May 02 / 17.48 Ballinrobe

17.48

Yielding

West Tyre Opportunity Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5482.3
  • 2m 0f 139y
  • 18 runners
RTV
View Course
West Tyre Opportunity Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.80
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 7365-

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Received a 42-day ban for her third in a 2m maiden here in August; ran okay on comeback at Naas in March and expected to come on for that here on handicap debut with scope for improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

5th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:32 Kilbeggan

Cant Stop Smiling

11st 3lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Aidan Anthony Howard

In good form over hurdles in 2023; comfortable winner of a Ballinrobe handicap hurdle (2m, good to yielding) and followed that up with a mares' handicap hurdle win back at that track (2m, good) off 113 under today's rider; returns to hurdling now after losing her form badly in three chase runs.

10/1

14

9th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 4f 29y

16:12 Naas

Cant Stop Smiling

11st 5lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Aidan Anthony Howard

Missed most of last season and shown nothing in two chase starts; needs to jump a lot better this time.

33/1

10th

1

5th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 55y

12:55 Fairyhouse

Cant Stop Smiling

11st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Aidan Anthony Howard

always behind, didn't always jump with fluency

20/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 37000-

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Flashes of ability but plenty to find from recent handicap debut run at Cork with McGrath From Clune.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

14th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

17:15 Market Rasen

Skip Mahler

11st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Still not convinced he's too accommodatingly handicapped despite a further 1lb drop, but last month's Uttoxeter third (2m, soft) represented a good step up on his British debut effort, and all other place finishes (in Ireland) were gained over right-handers about as sharp as this track.

12/1

3rd

4

26th May 2024

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:45 Uttoxeter

Skip Mahler

11st 7lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

0-10 over hurdles when trained in Ireland and, following a break, was safely held on recent stable debut at Warwick (2m, good); that run might have done him good but others have more pressing claims here; hood refitted; suited by good and soft ground.

10/1

3rd

4

26th May 2024

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:45 Uttoxeter

Skip Mahler

11st 7lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

0-10 over hurdles when trained in Ireland and, following a break, was safely held on recent stable debut at Warwick (2m, good); that run might have done him good but others have more pressing claims here; hood refitted; suited by good and soft ground.

10/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 33400-

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Fair sort on the Flat is 0-14 hurdling although went close off this sort of mark on a few occasions last summer on this sort of ground; two most recent efforts well below his best so needs to bounce back but quite possible given the drying ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

11th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:25 Perth

Ballinlough Gale

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, not fluent 4th

11/2

5th

7

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Ballinlough Gale

11st 3lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Only 1-31 overall and 0-15 as a hurdler; however, it's still early days with Gordon Elliott and he hit the frame here four weeks ago off this mark, albeit finishing some 13l off the winner; needs to find extra from somewhere.

7/1

3rd

4

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Ballinlough Gale

11st 10lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Fair sort on the Flat is 0-14 hurdling although went close off this sort of mark on a few occasions last summer on this sort of ground; two most recent efforts well below his best so needs to bounce back but quite possible given the drying ground.

7/1

Form: 22333-

Last run: 115 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in handicap hurdles at Gowran and Sligo last autumn and ran to a similar level over fences the last twice; consistent sort entitled to be thereabouts back hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

16:25 Hexham

Hard Rain

11st 6lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

raced in last early, slow jump 1st, headway and in touch with leaders before 3rd, went second before 5th

5/1

7th

2

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

16:25 Hexham

Hard Rain

11st 6lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

raced in last early, slow jump 1st, headway and in touch with leaders before 3rd, went second before 5th

5/1

6th

5

14th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

16:42 Hereford

Hard Rain

10st 11lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

Ex-Irish 9yo whose second-place finish at Exeter (2m2f, heavy) came in selling grade and who still has a poor strike-rate; far from certain to go one better returned to handicap level.

12/1

Form: 32870-

Last run: 256 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Comeback run last year in this race when good third (Peace Party second) off 95 and followed up with good second at Kilbeggan; disappointed subsequently and was let off in August; first run since but clearly goes well fresh and not one to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

23rd Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:20 Listowel

Run Like Fada

11st 7lb

J: Tom Kelly

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Maiden after 9 hurdle runs but placed twice last year; below form at Ballinrobe in May and back after another absence today.

16/1

5th

8

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Run Like Fada

11st 8lb

J: Tom Kelly

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Comeback run last year in this race when good third (Peace Party second) off 95 and followed up with good second at Kilbeggan; disappointed subsequently and was let off in August; first run since but clearly goes well fresh and not one to rule out.

8/1

Form: 00842-

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Career-best at Cork last month when coming home well to take second after a mistake at the last; 3lb higher now but should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

16th Jun 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

14:05 Stratford

McGrath From Clune

11st 3lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Tom Gretton

Dual chase winner, latterly off lowly handicap mark in the autumn, but well beaten on both starts this spring (hurdle/chase) and faces tough task on these terms; hood removed from headgear collection.

