May 22 / 19.00 Downpatrick

19.00

Good To Yielding

Down Royal Corporation Of Horsebreeders Beginners Chase

  • Prize money: £5633.91
  • 2m 3f 100y
  • 14 runners
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Down Royal Corporation Of Horsebreeders Beginners Chase

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.80
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 6444-U

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Now a 12-race maiden; ran a few decent races when in the frame in handicaps this year; unseated at the fourth in C&D handicap two weeks ago; might find a couple too good in this company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 7f 110y

17:02 Downpatrick

Driveonwill

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Consistency not a strong suit but has won two of his six starts over fences, both at this venue over 19.5f on good ground, including a 2l success on latest; 7lb higher now and stamina a concern at this trip.

11/2

1st

1

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

17:04 Downpatrick

Driveonwill

12st 0lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Off the mark over fences in a C&D beginners' in May; unseated two out in a handicap chase back here next time when still in contention; never involved at the Galway festival when tailed off (2m2f, good); capable of better back here.

15/2

15th

16

28th Jul 2026

Good

2m 2f 54y

17:45 Galway

Driveonwill

11st 2lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Ross O’Sullivan

One of three for yard; off the mark over fences in a Downpatrick beginners (19.5f, gd-yld) in May (Giant Haystacks 2.75l behind in fourth); unseated two out in handicap chase back there on latest when still in contention; can't discount off 2lb higher.

14/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: /9P55-

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Some decent form when trained in Britain; couple of fair efforts in handicap hurdles since joining this yard, including when fifth of 12 here (2m6f) last time; 99-rated hurdler should be in the mix if she takes to larger obstacles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

2nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

14:55 Galway

Saunton Surf

11st 2lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Gary McGill

Won a point and seems to have improved markedly for having fences back in front of her; won a Downpatrick restricted beginners' by 10l and the runner-up won a handicap by the same margin next time; stays farther and plenty to like.

8/1

1st

8

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 150y

16:20 Downpatrick

Saunton Surf

11st 5lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Gary McGill

Debut point and bumper winner was 0-13 over hurdles; sent off favourite for chasing debut here over an extended 2m3f when headed in the final strides; big chance once again up in trip.

6/4

2nd

13

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Saunton Surf

11st 5lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Gary McGill

Some decent form when trained in Britain; couple of fair efforts in handicap hurdles since joining this yard, including when fifth of 12 here (2m6f) last time; 99-rated hurdler should be in the mix if she takes to larger obstacles.

9/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 6086-1

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Left all known form behind when bolting up over hurdles at Punchestown (2m, good to yielding) on stable/handicap debut nine days ago; one place and three non-completions in points but high on the shortlist on chase bow.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

5th Oct 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:05 Fairyhouse

Whispering Willow

11st 11lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won a 2m handicap chase at Punchestown in May on stable debut; has been placed in four of her six races since then; just in front of last week's Clonmel winner Hopeful Hero when second at Down Royal in August; no match for Sea Of Doubt over fences at Downpatrick; fair prospects of reversing form now.

11/4

2nd

11

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

16:28 Downpatrick

Whispering Willow

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

1-7 over hurdles and fine run at Down Royal on latest (17.5f, good) when a 3l second of 14 off 97; close third here on chase debut back in May (19.5f, gd-yld) and going left-handed may not have suited on last chase start at Listowel (hung and jumped right); big chance.

9/2

2nd

15

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 87y

17:37 Down Royal

Whispering Willow

10st 12lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won off 11lb lower at Punchestown in May (2m3f, good); ran okay in a couple of chases subsequently but pretty well held off revised mark back over hurdles the last twice; tongue tie needs to eke out more.

