March 18 / 14.05 Curragh

14.05

Heavy

La Celia Wines Handicap

  • Prize money: £11286.96
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • 13 runners
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La Celia Wines Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £2.00

Form: /1893- D

Last run: 134 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Very capable on his day and beat a subsequent improver first time out at Cork last year over this trip on testing ground; not so good in the autumn but could go well here with a good claimer aboard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

(5)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Curragh

Real Force

10st 5lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Gerard O’Leary

Five-time winner won on seasonal return here in 2024 over 5f (heavy); couldn't repeat the trick last month when a 5.25l fourth of nine (6f, heavy); only raced twice last season, so encouraging to see him out again and comeback run is something to build on but must shoulder top weight.

22/1

4th

5

(1)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

15:10 Curragh

Real Force

9st 2lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: Gerard O’Leary

Five-time winner and beat Stag Night off 3lb higher over 5f (heavy) here on seasonal return in 2024; only seen twice last season but can go well fresh and is well handicapped so he's worth a market check.

16/1

12th

1

(15)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

12:55 Curragh

Real Force

10st 0lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Gerard O’Leary

Five-time winner including over C&D (heavy) early last year off today's mark; not seen since comeback C&D run in March when not disgraced after meeting trouble in running; dropped 7lb since and tried in blinkers on return; goes well fresh, rider claims 7lb and has his ground so could be a danger.

12/1

2nd
6 (5)
Stag Night

5/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 87613- C BF

Last run: 134 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Ready winner at Naas in October albeit helped by track position; close third to Mickey The Steel over C&D the following month and won first time out in 2022; not had much racing and should be more to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(6)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

13:50 Curragh

Stag Night

10st 0lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

One win and five places from ten Curragh starts; good chance now after second over C&D last month, marking an improvement from a third placing over 6f on seasonal debut; best suited by soft ground.

4/1

2nd

6

(9)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 5f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Stag Night

9st 2lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

Course winner over 6f but effective at this trip; posted a solid effort on seasonal return when a 4.75l third behind Dmaniac here two weeks ago (6f, heavy); 8lb swing should enable him to get closer to that rival now; player.

7/1

3rd

4

(6)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

15:10 Curragh

Stag Night

9st 5lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

Five-time winner including over C&D (yielding); handles testing ground and is 4lb lower than when beaten 2.5l in this race on his seasonal return last year; 3l behind Staysound Susie when last seen in November but weighted to get much closer here; could go well.

11/2

9/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 0105-7 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Going for a hat-trick in this race and warmed up on AW last month as he has done the last two years; finished last season in fine form and a leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(3)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:42 Curragh

Laugh A Minute

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Stephen Thorne

Nine-time winner, most recently over C&D (soft) off 82 in March; best effort for some time when today's headgear tried in finishing never nearer fourth over C&D 17 days ago in testing conditions; 2lb lower now and Keane takes over; has to be respected.

8/1

4th

6

(8)

4th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:52 Curragh

Laugh A Minute

9st 7lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Stephen Thorne

Nine-time winner, most recently over C&D (soft) off 6lb higher in March; well behind Gerrit's Gem at Cork on latest; new headgear combination needs to spark a revival, well-treated if it does.

16/1

11th

1

(8)

10th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 6f 0y

17:10 Cork

Laugh A Minute

10st 0lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Winner of nine races; latest success was four starts ago over this trip on soft at the Curragh in March; has to bounce back from a below-par display at Naas last month.

16/1

4th
11 (8)
Two Stars

15/2

Form: 314-

Last run: 134 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Maiden winner at Cork over 6f and, after six months off, only beaten half a length on handicap debut over C&D in November in the race won by Mickey the Steel; has to be respected off same mark and open to plenty of progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(12)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Two Stars

9st 6lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: J A Stack

Consistent sprint handicapper last year; won off a mark of 91 over C&D on his seasonal debut; raised 11lb for that and took another 8lb rise for beating useful yardstick My Mate Alfie in a Listed race at Naas in April; suited by soft ground.

