May 29 / 17.30 Ballinrobe

17.30

Good

McHale Mayo Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £15663.72
  • 2m 6f 92y
  • 18 runners
TG4
View Course
McHale Mayo Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £36.60
  • Place: £5.90

Form: 4/930-

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Has some flashes of good form but over shorter trips than this and he was tailed off upped to 2m7f at Punchestown, albeit in a strong race; others can see this out stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(10)

18th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 68y

Class 6

14:50 Lingfield

Lunar Power

9st 9lb

J: William Carson

T: Laura Mongan

Won his share in Ireland but has been on the downgrade for a while and has had three different trainers in the past nine months; however, he showed enough on the AW here last time to suggest he has each-way claims back up in trip and down another 2lb.

12/1

6th

2

(4)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

18:10 Lingfield (AW)

Lunar Power

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Laura Mongan

Losing run stretches back to May 2023 (hurdles); ended 2025 with some modest efforts for James Owen and fared little better when fifth of seven on his stable debut 11 weeks ago (2m, Polytrack); enough to prove.

16/1

5th

2

(2)

11th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 6

16:28 Kempton (AW)

Lunar Power

10st 2lb

J: Tyrese Cameron

T: Laura Mongan

Five wins (Flat and hurdles) when trained in Ireland; mixed bag for James Owen when last seen; not on a bad mark if a change of scenery piques his interest.

8/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: B6/7P-

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Has gone 0-6 since winning his first two hurdle starts; has been contesting stronger races and this represents a welcome drop in grade; handicapper not offering too much relief, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

5th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:40 Cork

Power Of Pause

11st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Former point winner and useful 132-rated hurdler, though pulled up in two of his last three races in that sphere; made an encouraging start over fences when making almost all to beat the error-prone favourite Genois at Listowel; will need to raise his game to win here.

5/1

1st

7

20th Sep 2023

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:00 Listowel

Power Of Pause

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Useful hurdler is rated 132 in that sphere but has been pulled-up on two of last four starts; has the ability to go well if his jumping holds up; has won a point' which can help.

3/1

0

7

5th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 108y

14:30 Galway

Power Of Pause

11st 2lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Off the track for two years and gradually coming back to form; stayed on well to be runner-up in a competitive Ballinrobe handicap in May; should be spot on for this.

8/1

33/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: P0600-

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 3lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Not been at his best for a while, last time finishing well beaten in a Punchestown handicap that he had won twice before; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

27th May 2024

Good

2m 6f 131y

17:30 Ballinrobe

A Great View

10st 5lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Denis W Cullen

midfield, towards rear halfway

20/1

13

27th May 2024

Good

2m 6f 131y

17:30 Ballinrobe

A Great View

10st 5lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Denis W Cullen

midfield, towards rear halfway

20/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 0322-1

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Came nicely clear to win a 2m4f handicap for mares at Wexford (yielding; first-time cheekpieces); effectively 12lb higher for this (4lb out of the weights) and she'll definitely need more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

20th Aug 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 150y

13:45 Tramore

Fruit Blossom

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

One of the better hurdlers in this field and returns to chasing on the back of a handicap win at Down Royal (2m6f) last week; last of four on chase debut at Perth prior to that but better expected this time.

3/1

1st

1

13th Aug 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 165y

15:40 Downpatrick

Fruit Blossom

12st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Second over C&D and at Kilbeggan in April before getting off the mark at Wexford the following month; her Ballinrobe fourth was in a competitive heat but below-par last twice including when tried over fences at Perth.

9/2

4th

3

6th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 20y

Class 4

15:18 Perth

Fruit Blossom

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

in touch with leaders

9/2

Form: 2412-1

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
From off the pace he arrived late on the scene to prevail at Killarney (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) and there could be more to come over this far; up 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Prince Zaltar

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won over hurdles on stable debut in September and was third in valuable chase at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December; struggled in heavy-ground hurdle last month but he's better than that and now returns to fences on a good mark; might be the answer.

