November 30 / 15.35 Thurles

15.35

Yielding

Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5221.24
  • 2m 0f 101y
  • 17 runners
RTV
View Course
Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain and snow

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.20
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 770-36

Last run: 109 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Improvement when blinkered first time, finishing third at Sligo in July (good), following month hung left when bit disappointing at Downpatrick; since changed yards and trainer going well of late so don't rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

16:47 Clonmel

Woodstream Lad

10st 12lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: P J Rothwell

Course hurdle winner was last successful in a Downpatrick handicap in 2025; was pulled-up on recent return at Punchestown and has to bounce back.

12/1

21

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

19:10 Punchestown

Woodstream Lad

11st 6lb

J: Miss P Elvin

T: P J Rothwell

Three hurdles wins, the latest at Downpatrick in July over 2m3f (good); pulled up after making mistakes over fences when last seen at Downpatrick in August; may need this first run back.

25/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 075321 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 12st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Comes here in great nick, just coming out the wrong side of a photo over C&D before landing similar contest a week ago under hold-up tactics under today's rider; carries mandatory 7lb penalty here (upped 6lb in future) and has his chance again in a weak contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

17th Jan 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 40y

13:50 Navan

Herculaneum

11st 12lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Noel C Kelly

Most recent of three hurdle wins was in May 2024; off since later that year; may need this against that background.

12/1

2

(16)

2nd Sep 2024

Soft To Heavy

1m 4f 17y

18:45 Roscommon

Herculaneum

10st 1lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Noel C Kelly

Dual-purpose; 1-7 on the Flat; won over hurdles at Ballinrobe in May; below par on last Flat run at Fairyhouse; his flat win came off 64 at Down Royal (1m5f, good) and is 15lb higher here; handles testing ground but may need some respite from the handicapper.

25/1

6th

9

4th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 160y

13:50 Galway

Herculaneum

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Noel C Kelly

Consistency rewarded with a defeat of 15 rivals over 2m at Ballinrobe in May but after looking threatening to a point he faded into a remote fourth at Sligo (2m1f, good to yielding); remains on the same career-high mark.

25/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 628528 BF

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Maiden was just denied at Bellewstown in August on good ground but was below that level at Navan (favourite) and has missed several engagements since due to testing conditions; better ground here to suit and likely leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

1st Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 120y

14:48 Tipperary

Be My Hero

10st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Long-standing maiden; back from a break with midfield efforts over hurdles at Down Royal and on chasing debut at Limerick (2m2f, good); trip and ground fine but needs to find improvement from somewhere.

33/1

11

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Be My Hero

10st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Ran respectably over hurdles when returning from a big layoff on most recent start, travelling okay but made a bad mistake at a crucial point; prior to that his form was mediocre; he could play a role if his first run over fences brings about some further improvement.

8/1

11

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Be My Hero

10st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Ran respectably over hurdles when returning from a big layoff on most recent start, travelling okay but made a bad mistake at a crucial point; prior to that his form was mediocre; he could play a role if his first run over fences brings about some further improvement.

8/1

16/1

  • Place: £7.10

Form: 7-08P

Last run: 94 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on handicap debut at Ballinrobe in August over 2m6f; back in trip here with cheekpieces tried and may improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

14th May 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 1f 0y

19:50 Tipperary

Junot

11st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Michael Winters

Won over 2m1f at Wexford a year ago; poor over fences lately but has a chance on best hurdle form; this trip is a question.

18/1

12th

9

14th May 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 1f 0y

19:50 Tipperary

Junot

11st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Michael Winters

Won over 2m1f at Wexford a year ago; poor over fences lately but has a chance on best hurdle form; this trip is a question.

18/1

8th

10

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 128y

18:15 Limerick

Junot

10st 9lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Michael Winters

midfield

8/1

Form: 2FP-00

Last run: 110 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Runner-up over 24f at Killarney last year but nothing since in a restricted campaign; first start for new yard after three months' break and best watched over inadequate trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

7th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 194y

15:40 Sligo

Miala Araya

10st 13lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Mrs Jayne Hearne

Moderate second at Killarney this time last year and fair run at Thurles in November; off since the following month.

16/1

0

22

10th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:15 Cork

Miala Araya

10st 6lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: Mrs Jayne Hearne

Runner-up over 2m4f at Killarney last year but nothing since in a restricted campaign although wasn't discredited over inadequate 2m at Thurles on recent debut for current yard; others still preferred.