12/1

1st

4

(4)

28th Apr 2025

Soft

0m 5f 0y

18:40 Naas

Two Stars

9st 9lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: J A Stack

Gave Betsen 1lb and a 2.75l beating in a 5f Curragh (soft) handicap on his return, his third career win; hiked up 11lb for that win and now steps up into stakes company for the first time; soft ground fine; place claims.

7/2

Form: 02460- D

Last run: 139 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won on reappearance at Bellewstown last April and best effort since when touched off at same venue; ground fine but will have to up his game to win in this grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

3rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 61y

14:45 Sligo

Polar Bear

10st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Mrs John Harrington

Hasn't won for three years and only had two outings last term; fair fourth in race featuring several of these at Navan (6f) in March and kept on well from long way back (missed break) when third over 5f there last weekend; likely to be strong at the finish, but the break will be crucial from gate one.

5/1

3rd

11

(11)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

13:20 Navan

Polar Bear

9st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Mrs John Harrington

On a losing run since April 2023; however, put up a sound effort here over 6f here (sft) on return off this mark; handles better ground so if improving from that has a chance.

6/1

Form: 85115- CD

Last run: 110 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Dual 5f winner on heavy last autumn including over C&D in November; was pipped at Naas first time out last year and jockey booking encouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

15

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 60y

15:15 Listowel

Mickey The Steel

8st 13lb

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

First reserve; five-time winner loves the mud and solid placed form over 6f/7f early in the season; has had a break since unplaced run at the Curragh.

13th

16

(1)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Curragh

Mickey The Steel

9st 1lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Useful sprinter who is suited by soft conditions; third in opening two 6f runs this season here (heavy) and at Naas (soft); upped in trip when runner-up over C&D last time; was 4.75l behind winner Red Charlie that day but now 14lb swing at the weights, although he had race-fitness on his side that day.

8/1

2nd

7

(15)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Mickey The Steel

9st 10lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Useful sprinter in this grade; suited by testing conditions; worth a shot at 7f after two good runs at 6f in the last fortnight; third here with Merisi Diamond back in sixth; same place at Naas with Eichan San among those behind, not guaranteed to uphold that form.

8/1

14/1

Form: 85254- C

Last run: 134 days

W: 9st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Great old warrior has serious gate speed and loves the Curragh; can boss races over further but not so much over this trip although was creditable second over 5.5f at Navan in October; not a great record first time out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(13)

28th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 25y

15:47 Fairyhouse

Verhoyen

10st 1lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: M C Grassick

Likeable veteran whose last four wins have come over 7f; not a bad run at Gowran latest and on dangerous mark but probably vulnerable to younger legs at this trip.

10/1

4th

1

(15)

5th May 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

20:08 Gowran Park

Verhoyen

10st 2lb

J: W J Lee

T: M C Grassick

Grand veteran probably best at 6f/7f and quiet so far this term.

25/1

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: 8517-0 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won twice on testing ground in Britain last year including a five-runner Group 3 over this trip at Newbury; poor last twice but wouldn't have enjoyed AW latest and fitter for that at least.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(12)

27th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Naas

Thunderbear

9st 12lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

Five-time winner best with a bit of cut in the ground; sole win last season came in a Listed heat at this venue (6f, yielding); may have needed his comeback at Cork and likes it here, but would probably like to see some rain.

25/1

6th

3

(9)

4th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

16:02 Cork

Thunderbear

9st 12lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

Just five runs last year but won a Listed race at Naas over this trip in October before a disappointing run in France, even allowing for a less than smooth passage; can run well if back to his best.

8/1

5

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 205y

15:50 Naas

Thunderbear

9st 7lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

Has become hard to win with since landing a Group 3 as a 3yo but it was a good run in a deep Ascot handicap last time (5f, good to soft) and returning to further should suit (second in this 12 months ago); solid chance.

9/2

Form: 06850-

Last run: 179 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Dual AW winner (6f/7f) for James Tate acquired for 20,000gns in the autumn; six months off and unproven on this type of ground; best watched despite Keane's presence on board.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(12)

4th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

New Definition

9st 11lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Richard John O’Brien

towards rear throughout

14/1

12th

7

(12)

4th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

New Definition

9st 11lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Richard John O’Brien

Two wins in 2022 on AW in Britain; out of form for this yard this year though recent run here in first-time blinkers a bit more encouraging; more needed but remains unproven at this trip.

