April 17 / 17.30 Ballinrobe

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    17.30

    Soft

    Tim Kelly (C & G) Maiden Hurdle

    • Prize money: £6146.09
    • 2m 0f 174y
    • 18 runners
    RTV
    View Course
    Tim Kelly (C & G) Maiden Hurdle

    Runners: 18 runners

    Type: Hurdle Turf

    Surface: Turf

    Weather: Light rain

    1
    Ancient Myth

    Ancient Myth

    J: Mr E M Nugent

    T: N F Glynn

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: —

    W: 11st 12lb

    5 yo Colt

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Appeared to benefit from first-time cheekpieces when winning for the first time at Thirsk in a Flat handicap in August (1m4f, good to firm); failed to beat a rival in two runs afterwards; unlikely to be involved on hurdling/stable debut.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    10th

    1

    26th May 2026

    Good

    2m 0f 13y

    18:30 Ballinrobe

    Ancient Myth

    11st 12lb

    J: Shane Fitzgerald

    T: N F Glynn

    Flat winner for David O'Meara was tailed off when 50/1 on stable/hurdles debut at Killarney; hard to fancy.

    66/1

    12th

    1

    9th May 2026

    Good

    2m 1f 0y

    13:53 Killarney

    Ancient Myth

    11st 12lb

    J: Shane Fitzgerald

    T: N F Glynn

    Bought for 10,000gns after losing his form in two starts following a breakthrough Flat win at Thirsk (1m4f, good to firm) in August for David O'Meara; others more likely.

    12/1
    OUR TIP
    2
    Appy Getaway

    Appy Getaway

    J: Jordan Gainford

    T: Peter Fahey

    Abandoned

    Form: 1 D

    Last run: 251 days

    W: 11st 12lb

    6 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Debut bumper winner at Kilbeggan when last seen in August (2m, good to yielding), third and fourth won subsequently; yet to be seen how he handles softer conditions, but his win marks him out as a big player.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    1st

    2

    9th Aug 2025

    Good

    2m 0f 0y

    20:30 Kilbeggan

    Appy Getaway

    12st 0lb

    J: Mr J L Gleeson

    T: Peter Fahey

    14,500euros foal; dam bumper/1m7f hurdle winner, sister to useful bumper, 1m4f/1m6f Flat and 2m hurdle/chase winner Royal Alphabet, out of 7f Group 3 winner; worth a look in the market.

    15/2
    3
    Loyal Touch

    Loyal Touch

    J: Philip Donovan

    T: Denis Gerard Hogan

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: —

    W: 11st 12lb

    6 yo Colt

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Five Flat wins for Charlie Johnston in Britain; hasn't shown a great deal in seven starts at Dundalk for this stable; tries hurdling now but others are more appealing.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    9th

    1

    14th May 2026

    Good

    2m 3f 116y

    17:20 Clonmel

    Loyal Touch

    11st 12lb

    J: Gavin Brouder

    T: Denis Gerard Hogan

    Five-time Flat winner is rated 70 in that sphere; beaten 21l on hurdling debut at Down Royal recently; can do better.

    14/1

    10th

    3

    4th May 2026

    Good

    2m 1f 88y

    13:35 Down Royal

    Loyal Touch

    11st 12lb

    J: Gavin Brouder

    T: Denis Gerard Hogan

    One of two runners for yard; five Flat wins when trained in UK; regressive for this yard, though running well at times; could go well on hurdles debut if jumping holds up.

    20/1
    4
    Minella Mate

    Minella Mate

    J: Daniel King

    T: John J Nallen

    Abandoned

    Form: /2315/ D BF

    Last run: 1012 days

    W: 11st 12lb

    8 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Bumper and Flat winner in 2023 posted a good effort at Dundalk over 2m in February when runner-up; not at the same level back there last time; disappointed at 11-10 in only attempt over hurdles in July 2023 at Roscommon when lacked jumping fluency.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    3rd

    9

    9th May 2026

    Good

    2m 1f 0y

    13:53 Killarney

    Minella Mate

    11st 12lb

    J: Daniel King

    T: John J Nallen

    Bumper winner in June 2023 added a Galway Flat maiden later that summer; lightly raced since but ran well on AW when runner-up on penultimate start; disappointed as favourite in sole hurdling start in 2023.

    11/1

    5th

    1

    (9)

    6th Mar 2026

    Standard

    2m 0f 0y

    18:15 Dundalk (AW)

    Minella Mate

    12st 0lb

    J: Mr A T Feeney

    T: John J Nallen

    Bumper winner two years ago was a long-priced Galway maiden winner following that (1m4f); lightly raced since but much-improved effort last month when flying home to take second over C&D; player off same mark.

