May 22 / 18.29 Downpatrick

18.29

Good To Yielding

Frank And Brian Fitzsimons Memorial Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5130.43
  • 2m 5f 180y
  • 16 runners
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Frank And Brian Fitzsimons Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.00
  • Place: £3.60

Form: 8649-0

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
A 19-race maiden over hurdles but a player judged on C&D third off 13lb higher in March 2025 and good fourth at Down Royal on return off 8lb higher; sent off 13-2 when well beaten behind Gangster Granny latest but she's becoming well treated now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

5th Oct 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Fairyhouse

Joya Del Mar

11st 12lb

J: Mr J P Sutton

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Second in big-field 2m4f handicap here last year; had a productive summer after being fitted with cheekpieces, pair of Downpatrick wins over 2m6f on goodish ground, and kept her form well after; again showed her dislike of jumping fences last time.

12/1

7

11th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 67y

17:40 Ballinrobe

Joya Del Mar

11st 7lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Both hurdle wins early this summer over 2m6f at Downpatrick, safely held over same C&D last month; let down by jumping when failed to complete on both previous attempts chasing last summer and tries again here.

12/1

5th

8

9th Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:43 Downpatrick

Joya Del Mar

11st 0lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Another that goes well here with pair of C&D wins this summer; beat Gangster Granny two runs back and now meets her on 7lb better terms (including claims); beaten 3l on latest visit.

7/1

9/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 5333-4

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Exposed mare; has won one of her 15 points but yet to win in 12 starts over hurdles, although has been placed on six occasions; only gave way late on over 26.5f at Perth nine days ago; should give her running again off lower Irish mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

3m 0f 0y

19:22 Down Royal

Bayonetta

11st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

Long-standing maiden has been running well over shorter trips this summer; closely matched with Jonny Carrol on Wexford 2m4f form three weeks ago, and went close over 3m a couple of years ago; new headgear combination

12/1

3rd

4

7th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 55y

19:01 Wexford

Bayonetta

11st 8lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

Straight into handicap hurdles after a short spell in points; runner-up over this trip in a class 5 at Perth being her best effort; might have had a little too much use made of her at Downpatrick last time; headgear used that day left on here.

11/2

4th

1

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:07 Downpatrick

Bayonetta

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

Point-to-point winner; 0-14 over hurdles but loads of placed efforts to her name, including off 92 in a C&D handicap on penultimate; should go well but rated 95 and likely vulnerable to less exposed rivals; new headgear combination tried.

4/1

OUR TIP

40/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 20860-

Last run: 142 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Has shown ability including when runner-up in a course bumper; made a respiratory noise in running when soundly beaten on handicap debut at Fairyhouse; never involved at Punchestown in December.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

6

19th Sep 2026

Good

2m 3f 0y

14:52 Navan

Scary Askari

11st 5lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Off for five months before he was sent off favourite for a 2m6f handicap hurdle at Downpatrick in May; possibly did not quite see out the trip on that occasion; debuts for Noel Kelly here after a further four-month absence and the drop in trip should suit; big player.

4/1

3rd

3

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Scary Askari

11st 7lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: S McParlan

Has shown ability including when runner-up in a course bumper; made a respiratory noise in running when soundly beaten on handicap debut at Fairyhouse; never involved at Punchestown in December.

40/1

9

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Scary Askari

11st 8lb

J: Mr N McParlan

T: S McParlan

Standout effort a 4l second of 5 in a Downpatrick bumper in July (2m3f, good); makes handicap debut after two heavy defeats in maidens at that venue; best watched on this ground (pulled up twice on heavy in France).

33/1

Form: 6389-2

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Placed in a Sligo maiden for Gavin Cromwell; highly promising stable debut when runner-up to Gangster Granny over C&D on latest, headed close home; effectively 7lb better off with the winner factoring in the rider's claim so should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

16

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

17:04 Downpatrick

Annarubyrose

11st 2lb

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

First reserve; decent handicap hurdle form for new yard, including when second over 2m6f here in May; not her best effort when midfield at Wexford earlier this month (2m1f, good); tries chasing now.

7th

6

7th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 180y

17:16 Wexford

Annarubyrose

11st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Decent handicap form for new yard; second on stable debut at Sligo in May (2m6f, good), fading late; fourth at Downpatrick (2m6f, good to yielding) later that month; okay fourth at Sligo last time (2m5f, good); drops in trip now but more needed to get home in front.

8/1

5th

7

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

15:25 Sligo

Annarubyrose

11st 4lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Third in a C&D maiden last year for Gavin Cromwell; fair recent form for this yard, twice over 2m6f at Downpatrick.

