May 02 / 17.18 Ballinrobe

17.18

Yielding

Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (Div II)

  • Prize money: £6265.49
  • 2m 0f 139y
  • 18 runners
RTV
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Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (Div II)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/11 (Won)

  • Win: £1.40
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 42302- D BF

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Remains a maiden but third in valuable Leopardstown mares' handicap hurdle in February rates the best hurdles form on offer here; beaten at odds-on over C&D last month but winner followed up at Punchestown last week so well worth another chance here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

28th Jan 2024

Soft To Heavy

1m 7f 112y

14:10 Naas

Banntown Girl

10st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Stephen Gerard Carey

led, headed and raced in second after 2nd, outpaced and dropped to rear before 2 out, kept on and went third towards finish

7/1

3rd

2

12th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 3f 56y

14:00 Punchestown

Banntown Girl

10st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Stephen Gerard Carey

Generally reliable and very experienced novice who has recorded two wins and seven places from 12 starts over hurdles; 19l handicap winner over 2m here in October, earning promotion to 127; continued her progression with a clear second behind the unbeaten Brighterdaysahead in a Grade 3 event at Down Royal, and now rated 132.

3/1

2nd

6

10th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 190y

13:27 Down Royal

Banntown Girl

10st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Stephen Gerard Carey

Generally reliable and relatively experienced novice who has recorded two wins and six places from 11 starts over hurdles; 19l handicap winner at Punchestown on latest; up in class now and may find a few too good.

12/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 5833-

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Improved on both recent runs for current yard in heavy-ground Clonmel maidens, staying on well into third last time; shapes as though further will suit and less of a stamina emphasis here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Conyers Hill

11st 0lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: Paul Nolan

Basically a bridle horse who doesn't find much when let down, but plenty of strong form and couldn't knock his latest second to an improver at Punchestown where he pulled clear of the rest (2m4f, yielding); doubt he wants this far, but easy track will help and valuable 7lb claimed.

8/1

2nd

8

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:25 Punchestown

Conyers Hill

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul Nolan

Novice win came at Down Royal last season and pick of this season's handicap form when fourth in 2m4f Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and held narrow lead when faller two out in 2m4f Tim Duggan Memorial at Limerick over Christmas; didn't stay 3m1f in Thyestes following month and has had time off since; could go well.

13/2

5th

16

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

15:30 Gowran Park

Conyers Hill

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul Nolan

Two good runs at Cheltenham this season, including fourth in the Paddy Power in November, and a creditable second at Limerick on his seasonal debut the previous month; in the lead but beginning to look vulnerable when falling two out in the Tim Duggan at Limerick on latest.

20/1

50/1

  • Place: £19.40

Form: 8-

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won three times on Flat early in his career; has come down in the world a long way since contesting the 2019 Derby for John Gosden and tailed off on recent hurdles debut at Thurles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(16)

12th Apr 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Humanitarian

9st 5lb

J: Ben Coen

T: R P Burns

Two wins over longer distances in Britain came some time ago; mildly encouraging run on latest off reduced mark but fair bit more needed on first run for new yard.

10/1

12th

7

(16)

12th Apr 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Humanitarian

9st 5lb

J: Ben Coen

T: R P Burns

Two wins over longer distances in Britain came some time ago; mildly encouraging run on latest off reduced mark but fair bit more needed on first run for new yard.

10/1

5th

9

(7)

12th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:15 Dundalk (AW)

Humanitarian

9st 6lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: John Joseph Hanlon

took keen hold, towards rear, headway over 1f out, switched left inside final furlong, kept on towards finish, not reach leaders

16/1

Form: 080/P-

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up after never counting on hurdles debut at Thurles in March; easily passed over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:15 Fairyhouse

Leis Fein

11st 4lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: V T O’Brien

Well-exposed maiden, trainer's expertise with older horses is the main positive factor.

66/1

6th

13

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:15 Fairyhouse

Leis Fein

11st 4lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: V T O’Brien

Well-exposed maiden, trainer's expertise with older horses is the main positive factor.

66/1

6th

13

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:15 Fairyhouse

Leis Fein

11st 4lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: V T O’Brien

Well-exposed maiden, trainer's expertise with older horses is the main positive factor.

66/1

Form: 044/2-

Last run: 223 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest Flat performer although held his own on Dundalk AW last winter; chased home a clear winner on sole hurdling start at Listowel last September on good ground so not one to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

15th Oct 2024

Good

1m 7f 185y

14:50 Punchestown

Pro Bono

11st 7lb

J: Cian Cullinan

T: Patrick Joseph Hayes

Poor on the Flat last time and beaten 14l on last hurdle start at Tramore so has to do much better down 2lb.

14/1

14

(6)

30th Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 138y

17:00 Down Royal

Pro Bono

9st 1lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Patrick Joseph Hayes

Did not run badly latest hurdling but still well held; good chance at his best but will hardly show that here and rising 10.

