April 07 / 16.23 Downpatrick

16.23

Heavy

Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £25652.17
  • 3m 4f 120y
  • 18 runners
RTV
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Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 122142 BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Only out of the first two once this season, winning a Limerick maiden hurdle and a Down Royal beginners chase; stepped up to 2m7f when narrowly beaten in a Listed novice handicap chase at Navan; likely to stay well and give a bold show under top-weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

30th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 120y

16:05 Downpatrick

Ask Anything

11st 1lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gavin Cromwell

Useful staying novice chaser last season, notably looking home and hosed until worn down late by Jumping Jet in this race off 128 (good); out of form over fences so far this season, never competitive at Punchestown last time; return to better ground should suit.

7/1

9th

5

20th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 3f 0y

14:25 Punchestown

Ask Anything

10st 12lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

Useful staying novice chaser last season; went close against Bushmans Pass in valuable Navan handicap and also second in Ulster National; jumping let him down on his first two starts of the winter before switching to hurdles for his last two hurdle starts; could go well for in-form trainer and talented 5lb claimer.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 09P2FP

Last run: 6 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Four wins over fences; improved effort in this headgear combination when second in a Gowran handicap chase in February; fell at Leopardstown after that and pulled up in a handicap at Fairyhouse on Monday; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

Cavalry Master

11st 7lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Peter Maher

Veteran six-time winner; a shadow of his former self in points and cross-country races, though not disgraced at 100-1 in a handicap chase at Galway last September.

100/1

17

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Cavalry Master

10st 2lb

J: Ms J I Stokes

T: Peter Maher

Veteran six-time winner; a shadow of his former self in points and cross-country races, though not disgraced at 100-1 in a handicap chase at Galway last October.

50/1

8th

5

4th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 193y

12:28 Punchestown

Cavalry Master

11st 4lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Peter Maher

Last of four chase wins came in 2m7f Killarney novice back in 2021; well held over the banks here in November and brought down on latest in Tinahely point-to-point; tailed off in this last year.

100/1

Abandoned

Form: P-64P3

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Yet to win over fences but ran a big race for a 100-1 shot when third in the Leinster National at Naas last month; stays well and will not be far away if able to reproduce that; pulled up in this race last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

Fakiera

11st 7lb

J: Ms N M Bradley

T: Eoin Griffin

His smart form for Gordon Elliott was a long time ago now and was well behind Tullybeg in his latest point.

66/1

10

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 184y

15:55 Thurles

Fakiera

11st 7lb

J: Ms N M Bradley

T: Eoin Griffin

Winning hurdler; weak form over fences; failed to complete his last three races in points.

66/1

9th

9

2nd Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Fakiera

11st 7lb

J: Ms N M Bradley

T: Eoin Griffin

Grade 3 novice hurdle winner at his best but failed to win over fences in 17 starts; still rated 119 in this sphere and not a bad open point run last week after a lay-off; hood added and a player.

12/1

Form: 30-382

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Winless over fences; a couple of good efforts in staying handicaps last season and in the autumn at Galway and Cheltenham; beaten out of sight by Irish National winner Intense Raffles at Fairyhouse last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: P0-1U4

Last run: 96 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Six wins, three over fences although most recently won a 2m6f handicap hurdle at Navan in November; faded late in a 3m handicap chase at Ayr in January; not certain to stay but not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 165y

20:00 Downpatrick

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Has won three over hurdles and fences; ran well at times in defeat in points and hunter chases last season but has to do much better today.

12/1

4

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: S R B Crawford

prominent behind clear leader

20/1

4

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: S R B Crawford

prominent behind clear leader

20/1

Form: 593P2P

Last run: 84 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m3f beginners chase at Down Royal 11 months ago; mixed form this season, pulling up twice either side of good runs in a Navan handicap hurdle and an Ayr handicap chase; looks the stable first-string but completely unproven over this sort of trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

The Flier Begley

11st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

Well beaten at Haydock last time (behind Genois) in a race he won the previous season; now below par in his last three chases and belatedly tries cheekpieces at the age of 11.

10/1

8th

8

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

The Flier Begley

11st 3lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Won this last year (good) and followed up at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) in June off a mark 1lb higher than today's; pulled up/tailed off over fences on next two starts but his recent outing over hurdles was fairly encouraging and he could build on that now back chasing.

10/1

2nd

4

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell

The Flier Begley

11st 5lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Six-time chase winner who won last summer but twice disappointed since; he's 0-8 as a hurdler but ability needs respecting when there's no depth to this race.

2/1

Form: 2U6143

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Easy winner of an amateur handicap chase at Fairyhouse in November; jumped right in defeat twice since at Catterick and Bangor and should be more suited going this way; blinkers tried here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

28th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

17:05 Listowel

Dragon Rock

12st 2lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Won well over 3m on testing ground last winter; questions after being pulled-up on last two starts wearing blinkers; cheekpieces replace them today.