22/1

Form: 34075- D

Last run: 106 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Second runner for yard; top-rated of these over fences; third on sole point start; 1-13 over hurdles; tailed off on chase bow at Fairyhouse; improved fifth of 16 in Thurles handicap chase (2m2f, soft) in February; should be involved if the ground doesn't deteriorate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

14th Oct 2026

Good

2m 5f 69y

17:07 Punchestown

Giant Haystacks

11st 8lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Second runner for yard; won at Wexford (19.5f, good) in July off a mark of 95 but has been poor twice since so has major questions to answer now; finished third in a handicap on this card last year.

11/1

9th

6

28th Aug 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

19:07 Wexford

Giant Haystacks

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Off the mark chasing in C&D handicap last month off 95 but unable to cope with rise in class at Galway; more needed.

10/1

Form: /5386-

Last run: 204 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Point winner for Colin Bowe; maiden over hurdles; encouragement taken from chasing debut when midfield at Thurles in October (18.5f, good to yielding); dam half-sister to dual Grade 1-winning chaser Conflated; tongue-tied on return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

28th Aug 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

19:07 Wexford

Auntie Lacey

10st 11lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Paul Nolan

Point-to-point winner showed a hint of ability over hurdles and similar level of form in three chases, latest when 17l off Chosen Shant in 2m handicap here in June; cheekpieces now added and step up in trip should suit.

12/1

4th

6

30th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Wexford

Auntie Lacey

11st 6lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: Paul Nolan

Point winner showed a hint of ability over hurdles; has run well enough on both chase starts; of some interest on handicap debut down in trip.

7/1

5th

9

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Auntie Lacey

11st 5lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Paul Nolan

Point winner for Colin Bowe; maiden over hurdles; encouragement taken from chasing debut when midfield at Thurles in October (18.5f, good to yielding); dam half-sister to dual Grade 1-winning chaser Conflated; tongue-tied on return.

7/1

Form: 05158- D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won Punchestown handicap hurdle last August (2m4f, good to yielding) off 87; went backwards late on at Kilbeggan last time; dam out of half-sister to Irish Grand National winner Maid Of Money so an interesting chasing debutant.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

30th Sep 2026

Good

3m 1f 182y

17:50 Sligo

Pourquoi Poi

11st 12lb

J: Daniel King

T: Paul W Flynn

Uneven form but ran well here over hurdles in July; was no match for an easy winner when second over fences at Tramore (2m6f, good) last month; place claims again but wouldn't want soft ground.

4/1

2nd

10

16th Aug 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

16:05 Tramore

Pourquoi Poi

10st 4lb

J: Daniel King

T: Paul W Flynn

Hurdle winner ran well enough on h'cap chase debut at Punchestown but was poor over hurdles last time at Ballinrobe; the cheekpieces worn then are left off today so he could rebound.

10/1

Form: 9115-5 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Improved form after being switched to this yard, winning handicaps last December at Ayr and Hexham at around 2m4f on heavy; two moderate runs since including a fifth here; rated 92 over timber so has a bit to find on chase debut but hails from top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

16:28 Downpatrick

King Gris

11st 12lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Two wins over hurdles, both on heavy ground in Britain; well held on sole chase start here (19.5f, gd-yld) in May; off since and this ground may be too lively for him; cheekpieces go on.

12/1

17th

4

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:25 Curragh

King Gris

12st 6lb

J: Jane O’Sullivan

T: Gordon Elliott

Dual hurdle winner is only rated 91 in that sphere so has a fair bit to find today.

33/1

7th

7

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

King Gris

11st 12lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Improved form after being switched to this yard, winning handicaps last December at Ayr and Hexham at around 2m4f on heavy; two moderate runs since including a fifth here; rated 92 over timber so has a bit to find on chase debut but hails from top yard.

12/1

Form: 0645-4

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Rated 99 over hurdles; promising fourth in Leopardstown novice handicap hurdle (2m3f, soft to heavy) in March before lesser effort at this venue; respectable fourth of 15 at Cork (2m3f, good) 12 days ago; 0-2 in points but bred to be a chaser; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

18th Oct 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 92y

15:00 Limerick

Coolboy Christy

10st 10lb

J: Conor Clarke

T: P J Rothwell

Placed in a bumper; has failed to prosper over hurdles, unplaced in 11 starts; down the field at Killarney since a fair run at Sligo.

