December 17 / 13.45 Navan

13.45

Soft To Heavy

Buy Your Navan 2024 Membership Now Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5221.24
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • 16 runners
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Buy Your Navan 2024 Membership Now Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £21.20
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 0P-558

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
12-race maiden; not disgraced when returning to hurdles in a mares handicap at Sligo in October but much more needed here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

19:07 Killarney

Butty O Brien

10st 11lb

J: E Walsh

T: Patrick Magee

Dual hurdle winner; in first-time cheekpieces when winning comfortably from the front at Wexford (2m3f, yielding) and coped with sort of mark over hurdles; respected.

15/2

1st

8

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:08 Wexford

Butty O Brien

11st 2lb

J: E Walsh

T: Patrick Magee

Dual hurdle winner; 0-5 chasing but mild encouragement last month over C&D when modest enough third to Connemara Shore (soft); much more needed and cheekpieces tried.

10/1

3rd

10

17th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

16:32 Wexford

Butty O Brien

11st 5lb

J: E Walsh

T: Patrick Magee

Dual hurdle winner; only had the four goes over fences and will need to step up on her 19l defeat last time (2m4f).

14/1

OUR TIP

14/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: -6B499

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
One career win over hurdles and neither of her last two runs would give much encouragement; cheekpieces tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

17th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

13:45 Navan

Ena Baie

11st 13lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

midfield, headway and prominent after 3 out, went second 2 out, pushed along and 1 length down last, ridden and ran on well to lead inside final 110yds, headed post

14/1

9th

6

23rd Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 138y

14:30 Thurles

Ena Baie

11st 9lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

No wins since 2019; didn't build on a promising run at Clonmel when tailed off at Cork earlier this month.

20/1

9th

5

5th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:50 Cork

Ena Baie

11st 11lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Sole hurdle win came in 2019 when trained by Harry Fry; fair form this year and was keeping on over a shorter trip at this venue in August when brought down just before the last flight; beaten 8l in fourth over this trip at Clonmel last time.

12/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 2-2154 BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won a beginners chase over 2m7f at Killarney in October; one-paced when fourth in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse two weeks ago, but that is strong form in the context of this race and makes him one of the ones to beat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

1st May 2025

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

Read To Return

11st 12lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: A J Martin

held up in rear

14/1

20/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: /U70P-

Last run: 323 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Decisive winner of a Limerick handicap hurdle in 2022; failed to rediscover that form last season; best watched on his first start for 11 months.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

28th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

13:30 Limerick

Native Gold

11st 7lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Cawley

prominent, soon went second, mistake 2 out, weakened approaching last

7/1

4th

9

17th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

13:45 Navan

Native Gold

11st 7lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Cawley

in touch with leaders, prominent halfway

20/1

Form: 5700-1

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Much improved on previous handicap form when returning from 332-day absence at Tramore last month, coming wide off steady pace to win going away over 2m5f (soft); on the improve as the stable continues in excellent form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

19

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 86y

14:28 Down Royal

Blossom De Mai

10st 1lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: P J Rothwell

Won at Tramore in November 2023 and ran okay there three starts ago but has pulled up twice since; revival needed.

28/1

17

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 195y

16:02 Thurles

Blossom De Mai

10st 4lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Record of 1-22; respectable third over this trip at Listowel in September but hasn't kicked on from there, with last two runs particularly underwhelming.

25/1

13

15th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:18 Fairyhouse

Blossom De Mai

10st 7lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

On a losing run since winning over 2m5f at Tramore in November 2023; stayed on over 2m6f at Listowel festival to take third in September; two less inspiring displays since then.

10/1

Form: 46946

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Some okay maiden form and seemed to show improvement when a staying-on sixth in a 2m handicap hurdle here last month; step up in trip will suit and could well be a major contender here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 111y

Class 4

14:40 Exeter

Upthereforthinking

11st 3lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

14-race maiden and soft ground wasn't an obvious excuse when tailed off in a 2m4f seller at Leicester in December; now visored.

25/1

Form: 09-770

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has failed to fulfill early promise, including when beaten a mile here last month; disappointing horse and needs to find plenty here to be a factor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

15

2nd Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:30 Kilbeggan

Golden Nugget

11st 2lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

First reserve; yet to place in ten starts and beaten 20l in C&D maiden latest; tongue-tie added.

5th

13

17th May 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:25 Kilbeggan

Golden Nugget

11st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

In top hands but essentially disappointing with her now 0-9 and the cheekpieces did nothing at Bellewstown; not crying out to be backed.

12/1

5th

13

17th May 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:25 Kilbeggan

Golden Nugget

11st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

In top hands but essentially disappointing with her now 0-9 and the cheekpieces did nothing at Bellewstown; not crying out to be backed.

12/1

10/1

Form: 0/0-64

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
17-race maiden but signs of improvement lately, particularly when fourth in a 2m7f handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse last month (Not May fifth); appears to be going the right way and could get involved if the drop in trip suits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21

4th Apr 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 180y

16:50 Naas

Ferrum

10st 13lb

J: Conor Maxwell

T: G A Kingston

Modest maiden made the frame over this trip at Fairyhouse in November and over 2m4f at same venue in February; well held since; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

25/1

21

4th Apr 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 180y

16:50 Naas

Ferrum

10st 13lb

J: Conor Maxwell

T: G A Kingston

Modest maiden made the frame over this trip at Fairyhouse in November and over 2m4f at same venue in February; well held since; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

25/1

8th

15

17th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:17 Down Royal

Ferrum

10st 13lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: G A Kingston

towards rear

10/1

Form: 098-65

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
4yo wasn't discredited on handicap debut at Cork in October but didn't seem to get home over 2m4f in heavy ground at Fairyhouse having blundered three out; bred to stay and has time on his side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

19:20 Limerick

Western Model

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Andrew Kinirons

Punchestown hurdles winner in May 2024 off 90; record of 0-9 chasing for Paul Nolan in recent times but hit the frame on several occasions; off since November; first run for new yard; market can guide.

