September 27 / 14.05 Listowel

14.05

Soft

John J. Galvin Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6926.09
  • 2m 2f 0y
  • 16 runners
TG4
View Course
John J. Galvin Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

15/8 (Won)

  • Win: £4.40
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 2

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
2m winner on the Flat for James Fanshawe; struggled on yard debut on the level and struggled with his jumping when runner-up on hurdle bow at Downpatrick (2m6f, good); interesting that Townend seemingly prefers him to Mr Escobar though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

17:05 Fairyhouse

Stormbreaker

10st 8lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: W P Mullins

always behind, not fluent 1st

20/1

11/4

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 5O

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
1m4f maiden winner on the Flat; only beaten 7l on hurdle bow at Wexford in July but ran out when 9-2 for a maiden hurdle at Killarney when last seen in this sphere; arrives on the back of a career-best Flat effort when just touched off at Chester from out of the weights; should have more to give back in this sphere but Townend seemingly prefers Stormbreaker.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(2)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Mr Escobar

9st 9lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: W P Mullins

Beaten a nose here (2m, soft) in September 2024 off 1lb lower and gave further encouragement that year, but that promise has not been fulfilled and his jumps career (latest start two months ago) has gone badly the wrong way; first-time blinkers replace his usual hood.

11/1

13th

8

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 10y

15:30 Naas

Mr Escobar

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Useful 85-rated Flat stayer; odds-on winner of a Sedgefield novice hurdle (2m1f, good) last season; placed twice at Plumpton off 126 in final starts last season; reverts to hurdles now after two poor chasing starts this term

14/1

5

6th Aug 2025

Good

2m 3f 130y

18:07 Wexford

Mr Escobar

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Useful stayer on the Flat; odds-on winner of a Sedgefield novice hurdle (2m1f, good) last November; placed twice at Plumpton in the final weeks of last season; not as good as several of these over hurdles; makes chase debut with tongue-tie added to hood.

6/1

40/1

  • Place: £21.50

Form: 40

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Failed to build on debut fourth (beaten 25l) when tailed off at Kilbeggan last month (green throughout); has been fairly prominent in the betting for both of those runs but needs a lot more here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

15th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 0y

13:10 Navan

Boston Beach

11st 3lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Handicap mark is based on three runs at up to 2m2f; an unknown quantity over this trip; Flat pedigree is a cause for some concern regarding stamina.

10/1

11

15th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 0y

13:10 Navan

Boston Beach

11st 3lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Handicap mark is based on three runs at up to 2m2f; an unknown quantity over this trip; Flat pedigree is a cause for some concern regarding stamina.

10/1

Form: 0/434-

Last run: 241 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Didn't jump well when a distant fourth at Limerick when last seen but has hit the frame in a couple of maiden hurdles on contrasting ground; rain won't bother him but does have a bit to find and he's been off 241 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

30th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 80y

15:51 Listowel

Ask The Bookie

12st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Gillian Scott

0-19 under rules; fairly modest form last season; others preferred.

20/1

Form: 93

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held on debut and didn't build on that when a distant third of seven at Sligo last month; back down in trip and has plenty to find; Kennedy seemingly prefers him to Boston Beach.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

31st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 80y

16:30 Kilbeggan

Boston Rajj

11st 12lb

J: Paddy Cleary

T: Gordon Elliott

Exposed hurdler 1-14 in that sphere and rated 113; his win came over 3m2f but he's effective at this shorter trip; however, not an obvious candidate for chasing on breeding and lacks a recent run; others appeal more.

12/1

3

7th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 60y

15:20 Galway

Boston Rajj

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Won off 10lb lower at Sligo (3m2f, good) in May; beaten 1l off 114 at Kilbeggan in July (20.5f, yld-sft) and just 1lb higher here; not beaten far at Perth latest and he has place claims.

7/1

5

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 2

16:18 Perth

Boston Rajj

10st 2lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gordon Elliott

Yet to make any significant further progress since comfortable win in 15-runner Sligo handicap (3m2f, good) in June and was below form when well-held third in Downpatrick novice on Friday but has a big role to play if back on song here.

