April 22 / 14.15 Bangor-on-Dee

14.15

Good

Kate Hinkins 40th Birthday Celebration Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3696.7
  • 2m 3f 123y
  • Class 4
  • 16 runners
SKY
View Course
Kate Hinkins 40th Birthday Celebration Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 23 BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Irish point winner (good to yielding ground) who was placed on first two hurdling starts, more recently when third at Hexham (2m4f, heavy) last month; back on a less testing surface for today's handicap debut and open to significant improvement; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

22nd Apr 2023

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Vandemere

11st 11lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John Quinn

Irish point winner (good to yielding ground) who was placed on first two hurdling starts, more recently when third at Hexham (2m4f, heavy) last month; back on a less testing surface for today's handicap debut and open to significant improvement; high on the list.

4/1

3rd

9

16th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

15:10 Hexham

Vandemere

11st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: John Quinn

prominent, led after 2 out, faced strong challenge approaching last, ridden and headed run-in, no extra when lost second towards finish

3/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: -225P4

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Ran poorly in November, after a break, but is usually pretty consistent and has dropped another 2lb since her respectable fourth at Catterick (2m3f, good) in February; considered each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

5th Sep 2023

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

16:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Taragrace

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

midfield, headway 4 out, outpaced 3 out, weakened before 2 out

3/1

2nd

2

4th Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 7y

Class 5

14:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Taragrace

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Narrowly beaten over 2m3f+ here in April but absent since; both wins at around 2m and her ability to stay this trip isn't completely guaranteed but enters the reckoning with Charlie Maggs taking off 8lb.

4/1

2nd

11

22nd Apr 2023

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Taragrace

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Ran poorly in November, after a break, but is usually pretty consistent and has dropped another 2lb since her respectable fourth at Catterick (2m3f, good) in February; considered each-way.

12/1

14/1

  • Place: £6.60

Form: 641430

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Irish raider who was in good form last autumn, notably when winning 17-runner Listowel handicap (3m, good); returned from break with low-key 2m run in February but moves back up in trip here; could have a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

8th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 6f 97y

17:52 Galway

Tullyhogue Fort

11st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: John F O’Neill

Ran well when second at Kilbeggan in July but was still beaten 13l; outclassed on the Flat latest but this much more suitable and was a close second in a division of this race in 2023 off 5lb higher; place shout.

16/1

9

(6)

22nd Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 180y

20:15 Killarney

Tullyhogue Fort

11st 4lb

J: Mr P J O’Neill

T: John F O’Neill

Capable jumper at an ordinary level; rated 42 on the Flat and should be outclassed.

200/1

10

5th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 155y

19:30 Roscommon

Tullyhogue Fort

11st 3lb

J: Mr P J O’Neill

T: John F O’Neill

Winless run stretches back to July 2023; beaten 13l when second of 12 in a Kilbeggan handicap hurdle (18.5f, good) on latest; remains 4lb above his last win but has run well on both previous visits to this venue; place chance.

17/2

Form: 331546

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won against own age-group on British debut at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) in November but dropped out tamely when upped to 2m4f and fitted with blinkers for handicap debut there (good) in February; now sports cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Uttoxeter

Jipekaa Machin

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Just 1-11 over hurdles but returned from long absence with two good thirds this season, the latter at Bangor (2m3f, good) 11 days ago; soft ground also suits; player if he takes well to fences.

8/1

1

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

14:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Jipekaa Machin

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Lightly raced; won juvenile hurdle in 2022; clear signs of retaining ability at Worcester (2m4f) in July when back from lengthy absence; possibilities if building on that effort.

8/1

1

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:25 Worcester

Jipekaa Machin

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Has only won a juvenile hurdle but has competitive form in handicaps off higher marks and his trainer can get them fit at home.

