lb wrong and looks up against it.

33/1

Form: 050-85

Last run: 88 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in maiden hurdles and beginners' chases but there was more promise on handicap chase debut at Tramore last time when fifth (2m5f, soft) at 9-2; new tongue tie may get some more from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Notimelikedpresent

10st 2lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Robert Tyner

Unplaced in maiden hurdles and beginners' chases but there was more promise on handicap chase debut at Tramore last time when fifth (2m5f, soft) at 9-2; new tongue tie may get some more from him.

12/1

11th

13

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 69y

16:35 Clonmel

Notimelikedpresent

11st 8lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Robert Tyner

Modest hurdle form and didn't jump well on last month's chase debut.

33/1

5th

12

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:50 Cork

Notimelikedpresent

11st 6lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Robert Tyner

Dam won three bumpers and two races over hurdles for this stable; no sign of ability over hurdles.

66/1

Form: -36032 BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 1lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
One-time smart hurdler is yet to win over fences in ten starts but some decent efforts; took third here in November (3m, heavy) and went one place better at Limerick when last seen over Christmas with first-time blinkers (retained); up 2lb but his mark is low compared to what it was over hurdles; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

16:14 Limerick

Decimation

11st 12lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

One-time smart hurdler is yet to win over fences in 11 starts but some decent efforts, notably C&D second at Christmas off 1lb lower (soft-to-heavy); none too fluent and faded tamely over 3m latest; can't rule out back at this track and ground okay (cheekpieces back on for blinkers).

8/1

6th

10

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Decimation

11st 1lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

One-time smart hurdler is yet to win over fences in ten starts but some decent efforts; took third here in November (3m, heavy) and went one place better at Limerick when last seen over Christmas with first-time blinkers (retained); up 2lb but his mark is low compared to what it was over hurdles; in the mix.

5/1

Form: 477554 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 4lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Dual winning hurdler with his latest win coming at Punchestown in June off 92 (3m, good to yielding); well supported in market on return to chasing at Limerick but made little impression and beaten 26l at Navan last month; probably prefers better ground than this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 100y

19:12 Kilbeggan

Smackwater Jack

11st 11lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: Mrs Denise Foster

Showed a good attitude to gain third success over hurdles when holding off Morell River by a neck at Punchestown (23.5f, gd) eight days ago; not an obvious type to follow up but he was 13lb out of the handicap that day so is effectively just 2lb higher here; chance of following up.

9/2

1st

13

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 116y

16:52 Punchestown

Smackwater Jack

10st 0lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: Mrs Denise Foster

Won a division of this last year off 92 and he's higher here as a result of being 13lb wrong; well beaten in recent starts.

33/1

Form: 905-F9 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Leopardstown handicap hurdle winner in March 2024 (3m, soft to heavy); still in contention when falling at Cork on second chase start in November (2m5f, yielding); tailed off at Down Royal last time (2m4f, good to yielding); may do better in these conditions on handicap chase debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Jerk

12st 0lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: William Durkan

Leopardstown handicap hurdle winner in March 2024 (3m, soft to heavy); still in contention when falling at Cork on second chase start in November (2m5f, yielding); tailed off at Down Royal last time (2m4f, good to yielding); may do better in these conditions on handicap chase debut.

14/1

5th

6

17th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 1f 100y

15:55 Wexford

Jerk

11st 12lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: William Durkan

in rear

10/1

Form: -42770

Last run: 204 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Maiden was well beaten in last three starts over the summer; unseen since August; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 157y

15:00 Punchestown

Justabitofyours

11st 4lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Standout form in 14 starts came when beaten 1.75l by Je T'ai Porte at Limerick a year ago; not threatened to rediscover that run since and hasn't completed in last three starts; up in trip.

28/1

6

9th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

15:35 Killarney

Justabitofyours

10st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Maiden in all spheres was pulled-up on last two chase starts and can't be fancied in this grade.