33/1

Form: 8/857-

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Just a smidgeon of ability in bumpers and never counted on recent hurdles debut at Kilbeggan; may need more time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Thornleigh Frank

11st 2lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

Three-time winner for Mark Fahey in 2023; lightly raced in recent times and hasn't looked like adding to his tally in two starts for this stable; off since December and cheekpieces need to spark.

25/1

9th

13

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:15 Fairyhouse

Thornleigh Frank

11st 1lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Mark Fahey

Tremendously progressive as a 6yo, landing all three handicap starts at trips ranging from 2m2f-2m6f, rising from an opening mark of 94 up to 124; clearly had his issues as he's been off the track 570 days so a watching brief is advised; hooded.

10/1

1st

3

2nd Aug 2023

Soft

2m 6f 111y

20:20 Galway

Thornleigh Frank

11st 10lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: Mark Fahey

took keen hold, prominent, led before 6th, clear after 7th, reduced lead but good jump 2 out, ridden after last, kept on well but joined post, forced dead-heat

13/2

Form: 00-

Last run: 177 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Huge prices and ran accordingly on both recent maiden hurdle runs; easily passed over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:18 Ballinrobe

Too Easy Mate

11st 4lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: D E Fitzgerald

Huge prices and ran accordingly on both recent maiden hurdle runs; easily passed over.

100/1

18

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:40 Thurles

Too Easy Mate

11st 4lb

J: Miss P Elvin

T: D E Fitzgerald

Third reserve; huge prices and ran accordingly on both recent maiden hurdle runs; easily passed over.

18th

14

6th Nov 2022

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:58 Cork

Too Easy Mate

11st 7lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: D E Fitzgerald

Struggling at the back from a long way out when 100-1 on debut at Wexford last Monday.

100/1

Form: 80F0-

Last run: 72 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not much sign of ability so far and has jumping issues; safe to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 150y

15:33 Tipperary

Ounce Of Gold

11st 1lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: P A Fahy

Pulled-up on last three runs over hurdles and isn't easy to fancy on chasing debut; cheekpieces added.

40/1

14

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 66y

16:40 Punchestown

Ounce Of Gold

10st 0lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: P A Fahy

in rear

16/1

0

5

12th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 194y

15:00 Punchestown

Ounce Of Gold

11st 12lb

J: Sarah Kavanagh

T: P A Fahy

Maiden's best effort came on handicap debut over C&D in June when a strong-finishing clear second; reportedly never travelled before pulled up at Ballinrobe in September so caution advised and unproven in such testing conditions.

16/1

Form: 00-

Last run: 107 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Long prices and ran accordingly in both maidens over the winter; eligible for a mark after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:18 Ballinrobe

Dotie Boy

11st 4lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Denis W Cullen

Long prices and ran accordingly in both maidens over the winter; eligible for a mark after this.

50/1

20th

6

15th Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:10 Punchestown

Dotie Boy

11st 12lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Denis W Cullen

50-1 and never involved when tailed off on debut last month; needs to leave that behind.

100/1

13th

4

20th Dec 2022

Yielding To Soft

2m 2f 183y

13:35 Naas

Dotie Boy

11st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Denis W Cullen

Soldier Of Fortune newcomer has an interesting mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree; one of four (plus a reserve) for his owner in this event.

25/1

Form: 0-

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ten-time Flat winner for Rod Milman in Britain; tame hurdles debut over C&D last month however and probably best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

17

19th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 100y

17:43 Kilbeggan

Singing The Blues

11st 13lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: E McNamara

First reserve; 10-time Flat winner but shown nothing in three runs over hurdles; handicap debut.

11th

1

15th May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

17:25 Killarney

Singing The Blues

11st 12lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

Ten wins from 50 starts on the level; some promise in his hurdle bow at Ballinrobe on debut for this yard but tailed off back at that venue earlier this month; looks up against it.

12/1

10th

4

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:18 Ballinrobe

Singing The Blues

11st 12lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: E McNamara

Ten-time Flat winner for Rod Milman in Britain; tame hurdles debut over C&D last month however and probably best watched for now.

40/1

Form: 0P0-

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No sign of ability in three runs, latest over C&D last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

17:30 Ballinrobe

Old Lonesome Me

11st 4lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Patrick G Kelly

No real sign of ability in any of his four starts and remains very opposable.

100/1

100/1

Form: 600-

Last run: 296 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in three starts over hurdles and hard to make any sort of case for; tried hooded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

5th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Listowel

Brogue Belle

10st 3lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Norman Lee

Has been beaten a minimum of 68l in four maiden outings; transformation needed in her first handicap.

20/1

12th

14

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:18 Ballinrobe

Brogue Belle

10st 11lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Norman Lee

Tailed off in three starts over hurdles and hard to make any sort of case for; tried hooded.

100/1

Form: 10/ D

Last run: 371 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made favourite and won 13-runner Naas bumper on debut in March 2022 (good-to-yielding) but tailed off in Land Rover bumper at Punchestown the following month; back from over year's absence for hurdles debut and has to be respected, especially if strong in the market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

16:45 Punchestown

Irish Envoy

12st 0lb

J: Anna McGuinness

T: Liz Doyle

Bumper winner scored his sole hurdle win over 2m4f in a handicap here in 2023; pulled-up on his recent return and others make more appeal.