9/1

Form: 1-4354

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Placed off 5lb higher over C&D (good to soft) in October and has claims if judged on that performance but her only win from 39 career starts came in a very modest, three-runner novice hurdle in 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

25th May 2024

Soft

3m 1f 83y

Class 3

17:10 Cartmel

Sinndarella

11st 10lb

J: Chris Ward

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Still 4lb higher than when winning over 2m6f here (good to soft) last summer but did not run badly when seventh in competitive series final at Musselburgh last month and is sure to be suited by the return to this track; major player if stamina holds out (unraced beyond 2m7f).

5/1

5th

3

25th May 2024

Soft

3m 1f 83y

Class 3

17:10 Cartmel

Sinndarella

11st 10lb

J: Chris Ward

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Still 4lb higher than when winning over 2m6f here (good to soft) last summer but did not run badly when seventh in competitive series final at Musselburgh last month and is sure to be suited by the return to this track; major player if stamina holds out (unraced beyond 2m7f).

5/1

Form: -70824 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
2-11 over hurdles; went very close in first-time cheekpieces at Kempton (2m5f, good to soft) in February and didn't run badly on slower-than-ideal ground last month; probably won't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Hardy Boy

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

C&D winner last August and his close fourth at Cheltenham three runs back was his best form yet; soft ground was no good to him on final appearance; nothing wrong with his mark.

12/1

4th

4

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Hardy Boy

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

C&D winner last August and his close fourth at Cheltenham three runs back was his best form yet; soft ground was no good to him on final appearance; nothing wrong with his mark.

12/1

9th

9

29th Nov 2024

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

15:40 Newbury

Hardy Boy

10st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Ready winner over 2m7f at Market Rasen in August and he ran at least as well in defeat at Cheltenham in October but he has his share of weight now and soft ground has not been helpful so far.

14/1

20/1

Form: 24-630 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Three-time hurdle winner; has conditions to suit here and lurks on a very attractive handicap mark but hasn't really fired on any of three appearances this season and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

4th Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 7y

Class 5

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Zafar

11st 10lb

J: Abbie McCain

T: Donald McCain

No longer the force of old but suggested he's ready to exploit some significant help from the handicapper when second to progressive rival at Stratford (2m2f, good) last month; also suited by this C&D; likely contender.

5/2

2nd

1

16th Jul 2023

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

14:15 Stratford

Zafar

12st 0lb

J: Abbie McCain

T: Donald McCain

disputed lead, led 2 out, joined approaching last, headed run-in, kept on

12/1

6th

1

9th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

17:55 Ludlow

Zafar

12st 0lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Arrives in fairly good nick, seventh of 13 in 2m4f Bangor handicap 17 days ago; he's very much one to consider off an easing mark.

5/1

Form: U4347F

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Unable to land a telling blow in his first two handicaps (2m/1m7f) and was a mid-race faller when last in action; not yet fully exposed but needs today's step up in trip to enable improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

20th May 2023

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

20:05 Uttoxeter

Iceman Dennis

11st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Inconsistent 11-race maiden who was a well-held eighth at Bangor (2m3f, good) last month; drops back in trip/grade but his form has gone the wrong way in handicaps and others are more convincing; cheekpieces back.

25/1

4

23rd Apr 2023

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:45 Stratford

Iceman Dennis

11st 6lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Mid-race faller at Bangor last month; well held there yesterday, taking record to 0-11; ran creditably (80-1) when third in novice contest here in October and has place hopes on that effort.

14/1

8th

10

22nd Apr 2023

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Iceman Dennis

11st 1lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Unable to land a telling blow in his first two handicaps (2m/1m7f) and was a mid-race faller when last in action; not yet fully exposed but needs today's step up in trip to enable improvement.

20/1

Form: 3P-407

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Shaped well before fading into fourth on seasonal debut at Chepstow (2m, soft) in January but has suffered two heavy defeats since (2m/2m3f) and remains a maiden over jumps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

13:42 Bangor-on-Dee

Heva Rose

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

2-3 during light campaign last season, the latter win gained off today's mark in valuable series final at Hereford (3m1f, good); pulled up in 2m3f Wetherby race won by Micks Jet last month but has possibilities here if that outing brought her on.