50/1

10th

7

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

McGrath From Clune

11st 0lb

J: Aidan Weaver

T: Tom Gretton

Ended last year in good form over fences but was pulled after a break at Hereford in March and it's over a year since he last ran over hurdles (0-12 in this discipline).

16/1

4

25th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

15:00 Hereford

McGrath From Clune

10st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tom Gretton

C&D winner in November and ran well when second at Newcastle (2m, good to soft) 11 days later; looked the likeliest winner before unseating late at Taunton in December and now needs to bounce back from a disappointing run at Fontwell on Boxing Day (jumped right); tough mark but remains of interest with Sean Bowen booked.

9/2

Form: 87382-

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Three-time Flat winner has run with credit in handicap hurdles, most recently second under a positive ride at Tramore; one to consider off just 1lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

28th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 40y

18:48 Bellewstown

Take My Hand

11st 7lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Michael Mulvany

Four-time Flat winner (including at this venue) and placed ten times; 0-10 over hurdles; lost form after Tramore second at the end of the season before last; long absence to overcome.

16/1

8th

10

13th Jun 2023

Good

2m 1f 133y

18:33 Sligo

Take My Hand

11st 6lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Michael Mulvany

took keen hold, prominent, went second before 2nd, hit 5th

12/1

6th

10

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 120y

18:50 Tramore

Take My Hand

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Michael Mulvany

Four-time Flat winner; 0-8 over hurdles but has competitive form, including when second under a positive ride over C&D in April; Ballinrobe was nothing like so good but she's better than that.

10/1

Form: 50P0-

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Shaped okay on Fairyhouse debut in February but hasn't reproduced that form twice since, latest when possibly unsuited by testing conditions at Down Royal; return to better ground should suit but opening mark looks on the high side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

16th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 70y

16:25 Naas

He Picked Us

11st 9lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

In good hands but has finished well behind in all five handicaps and the blinkers would appear a cry for help.

16/1

14th

9

16th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 70y

16:25 Naas

He Picked Us

11st 9lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

In good hands but has finished well behind in all five handicaps and the blinkers would appear a cry for help.

16/1

2

5th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 52y

16:10 Thurles

He Picked Us

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Yet to feature in handicap company, latest over C&D in November; handicapper relenting (down 9lb from opening mark) and tongue tie now tried.

10/1

Form: 6/0PP- C

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Decent form early in career for Mulvany stable, highlighted by a heavy-ground 2m2f maiden win here; recent form poor however and of limited appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

13th Jun 2023

Good

2m 2f 51y

16:55 Sligo

Buzz Light

10st 6lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Thomas Dowling

towards rear of midfield

40/1

8th

13

23rd May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 80y

13:45 Punchestown

Buzz Light

10st 6lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Thomas Dowling

keen to post

33/1

9th

9

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Buzz Light

11st 7lb

J: Evan Dwan

T: Thomas Dowling

Decent form early in career for Mulvany stable, highlighted by a heavy-ground 2m2f maiden win here; recent form poor however and of limited appeal.

25/1

Form: P4749- D

Last run: 16 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Versatile performer whose seven wins have included Flat handicap here; largely struggled over fences over the winter and of limited appeal back hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(11)

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

19:00 Tramore

Itsalonglongroad

9st 3lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: David O’Sullivan

114-race veteran, winner of 11 races; best known as a four-time course jumps winner; also C&D winner; most recent success came over fences here last October; well below best on his last three visits, years may be catching up, but premature to write off.

6/1

7th

10

29th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 110y

17:55 Tramore

Itsalonglongroad

10st 6lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: David O’Sullivan

Veteran; five-time chase winner including three over C&D; last won here last August off 99 and 3lb lower now; recent efforts have been underwhelming, however, and blinkers are reached for.

18/1

6th

10

(14)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 190y

15:22 Sligo

Itsalonglongroad

9st 4lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: David O’Sullivan

Old boy has won 12 races in all under both codes, mostly from the front; C&D winner in 2024 and was placed over 1m4f last year, but he's pushing on now and tailed off over fences last time.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7/086-

Last run: 214 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
13-race maiden over hurdles had a couple of AW spins in the last couple of months; hard to fancy back hurdling off this sort of mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

31st Dec 2024

Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

12:20 Warwick

Complete Fantasy

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

prominent on outer

66/1

10

31st Dec 2024

Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

12:20 Warwick

Complete Fantasy

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

prominent on outer

66/1

11

20th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 45y

Class 5

14:40 Uttoxeter

Complete Fantasy

10st 9lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

pressed leader, slow jump and lost position 3rd

50/1

Form: U8370- D

Last run: 127 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won in a long time but three times runner-up at this track last summer including in this event; back from a break and has to be respected given his record around here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Peace Party

11st 11lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Desmond McDonogh

Reserve; 2-35 over hurdles, the wins a long time ago now; didn't run badly last time but an 11yo now and others appeal more.

9th

10

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 0lb

J: E Walsh

T: Desmond McDonogh

Tailed off throughout after starting very sluggishly here four weeks ago; hasn't won for a long time now.