13/2

Form: 8030-1 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Two Flat wins; gained first hurdles win when springing 33-1 surprise over C&D (good) a fortnight ago (prominent throughout); entitled to go well from 5lb higher mark; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

17th Oct 2026

Yielding

2m 5f 70y

14:55 Limerick

Gangster Granny

10st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: C A McBratney

A revelation at Downpatrick between May and August this year with three wins over 2m6f, the latest when easily defying a mark of 106; form dipped since, including when fourth over the same C&D last month, but the runner-up Harpy Eagle advertised the form with a win at Punchestown on Wednesday; won here on the Flat in the past; player.

10/1

4th

6

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 5f 110y

15:57 Downpatrick

Gangster Granny

11st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: C A McBratney

A revelation around here between May and August this year with three C&D wins, the latest last month when easily defying a mark of 106; the form has been well advertised by the third who won since; never a factor in the Ulster Cesarewitch on the Flat a fortnight ago but big player back at her favoured track.

7/1

12th

13

(15)

4th Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 141y

18:00 Down Royal

Gangster Granny

9st 2lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: C A McBratney

A revelation at Downpatrick this summer with three handicap wins over 2m6f; won twice on the Flat for Jessica Harrington; no stamina doubt; has to taken seriously.

13/2

Form: 52006-

Last run: 178 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Maiden chased home a clear winner over 3m at Wexford last summer; rounded off last year with okay sixth of 16 at Tramore (2m5f) in November; off the track 178 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

20

2nd Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 40y

15:41 Gowran Park

Phildante

10st 7lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Eoin Doyle

Did enough in a 3m handicap hurdle at Wexford in July; respectable effort at Galway last time; stays well and probably more effective on better ground but not dismissed.

12/1

6th

17

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 6f 97y

17:41 Galway

Phildante

10st 8lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Eoin Doyle

Improved form culminated in a 3m handicap hurdle win at Wexford in July; disappointing bhind Princess Felicia at Ballinrobe since; claims on her previous form.

12/1

11th

14

24th Aug 2026

Good

2m 6f 61y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Phildante

10st 8lb

J: Joshua Halford

T: Eoin Doyle

Off the mark over hurdles at Wexford on latest (3m, good), showing a willing attitude to score by a neck; 4lb rise for that seems fair but not sure this drop back in trip will suit.

100/30

Form: P8P0-3

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Had shown nothing prior to excellent third behind Gangster Granny over C&D on latest, and possibly might have won but hung badly left entering the straight (beaten 1.25l); front-runner has a place chance again from 2lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

13

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

14:35 Downpatrick

Artic Chief

11st 0lb

J: Mr E P Powell

T: Liam Lennon

0-8 but best effort came on third handicap start here in May when a 1.25l third over C&D (good); not at same level in a similar contest last time.

14/1

7th

10

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Artic Chief

10st 9lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Liam Lennon

Had shown nothing prior to excellent third behind Gangster Granny over C&D on latest, and possibly might have won but hung badly left entering the straight (beaten 1.25l); front-runner has a place chance again from 2lb higher.

4/1

3rd

14

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

17:35 Downpatrick

Artic Chief

10st 6lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Liam Lennon

Pulled up at Naas on handicap debut and tailed off at Down Royal; makes no appeal

33/1

Form: 0P86-2

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Fair form in bumpers early last season; best effort over hurdles yet when runner-up of 12 in course handicap (2m2f, good) two weeks ago, making most of the running; stamina not certain to hold out over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:47 Downpatrick

Mercurial Sea

11st 7lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

Has run well on occasion over hurdles, including two runner-up finishes over C&D (maiden/handicap) this year; didn't take to chasing at first time of asking at Tramore on latest; previous form offers hope returning to hurdling.

6/1

8th

2

14th Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:40 Tramore

Mercurial Sea

11st 10lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

Has run well in defeat on occasion over hurdles, including on latest at Downpatrick in a 2m2f mares' maiden; now makes chase debut with stamina to prove for this trip.

8/1

Form: 332P7-

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Showed next to nothing in maidens; placed on her first three handicaps before pulled up at Fairyhouse; found less than what looked likely when seventh of 16 at Tramore (2m5f) last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Yoursimplythebest

10st 5lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Gerard Keane

Showed next to nothing in maidens; placed on her first three handicaps before pulled up at Fairyhouse; found less than what looked likely when seventh of 16 at Tramore (2m5f) last month.

14/1

7th

16

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 0y

18:12 Tramore

Yoursimplythebest

10st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gerard Keane

Showed next to nothing in maidens; found the right level in handicaps; placed on her first three starts; second over 3m at Punchestown seemed very encouraging, but she failed to do herself justice when joint-favourite at Fairyhouse in January.

13/2

20/1

Form: 4837-0

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Longstanding maiden has plenty of placed efforts to his name over fences and hurdles, including a C&D third in March from 2lb higher; below best in two starts since; place shout but hard to fancy for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

16

21st Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 41y

19:39 Ballinrobe

Toor Moon

10st 1lb

J: Rian Lane

T: Ms M Flynn

Maiden after 39 starts, placed 11 times; unseated in a chase on latest; not a betting proposition.