11/2

8

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

13:42 Bangor-on-Dee

Heva Rose

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

2-3 during light campaign last season, the latter win gained off today's mark in valuable series final at Hereford (3m1f, good); pulled up in 2m3f Wetherby race won by Micks Jet last month but has possibilities here if that outing brought her on.

11/2

5

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

14:40 Wetherby

Heva Rose

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

led, faced challenge after 5 out, headed before 4 out, weakened 3 out, pulled up 2 out

9/2

Form: P-2P74

Last run: 19 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Became disappointing over fences during the winter and was just a respectable fourth when back over hurdles at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) this month but is unexposed over today's trip and might be boosted by the addition of cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

18th Feb 2026

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:25 Southwell

Hidor De Bersy

12st 0lb

J: Mrs Vicki Sollitt

T: Mel Rowley

9yo who has been lightly raced in recent years; returned from an absence with 11l second at Plumpton (2m4f, good) in November under Vicki Sollitt, then easily won three-runner military riders' race at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft); won on soft ground earlier in his career; high on the list.

4/1

4th

6

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 4

13:50 Sandown

Hidor De Bersy

11st 1lb

J: L-Cdr Vicki Sollitt

T: Mel Rowley

led, not fluent 2nd, headed then lost ground before 3rd, headway before 4 out, weakened after 3 out

6/1

4th

6

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 4

13:50 Sandown

Hidor De Bersy

11st 1lb

J: L-Cdr Vicki Sollitt

T: Mel Rowley

led, not fluent 2nd, headed then lost ground before 3rd, headway before 4 out, weakened after 3 out

6/1

Form: 683-43

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
0-5 over hurdles and tends to race a bit too freely but ran well when third at Uttoxeter (2m, soft) this month, after a break, and has possibilities if today's step up in trip suits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

13:30 Newcastle

Bravethewaves

11st 4lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Seized the initiative, already having the race in safe keeping when left clear at the second last, at Doncaster (2m3f, good; from 9lb lower) in February; well beaten at Southwell subsequently and likely to face competition for the lead here; close to a career best required.

5/1

7th

9

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell

Bravethewaves

11st 2lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

None too consistent but he made it 4-12 over fences when scoring by 20l at Doncaster (2m3f, good; was left clear late on) and he's only 4lb higher for this return to hurdles; still comes with risks given overall profile and he's 0-9 in this discipline.

6/1

1st

4

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 5

16:30 Doncaster

Bravethewaves

10st 9lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won over slightly further here (good) just over a year ago and was also on target at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) in November; current mark is workable but he's far too inconsistent to support with confidence.

7/2

6/1

Form: 66741

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Off the mark over hurdles at fifth attempt, asserting on the run-in in first-time tongue-tie at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) last month; 6lb rise demands more here but last year's useful Irish Flat form offers hope he can progress again in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:38 Cartmel

Ghasham

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sam England

Flat/hurdle winner who left Dan Skelton for 4,400gns; finished a clear second at Hexham (1m7f, good to soft; effective on good) on stable/chase debut and the revitalised winner has struck again since; gets in here off the same mark.

11/4

2nd

2

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

15:55 Hexham

Ghasham

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Flat/hurdle winner who was bought out of Dan Skelton's yard for 4,400gns last month; had been in fair form over hurdles, but perhaps best watched on chase/stable debut.

13/2

5th

1

16th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 116y

Class 5

16:45 Plumpton

Ghasham

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Sole hurdles win was for Ian Williams at Market Rasen (2m4f) three years ago; went close on first start for this trainer at Worcester (2m4f) last September; trip possibly short enough at Market Rasen and Sedgefield post wind surgery; easing mark and claimer ridden.

11/2

Form: 563613 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Improved to make winning handicap debut at Ludlow (2m, good) last month and wasn't beaten far when third of four at Market Rasen (2m2f, soft) three weeks later; back on forecast better ground and could still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

15:10 Warwick

Thankyourluckystar

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Alastair Ralph

Returned to form with creditable second at Southwell (2m4f) last time but looks unlikely to go one better; the 10yo faces a difficult task against several younger rivals who are open to further improvement.