    3/1
    5
    Persian Bliss

    Persian Bliss

    J: Donagh Meyler

    T: Denis Gerard Hogan

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: —

    W: 11st 12lb

    5 yo Colt

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Three-time AW winner holds a rating of 86 on the level; below his best in two runs at Dundalk for new yard this year; interesting recruit to hurdling.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    5

    4th May 2026

    Good

    2m 1f 88y

    13:35 Down Royal

    Persian Bliss

    11st 12lb

    J: Ricky Doyle

    T: Denis Gerard Hogan

    Second runner for yard; three-time AW winner ran well enough on that surface on second start for this yard; was well below his best on sole turf run, but has the class to run well if jumping soundly.

    14/1

    2nd

    2

    (5)

    13th Mar 2026

    Standard

    1m 2f 150y

    17:30 Dundalk (AW)

    Persian Bliss

    10st 2lb

    J: Colin Keane

    T: Denis Gerard Hogan

    Three wins from seven starts at this track when in Adrian Murray's care; struggled in good company over C&D last time on yard debut; sights lowered significantly now, as is the case with stablemate Tyson Fury, who should have his measure again.

    2/1
    6
    Small Fry

    Small Fry

    J: Richard Deegan

    T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

    Abandoned

    Form: 35-

    Last run: 497 days

    W: 11st 12lb

    5 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    92-rated Flat performer was not disgraced in the Irish Cesarewitch when ninth, although more was expected of him at Dundalk when last seen in October (ninth of 11); two hurdle runs for Gary and Josh Moore were not much to shout about, beaten at odds-on at Fontwell (2m2f, good) and 29l behind at Sandown.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    2nd

    11

    30th May 2026

    Good

    2m 0f 100y

    14:41 Listowel

    Small Fry

    11st 12lb

    J: J J Slevin

    T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

    Five Flat wins in UK and ran respectably in two autumn Flat starts for this yard after 100,000gns purchase; previous efforts over hurdles were modest but there was promise in his run at Down Royal (2m2f, good) earlier this month when staying on for fourth; entitled to improve over that return; contender.

    9/4

    4th

    6

    4th May 2026

    Good

    2m 1f 88y

    13:35 Down Royal

    Small Fry

    11st 12lb

    J: Hugh Horgan

    T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

    Five Flat wins in UK and ran respectably both starts for this yard last autumn after 100,000gns purchase; just modest form both hurdle runs in UK, but could do better now that he is more mature; check for market strength.

    4/1
    7
    Bulgaden Castle

    Bulgaden Castle

    J: Simon Torrens

    T: P J Rothwell

    Abandoned

    Form: 03222

    Last run: 41 days

    W: 11st 4lb

    5 yo Gelding

    OR: 118

    Form & Verdict
    Some promise in point-to-points for Derek O'Connor and he has been knocking on the door over hurdles, filling the runner-up spot in his last three runs; ground will be fine and he should run his race again.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    2nd

    1

    7th Mar 2026

    Heavy

    2m 0f 50y

    13:58 Gowran Park

    Bulgaden Castle

    11st 12lb

    J: Simon Torrens

    T: P J Rothwell

    Some promise in points for Derek O'Connor; third to two decent types on second start at Naas in November; second at Thurles in December and filled the same spot behind Straight John at Punchestown on latest, although the winner disappointed at Naas on Wednesday; good claims.

    3/1
    8
    Butterfly Mountain

    Butterfly Mountain

    J: Brian Barry

    T: John Patrick Ryan

    Abandoned

    Form: F6-

    Last run: 365 days

    W: 11st 4lb

    6 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Didn't show much in two point-to-point starts; weakening when fell at Limerick on hurdling debut and tailed off at Clonmel last time.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    8th

    2

    29th May 2026

    Good

    2m 5f 180y

    16:50 Tramore

    Butterfly Mountain

    11st 12lb

    J: John Aherne

    T: John Patrick Ryan

    Very modest form in two points and three maiden hurdles; best watched on chase debut.

    33/1

    11th

    1

    15th May 2026

    Good To Yielding

    1m 7f 153y

    16:45 Kilbeggan

    Butterfly Mountain

    11st 12lb

    J: Brian Barry

    T: John Patrick Ryan

    Didn't show much in either point-to-point start; weakening when falling on hurdles debut at Limerick; tailed off at Clonmel last time.