100/1

Form: 8332-P C

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Handicap hurdle winner here in January 2024 (3m, heavy); some good runs in defeat over fences last season, filling the frame in three of his four runs inc' here off 1lb higher (2m5f, soft to heavy); returned from just over a year off at Navan last time when never better than midfield and pulled up; can get involved if back to his best but a bit to prove now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Mighty Oak Lad

11st 5lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Handicap hurdle winner here in January 2024 (3m, heavy); some good runs in defeat over fences last season, filling the frame in three of his four runs inc' here off 1lb higher (2m5f, soft to heavy); returned from just over a year off at Navan last time when never better than midfield and pulled up; can get involved if back to his best but a bit to prove now.

14/1

17

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

16:20 Navan

Mighty Oak Lad

10st 10lb

J: Daniel King

T: Karl Thornton

Won 3m handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse two seasons ago; showed signs of developing into a consistent handicap chaser last winter; off for a year but could feature if returning in peak form; arguably the most appealing of three runners for his trainer.

8/1

2nd

4

5th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 55y

13:25 Fairyhouse

Mighty Oak Lad

11st 6lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Karl Thornton

prominent, not fluent and pecked on landing 3 out, challenging 2 out, kept on well but no match for winner

6/1

Form: -76585 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
No success since two hunter chase wins in 2023; has failed to make the frame in five starts for this yard; tailed off at Down Royal last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

28th Jun 2026

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

16:55 Cartmel

Shantou Show

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Dual chase winner but last win was a Tipperary novice hunter chase in May 2023 (3m, good to yielding; first-time tongue-tie); on a good mark and there was a more encouraging run last time.

14/1

7th

2

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 150y

16:55 Downpatrick

Shantou Show

11st 13lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Noel C Kelly

Dual hunter chase winner in 2023 has been regressive since last autumn but this better ground is a help and he could produce an improved performance.

14/1

Form: P3-PFP

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Dual winning hurdler has returned from a 496-day break with letters representing her three form figures since; pulled up at Punchestown before falling here when in midfield (2m5f, yielding to soft); pulled up again at Punchestown last time; best watched for the moment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

31st Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 70y

17:42 Limerick

Lovely Reaction

11st 7lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Thomas Mullins

Two-time winner has failed to complete all four starts since returning from a 496 day layoff; on last winning mark now but a risky proposition.

20/1

11

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Lovely Reaction

10st 11lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Thomas Mullins

Dual winning hurdler has returned from a 496-day break with letters representing her three form figures since; pulled up at Punchestown before falling here when in midfield (2m5f, yielding to soft); pulled up again at Punchestown last time; best watched for the moment.

16/1

Form: /09063

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Moderate form overall but his 9l third of 16 over hurdles here last month was his best performance; lightly raced for his age and makes chasing debut now from 2lb outside the handicap; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 60y

16:30 Limerick

Shanroe Nelson

10st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Moderate form overall; his 9l third of 16 at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) in January was a decent effort; had excuse for poor chase run there next time; distant fifth here over hurdles on latest (2m7f); place chance.

12/1

5th

15

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

13:34 Limerick

Shanroe Nelson

10st 10lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Moderate form overall but his 9l third of 16 over hurdles at Fairyhouse in January was a decent performance; had an excuse for a poor chase run last time; could bounce back.

12/1

15

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Shanroe Nelson

10st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Karl Thornton

Moderate form overall but his 9l third of 16 over hurdles here last month was his best performance; lightly raced for his age and makes chasing debut now from 2lb outside the handicap; others preferred.

14/1

Non-runners

Ceroc, Baldurs Gate

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €126.50
Straight Forecast €85.29
Tricast €450.99
Trifecta €559.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Duce Bigalow

TOPSPEED:

Mighty Oak Lad

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Clonmeen

POSTDATA:

Decimation

The Irish Sun:

Duce Bigalow