October 10 / 17.25 Thurles

17.25

Good

www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap

  • Prize money: £5386.96
  • 2m 0f 89y
  • 11 runners
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www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 085115

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Won handicaps at Naas (1m2f) and Down Royal (1m5f) over the summer; respectable Galway run afterwards so remains of interest off this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(12)

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 141y

18:24 Down Royal

Empress Alma

9st 4lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won three good ground handicaps at up to 2m1f last year (including here); running okay in defeat this year without much respite from the handicapper until dropped 3lb after recent Killarney run; back to last winning mark so don't rule out.

7/1

1

(11)

22nd Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:41 Killarney

Empress Alma

10st 0lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won three good ground handicaps at up to 2m1f last year but yet to hit top form in this campaign, recent Galway run in this grade was ordinary (three of today's rivals ahead); needs a bit more respite from the handicapper.

12/1

OUR TIP

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: /055-1

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful hurdler returned to the Flat to record second success when relishing stamina test (1m6f, good) at Listowel last month in first-time cheekpieces in beating Tudor Manor, Plains Indian and Bold Approach a shade comfortably; big player despite 8lb rise though wouldn't want it any quicker.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(7)

30th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 6f 0y

15:48 Navan

Sir Allen

10st 1lb

J: Orla Tynan

T: Andrew Slattery

Dual-purpose sort has been off the track since a below par run over hurdles at Leopardstown in December 2024; best watched unless the market speaks.

8/1

22

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:05 Leopardstown

Sir Allen

10st 0lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Andrew Slattery

Dual-purpose type; won on the Flat at Listowel in September; return to hurdles with a fine effort behind The Busy Fool and Park Of Kings at Naas (hampered); is 1lb wrong here but he can go well if repeating his last run and getting a clearer passage.

20/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 4/43-1

Last run: 97 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Intermittent campaign this year but won on the Flat at Bellewstown (1m4f) over the summer and most recently won 3m Perth handicap hurdle (both on good); ground remaining in his favour and greater stamina test should suit so one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

29th Aug 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:53 Down Royal

Building Bridges

11st 10lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gary McGill

The last of his six hurdle wins came at Perth in September 2024; a solid effort at Aintree in April over this trip but not as good over 2m at Bellewstown; tough task on these terms.

18/1

11th

1

5th Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 40y

18:30 Bellewstown

Building Bridges

11st 12lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Gary McGill

Course winner on the Flat; six wins over hurdles, best form over longer distances; faces a tough task under a big weight.

20/1

18

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Building Bridges

11st 1lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Gary McGill

Ran okay to be beaten about 10l at Aintree (behind Park Of Kings) and that was after a lengthy break; however, he's an exposed dual-purpose performer and others are more intriguing.

50/1

20/1

Form: 4-6008

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Four hurdle wins, all on testing ground; 0-22 on the Flat however, plenty to find with several of these on recent Listowel run and best form is on softer ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

10th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

13:55 Limerick

Cafe Con Leche

10st 10lb

J: Mr A D Bustin

T: C Byrnes

Five-time winner including two here over 2m; scored over 2m4f at Cork in November; well below that level in three starts since but could rebound now dropped into this grade.

5/1

12

17th Jan 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 40y

13:20 Navan

Cafe Con Leche

10st 12lb

J: Mr A D Bustin

T: C Byrnes

Won his fifth race over hurdles at Cork in November (2m4f, yielding); unfancied and struggled off revised mark in two runs following that; needs to return to form.

33/1

Form: -00678

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Three-time AW winner has been mixing Flat and hurdles this year but has been out of form; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

5

(17)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 180y

19:57 Leopardstown

Autocrat

9st 12lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: P Sweeney

Six-time AW winner; no success from 17 turf attempts; down the field when quite well fancied at Sligo 12 days ago; held by Maxwell Smart on that running.

12/1

10th

1

(7)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 190y

15:22 Sligo

Autocrat

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Orr

T: P Sweeney

Not long with Donegal yard and Donegal rider aboard; all six wins have come on AW at Dundalk, but he went close at Roscommon this time last year; best at 1m4f but has run some decent races over 2m.

12/1

7th

1

(13)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

20:15 Dundalk (AW)

Autocrat

10st 1lb

J: Colin Keane

T: P Sweeney

Six-time course winner; gained fifth C&D victory in the hands of Colin Keane (retained) in a claimer in January (front two pulled well clear); more on his plate back in a handicap off top weight/poor draw but respected.

11/2

Form: 056172 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Out and out stayer won at Tramore over the summer and most recently just denied over 2m2f at Downpatrick last month when 3lb out of the handicap, having to raced wide home turn; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(5)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:30 Carlisle

Charlie Darling

8st 10lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Alan Brown

Has gradually found his feet on AW for new yard since returning from lengthy absence and gained neck wins at Southwell (2m) the last twice; at the top of his game and he was effective on turf in Ireland.