18/1

6

24th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 110y

16:58 Wexford

Dragon Rock

11st 7lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Perhaps coped best with the testing ground when winning by 9l at Fairyhouse in November (3m); his Bangor third was okay but he ran no race in the new blinkers at Downpatrick three months ago.

33/1

13

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 4f 165y

18:20 Downpatrick

Dragon Rock

10st 6lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: John Joseph Hanlon

midfield, short of room when not fluent 1st, not fluent towards rear 5th, dropped to rear and detached 8th

16/1

Form: 148562

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Four career wins and showed that he stays extreme trips when almost getting up to win a handicap chase over this trip at Leopardstown last month; big player here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

Outside The Door

12st 3lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

Seven-time winner, including four over fences; ran a fine race over the orthodox fences when second in a 3m7f handicap at last season's festival; made all to win a Wexford handicap last August before pulling up in the Kerry National; remote seventh behind Desertmore House here in November.

25/1

10th

8

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 22y

16:36 Punchestown

Outside The Door

11st 9lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

Seven-time winner including three over timber; made all to win a Wexford handicap chase easily in August before pulling up in the Kerry National; now bids to exploit 20lb lower hurdles mark and has won here over fences; chance.

15/2

13

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 180y

16:23 Listowel

Outside The Door

11st 0lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

Promising second at Punchestown festival (near-4m) but well held in first-time blinkers in Mayo National won by the Galway Plate hero Western Fold; repeated last year's success when making all to an emphatic win at Wexford last month; 10lb higher now but sure to stay.

12/1

Form: 341U40

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Seven career wins and effective over extreme distances; well below his best in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last month; needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

14

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 4f 165y

18:20 Downpatrick

Young Dev

10st 4lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

midfield

20/1

9th

14

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 4f 165y

18:20 Downpatrick

Young Dev

10st 4lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

midfield

20/1

7th

4

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

16:20 Limerick

Young Dev

11st 7lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Rolled back the years to win over fences at Navan in February but didn't stay 4m2f last time in the Uttoxeter Midlands National; races off his last winning hurdle mark, so not ruled out.

14/1

Form: 33869P

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Only a small mare and has struggled from time to time over big fences; she stays well, acts on testing ground and this not being a stiff test of jumping will suit; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

7th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

13:30 Clonmel

Regina Dracones

10st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

Losing run goes back to a novice chase in 2022 and entitled to need this on return from out of the weights after 195 days off.

33/1

8th

8

7th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

13:30 Clonmel

Regina Dracones

10st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

Losing run goes back to a novice chase in 2022 and entitled to need this on return from out of the weights after 195 days off.

33/1

7th

15

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 4f 165y

18:20 Downpatrick

Regina Dracones

10st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

prominent, slow jump and lost ground 11th, slow jump 5 out

20/1

Form: 3PP156

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Swapped usual cheekpieces for first-time blinkers and got off the mark over fences on 17th attempt, over 2m5f at Leopardstown in December; faded from two out in 3m contest at Doncaster in January; remote sixth behind Battle It Out at Naas.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Cork

Galon De Vauzelle

12st 0lb

J: Miss P Elvin

T: P J Rothwell

Won a soft-ground point last autumn; pulled up in two Irish hunter chases this season; remote fourth at Carlisle last month.

25/1

Form: P6P4P3

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Was in good form in the spring of last year; took time to find his form again before running well under this rider in a ladies handicap chase at Fairyhouse last weekend; trip is an unknown but cannot be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

15:25 Fairyhouse

Routine Excellence

10st 11lb

J: Miss C O O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won a 2m4f claimer at Bellewstown last August; signs of returning to form when fourth to Secrecies Of Stone in a handicap chase at Leopardstown last month; ran over an inadequate trip in a claiming hurdle at Tramore last Tuesday; third to So Des Flos in this last season.

12/1

8th

6

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

15:25 Fairyhouse

Routine Excellence

10st 11lb

J: Miss C O O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won a 2m4f claimer at Bellewstown last August; signs of returning to form when fourth to Secrecies Of Stone in a handicap chase at Leopardstown last month; ran over an inadequate trip in a claiming hurdle at Tramore last Tuesday; third to So Des Flos in this last season.

12/1

Form: 676333

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner but very disappointing that he has not won over obstacles; has done okay in a couple of cross-country and banks races and an extreme test of stamina seems to be what he needs now; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

11:35 Punchestown

Fameaftertheglory

11st 4lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Gavin Cromwell

Deeply frustrating horse but improved over banks in the spring, second to Stumptown over 3m; got tired late on at Cheltenham last weekend when losing a shoe; each-way chance.

