March 30 / 16.35 Limerick

16.35

Soft

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5482.3
  • 2m 5f 0y
  • 20 runners
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J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: /8092P

Last run: 65 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Maiden after 10 starts; runner-up over fences last time but was then pulled-up at Down Royal; back to hurdles today with a tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 25y

14:25 Cork

Kings Halo

11st 1lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: James Daniel Dullea

Gained third win over fences here in January off 118 over 2m4f (yielding to soft); no impact upped in trip and class the last twice at Punchestown (3m3f) and Naas (3m1f); big drop in trip here may not be ideal.

11/1

4th

6

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 25y

14:25 Cork

Kings Halo

11st 1lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: James Daniel Dullea

towards rear, jumped right last, kept on

11/1

Form: 0-0564

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Wasn't disgraced on handicap debut at Clonmel (2m) on return from a break; should have improved from that and worth watching in the market; non-runner at Cork because of testing ground last week.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

15th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

20:00 Tipperary

Magic Conqueror

11st 5lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Michael G Kennedy

Placed in three handicaps at up to 2m7f in the autumn; not as good since and headgear now tried.

16/1

10th

13

15th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

20:00 Tipperary

Magic Conqueror

11st 5lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Michael G Kennedy

Placed in three handicaps at up to 2m7f in the autumn; not as good since and headgear now tried.

16/1

6th

11

4th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

15:30 Leopardstown

Magic Conqueror

10st 7lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Michael G Kennedy

Now 0-10 hurdling but three times runner-up including at Thurles and Tramore this term; didn't jump nearly as well in holding conditions at Clonmel latest so legitimate going concerns here.

12/1

Form: 5700-P

Last run: 309 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won two points' this season and previously showed a glimpse of ability in maiden hurdles, including here; worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 160y

19:18 Limerick

Another Ocana

10st 12lb

J: Luke Burke Ott

T: L J Archdeacon

Both career wins at Limerick; went close here over hurdles in February; solid third of 12 in Tramore handicap chase last month (21.5f, good to yielding); in the hunt for the places back at his favourite venue.

13/2

3rd

15

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 160y

19:12 Tramore

Another Ocana

10st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: L J Archdeacon

First reserve; best form at Limerick; needs to step up on recent form at that venue.

5th

11

31st Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 128y

18:12 Limerick

Another Ocana

10st 4lb

J: John Shinnick

T: L J Archdeacon

Has a win apiece over hurdles and fences at this track; has been soundly beaten in both codes back here the last twice but can do better.

11/1

Form: P800

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Showed a glimpse of ability in four maiden hurdle starts; market can guide on handicap bow.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

15th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:52 Fairyhouse

Cosmo Renfro

11st 11lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Gavin Cromwell

Pulled up in three of his last four races; beaten 20l when second at Limerick on penultimate start; seems risky.

20/1

2

18th Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

14:35 Limerick

Cosmo Renfro

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual winner here in testing ground but lost his form badly in the spring; needs a revival on debut for a new yard.

22/1

3

1st Jun 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:17 Kilbeggan

Cosmo Renfro

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Shane Nolan

Two-time winner over timber, both wins coming at Limerick on testing ground; pulled up on good ground at Sligo latest; needs lots of rain.

20/1

Form: 340-04

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Showed ability a few times in maiden hurdles last season but was well beaten on handicap debut at Navan on comeback; much better in a Punchestown maiden last month; untested on this ground but market can guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 180y

16:55 Naas

Hanoi Jane

11st 6lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: T M Walsh

Won Punchestown handicap hurdle (19.5f, good to yielding) off 89 in May 2023; fell here over 2m4f on chasing debut off the back of a lengthy absence in January; shrewd yard and well treated if she can build on that.

16/1

7th

10

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 180y

16:55 Naas

Hanoi Jane

11st 6lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: T M Walsh

Won Punchestown handicap hurdle (19.5f, good to yielding) off 89 in May 2023; fell here over 2m4f on chasing debut off the back of a lengthy absence in January; shrewd yard and well treated if she can build on that.