25/1

5th

17

30th Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 101y

15:35 Thurles

Miala Araya

10st 13lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: Mrs Jayne Hearne

Runner-up over 24f at Killarney last year but nothing since in a restricted campaign; first start for new yard after three months' break and best watched over inadequate trip.

25/1

Form: P-P854 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner at this trip in 2021, including off 99; regressive this year but not too bad a C&D effort last time; hard to see her playing a major role but place claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 112y

15:10 Sligo

Romella

11st 7lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Five-time hurdles winner at 2m on decent ground, including on reverting back from chasing at Tipperary early this month, having been left in front two out (having looked likely winner); up 7lb but still some way off her career-high so obvious respect.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 49-527 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Veteran's four wins include over C&D in February under today's rider and good second at Ballinrobe over the summer; well below best at Tramore last time however but can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

9th Oct 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:40 Tramore

Port Rashid

10st 8lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: Timothy Townend

Veteran has bagged two of his four wins under rules at this track but was pulled up when last seen at Fairyhouse in December and is entitled to need this after 299-days off.

16/1

11

14th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:47 Fairyhouse

Port Rashid

10st 10lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: Timothy Townend

Stayed on nicely for fourth at Tramore in May but entitled to need this after 197 days off; engaged at Cork Friday.

12/1

Form: 909

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten in three maidens on softer ground and market likely best guide here on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

19:30 Sligo

Restless Son

10st 9lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Norman Lee

0-9 over hurdles; posted best effort to date on latest when an 8l fourth of 14 at Kilbeggan (2m2f, gd-yld); down 1lb for that but didn't shape like he was crying out for this longer trip; others have more pressing claims.

18/1

11th

13

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

19:30 Sligo

Restless Son

10st 9lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Norman Lee

0-9 over hurdles; posted best effort to date on latest when an 8l fourth of 14 at Kilbeggan (2m2f, gd-yld); down 1lb for that but didn't shape like he was crying out for this longer trip; others have more pressing claims.

18/1

Form: 0-080

Last run: 178 days

W: 11st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Never counted in three qualifying maidens over the summer and of limited appeal on handicap debut; needs to jump better too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

14

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

16:05 Punchestown

County Graduate

10st 12lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Padraig Roche

Ordinary form in 2023; flopped when well supported on comeback (and first run for this stable) at Gowran 12 days ago; reported coughing; blinkers added now; premature to write off.

6/1

10

4th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 50y

15:05 Gowran Park

County Graduate

10st 12lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Padraig Roche

Didn't improve on moderate maiden hurdle form in two handicap runs towards the backend of 2023; hefty absence to overcome now as well; tongue-tie on.

33/1

7th

8

31st Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 159y

15:15 Punchestown

County Graduate

11st 7lb

J: Tom Harney

T: W J Austin

40-1 when finishing in mid-field at Thurles in her first handicap; considerable improvement needed.

25/1

Form: 08963- C

Last run: 223 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won 2m7f handicap here last year off 87; not at best last season although ended campaign with more encouraging third at Kilbeggan (3m); marked drop in trip here on seasonal return will hardly play to her strengths.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

8th Aug 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:38 Wexford

Cafe Del Mar

11st 2lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: David J Phelan

Losing run stretches back to March 2022; managed a few placed efforts last year but suffered a heavy defeat on sole start this year at Thurles in March; others appeal more.

22/1

9th

15

15th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 42y

16:50 Thurles

Cafe Del Mar

10st 3lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: David J Phelan

50-1 when winning this race three years ago; each-way chance on last year's best form; not at her best on her final two starts before a short break; decent form last season, when second in a handicap hurdle at Killarney and a handicap chase at Wexford.

16/1

Form: 0080-0

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Mild maiden promise, never sighted after summer off on recent handicap debut at Navan; may improve for that and drop in trip may suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 165y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Mighty Oak Lad

11st 5lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Handicap hurdle winner here in January 2024 (3m, heavy); some good runs in defeat over fences last season, filling the frame in three of his four runs inc' here off 1lb higher (2m5f, soft to heavy); returned from just over a year off at Navan last time when never better than midfield and pulled up; can get involved if back to his best but a bit to prove now.

14/1

17

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

16:20 Navan

Mighty Oak Lad

10st 10lb

J: Daniel King

T: Karl Thornton

Won 3m handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse two seasons ago; showed signs of developing into a consistent handicap chaser last winter; off for a year but could feature if returning in peak form; arguably the most appealing of three runners for his trainer.

