April 02 / 16.00 Downpatrick

16.00

Yielding To Soft

Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £26106.19
  • 3m 4f 120y
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.40
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 23123P

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Likeable mare whose two chase wins this term have been over 2m4f/2m5f; outclassed in mid-winter Graded contests and hampered last time; good third (Punitive second) over 3m1f at Cheltenham in the autumn and interesting on this step up in trip although ground likely to be softer than ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

25th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:35 Listowel

Malina Girl

11st 4lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Lightly raced over hurdles (1-6) and was a disappointing favourite on her final run in this discipline off a similar mark in March; 2m4f is on the tight side for one who stays so well over fences (ran in the Irish National last time).

10/1

12th

11

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Malina Girl

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Most recent of four chase wins when scoring by 10l over an extended 3m3f on soft at Cheltenham in November 2023; ran creditably when second in 3m Listed mares' chase on heavy at Exeter in February; game display when best of the Irish in third behind Myretown in the Ultima at Cheltenham; helps to give her trainer a strong hand.

14/1

12th

11

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Malina Girl

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Most recent of four chase wins when scoring by 10l over an extended 3m3f on soft at Cheltenham in November 2023; ran creditably when second in 3m Listed mares' chase on heavy at Exeter in February; game display when best of the Irish in third behind Myretown in the Ultima at Cheltenham; helps to give her trainer a strong hand.

14/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 233412

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Useful hurdler off the mark on chase debut at Clonmel and good second to very experienced Bachasson at same venue latest; both of those runs over 2m4f so big step up in trip here and jumping will be tested against these seasoned handicappers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

1st Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 92y

14:25 Fairyhouse

My Design

10st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Declan Queally

didn't jump with fluency, pressed leader early, dropped to last before 5th

14/1

7th

6

3rd Dec 2023

Soft

3m 5f 130y

12:55 Fairyhouse

My Design

11st 0lb

J: Mr R W Barron

T: Declan Queally

prominent, led after 1st, mistake 13th, not fluent 5 out, headed 3 out, soon weakened

6/1

1st

4

3rd Oct 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 210y

15:35 Galway

My Design

10st 13lb

J: Mr R W Barron

T: Declan Queally

made all, not fluent 1st, faced challenge 2 out, mistake last, soon ridden and ran on, comfortably

7/1

25/1

  • Place: £9.80

Form: 57/9P- CD

Last run: 351 days

W: 10st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Had his big day when winning this at 25-1 three years ago; hasn't achieved a lot since and been point-to-pointing without success this term; unlikely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

29th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 6f 120y

12:20 Limerick

Space Cadet

10st 9lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Gearoid O’Loughlin

Not really burning up the track on the 'Point' scene lately but had four lengths to spare over Fiveaftermidnight when they clashed at Downpatrick in April; longer in the tooth than most and not convinced he can uphold the latter form, but holds a sporting chance.

4/1

9th

11

27th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

4m 2f 0y

16:50 Punchestown

Space Cadet

11st 7lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: Gearoid O’Loughlin

Won the Ulster National at Downpatrick three years ago; did well for a veteran when third in the same race early this month; split Vital Island and The Red Menace at Knockanard in February; exited at the first in Lingstown event won by Vital Island.

10/1

3rd

15

2nd Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 120y

16:00 Downpatrick

Space Cadet

10st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Gearoid O’Loughlin

led narrowly or disputed lead, pushed along after 3 out, lost two places before 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on run-in

25/1

Form: 13-5B7

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 0lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Both chase wins over 2m4f but has won twice at 2m6f over hurdles; ran well to a point over 4m at Kelso in December and should come on from last month's run at Navan; goes on soft and could run okay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

3rd Mar 2024

Soft

3m 4f 61y

16:35 Leopardstown

Fiveaftermidnight

10st 11lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Four-time winner; completely tailed off at Down Royal in January but better judged on her previous second in a veterans' chase at Limerick; each-way chance.

20/1

5th

6

23rd Jan 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

16:00 Down Royal

Fiveaftermidnight

11st 2lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: P J Rothwell

Most recent of her four wins was over hurdles in April 2022; the stable is enjoying a fine season and positives can be taken from her second in a five-runner veterans' contest at Limerick.

5/1

2nd

3

29th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 6f 120y

12:20 Limerick

Fiveaftermidnight

10st 12lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Never really involved at Roscommon albeit she stuck to her guns really well to bag a modest fourth; jumping left a bit to be desired on that occasion and if she has ironed out those frailties, she should hold her own here.