9/2

8

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:10 Warwick

Prince Zaltar

10st 12lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

3m winner over fences in Ireland and made a winning debut for this yard over hurdles in September (2m5f, good to soft); his subsequent defeats, all over 3m and divided between hurdles and fences, suggest his current mark is on the high side.

5/1

Form: 24574-

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Hold-up performer who finished well to take fourth in a big field at Punchestown (2m4f, yielding) a month ago; worth a go over this far and ran well for Denis O'Regan when they combined once before.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

5

31st May 2025

Good

2m 4f 80y

16:13 Listowel

Gold Speed

11st 6lb

J: Eoin G Kelly

T: Adrian Murray

Four-time winner, whose last win came over C&D in September 2023 off 118; lightly raced since, most recently after 159-day absence when no threat over inadequate 2m at Punchestown festival early this month; handicapper relenting and cheekpieces now tried but opposable.

20/1

5

31st May 2025

Good

2m 4f 80y

16:13 Listowel

Gold Speed

11st 6lb

J: Eoin G Kelly

T: Adrian Murray

Four-time winner, whose last win came over C&D in September 2023 off 118; lightly raced since, most recently after 159-day absence when no threat over inadequate 2m at Punchestown festival early this month; handicapper relenting and cheekpieces now tried but opposable.

20/1

14th

5

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 94y

14:30 Punchestown

Gold Speed

11st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Adrian Murray

midfield

33/1

Form: 0/3P-0

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m Tipperary Grade 3 in October 2021 when with Willie Mullins; 125-1 when tailed off on his stable debut at Killarney following a break; needs to show more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

2nd Aug 2023

Soft

2m 6f 111y

20:20 Galway

Purple Mountain

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: John Joseph Hanlon

towards rear of midfield

25/1

9th

17

(14)

22nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 7f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Purple Mountain

11st 2lb

J: Mr D G Lavery

T: John Joseph Hanlon

midfield

10/1

7th

6

29th May 2023

Good

2m 6f 92y

17:30 Ballinrobe

Purple Mountain

10st 10lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Won a 2m Tipperary Grade 3 in October 2021 when with Willie Mullins; 125-1 when tailed off on his stable debut at Killarney following a break; needs to show more.

66/1

Form: 4211-1

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Listed bumper winner and progressing nicely after wins at Naas (2m maiden) and Cork (2m3f novice); this mark might be okay for her handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

20th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

17:30 Killarney

Troubled Times

11st 1lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: S Curling

Listed bumper winner and twice successful from five starts over hurdles (2m maiden at Naas, 2m3f novice at Cork); reportedly showed signs of "heat stress" when an unplaced favourite on her handicap debut at Ballinrobe; meets Effernock Fizz on 20lb worse than handicap terms.

10/1

8th

9

29th May 2023

Good

2m 6f 92y

17:30 Ballinrobe

Troubled Times

10st 5lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: S Curling

prominent, pressed leader 3rd, led after 3 out

4/1

1st

3

6th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

14:58 Cork

Troubled Times

11st 7lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: S Curling

raced in second, pushed along and switched right after 3 out, ridden and led after 2 out, kept on well

7/4

Form: 1514-8

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
7lb higher than for his Fairyhouse win (3m, soft) in January and well below that level in his two subsequent runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

6th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 70y

19:17 Wexford

Run For Pat

10st 3lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful staying handicap hurdler three seasons ago; struggled at this venue on comeback a fortnight ago; Sea Aster is probably the yard's number one hope here.

12/1

7

23rd Jul 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 100y

16:10 Wexford

Run For Pat

11st 12lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Absent since a faller four out when leading on chase debut at Downpatrick over two years ago; has run well fresh but seems certain to be all the better for this comeback run; trainer also runs Masterboy Davis so the market can guide as to expectations.