16/1

Form: 924P91 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Mare got off the mark when a surprise winner of a 2m6f handicap hurdle here earlier this month; went up 7lb for that but won well plus trip and ground are no problem.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

4

27th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 6f 120y

13:27 Limerick

Merry Moves

10st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Mrs Grainne M O’Connor

Made a good fist of things on intial start over fences but largely downhill in the interim and she will need the big guns to underperform here to make a lasting impression.

66/1

8th

9

12th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 194y

15:00 Punchestown

Merry Moves

11st 3lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Mrs Grainne M O’Connor

Won 2m6f Limerick handicap in March off 87 (soft) for today's rider but disappointing until more encouraging third over this trip at Fairyhouse last month in today's headgear combination; one to consider.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: -6FFP3 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Went up 9lb for winning a 2m6f handicap hurdle here a year ago; has been mixing chasing and hurdles since; solid run at Clonmel (3m) last time back over hurdles with cheekpieces tried (retained); this trip suits better; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

23rd Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

17:05 Listowel

Holiday In Kerry

10st 9lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: E McNamara

Tailed off and two falls in his first three runs over fences; back hurdling for his last six starts, winning at Cork (3m1f, yielding) in the penultimate one off just 1lb lower; clearly on a decent mark if he could click in this discipline.

20/1

14th

9

18th May 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

19:50 Tipperary

Holiday In Kerry

11st 10lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

Fences became problematic but resumed reliability hurdling and not winning out of turn at Cork (Kingston Kid second); 6lb rise grand, though he might not want summer ground.

6/1

1st

5

6th May 2023

Good

3m 0f 180y

16:50 Cork

Holiday In Kerry

11st 10lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

in touch with leaders, pushed along and headway on outer before 3 out, went second before 3 out, led 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well run-in

13/2

Form: 48007F

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Has shown some ability over hurdles but will need to improve on recent form with tongue-tie and cheekpieces retained.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 160y

19:18 Limerick

Ranger Billy

11st 1lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: K A Heffernan

Dual hurdles winner; badly out of form last summer; back from absence when pulled up in Cork handicap hurdle; can only be watched on second chase start (pulled up only other try).

20/1

4

10th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 80y

17:00 Cork

Ranger Billy

11st 2lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: K A Heffernan

Two-time winner was badly out of form last summer when last seen in action and has joined a new yard; can only be watched for now.

25/1

Form: 5P-119

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Dual Galway chase winner got off the mark over hurdles at Punchestown in January (3m; hvy) but was then well beaten over the same C&D off this mark on yielding; back to the mud today will help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

7th May 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 77y

18:20 Ballinrobe

Captain Jimmy

11st 11lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Patrick G Kelly

Won his fourth race (second hurdle) when scoring well at this course (2m6f) last time; 8lb higher today on drier ground poses a question but taken seriously.

9/4

11th

3

7th May 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 77y

18:20 Ballinrobe

Captain Jimmy

11st 11lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Patrick G Kelly

Won his fourth race (second hurdle) when scoring well at this course (2m6f) last time; 8lb higher today on drier ground poses a question but taken seriously.

9/4

1st

8

19th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 6f 91y

19:07 Ballinrobe

Captain Jimmy

11st 5lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Patrick G Kelly

midfield, headway and in touch with leaders 5 out, went second after 2 out, shaken up to lead after last, ridden clear run-in, kept on well

12/1

Form: 666

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Point' winner hasn't been disgraced in three maiden hurdle runs over various trips, including twice here; the market can guide on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

30th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

16:35 Limerick

Like Ta Ma

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin P Kennedy

T: Seamus Fahey

towards rear of midfield, pushed along and no impression after 3 out

16/1

6th

8

12th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

15:25 Limerick

Like Ta Ma

11st 5lb

J: Benjamin P Kennedy

T: Seamus Fahey

Not disgraced on either start in maiden hurdles but muich more needed here.