5/2

Form: -62324 C BF

Last run: 68 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Course winner over 2m7f in 2021 and, after a year off, has been running very creditably this winter behind some of the most progressive handicappers of the season, including two Cheltenham festival winners; yet to race beyond 3m but handles soft and local connections would dearly love to land this prize (trainer won it in 2010).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

29th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 5f 70y

12:00 Leopardstown

Archies Charm

11st 9lb

J: Tom Harney

T: B R Hamilton

Needs to step up on recent form, but noteworthy on account of having finished 13l second to the progressive Seddon in this race last year; tried with blinkers after Down Royal fourth; beaten a long way then but had Harveys Quay and Soloman Lane behind.

8/1

5th

2

30th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 3

14:45 Musselburgh

Archies Charm

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: B R Hamilton

Hurdle and chase winner in Ireland; effective at 2m4f or further and versatile with regard to the going; made the frame at Down Royal last time; each-way player.

7/1

4th

1

11th Nov 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

15:28 Down Royal

Archies Charm

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: B R Hamilton

Close second in this race last year possibly his best effort; ran okay after a three month break when third in a handicap chase at Gowran last time; only 2lb higher than last year and could go close.

10/1

Form: 22U10P D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
No show in the Thyestes or Kim Muir but had been progressive in the autumn notably when winning 3m5f handicap on soft ground at Fairyhouse in December; runs off pretty much the same mark taking 7lb claim into account and this could be more his level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:30 Cartmel

Punitive

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

led, not fluent and briefly headed 10th, pushed along before 16th

7/1

2

27th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:30 Cartmel

Punitive

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

Won't fail through lack of stamina but was pulled up on final two starts for Gordon Elliott during the winter and has not yet built upon his fairly respectable stable debut in March; tailed off when fourth of five here on Saturday (3m1f, good to soft); needs a sudden revival.

7/1

4th

4

25th May 2024

Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

17:40 Cartmel

Punitive

11st 3lb

J: James Bowen

T: Peter & Michael Bowen

led, headed 5th, not fluent 9th, lost second 11th, soon nudged along, lost third after 12th, lost ground quickly from 14th, tailed off from 3 out

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 67CP11

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Back to form off lower marks over hurdles lately after losing his way over fences; likes nice ground and you'd be worried about him over this trip on soft ground but yard going well and he clearly comes here in good heart and off a handy weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

16th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

18:50 Uttoxeter

Wa Wa

10st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Olly Murphy

Veteran; mixes chasing with hurdling; sound run over hurdles when beaten a neck at Perth last time (3m2f, good); not out of it, but Sean Bowen rides stable companion Secret Trix.

8/1

2nd

12

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

14:40 Perth

Wa Wa

10st 9lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Had lots of racing in Ireland before joining this yard last year; returned from a wind operation to win this 12 months ago off this very mark but he's an 11yo now and his last two runs, over fences and hurdles, weren't that encouraging.

12/1

7th

6

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

14:37 Warwick

Wa Wa

11st 6lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Had lots of racing in Ireland before joining this yard last year; won a 3m2f handicap hurdle at Perth last April (good to soft; 2lb lower) and one of his three recent chase runs was very respectable; exposed but has each-way claims.

12/1

Form: 0-08P3

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Talented performer has only had three runs in this sphere since winning the Troytown in 2020 and his mark is on the slide; good run on AW last month and in-form claimer aboard; stamina unlikely to be an issue and you couldn't rule out a big run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

15:20 Hereford

The Jam Man

10st 13lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Ryan Potter

Veteran whose last win under rules was in 2020 (won a point early in 2024); fourth of 16 at Chepstow in January may look the only positive result in his nine races this season but he was beaten 35l, so that does not persuade; not even with his 37lb fall in the weights this term.

20/1

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

The Jam Man

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ryan Potter

In poor form over hurdles and fences for new stable this season and getting very long in the tooth now but has plummeted down the weights and may yet stage some sort of a revival; watch the betting.

33/1

6

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:10 Hereford

The Jam Man

10st 12lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Ryan Potter

One-time smart hurdler/chaser but very much on the decline these days and is best watched after some ordinary efforts this season.

16/1

Form: 52420P

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Ten-race maiden over fences and disappointing the last twice but merits consideration on his 2.5l second to stablemate Punitive in the Porterstown over 3m5f at Fairyhouse in December; 1lb better off with that rival after taking riders' claims into account; no surprise if he takes a hand in the finish but not the doughtiest in a battle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

Fakiera

11st 7lb

J: Ms N M Bradley

T: Eoin Griffin

His smart form for Gordon Elliott was a long time ago now and was well behind Tullybeg in his latest point.

66/1

10

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 184y

15:55 Thurles

Fakiera

11st 7lb

J: Ms N M Bradley

T: Eoin Griffin

Winning hurdler; weak form over fences; failed to complete his last three races in points.

66/1

9th

9

2nd Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Fakiera

11st 7lb

J: Ms N M Bradley

T: Eoin Griffin

Grade 3 novice hurdle winner at his best but failed to win over fences in 17 starts; still rated 119 in this sphere and not a bad open point run last week after a lay-off; hood added and a player.