25/1

12

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 150y

16:55 Downpatrick

Toor Moon

10st 7lb

J: Danny Power

T: Ms M Flynn

Longstanding maiden has been poor on recent starts over hurdles and fences so isn't easy to fancy.

20/1

Form: 9P4FP- D

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdles winner but was pulled up on her last visit to the track in a chase and pulled up last time over hurdles at Thurles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Game And Glory

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: P J Rothwell

Dual hurdles winner but was pulled up on her last visit to the track in a chase and pulled up last time over hurdles at Thurles.

33/1

14th

21

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Game And Glory

11st 9lb

J: Christopher Shuker

T: P J Rothwell

Two-time hurdle winner but rated just 87, pulled up latest, up against it here.

40/1

Form: 700P0-

Last run: 160 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Second runner for yard; weak form in maidens; pulled up at Cork on handicap debut; never sighted at Fairyhouse in December; needs a transformation but early days for top stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Milesfromthehonk

10st 4lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Gordon Elliott

Second runner for yard; weak form in maidens; pulled up at Cork on handicap debut; never sighted at Fairyhouse in December; needs a transformation but early days for top stable.

14/1

15

4th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 20y

14:30 Cork

Milesfromthehonk

10st 7lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gordon Elliott

Sister to a winning chaser; moderate form in maidens, may find her level in handicaps; worth a market check.

10/1

Form: 9960-

Last run: 229 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Beaten a cumulative distance of 131l in trio of maidens at 2m-2m2f on good and yielding ground; jumping issues evident when tailed off on handicap debut at Killarney; top connections and may have benefitted from the break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

4th Oct 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

16:40 Kelso

Boston Queen

11st 1lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: William Young Jnr

Achieved very little for Gordon Elliott and soundly beaten at 100-1 on recent stable debut at Perth (2m, good); others appeal more.

25/1

6th

6

24th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

14:49 Perth

Boston Queen

11st 0lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: William Young Jnr

No worthwhile form in six races for Gordon Elliott, including three handicaps; all to prove.

50/1

11

16th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 85y

18:10 Killarney

Boston Queen

10st 12lb

J: Paddy Cleary

T: Gordon Elliott

Showed little in maidens and well beaten on handicap debut here over 2m1f last October (2m1f, yielding); brought down two out when near the rear at Downpatrick on return from break; a bit to prove.

18/1

Form: 0357P-

Last run: 178 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Now 0-16 but hit the frame over C&D twice for Tony Martin off higher marks; pulled up on chase debut at Tramore when last seen in November; betting will guide on yard debut; tongue-tied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

24th Sep 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

17:10 Perth

Gortmore Lady

10st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Ciaran Murphy

Irish raider; 0-20 over hurdles but has posted some good efforts in big field since cheekpieces were added in July; will be suited by today's trip/ground and Sean Bowen takes the ride; can make her presence felt.

5/1

4th

17

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 6f 97y

18:11 Galway

Gortmore Lady

10st 6lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Ciaran Murphy

Maiden was placed on a few occasions when trained by Tony Martin; returned to form when a close fifth in a Sligo handicap hurdle last month under this rider; not dismissed.

12/1

5th

11

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 148y

18:48 Sligo

Gortmore Lady

10st 8lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Ciaran Murphy

Maiden was placed on a few occasions when trained by Tony Martin; flopped at Downpatrick ten days ago; her previous run at the same venue was respectable, beaten around 10l in third and in front of Sekakarma who improved on that last time.

10/1

Form: 40/P-0

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 7lb

11 yo Mare

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Sole win came over 2m5f at Roscommon in 2022; back from mammoth absence when pulled up at Down Royal last month; well beaten behind Gangster Granny over C&D on latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Lady Iseult

10st 7lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Sole win came over 2m5f at Roscommon in 2022; back from mammoth absence when pulled up at Down Royal last month; well beaten behind Gangster Granny over C&D on latest.

33/1

11th

12

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

17:35 Downpatrick

Lady Iseult

10st 10lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Sole win came over 2m5f at Roscommon in 2022; 100-1 when pulled up at Down Royal last month on first outing since October 2023.

50/1

12

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:35 Down Royal

Lady Iseult

10st 13lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Sole win came over 2m5f at Roscommon over three years ago; absent over two years and can only be watched.

33/1

Form: 0000-

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

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

Non-runners

Jimlis Cave, Jetstream Jeff, Cozone

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €215.20
Straight Forecast €156.24
Tricast €524.67

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Joya Del Mar

The Irish Sun:

Annarubyrose

POSTDATA:

Gangster Granny

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Joya Del Mar