14/1

2nd

4

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:52 Southwell

Thankyourluckystar

11st 9lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Alastair Ralph

All wins have been on good ground, latest at Worcester in May (2m7f); below-par two runs since and bit to prove at present.

11/1

2

19th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

15:10 Warwick

Thankyourluckystar

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Alastair Ralph

Burst back to life with 15l win at Worcester (2m7f, good) in May; absent since and up 11lb, which puts him on clear career-high mark at the age of nine; also has a slight query on this forecast soft ground but Harry Skelton retains the ride; should be in the mix if ready to go.

5/2

Form: -52U95 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who was second in C&D (soft) maiden in November; unable to justify prominence in betting when safely held in first two handicaps, though, and needs the addition of cheekpieces to give him a lift.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Rockinastorm

10st 10lb

J: David Bass

T: Henry Daly

Dual course winner (3m/3m1f); not beaten far when fifth of six in C&D (good to soft) contest won by Ballycamus in December and didn't run badly in competitive Windsor marathon last month; can't be ignored off this mark.

6/1

7th

9

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 162y

Class 3

15:35 Windsor

Rockinastorm

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Front-runner who won two in a row in late 2024 (3m1f/3m, good/soft), on the second occasion off today's mark, and he ran pretty well over 3m4f at Haydock last March; hasn't run badly on either outing this season but needs something extra this afternoon.

20/1

11

24th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Cheltenham

Rockinastorm

11st 6lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: Henry Daly

Dual chase winner towards end of 2024 (3m1f/3m); only third of four behind Regarde at Haydock (3m4f, good) in March but wasn't beaten far; resumes on a workable mark and with Patrick Mullins a good jockey booking.

9/1

Form: 3164P8 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Fair Flat-racer who made winning handicap hurdle debut at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) last June; now only 2lb above that mark but his last two runs have been very disappointing (albeit with some mitigating circumstances) and others in this field look much safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

4

30th Aug 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:15 Uttoxeter

Prison Break

11st 6lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Won off 6lb higher over hurdles in June 2022 but hasn't really fired this year; chasing debut and others have less to prove.

10/1

Form: 5101P- D

Last run: 382 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Dual 2m4f winner in blinkers for Sarah Humphrey last season; changed hands for £8,000 after a disappointing run last spring and today's stable debut comes after a 382-day layoff; market may point the way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

16th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

Irish Sovereign

11st 6lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Well beaten at Southwell last month, on stable debut after a year off; both wins at 2m4f and this will be his first hurdle effort at 2m.

12/1

11th

13

28th Apr 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

18:15 Southwell

Irish Sovereign

10st 11lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Dual 2m4f winner (including over C&D) in blinkers for Sarah Humphrey last season; changed hands for £8,000 after a disappointing run last spring and today's stable debut comes after a 388-day layoff; market may point the way.

25/1

15

22nd Apr 2023

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Irish Sovereign

10st 11lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Dual 2m4f winner in blinkers for Sarah Humphrey last season; changed hands for £8,000 after a disappointing run last spring and today's stable debut comes after a 382-day layoff; market may point the way.

16/1

Non-runners

Thankyourluckystar, Rockinastorm, Irish Sovereign

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £39.80
Straight Forecast £27.12
Tricast £607.43
Trifecta £567.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Vandemere

POSTDATA:

Hardy Boy

The Star:

Ghasham

RP Ratings:

Taragrace

D Express:

Rockinastorm

Daily Record:

Ghasham

WEST COUNTRY:

Hardy Boy

Daily Mirror:

Hardy Boy

TOPSPEED:

Taragrace

THE NORTH:

Vandemere

The Times:

Vandemere

Telegraph:

Vandemere

The Guardian:

Vandemere

Daily Mail:

Vandemere