8/1

Form: /786-4 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 1lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Maiden winner who is 0-4 in handicaps, though forget the latest at Kilbeggan when Rachael Blackmore received a five-day ban for committing her a circuit too early; was 8-1 for that and isn't without hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

22nd Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

14:30 Listowel

Lady Rita

11st 5lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Louise G Lyons

Experienced mare; won 2m7f handicap at Killarney last summer and ran well over 2m1f at the same venue in May when second in a Listed mares' contest; below her best last twice, not well treated by the race conditions; new headgear combination.

7/1

4th

4

18th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 4f 85y

17:32 Killarney

Lady Rita

10st 7lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Louise G Lyons

held up in rear, outpaced and lost ground after 4 out, detached 3 out

9/2

10th

7

17th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 100y

18:45 Kilbeggan

Lady Rita

10st 11lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Louise G Lyons

Won Killarney handicap over 2m7f last summer and fine run over much shorter trip at same venue last month when chasing home thriving rival in Listed mares' contest; got 3lb for that.

15/2

Form: 1B1P0-

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
None of his three hurdle wins have been in handicaps and he was beaten a distance at Punchestown a month ago; this is weaker.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Ambitious Fellow

11st 7lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Four wins over hurdles (rated 130), one of them here; maiden after 10 chase starts and has had jumping issues, but was second off 120 at Roscommon last summer; only beaten 7l in Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown where he was a huge price.

6/1

5th

1

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Ambitious Fellow

12st 0lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Four wins over hurdles; has never won a chase; point-to-point form nowhere near good enough.

66/1

Form: 35FF-7 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Exposed 8yo who suffered two falls over fences before returning to hurdles at Kilbeggan and finishing well held; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 60y

16:30 Limerick

The Little Yank

11st 8lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Veteran improved his hurdles strike-rate to 5-60 with Clonmel victory on the 101st outing of his career in January off 93; generally unpredictable; pulled up on his three most recent attempts.

66/1

3

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

13:34 Limerick

The Little Yank

11st 10lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Improved his hurdling strike rate to 5-60 with Clonmel victory over Coffeys Forge on the 101st outing of his career; generally unpredictable in recent seasons; pulled up on his two most recent attempts.

20/1

15

10th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

14:25 Limerick

The Little Yank

11st 12lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Improved his hurdling strike rate to 5-60 with Clonmel victory over Coffeys Forge on the 101st outing of his career; generally unpredictable in recent seasons; pulled up at Thurles last Thursday; first reserve.

OUR TIP

Form: /1410- C

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Won a Galway maiden in July and better again in taking a valuable Fairyhouse handicap in December; all that was at 2m so has a bit to prove over this far; unplaced in a very competitive handicap the last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

1st Aug 2024

Good

2m 2f 54y

14:45 Galway

Merlin Giant

11st 1lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Twice a winner over hurdles and won a Down Royal Flat maiden last year; made a really encouraging reappearance after 10 months off when just worn down up the hill in a beginners chase here on Tuesday; very interesting runner if he pulls out again.

4/1

2nd

4

30th Jul 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 54y

17:25 Galway

Merlin Giant

11st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

prominent, lost second before 4th, pushed along to lead after last, faced challenge and ridden home straight, headed final 110yds

2/1

3rd

6

(8)

24th Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 165y

16:45 Curragh

Merlin Giant

9st 8lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Emmet Mullins

prominent

11/2

Form: 31163-

Last run: 230 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Has won all sorts during his career; well beaten in his recent Flat runs but he defied this mark over fences last September so isn't handicapped out of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

27th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 110y

16:53 Bellewstown

Dollar Value

10st 8lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: T G McCourt

Prolific winner under both codes, last two hurdle wins were in claimers at Roscommon and Sligo last summer; fourth to Ahead Of The Posse when attempting repeat Roscommon win on latest but enjoys a big turn around in the weights with that rival here so has to be considered a major player.

11/4

4th

6

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 125y

16:30 Roscommon

Dollar Value

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: T G McCourt

Comfortable winner of this race 12 months ago (on good ground) and ran okay in a handicap 22 days ago when returning from a lengthy break; likely to go well.