9/2

Form: 4-8026 BF

Last run: 92 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Improved effort when touched off in a staying handicap hurdle at Sligo in August; not beaten far but could not quite match that over 2m6f here the following month; ground could be an issue but not without a chance if he handles it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

17th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

17:15 Wexford

Lets Do This

10st 12lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Collins

Maiden hurdler but only touched off in 3m2f Sligo handicap in 2023 and good effort when last seen, finishing third of 20 in 2m7f Galway handicap hurdle in September; tongue-tie replaces usual hood for chase debut.

14/1

8

17th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

17:15 Wexford

Lets Do This

10st 12lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Collins

Maiden hurdler but only touched off in 3m2f Sligo handicap in 2023 and good effort when last seen, finishing third of 20 in 2m7f Galway handicap hurdle in September; tongue-tie replaces usual hood for chase debut.

14/1

Form: 0U-690

Last run: 126 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Dual Flat winner but still a maiden over hurdles and has not shown much for a while; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

12th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

19:28 Sligo

Lariat

10st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Liam P Cusack

Flat winner is 0-26 over hurdles; off since heavy defeat in handicap chase at Thurles in October; has run well here on the Flat in the past but overall record fresh suggests he might need this after 194 days off.

14/1

11

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 80y

14:30 Thurles

Lariat

10st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Liam P Cusack

Two Flat wins from 56 starts, placed 16 times; 26-race maiden over hurdles, placed five times; fair run on the Flat last week; no chasing experience; overall record suggests he will find a few too good.

12/1

11

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 80y

14:30 Thurles

Lariat

10st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Liam P Cusack

Two Flat wins from 56 starts, placed 16 times; 26-race maiden over hurdles, placed five times; fair run on the Flat last week; no chasing experience; overall record suggests he will find a few too good.

12/1

Form: /PP0/5

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Off the racecourse for 20 months before running well in a 2m7f handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse last month; back in trip here but has an each-way squeak if able to find a little improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 61y

17:43 Ballinrobe

Not May

10st 13lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Hugh Paul Finegan

Point winner, 0-15 over hurdles; has three handicaps seconds to her name; makes little appeal in a maiden at the age of 11.

14/1

5

14th Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:28 Downpatrick

Not May

11st 7lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Hugh Paul Finegan

Point-to-point winner is 0-14 over hurdles, pick being second in C&D handicap last season; not so good over 3m of late, drop back in trip to suit but hard to fancy back in maiden company.

25/1

Form: 844/44

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Raced a bit keenly in both starts for Gavin Cromwell but not disgraced either time; debuts for the Watsons here with headgear tried and could be interesting if settling better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 120y

15:15 Down Royal

Ivar The Boneless

11st 0lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: R K Watson

Fifteen race maiden and rated just 82 over fences; out of his depth in this company.

150/1

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 120y

15:15 Down Royal

Ivar The Boneless

11st 0lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: R K Watson

Fifteen race maiden and rated just 82 over fences; out of his depth in this company.

150/1

12th

8

5th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 165y

15:55 Fairyhouse

Ivar The Boneless

10st 7lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: R K Watson

Soundly beaten in handicap chases of late; blinkers replace cheekpieces but hard to fancy back hurdling.

20/1

Form: 07-00

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Mild promise in Downpatrick maiden in April but well held twice since, including at Down Royal last month; best watched on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 150y

19:35 Downpatrick

Jimlis Cave

10st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: R K Watson

Sole hurdle win came here over 2m6f and his his best chase efforts have also been here; however, has been poor on last three starts and has to rebound in a big way.

16/1

11th

6

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 185y

14:42 Downpatrick

Jimlis Cave

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: R K Watson

Sole win came here in a 2m6f handicap hurdle off this mark in 2024 (good to yielding); reverts to hurdles following poor efforts in his last two runs; won't want the ground too soft.

20/1

Form: P1/P-0 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle at Ayr in the spring of last year; just two runs since and beaten a mile in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse two weeks ago; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

12

12th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 24y

15:12 Naas

Sundrenched

11st 2lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: J J Lambe

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner; ran terribly in two handicap hurdles last month and makes no appeal.

100/1

Form: 34/P6/

Last run: 666 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Off the track for 22 months and pulled up in a point-to-point at Moira in October; others far more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

7

23rd Jan 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

16:00 Down Royal

Cala Di Volpe

10st 9lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: R K Watson

Very lightly raced since a creditable third in a 2m4f beginners' chase at Clonmel in March 2021; pulled up in a point-to-point at Moira in October on his first run after a long absence; suffered the same fate in a handicap hurdle at Navan last month.

33/1

0

5

17th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

13:45 Navan

Cala Di Volpe

11st 9lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: R K Watson

prominent

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €955.50
Straight Forecast €319.83
Tricast €764.67
Trifecta €799.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Upthereforthinking

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Blossom De Mai

TOPSPEED:

Ena Baie

The Irish Sun:

Upthereforthinking

POSTDATA:

Blossom De Mai