7/1

Form: 47-

Last run: 157 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
First reserve; point winner who has shown promise in a couple of bumpers under rules; new yard; off 157 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

17:15 Wexford

Shantou Princess

11st 7lb

J: Mr B M Coonan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won 3m Punchestown handicap hurdle in December (good-to-yielding) but hasn't impressed in three attempts chasing since on much worse ground; back from a break and potential improver back on better ground in first handicap.

10/1

4

17th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

17:15 Wexford

Shantou Princess

11st 7lb

J: Mr B M Coonan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won 3m Punchestown handicap hurdle in December (good-to-yielding) but hasn't impressed in three attempts chasing since on much worse ground; back from a break and potential improver back on better ground in first handicap.

10/1

7th

4

27th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

13:40 Clonmel

Shantou Princess

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

in rear, mistake 4th

20/1

Form: 417-0

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a point that is working out okay and came on from his rules debut to win Cork bumper in March; tailed off twice since on quicker ground but with rain expected, slower ground may help him get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

16:50 Punchestown

Nowwhatdoyouthink

11st 10lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner; off the mark over fences at this track (2m5f) in November; better effort when second to C'Est Ta Chance in a Thurles novice event over a similar trip; good effort when winning a three-runner Cork event; takes a big jump in class.

14/1

1st

2

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

16:10 Cork

Nowwhatdoyouthink

10st 10lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner got off the mark over fences at this track (2m5f) in November; better effort when second in a Thurles novice last time over a similar trip; can race keenly so not sure will stay 3m but is the most likely to give the top-weight a race.

2/1

2nd

4

5th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 110y

14:28 Thurles

Nowwhatdoyouthink

10st 13lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

120-rated hurdler; won a 2m5f beginners' event at Cork in November on his fifth start over fences to earn a mark of 130; needs to make more progress to feature in this company.

14/1

Form: 2/23-2

Last run: 138 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Hit the frame on each of his three bumper starts and has made an encouraging start to life over obstacles, finishing placed in his three hurdle runs; below his best efforts when a distant second at Killarney when last seen but sets the standard here; off 138 days but should be firmly in the mix again if fit enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

17:25 Punchestown

Irish Panther

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Ran some fine races in defeat over hurdles last season including at this meeting; got off the mark in a Clonmel maiden last autumn and then took a Naas beginners' chase, easily beating Jacob's Ladder; just denied in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Christmas and put up a respectable effort in the Champion Chase last time; can be involved.

5/1

6th

5

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Irish Panther

11st 10lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Very short on chasing experience, having raced just twice in this sphere, but by the same token looks open to any amount of further improvement despite being a 9yo (latecomer to this scene); close second, clear of remainder, in Grade 1 novice at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) when attempting to follow up his comfortable success in a Naas race that's worked out well; has shown good progress for current yard and looks interesting pitched into open company instead of bashing heads with similarly unexposed rivals in the Arkle.

12/1

1st

4

23rd Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 205y

14:22 Clonmel

Irish Panther

11st 12lb

J: Cian Cullinan

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Placed in nine of his 11 races, including all three bumpers and his first three maiden hurdle starts; slotted into handicaps effectively last season; twice in the money at Leopardstown before set a tough task in the County Hurdle, stands out in this company on his Punchestown festival third behind the British-trained pair Ascending Lark and Wilful.

4/9

16/1

Form: 63U-

Last run: 194 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Improved from a low-key debut when a distant third at Thurles in February; didn't look like an easy ride when unseating subsequently and has been off 194 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Limerick

On Your Way

11st 2lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: C Byrnes

soon held up in last, headway 5th, pressed leaders before 6th, lost position when not fluent 4 out

3/1

1st

5

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Limerick

On Your Way

11st 2lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: C Byrnes

soon held up in last, headway 5th, pressed leaders before 6th, lost position when not fluent 4 out

3/1

4th

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:50 Cork

On Your Way

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: C Byrnes

held up in rear, headway before 9th, in touch with leaders 4 out

3/1

Form: U/9-8

Last run: 122 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Unseated on debut and tailed off twice since; probably best watched after 122 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

17

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 160y

19:12 Tramore

Opposite Ends

11st 1lb

T: C Byrnes

Third reserve; stablemate of Let Him B; well handicapped judged on last week's hurdle win at Clonmel; could be much too good for these rivals if getting a run.