33/1

6th

15

2nd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 2f 152y

16:25 Clonmel

Like Ta Ma

10st 11lb

J: Benjamin P Kennedy

T: Seamus Fahey

Dam was a smart pointer who also won three chases; a point-to-point winner in November on her seventh run; needs to step up considerably from hurdling debut in a claiming race at Limerick.

25/1

10/1

Form: 1P0P-7

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won a Clonmel handicap last year but lost her form after that; however, ran well on comeback at Thurles and despite being 3lb above her winning mark has possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

12

29th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 6f 120y

12:55 Limerick

Mrs Watson

10st 2lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: Peter Croke

Tailed off over hurdles here in October on latest venture, that far from out of the blue either, and two tries so far over fences failed to yield a great deal; far from obvious claims.

50/1

Form: 064064

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in six hurdle starts, including a handicap; difficult to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

27th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:37 Limerick

Costaweefortune

10st 0lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: Charles Coakley

Maiden has been well beaten on her last two starts and is 8lb out of the handicap; not easy to fancy.

50/1

7th

13

21st Nov 2023

Heavy

3m 0f 100y

15:20 Limerick

Costaweefortune

10st 13lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Charles Coakley

Best run when 7th in a Killarney handicap hurdle but has to improve on that; poor in a maiden since.

22/1

20/1

Form: 842-10 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Dual point' plus a banks course winner won a handicap chase at Punchestown over this trip last May; beaten a long way in a banks race back there on return; six years since he ran over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

4th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 114y

16:35 Tipperary

Alpha Male

11st 1lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Peter Maher

Dual chase winner was soundly beaten over hurdles and fences lately and needs a fair bit more off 3lb lower.

16/1

5th

6

10th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:05 Punchestown

Alpha Male

10st 11lb

J: Hugh Morgan

T: Peter Maher

Veteran won 2m5f handicap here just over a year ago (good) off 95 and fair effort here over hurdles last month; can't be ruled out.

10/1

8th

2

23rd May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 80y

16:45 Punchestown

Alpha Male

11st 8lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Peter Maher

Remote eighth in the La Touche here last month and chasing is more his thing; remains a maiden over hurdles and leaving it late to put that right.

33/1

Form: PP30P6

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Third in a Clonmel maiden in December and best effort since when sixth in a 3m handicap there last time when keen; drop in trip could help, so considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

18th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

16:50 Killarney

Kadys Dirha

11st 0lb

J: Mr Andrew Burke-Ott

T: Thomas P O’Connor

A 27-race maiden who was tailed off behind Tippin And Tappin (runs in first division) on most recent chase start and no signs of a revival when well held over timber last week.

33/1

16

11th Jul 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:15 Cork

Kadys Dirha

11st 5lb

J: Mr Andrew Burke-Ott

T: Thomas P O’Connor

Rated 80 after 19 hurdle starts and can't be fancied in a maiden.

50/1

12

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 6f 160y

19:38 Limerick

Kadys Dirha

11st 0lb

J: Mr Andrew Burke-Ott

T: Thomas P O’Connor

Record of 0-25 under rules but is a better chaser; backed from 50-1 into 10-1 before the off when fifth in 3m1f Tipperary maiden hurdle eight days ago; had three runner-up finishes in handicap chases last summer; each-way contender.

12/1

Form: 0P-060

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Beaten a distance in two beginners' chases plus a 2m6f handicap hurdle on last three starts; cheekpieces need to transform her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

30th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

16:35 Limerick

Getaway Beauty

11st 1lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: James Daniel Dullea

prominent on inner, led after 2nd, headed and lost position before 9th, weakened quickly from 3 out, pulled up 2 out

33/1

14th

13

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 6f 0y

14:50 Limerick

Getaway Beauty

11st 3lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: James Daniel Dullea

prominent

50/1

6th

12

9th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 77y

13:30 Thurles

Getaway Beauty

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: James Daniel Dullea

Nothing of note over hurdles and easily passed over here on chase debut.