20/1

10th

4

4th Oct 2026

Good

2m 6f 180y

15:20 Killarney

Coolboy Christy

11st 9lb

J: Ross Sugrue

T: P J Rothwell

Placed in a bumper; has failed to prosper over hurdles, unplaced in ten starts; not beaten far at Sligo on latest, needs to find extra.

10/1

Form: P/1UF- D

Last run: 178 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Winner of Gowran handicap hurdle in October; rated 100 over hurdles; held when unseated at the last on chase debut in November; gave way before two out in Tramore beginners' next time; front-runner goes well fresh and could prove difficult to reel in on return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Jerisk Star

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Liz Doyle

Winner of Gowran handicap hurdle in October; rated 100 over hurdles; held when unseated at the last on chase debut in November; gave way before two out in Tramore beginners' next time; front-runner goes well fresh and could prove difficult to reel in on return.

5/2

1st

5

4th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 50y

14:30 Gowran Park

Jerisk Star

11st 9lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Liz Doyle

Made a good start to career when a 1l second to Art D Art in a soft/heavy ground bumper here in January 2023; hasn't shown anything in four maiden hurdles since returning from a lengthy absence; can only be watched for now.

25/1

Form: 00/7-

Last run: 296 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Hinted at some ability in three maiden hurdles; no time wasted in sending her chasing but doesn't look like an obvious winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Jampot Lane

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Gearoid O’Loughlin

Hinted at some ability in three maiden hurdles; no time wasted in sending her chasing but doesn't look like an obvious winner.

40/1

7th

16

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:05 Galway

Jampot Lane

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Gearoid O’Loughlin

Improvement from first run to second when 10th of 24 in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle last time but this looks tough.

150/1

Form: 88/7P-

Last run: 223 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Ballinrobe maiden hurdle winner in 2023; returned from absence last year with two moderate Flat runs; tailed off over hurdles at Gowran; pulled up at Fairyhouse; not easy to fancy on chase debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

15:25 Sligo

Art Of Silence

11st 7lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gerard Keane

Won a bumper and a maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe, but that latest win came three years ago; was in poor form over hurdles last autumn and was tailed off on his chasing debut at Downpatrick back from a break; the blinkers are new.

25/1

12th

1

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Art Of Silence

11st 12lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gerard Keane

Ballinrobe maiden hurdle winner in 2023; returned from absence last year with two moderate Flat runs; tailed off over hurdles at Gowran; pulled up at Fairyhouse; not easy to fancy on chase debut.

40/1

11

11th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:52 Fairyhouse

Art Of Silence

10st 9lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gerard Keane

Ballinrobe maiden hurdle winner in 2023; returned from an absence with two moderate Flat runs then was tailed-off over hurdles at Gowran last week; not easy to fancy.

40/1

OUR TIP

Form: 6600-

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 12lb

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

Form: 21456-

Last run: 101 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Stays well; gave a stout hurdles performance when scoring over 3m at Galway in October; beaten in excess of 20l in her most recent three races; 90-rated hurdler may struggle over this trip on chase debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 6f 97y

18:11 Galway

Grace Faraday

11st 4lb

J: James Smith

T: Anthony McCann

Won a three-miler here in October and back on same mark now after over three months off; rain would be welcome for her.

25/1

Form: 086P0-

Last run: 160 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Maiden from 10 starts; modest 80-rated hurdler looks set to struggle on her chase bow.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Massabielle

11st 5lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Maiden from 10 starts; modest 80-rated hurdler looks set to struggle on her chase bow.

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €62.20
Straight Forecast €42.54
Trifecta €267.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Jerisk Star

The Irish Sun:

Whispering Willow

POSTDATA:

Giant Haystacks

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Jerisk Star