6/1

1st

1

(7)

7th May 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

21:00 Southwell (AW)

Charlie Darling

9st 10lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Alan Brown

Bounced back from a lesser effort when third of eight here last month and built on that to record his first success for this stable over C&D nine days ago; lively contender under a 5lb penalty.

4/1

1st

1

(5)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

16:35 Southwell (AW)

Charlie Darling

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Alan Brown

Dual turf winner in Ireland who was having his third start for this yard when third of eight over C&D this month; drops in grade and every chance if building on that performance.

13/2

Form: -70494

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Now 0-11 but recent staying-on fourth at Bellewstown suggested this sort of stamina test should suit; tongue-tie tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 90y

19:05 Kilbeggan

Black Soul

11st 12lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Conor Houlihan

Point winner whose sole win in 23 starts under rules came in a Down Royal maiden hurdle last May; not shown much this year until chase debut at Tramore last time, falling two out when still in contention (Drop A Threat fourth); should build on that.

10/1

1

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 160y

18:42 Tramore

Black Soul

11st 12lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Conor Houlihan

Sole win from 22 starts came in a 2m1f maiden hurdle at Down Royal last May (good) for John and Thomas Kiely; has struggled lately over hurdles and on AW at Dundalk.

20/1

10th

9

(10)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

2m 0f 0y

18:45 Dundalk (AW)

Black Soul

9st 8lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Conor Houlihan

Sole win from 21 starts came in an extended 2m1f maiden hurdle at Down Royal in May (good) for John and Thomas Kiely; 0-16 on the level; makes AW debut now but others preferred.

18/1

16/1

Form: -56265

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Maiden's best runs have been on good ground, notably 1m6f Gowran handicap second off this basement mark; inadequate trip on recent Navan comeback so more likely here upped in trip, despite being 2lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

15

12th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 166y

17:27 Sligo

Lilac Lady

10st 11lb

J: Alan King

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Modest Flat maiden; all four runs over hurdles came at her local track last year; third in maiden and in a handicap off 92; will be better for this comeback run.

14/1

5

24th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 112y

15:10 Sligo

Lilac Lady

11st 6lb

J: Alan King

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Dual-purpose maiden; well held on Flat here last time, standout run from three attempts over hurdles came when third in C&D maiden in June (g); okay mark for handicap debut.

8/1

25/1

Form: 6/8/70

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Dual winner over hurdles was soundly beaten at Listowel last time; 0-11 on the Flat and opposable off this mark; tongue-tied tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

29th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 110y

17:55 Tramore

Bynx

11st 10lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Martin Hassett

Three-time hurdles winner (including here) is 1-4 over fences; that win came at Wexford (2m, good) off 7lb lower last August; out of depth in Listed hurdle latest but this more suitable and she goes well here; not out of this.

13/2

6th

3

9th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

14:25 Killarney

Bynx

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Martin Hassett

Recorded a third hurdles win off a career low mark at Thurles in October (2m4f, good to yielding), beating Tir Og by a neck; decent enough sixth on Flat at Gowran back from a break last month, considering she stumbled at the start; she will have easier opportunities than this.

25/1

11/2

Form: 745-53

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Decent hurdler (three wins on easier ground) and good run on the Flat last month when third to stablemate Sir Allen at Listowel (1m6f), staying on well after hitting a flat spot; longer trip here should suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

16th Jun 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

18:48 Kilbeggan

Plains Indian

11st 11lb

J: Trevor Ryan

T: Andrew Slattery

Four hurdle wins at different trips, most recently over 3m at Clonmel in November; respectable fourth here behind Ad Caleum last month but may not have been suited by tight Ballinrobe track latest; others with stronger claims.

12/1

11th

2

26th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 131y

17:30 Ballinrobe

Plains Indian

11st 8lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Andrew Slattery

Dual-purpose course winner; 9.25l behind Ad Caelum and Dartan at Kilbeggan latest, weakening after being hampered at the last; is 8lb above his last win but his yard is in form and he could go well dropped slightly back in trip.

12/1

11th

2

26th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 131y

17:30 Ballinrobe

Plains Indian

11st 8lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Andrew Slattery

Dual-purpose course winner; 9.25l behind Ad Caelum and Dartan at Kilbeggan latest, weakening after being hampered at the last; is 8lb above his last win but his yard is in form and he could go well dropped slightly back in trip.

12/1

11th
11 (6)
Spanish John

14/1

Form: -80056

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Winning hurdler is 0-7 on the Flat and yet to convince over this sort of trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23th

27

(17)

24th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 0y

17:40 Curragh

Spanish John

8st 7lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: P A Fahy

Dual-purpose sort won twice on the level last season at Tipperary and Bellewstown over an extended 1m4f on softish ground; tailed off over hurdles at Fairyhouse when last seen and 3lb wrong.

40/1

Non-runners

Make Good, Tudor Manor, Bold Approach

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €32.30
Straight Forecast €31.55
Tricast €125.47
Trifecta €86.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Charlie Darling

The Irish Sun:

Empress Alma

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Black Soul

POSTDATA:

Charlie Darling