4/1

Form: /5610-

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Ran no race at Fairyhouse last time but he did it nicely at Thurles the time before (3m, soft) and has won on yielding ground; couldn't discount.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Jul 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

19:20 Kilbeggan

Papal Lodge

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Peter Fahey

Won his third hurdle race when taking a Thurles handicap in March over 3m; however, has been way below that level since and best watched on chasing debut.

20/1

15th

8

29th May 2023

Good

2m 6f 92y

17:30 Ballinrobe

Papal Lodge

10st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Peter Fahey

Ran no race at Fairyhouse last time but he did it nicely at Thurles the time before (3m, soft) and has won on yielding ground; couldn't discount.

14/1

16th

15

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 155y

16:15 Fairyhouse

Papal Lodge

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Peter Fahey

never better than mid-division, dropped to rear when pushed along and struggling after 8th, weakened and became detached 3 out, eased and tailed off before 2 out

14/1

Form: /2164/

Last run: 604 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Tipperary maiden winner who was only 10l away in a Gowran 3m handicap (good/yielding) when last seen in October 2021; has a long absence to overcome.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

21st May 2024

Good

2m 4f 134y

15:28 Punchestown

Tucson Train

11st 1lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

Form since December return has been poor, pulled up the last twice; cheekpieces now tried but hard to fancy.

20/1

8th

11

21st May 2024

Good

2m 4f 134y

15:28 Punchestown

Tucson Train

11st 1lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

Form since December return has been poor, pulled up the last twice; cheekpieces now tried but hard to fancy.

20/1

5

9th May 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

17:40 Tipperary

Tucson Train

11st 12lb

J: Jack Foley

T: Thomas Mullins

disputed lead early, soon prominent

33/1

Form: /807-2

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Reserve; won a chase and a handicap hurdle (both on heavy) for Tom Cooper; encouraging start for this yard when runner-up at Clonmel (2m3f, soft) but has faster ground to deal with here and he's out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Dancing Jeremy

11st 11lb

J: Miss H Heffernan

T: James Andrew Fahey

Four chase wins include the valuable 2m4f Tim Duggan Memorial at Limerick at Christmas 2024; has run only four times since then; fortunate to win a 2m2f Thurles handicap chase in February, after the leader fell at the last; well beaten off revised mark at Limerick.

10/1

4th

1

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

15:34 Limerick

Dancing Jeremy

11st 12lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: James Andrew Fahey

Four chase wins include 2m4f Tim Duggan here at Christmas 2024 and first success since came last month in 2m2f Thurles handicap, fortunate after likely winner fell last; back up to a career-high mark now so has it to do.

11/2

13

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 72y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Dancing Jeremy

11st 2lb

J: John Shinnick

T: James Andrew Fahey

3-8 over fences; won last chase start in the Listed Tim Duggan handicap at Limerick (19.5f, soft) by 6l off 119 when 1lb wrong and 9lb higher now; was beaten when falling over hurdles at Fairyhouse when last seen in February; best form is on soft ground; needs rain.

10/1

Form: PP-607

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Reserve; well held in six maidens and out of the weights for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

12th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

14:45 Southwell

Policy Breaker

11st 13lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Irish raider; unplaced all seven hurdling starts, most recently when pulled up on handicap debut just eight days ago; makes chasing debut with a lot to prove but is still worth a glance in the betting; cheekpieces removed after one use.

14/1

4

4th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 95y

15:20 Kilbeggan

Policy Breaker

11st 7lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Beaten in the region of 30l in three maidens last month, so wasn't disgraced at all, and headgear on for handicap bow.

16/1

18

30th May 2023

Good

2m 6f 13y

19:30 Ballinrobe

Policy Breaker

11st 7lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Non-runners

Dancing Jeremy, Policy Breaker

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €1055.60
Straight Forecast €389.39
Tricast €3881.84
Trifecta €0.00

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

A Great View

The Irish Sun:

Troubled Times

POSTDATA:

Prince Zaltar

SPOTLIGHT:

Gold Speed

TOPSPEED:

A Great View