20/1

7th

7

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

11:35 Punchestown

Fameaftertheglory

11st 4lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Gavin Cromwell

Deeply frustrating horse but improved over banks in the spring, second to Stumptown over 3m; got tired late on at Cheltenham last weekend when losing a shoe; each-way chance.

20/1

7th

7

15th Nov 2024

Good

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Fameaftertheglory

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Gavin Cromwell

Stayed on from off the pace for third over C&D (soft) last December and came second in cross-country chase on Bank course at Punchestown festival (3m, soft) on latest outing in May; 8lb out of weights today and would appeal more on slower ground but still considered each-way.

11/2

Form: 139854

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Up 11lb for winning a Limerick handicap chase in May; lightly raced since but good run in an admittedly ordinary Listed 2m5f handicap chase at Leopardstown last month; more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

18th Aug 2024

Good

2m 6f 0y

16:03 Tramore

The Abbey

11st 2lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Better chaser than hurdler, winning at Downpatrick and Limerick last year; okay runs initially this year but well held over 3m2f last twice; back in trip here with a bit to find.

7/1

9th

11

7th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 146y

16:50 Sligo

The Abbey

11st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Getting into the veteran stage and he's a better chaser; this trip is a minimum for him but little of note over hurdles for quite some time; change of headgear.

16/1

10th

14

12th May 2024

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:30 Killarney

The Abbey

10st 1lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Just 2-17 over fences; fair fourth behind today's rival Brideswell Lad at Leopardstown in March after a break; failed to improve on that when taking the same place over 3m2f at Down Royal four weeks ago.

12/1

Form: PP4323

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
In consistent form this season but well held by Ask Anything, including when 13 lengths behind him at Navan last time; others preferred but could get into the money.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

16

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

The Gradual Slope

10st 5lb

J: Miss N Lockhead Anderson

T: Sean O O’Brien

Won a valuable staying handicap chase at the 2024 Punchestown festival; ordinary form since then, although did well to maintain contact with top-class performers when 66-1 outsider of four at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day; flattered by proximity but the run implies a return to form; rider doing well in point-to-points, 8-22 this season.

14/1

Form: -PP240

Last run: 71 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
First reserve; five time winner for Gavin Cromwell; needs to step up on latest form in a first-time headgear combination.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

5th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

16:15 Gowran Park

Sweet Will

11st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

prominent, weakened before 3 out

20/1

11

23rd Aug 2024

Good

3m 1f 100y

19:25 Kilbeggan

Sweet Will

11st 3lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

led, headed and raced in second after 5th

14/1

Abandoned

Form: 4255UF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; unlucky last twice and still had a chance when falling at Leopardstown last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

Old Soul

11st 2lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Liz Doyle

On a long losing run and his fourth here when last seen in April was a remote one; blinkers now replace cheekpieces; his record when fresh suggests he'll need this run.

11/1

5

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

Old Soul

11st 2lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Liz Doyle

On a long losing run and his fourth here when last seen in April was a remote one; blinkers now replace cheekpieces; his record when fresh suggests he'll need this run.

11/1

5

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

Old Soul

11st 2lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Liz Doyle

On a long losing run and his fourth here when last seen in April was a remote one; blinkers now replace cheekpieces; his record when fresh suggests he'll need this run.

11/1

Abandoned

Form: 065352

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; worn down late in a 3m handicap chase at Limerick; needs things to fall his way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

7

25th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 2f 0y

13:03 Fairyhouse

Atacanter

11st 8lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Maiden handles testing ground well; finished second at Limerick (24.5f, heavy) last March and was again placed at Wexford (3m1f, soft) in May; pulled up twice last month; feasibly treated but more needed.

14/1

13th

7

25th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 2f 0y

13:03 Fairyhouse

Atacanter

11st 8lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Maiden handles testing ground well; finished second at Limerick (24.5f, heavy) last March and was again placed at Wexford (3m1f, soft) in May; pulled up twice last month; feasibly treated but more needed.

14/1

1

29th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 6f 120y

12:32 Limerick

Atacanter

12st 0lb

J: Mr L P Shanahan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Maiden handles testing ground well; second over 3m1f here in March and again placed over that trip at Wexford in May; marathon trip seemed too far when blinkered last time.

13/2

Verdict

Very open race. Top-weight Ask Anything is ultra consistent and sets a good standard. Fakiera could go close if running to the level of his Leinster National third. Regina Dracones stays well and will be suited by this not being a test of jumping, while Old Soul will be a danger if getting in. The one to beat could well be OUTSIDE THE DOOR who showed how strongly he stays at Leopardstown last time and will go close on that form. [Justin O’Hanlon]