33/1

6

13th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 188y

20:00 Sligo

Irish Envoy

11st 4lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Liz Doyle

midfield

12/1

6

13th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 188y

20:00 Sligo

Irish Envoy

11st 4lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Liz Doyle

midfield

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Kingston Hill mare cost 35,000Euros as a 3yo; half-sister to five winners inc Ribble Valley (bumper/useful 2m-2m1f hurdle), Alla Svelta (useful 2m1f-2m5f hurdle), Bombs Away (2m hurdle) and Gran Torino (2m2f hurdle/2m4f chase); dam German/Slovakian 6.5f-8.5f winner; newcomer best watched unless market suggests otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

15

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:18 Ballinrobe

Dreamscomethrough

10st 11lb

J: E Walsh

T: Andrew McNamara

Kingston Hill mare cost 35,000Euros as a 3yo; half-sister to five winners inc Ribble Valley (bumper/useful 2m-2m1f hurdle), Alla Svelta (useful 2m1f-2m5f hurdle), Bombs Away (2m hurdle) and Gran Torino (2m2f hurdle/2m4f chase); dam German/Slovakian 6.5f-8.5f winner; newcomer best watched unless market suggests otherwise.

25/1

Form: 5-

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Presenting half-brother to winners Acronym (bumper/2m5f hurdle), The Cobbler Swayne (2m4f chase) and The Flickering Light (2m3f/2m4f hurdle); dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler/chaser Colonel Braxton; keen and outpaced at a crucial stage on Clonmel debut last month; will probably want a stiffer stamina test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

1

1st Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 80y

16:10 Listowel

Marciano

12st 0lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: E J O’Grady

Good run in a Killarney maiden hurdle a year ago; not seen since a disappointing favourite in a Limerick maiden hurdle in December; Mark Walsh rides but no guarantee that he is the best of the owner's two runners; respected though.

12/1

8th

7

29th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 0y

15:10 Limerick

Marciano

11st 12lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: E J O’Grady

Freegoing type was inclined to hang left in three starts in the spring; showed ability either side of running out at Ballinrobe.

7/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
First reserve; Mount Nelson 5yo is second foal of a mare who won a bumper, 1m4f (Listed)/2m Flat and smart 2m-2m5f hurdler winner; market best guide on debut if getting a run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:57 Worcester

Electric Eddy

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Won a 2m handicap hurdle here (good) in September 2024; pulled up in two of his four starts since but he was runner-up over fences at Hereford (2m, good) on his penultimate run; that form puts him in the picture and this unexposed chaser is not ruled out after another break.

7/2

1

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:15 Stratford

Electric Eddy

12st 0lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

In good form when last seen in September 2024, following a win at Worcester (2m, good) with a close third at Newton Abbot; returns from 13 months off with his stable banging in the winners; high on the list.

5/2

3rd

6

20th Sep 2024

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

15:50 Newton Abbot

Electric Eddy

11st 4lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Off the mark over hurdles at ninth attempt, quickening clear on run-in to win conditional jockeys' race under James Turner at Worcester (2m, good) last week; escapes a penalty and is 7lb ahead of the handicapper here.

15/8

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; Shirocco gelding a 7,500Euros foal; dam 2m hurdle/chase winner; belated debut and best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

7th Aug 2023

Good

2m 2f 150y

15:08 Cork

Got Arc Eye

11st 12lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

midfield

40/1

10th

5

5th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:50 Listowel

Got Arc Eye

11st 12lb

J: Ambrose McCurtin

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

midfield, pushed along 3 out, no impression before 2 out

66/1

17

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:18 Ballinrobe

Got Arc Eye

11st 4lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Second reserve; Shirocco gelding a 7,500Euros foal; dam 2m hurdle/chase winner; belated debut and best watched.

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; Sagramor gelding is second foal of a placed hurdler; not too much appeal on breeding for this newcomer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

8th Sep 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

16:37 Kilbeggan

Madhenry

11st 4lb

J: Alan King

T: Fintan Feeney

midfield

100/1

12th

5

23rd Aug 2023

Good

2m 4f 141y

18:10 Sligo

Madhenry

11st 4lb

J: Alan King

T: Fintan Feeney

Has shown nothing so far.

100/1

16th

4

7th Aug 2023

Good

2m 2f 150y

17:28 Cork

Madhenry

12st 0lb

J: Mr H E Sexton

T: Fintan Feeney

in touch with leaders

200/1

Non-runners

Electric Eddy, Got Arc Eye, Madhenry

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €3.00
Straight Forecast €2.66
Trifecta €144.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Banntown Girl

The Irish Sun:

Irish Envoy

RP Ratings (IRE):

Banntown Girl

TOPSPEED:

Banntown Girl

POSTDATA:

Banntown Girl