150/1

Form: 0-683F

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Maiden was beaten 17l into third in a Clonmel handicap before falling early back there since; has to improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

30th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

16:35 Limerick

Cahirmee

10st 13lb

J: Mr W T Cronin

T: Brian O’Keeffe

prominent on inner, bad mistake 7th, went second and pressed leader 9th, pushed along and weakened home turn, pulled up 2 out

16/1

16

21st Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Clonmel

Cahirmee

10st 13lb

J: Ambrose McCurtin

T: Brian O’Keeffe

Improved effort when an admittedly well-beaten third in a 2m3f handicap hurdle here last month; well worth a go at this trip and well capable of a bold showing.

7/1

3rd

17

16th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 2f 193y

16:00 Clonmel

Cahirmee

10st 11lb

J: Mr W T Cronin

T: Brian O’Keeffe

First reserve; continues to struggle off this basement mark and drops in trip here.

Form: /PP0-3

Last run: 114 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Beaten 23l on comeback run at Tramore in December off this mark; should have improved but needs to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

9th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 6f 97y

17:40 Galway

Church Lane

10st 13lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

prominent

16/1

8th

11

26th Aug 2024

Soft

2m 6f 90y

18:40 Ballinrobe

Church Lane

10st 13lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Third over this trip at Galway in September; was returning from long layoff when pulled up lately.

14/1

11

9th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:15 Wexford

Church Lane

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

13-race maiden; hit the frame at Galway last September but tailed off when last seen and has been off 293 days.

25/1

Form: /80P/0

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Maiden was tailed off on comeback at Clonmel and has to make enormous improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

12th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 165y

18:53 Ballinrobe

Take A Punt

11st 0lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

An 11yo mare who is 0-14 and hasn't offered much for a good while now; very opposable.

33/1

9th

12

11th Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 116y

15:20 Clonmel

Take A Punt

10st 13lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

prominent, outpaced and lost position gradually after 3 out, weakened 2 out

20/1

Form: -60UP0

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
First reserve; point' winner in 2021 is a maiden after 22 starts over hurdles; blinkers replace usual headgear today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 160y

19:18 Limerick

Likable Chancer

10st 1lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Daniel John Howard

Winless in 31 attempts hurdling; 3-35 over fences, with two of those at Tramore; flopped when well fancied for course handicap hurdle in February; fair fifth over fences at Tramore last month.

16/1

5th

13

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 160y

19:12 Tramore

Likable Chancer

10st 4lb

J: Daniel King

T: Daniel John Howard

3-34 over fences, with two of those successes coming at this track, including when 33-1 chance in this race in 2023; creditable third in a 2m7f handicap chase here on New Year's Day; flopped when well fancied for a handicap hurdle at Limerick last time.

6/1

14

10th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

14:25 Limerick

Likable Chancer

10st 3lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Daniel John Howard

Is 3-34 over fences; veteran's recent form is solid, featuring a third placing over C&D last month and a third in a handicap chase at Tramore on New Year's Day; 0-30 record over hurdles is a significant negative; rider's claim is an asset.

8/1

Form: 578466

Last run: 4 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; maiden after 9 starts under rules; hasn't been beaten far a few times at this track over hurdles, including over 2m four days ago; squeak if staying this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

12th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 60y

18:10 Kilbeggan

Beaus Candle

11st 9lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Declan Queally

Was running well enough when falling two out at Downpatrick last time and has a squeak if he can find more with blinkers added.

13/2

7

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 180y

14:50 Downpatrick

Beaus Candle

11st 12lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Declan Queally

Distant second at Punchestown two starts ago was a promising run but pulled up at Ballinrobe since; his better form has come on softer ground.

33/1

7

19th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 6f 91y

19:07 Ballinrobe

Beaus Candle

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Declan Queally

prominent 1st, raced in second from 1st, led before 3rd, headed after 2 out, soon weakened

5/2

Non-runners

Likable Chancer, Beau's Candle

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast €181.98
Tricast €6735.08

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

Merry Moves

The Irish Sun:

Hanoi Jane

SPOTLIGHT:

Mrs Watson

POSTDATA:

Merry Moves