    25/1
    9
    Cloonbonniffe

    Cloonbonniffe

    J: Ryan Treacy

    T: Mark Michael McNiff

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: 27 days

    W: 11st 4lb

    5 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price
    No Results Found
    10
    Cullagh Lad

    Cullagh Lad

    J: Sean Flanagan

    T: Barry Connell

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: —

    W: 11st 4lb

    5 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price
    No Results Found
    11
    Dahab

    Dahab

    J: Danny Gilligan

    T: D Broad

    Abandoned

    Form: 0-7

    Last run: 42 days

    W: 11st 4lb

    5 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Placed form in Flat maidens in 2024 (turf and AW); in rear on his only hurdles start that year; ran only twice last year; unplaced at Ayr most recently; makes stable debut now but others preferred.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    9th

    4

    22nd May 2026

    Good To Yielding

    2m 2f 185y

    17:20 Downpatrick

    Dahab

    11st 4lb

    J: Paddy Cleary

    T: D Broad

    Runner-up in three Flat maidens for Noel Kelly; beaten 20l at Ayr on hurdling bow; tailed off on stable debut in first-time tongue-tie (retained) at Sligo 10 days ago; others preferred.

    50/1

    13th

    5

    12th May 2026

    Good

    2m 1f 166y

    17:27 Sligo

    Dahab

    11st 4lb

    J: Paddy Cleary

    T: D Broad

    Runner-up in three Flat maidens for Noel Kelly and rated 70; beaten 20l at Ayr on hurdling bow; new trainer fits a tongue-tie.

    16/1
    12
    Master Haku

    Master Haku

    J: Jack Kennedy

    T: Gordon Elliott

    Abandoned

    Form: 32 BF

    Last run: 145 days

    W: 11st 4lb

    5 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Promising third in a Cork maiden hurdle (yielding) and got closer to the runner-up that day when beaten a head behind Grey Jude back at Cork next time (yielding to soft); the winner has run well since and he looks the likeliest winner if ready after a 145-day absence.
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price

    2

    31st May 2026

    Good To Yielding

    3m 0f 50y

    14:56 Kilbeggan

    Master Haku

    11st 10lb

    J: Josh Williamson

    T: Gordon Elliott

    Placed in first two maiden hurdles; off the mark at the third attempt here over 16.5f (gd-yld) in April; weakened after the third last when upped to 2m4f (gd-yld) in novice hurdle at Killarney 20 days ago; stamina query upped further in trip here.

    2/1

    4th

    2

    11th May 2026

    Good To Yielding

    2m 4f 50y

    17:37 Killarney

    Master Haku

    11st 10lb

    J: Jack Kennedy

    T: Gordon Elliott

    Maintained his progress with a front-running win on good to yielding at Kilbeggan (2m; 4-11f) but probably needs another step forward to defy his penalty in this stronger race.

    7/2

    1st

    4

    24th Apr 2026

    Good To Yielding

    2m 0f 110y

    16:15 Kilbeggan

    Master Haku

    11st 12lb

    J: Jack Kennedy

    T: Gordon Elliott

    Promising third behind an odds-on shot on debut in a Cork maiden hurdle last November; got closer to the runner-up Grey Jude when beaten a head at the same venue later that month; Grey Jude's official rating of 122 implies that he could be hard to beat here.

    5/4
    13
    Orchard Cross

    Orchard Cross

    J: Phillip Enright

    T: Robert Tyner

    Abandoned

    Form: 6

    Last run: 26 days

    W: 11st 4lb

    6 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price
    No Results Found
    14
    Alwaysgoinhome

    Alwaysgoinhome

    J: Shane Fitzgerald

    T: Brian Francis Cawley

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: —

    W: 10st 10lb

    4 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price
    No Results Found
    15
    Tribal

    Tribal

    J: Darragh O’Keeffe

    T: Norman Lee

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: —

    W: 10st 10lb

    4 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price
    No Results Found
    16
    Messire Des Bordes

    Messire Des Bordes

    T: Gavin Cromwell

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: —

    W: 10st 10lb

    4 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price
    No Results Found
    17
    Deep Warrior

    Deep Warrior

    T: Gavin Cromwell

    Abandoned

    Form: 80

    Last run: 12 days

    W: 10st 10lb

    4 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price
    No Results Found
    18
    Puck Out

    Puck Out

    T: E Bolger

    Abandoned

    Form: —

    Last run: —

    W: 10st 10lb

    4 yo Gelding

    OR: —

    Form & Verdict
    Place /
    No / Draw    		 Date / Going /
    Distance / Class    		 Time + Course Horse + Weight
    Jockey / Trainer    		 Verdict Starting price
    No Results Found

    Verdict

    Promising in both maiden hurdle runs to date, MASTER HAKU (nap) looks like the most likely winner if ready to rock after a 145-day absence. If not, Bulgaden Castle is a solid option having finished runner-up in his last three outings. Appy Getaway was a debut bumper winner when last seen in August, and the third and fourth won subsequently, so he’s another worth attention. [Denis Harney]

    Selections

    SPOTLIGHT:

    Master Haku

    TOPSPEED:

    Bulgaden Castle

    RP RATINGS (IRE):

    Master Haku

    The Irish Sun:

    Master Haku

    POSTDATA:

    Bulgaden Castle