25/1

10

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 7lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: Desmond McDonogh

Hasn't won in a long time but three times runner-up at this track last summer including in this event; back from a break and has to be respected given his record around here.

8/1

Form: 3608U- D

Last run: 203 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Roscommon winner last summer (good) and ran to a similar level when placed on his next two starts before form petered off; back from winter break and may just need this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

30th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:50 Wexford

Presenting Lad

10st 6lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Dual chase winner but hasn't won since taking a Kilbeggan handicap hurdle in 2024; was second to Femme Magnifique at Tramore and the ground was maybe too soft at Roscommon since; could rebound and be a player.

20/1

10th

6

8th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 100y

19:18 Roscommon

Presenting Lad

11st 7lb

J: James Smith

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Six wins include two over fences and was runner-up at Tramore ten days ago on good ground; handles these conditions.

10/1

2nd

8

29th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 110y

17:55 Tramore

Presenting Lad

11st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Two chase wins in 2024 (including a novice over C&D) but it has been slim pickings since then; no joy in 2025 and modest run at Wexford on return from a break on latest; on a dangerous mark but needs a revival.

22/1

Form: 0000-

Last run: 80 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Sprint winner in France; ran okay on hurdle debut at Leopardstown but form since has been poor, tongue tie tried last time; hard to be confident in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 4

17:30 Cartmel

Got Grey

11st 6lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Won twice over hurdles and once over fences for Dan Skelton; wasn't beaten far when third of three on stable debut here (2m1f, good) in May but he was well held in another small-field event over C&D last time; still lightly raced over fences but he needs to step up again after that last run; cheekpieces reapplied.

8/1

5th

5

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:15 Cartmel

Got Grey

10st 9lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Won twice over hurdles and once over fences for Dan Skelton; sold to join current yard for £10,000 in October; not beaten far when last of three at this track (2m1f, good) last month on stable debut following seven-month break and should be sharper this time; not out of this.

8/1

Form: 079-

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Flat maiden now enters handicap hurdle ranks after requisite three runs in maidens which revealed little (reportedly hung left at Kilbeggan last time); market may prove best guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

30th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 37y

18:40 Bellewstown

Chequer Square

11st 6lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Paul John Gilligan

in touch with leaders early, midfield halfway, weakened quickly before 3 out, pulled up 2 out

33/1

12th

5

14th Aug 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 143y

18:50 Ballinrobe

Chequer Square

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Placed on the Flat but a maiden under both codes and hasn't offered much at all in handicaps.

25/1

5th

3

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 194y

14:00 Sligo

Chequer Square

10st 13lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

prominent in chasing group, not fluent 5th, pushed along and lost fourth after 2 out, soon no extra

33/1

Form: 607P0- C

Last run: 126 days

W: 11st 5lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
First reserve; back-to-back 2m6f wins last September included here; lost form afterwards however (mainly over 2m on softer ground); will appreciate this better ground but ideally wants further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

8th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 6f 97y

17:22 Galway

Oskar High

10st 7lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Norman Lee

Veteran has won this twice, including last year off 3lb higher; however, he has been pulled up on his last three starts so major revival required.

25/1

13

22nd Jul 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 41y

19:12 Ballinrobe

Oskar High

10st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Norman Lee

Old boy won at Galway last September; pulled up back there in October and same story on return from a 199-day break at Sligo in May; on last winning mark but may be vulnerable to younger legs.

25/1

13

13th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 188y

20:00 Sligo

Oskar High

10st 0lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Norman Lee

prominent

12/1

Form: 94PU8-

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; now 0-8 hurdling although did finish second in Limerick maiden, has struggled so far in handicaps; hard to be confident in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

10th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

1m 7f 110y

19:08 Roscommon

Hi Ski

11st 11lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Ross O’Sullivan

led, ridden and headed after 2 out, weakened run-in

14/1

Form: 6578-

Last run: 194 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; poor sort on the Flat needs to improve markedly on what we've seen so far over timber to feature; tongue tie tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

15

13th Jun 2023

Good

2m 1f 133y

18:33 Sligo

Forge Road

11st 2lb

J: Peter Carberry

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

midfield, awkward jump 1st

10th

7

5th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Listowel

Forge Road

10st 12lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Signs of ability in low-grade handicaps on AW at Dundalk; modest hurdles form last year, including on handicap debut; tongue-tie for the first time.

14/1

13

18th May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:05 Tipperary

Forge Road

11st 4lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Maiden under all codes after 20 starts and beaten a long way on the Flat last month; has to improve on previous hurdle form; tongue-tie on.

20/1

Non-runners

Complete Fantasy, Oskar High, Hi Ski, Forge Road

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €106.30
Straight Forecast €74.09
Tricast €353.99
Trifecta €634.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Take My Hand

The Irish Sun:

Hard Rain

RP Ratings (IRE):

McGrath From Clune

TOPSPEED:

Peace Party

POSTDATA:

Take My Hand