1st

9

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 60y

16:30 Limerick

Opposite Ends

11st 1lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Has a very patchy profile but would be a player judged on his penultimate third at Clonmel (16.5f, heavy); looked held when brought down two out at that track three weeks ago; market will reveal expectations.

11/2

9

26th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 2f 188y

17:42 Clonmel

Opposite Ends

11st 1lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Not a bad effort on handicap debut after long absence when fifth at Thurles in November; unseated, brought down next two starts; tailed off at Limerick before a much-improved display at this venue four weeks ago.

4/1

Form: U0

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in one of his four point starts; hard to recommend on what he's shown under rules since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

19th Oct 2024

Good

2m 5f 0y

14:10 Limerick

Rag N Bone

11st 12lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Michael Butler

midfield

100/1

12th

15

27th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 2f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Rag N Bone

11st 12lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Michael Butler

Runner-up in one of his four point starts; hard to recommend on what he's shown under rules since.

33/1

Form: P09

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Poor form in three runs at triple figure odds so far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

15th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Worcester

Another Question

10st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Clare Ellam

Unplaced all eight hurdling starts in Ireland and absent since beaten out of sight on heavy ground in February; had wind surgery during the summer but is probably best watched on this stable debut.

50/1

12th

14

24th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 23y

16:43 Punchestown

Another Question

10st 9lb

J: Daniel King

T: Miss J M Lee

Moderate fifth at Limerick in his first handicap, 33-1 chance when pulled up at Tramore.

25/1

12

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 120y

13:40 Tramore

Another Question

11st 3lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Miss J M Lee

prominent, soon pressed leader, weakened quickly before 4 out

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 60-

Last run: 179 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Encouraging debut when sixth of 25 in a maiden hurdle at Naas in February and that form worked out nicely; returned lame when tailed off subsequently over 3m; market may be revealing on return from 179 days off and markedly back down in trip for his return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

25th Feb 2024

Soft To Heavy

1m 7f 144y

13:55 Naas

Annamaymurt

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Malinas gelding out of an unraced mare by Flemensfirth; making debut at age of seven; unlikely to feature.

100/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Jet Away gelding; dam unplaced 1m/9.4f (RPR 53), out of 1m4f Flat/2m hurdle winner; unlikely to make an impact on debut; tongue-tied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

27th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 2f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Belmont Jet

11st 12lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: E Sheehy

Jet Away gelding; dam unplaced 1m/9.4f (RPR 53), out of 1m4f Flat/2m hurdle winner; unlikely to make an impact on debut; tongue-tied.

50/1

Form: 436/

Last run: 1152 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some promise in bumpers back in 2021; pulled up in two point-to-point runs last year though and has been off 502 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 45y

16:45 Cork

Major Wells

11st 12lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Gerard Edmund O’Leary

A hint of ability in bumpers; well beaten in two hurdles; unseated on chasing debut; look elsewhere.

100/1

4

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 2f 0y

13:07 Thurles

Major Wells

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gerard Edmund O’Leary

A 10yo now; has looked very limited over hurdles and pulling up in two points doesn't bode well ahead of this chase debut; cheekpieces tried.

100/1

Form:

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed very little when a tailed off 100-1 shot at Galway earlier this month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

27th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 2f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Nothingtoseehere

11st 12lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Collins

Showed very little when a tailed off 100-1 shot at Galway earlier this month.

200/1

18th

4

9th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 0f 160y

15:20 Galway

Nothingtoseehere

11st 12lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Collins

Gatewood gelding out of an unraced Definite Article dam; yard not known for winning maiden hurdles; doesn't make much appeal on paper on hurdling debut and is best watched.

40/1

Non-runners

Its His Life, Sky Legend, Youmzain Bolt, Diamond Jimmy, Peg Of The Hills

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €11.10
Straight Forecast €8.45
Trifecta €735.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Mr Escobar

The Irish Sun:

Stormbreaker

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Irish Panther

POSTDATA:

Mr Escobar