12/1

Form: /4PF-P

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Has had jumping and physical issues since winning a beginners' at Thurles in 2020; back from a year off when pulled up at Punchestown in January; obviously risky but yard in form at least and 10lb lower than initial mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

2nd Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 120y

16:00 Downpatrick

Eurobot

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Noel Meade

didn't jump well, towards rear of midfield, mistake 7th, in rear with one circuit to go, pulled up 4 out

20/1

3

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Cork

Eurobot

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Pulled-up over fences on comeback; smart chaser at his best but hasn't run over hurdles since 2019 and it isn't easy to row in with him now.

14/1

2

15th Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 6f 150y

15:10 Punchestown

Eurobot

12st 2lb

J: Mr T Hamilton

T: Noel Meade

Winning chaser but his jumping tended to let him down when last seen; best watched after 13 months off.

20/1

Form: 948-45

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Infrequent winner whose last success was in August 2020 when in the care of Joseph O'Brien; has been running quite well in cross-country contests at Cheltenham this season and was remote fifth to stablemate Delta Work there in March; may have been sweetened up by running in that sphere but still an unlikely winner of this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

29th Apr 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 1f 0y

14:35 Punchestown

Mortal

11st 7lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Gordon Elliott

14/1

9

27th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

4m 2f 0y

16:50 Punchestown

Mortal

11st 7lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Gordon Elliott

Last success was in August 2020 when trained Joseph O'Brien; has been running quite well in cross-country contests at Cheltenham this season; remote fifth to stablemate Delta Work at the Festival; needs to bounce back after failure in Ulster National in which Space Cadet finished third.

11/2

6

2nd Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 120y

16:00 Downpatrick

Mortal

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

never better than mid-division, detached in rear 5 out, pulled up 3 out

10/1

Form: -F3437

Last run: 119 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Likes a bit of nice ground; second in 3m5f Porterstown at Fairyhouse in late 2021 but didn't get home on softer ground behind Punitive in last year's edition and has been off since; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

The Dabbler

10st 13lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Liam P Cusack

Veteran produced his best effort for some time when a 9l third at Punchestown (2m7f, gd-yld) last month; career low mark now but hasn't won over fences since 2021 and this ground may be a shade soft for him.

10/1

8

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

The Dabbler

10st 13lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Liam P Cusack

Veteran produced his best effort for some time when a 9l third at Punchestown (2m7f, gd-yld) last month; career low mark now but hasn't won over fences since 2021 and this ground may be a shade soft for him.

10/1

Form: 69P412 BF

Last run: 2 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Had a couple of okay runs over fences as a novice last season but jumping was unconvincing; got it together back over fences at Wexford (3m1f) last month having been hurdling up until then this term; touched off over 2m4f back at Wexford on Friday but had a hard race on heavy ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

14th May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

15:55 Killarney

Mercury Lane

11st 10lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul Nolan

in touch with leaders

18/1

8th

14

29th Apr 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 7f 0y

15:10 Punchestown

Mercury Lane

10st 1lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul Nolan

Beaten only a neck over 2m4f at Wexford; not certain to cope with rise in class; trip could be a problem judged on past efforts over 3m.

9/1

Form: 333-35

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Formerly useful hurdler/chaser for Nicky Henderson but gradually regressive over hurdles for Sam Thomas last term; been point-to-pointing for this yard and well held in a couple of hunter chases lately; surprise if he's up to playing a leading role in this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

12th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 80y

20:30 Kilbeggan

Welsh Saint

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: C A McBratney

Now 0-13 chasing, Downpatrick handicap second over 3m (good) his best recent effort; likely up against it back in maiden company.

25/1

Form: 6859U6

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 3lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Dour stayer but in his own time and only one win in 25 chase starts; hasn't been able to get competitive this winter although not disgraced over too short a trip at Navan last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

2nd Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 120y

16:00 Downpatrick

Forza Milan

10st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: J A Nash

in rear, pushed along early, soon became detached, slow jump 2nd, some headway with one circuit to go, weakened before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

20/1

6th

7

4th Mar 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Navan

Forza Milan

10st 8lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: J A Nash

Sole win in 24 starts over fences came on heavy ground in a beginners'; unseated over C&D last time and hasn't really been shaping like a return to the winners' enclosure is near this season.

40/1

8

12th Feb 2023

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

16:10 Navan

Forza Milan

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: J A Nash

midfield, blundered and unseated rider 2nd

25/1

Non-runners

The Dabbler, Mercury Lane

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €41.60
Straight Forecast €42.54
Tricast €1039.58
Trifecta €1204.20

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

Mortal

The Irish Sun:

My Design

TOPSPEED:

Mercury Lane

SPOTLIGHT:

Archies Charm

POSTDATA:

Mortal