14/1

5th

5

(14)

27th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

14:18 Dundalk (AW)

New Definition

10st 1lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Richard John O’Brien

Two wins in 2022 on AW in Britain; out of form for this yard this year; has slumped in the ratings, needs first-time blinkers to work in order to bring a revival.

20/1

Form: 37164- CD

Last run: 89 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Talented and ground-versatile sprinter landed valuable 'Bold Lad' Handicap for second time over C&D in September; probably on a stiff mark now and tends to need his first run back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(9)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 5lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Splendid veteran showed he retained enthusiasm when winning the 7f Gladness Stakes in March, his ninth Curragh win on his 50th visit; found 5f too sharp at Naas last time; runs in this event for the fourth consecutive year, second at 25-1 in 2023, ninth in 2024, third behind James Delight at 33-1 last season; asking a lot now in a strong edition.

12/1

9th

1

(5)

27th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Naas

Big Gossey

9st 12lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Charles O’Brien

Marvelous veteran showed he retained all his ability when winning for the eleventh time in the Listed Gladness Stakes at the Curragh (7f, sft-hvy) a month ago; however, has come up short in the last three renewals of this race and 5f probably sharp enough for him these days.

10/1

1st

3

(3)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 9lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Splendid veteran with eight Curragh wins to his name; thoroughly deserved his career highlight when beating a subsequent Classic winner in this race last year; has also produced many good displays in defeat here; showed plenty of zest with Dundalk second in December; eased when beaten on reappearance in the Irish Lincoln.

25/1

Form: 42120- D BF

Last run: 177 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Soft ground maiden winner ran a belter on handicap debut when chasing home Big Gossey in the 'Bold Lad'; not at his best next time but shrewd yard went to 85,000gns to buy him in October and he's very unexposed; has been gelded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(18)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 3y

17:55 Bellewstown

Never Shout Never

9st 5lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Andrew McNamara

Record of 2-42 (1-28 on turf); didn't look like a winner in waiting during a winter AW campaign and below-par again on return to the turf at Navan (6f, heavy); 5f more suitable but needs a revival.

20/1

9th

8

(3)

30th Mar 2026

Heavy

0m 5f 180y

14:18 Navan

Never Shout Never

9st 8lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Andrew McNamara

Hard to win with, as illustrated by 2-41 record; won 5f Dundalk handicap off 73 in December 2024; now down to 52, having been regressive since second in a claimer last summer; needs to step up on recent Dundalk form.

14/1

12th

3

(15)

11th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

14:08 Dundalk (AW)

Never Shout Never

10st 2lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Andrew McNamara

Hard to win with, as illustrated by 2-40 record; won 5f course handicap off 73 in December 2024; now down to 56, having been regressive since second in a claimer last summer; needs to step up on recent course form.

16/1

Form: 00427- C

Last run: 156 days

W: 8st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Not the force he was but found his level off much-reduced mark in the autumn, notably when second over C&D; hood left off here and he's generally better for a run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

3

(5)

23rd Oct 2024

Yielding

0m 5f 180y

14:00 Navan

Gustavus Weston

9st 12lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Joseph G Murphy

Has won at Group 2 level but in decline and without a win in three years; plum last in a Curragh handicap last time; headgear left off today but hard to fancy.

16/1

17th

8

(4)

5th Oct 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

14:50 Curragh

Gustavus Weston

9st 10lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Joseph G Murphy

Three-time C&D winner in Group 2 and Group 3 class but hasn't won in over three years; respectable fourth at Tipperary over 5f when last seen in May; needs a deluge of rain to have any chance and layoff a worry.

11/1

33/1

Form: 04668- C

Last run: 134 days

W: 8st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Good servant is a five-time winner but needs a lot further than this trip and is readily opposed on his comeback run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €27.10
Straight Forecast €21.22
Tricast €100.65
Trifecta €157.10

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Mickey The Steel

The Irish Sun:

Two Stars

SPOTLIGHT:

Real Force

POSTDATA:

Laugh A Minute

TOPSPEED:

Mickey The Steel