8/1

2nd

4

5th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 55y

13:25 Fairyhouse

Mighty Oak Lad

11st 6lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Karl Thornton

prominent, not fluent and pecked on landing 3 out, challenging 2 out, kept on well but no match for winner

6/1

Form: 000

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Modest placed form in point-to-points but nothing in maiden hurdles; respected source but may need more time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

18th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

16:15 Killarney

On The Banks

10st 5lb

T: Robert Tyner

First reserve; off 500 days and badly out of form when last seen.

9th

15

5th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 52y

16:10 Thurles

On The Banks

11st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Robert Tyner

Poor run of form in handicaps, impossible to be confident in despite declining mark.

25/1

15

13th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 6f 88y

16:15 Thurles

On The Banks

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Treacy

T: Robert Tyner

in touch with leaders early, prominent behind clear leader 6th, weakened before 8th, dropped to last and detached when not fluent 4 out, soon pulled up

14/1

Form: 1400-P D

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Last won over hurdles over three years ago but has since won on Flat and over fences; two runs since returning from long absence last month have been poor so lots more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

30th Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 101y

15:35 Thurles

Hazran

12st 0lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

Last won over hurdles over three years ago but has since won on Flat and over fences; two runs since returning from long absence last month have been poor so lots more needed.

14/1

0

15

5th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:50 Cork

Hazran

11st 3lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

A 2m winner over hurdles and fences and 2m1f Flat winner; has had training issues, career punctuated by two lengthy absences; back from 14 months off with a Flat run at the Curragh last month; should be better for the run at least.

20/1

10/1

Form: 00-2P9 BF

Last run: 144 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Ran a cracker on return making debut for this yard when second over 2m3f at Limerick in May but well held twice afterwards, stopping quickly each time; back from a break with questions to answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

14

30th Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 101y

15:35 Thurles

Macs Lady

11st 4lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Shane Ryder

Ran a cracker on return making debut for this yard when second over 2m3f at Limerick in May but well held twice afterwards, stopping quickly each time; back from a break with questions to answer.

10/1

9th

9

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 3f 194y

16:20 Sligo

Macs Lady

11st 5lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Shane Ryder

raced in second, lost second but prominent after 3rd, ridden and weakened quickly after 2 out

9/1

11

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:18 Roscommon

Macs Lady

11st 5lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Shane Ryder

Revelation on first run since leaving Ross O'Sullivan when front-running second of 17 at Limerick last month; winner followed up over fences on Friday; up 3lb and returning crack rider aboard.

7/1

16/1

Form: 008

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Huge prices and shown nothing in maidens, too keen at Limerick last time; hard to fancy on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

13:35 Limerick

Askwell

10st 6lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

led narrowly early, prominent after 2nd, dropped to midfield before 3rd, dropped to rear after 6th, weakening when slow jump 3 out, soon pulled up

22/1

12

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

13:35 Limerick

Askwell

10st 6lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

led narrowly early, prominent after 2nd, dropped to midfield before 3rd, dropped to rear after 6th, weakening when slow jump 3 out, soon pulled up

22/1

11th

13

5th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 165y

16:00 Fairyhouse

Askwell

10st 13lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

Yet to reach the frame in seven runs over hurdles; well beaten in first three handicaps and now 8lb lower than initial rating; fell heavily at the first on latest start at Limerick last month; best watched on first try at this trip after that.

16/1

Form: 00-86

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Never counted on recent handicap debut at Limerick; others look better handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

3rd Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Listowel

Out Of The Park

10st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: A M O’Grady

prominent

16/1

Form: P-8877

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Poor Flat maiden 0-7 on the Flat although wasn't beaten too far at Dundalk last Friday; 0-12 hurdling and remains opposable off this basement mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:05 Downpatrick

Katzoff

10st 0lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Maiden under all codes but did run well enough over hurdles on debut for this yard last time; needs to build on that from 5lb out of the handicap.

10/1

2nd

16

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 216y

18:12 Clonmel

Katzoff

10st 0lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

0-18 over hurdles, placed once; unplaced in eight runs over fences

14/1

18

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 80y

14:30 Thurles

Katzoff

10st 0lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: J Morrison

0-18 over hurdles, placed once; unplaced in eight runs over fences, 5lb out of the handicap here; second reserve.

Non-runners

Always Enchanting, Leylani, Prince Quattro

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €35.50
Straight Forecast €22.54
Tricast €95.51
Trifecta €179.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Herculaneum

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Woodstream Lad

POSTDATA:

Herculaneum

The Irish Sun:

Herculaneum