August 26 / 18.25 Down Royal

18.25

Good

Walkers Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4957.98
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Walkers Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather:

OUR TIP

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.90
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 213 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Course bumper winner in June on second attempt, building on an encouraging debut second; put in a respectable effort under a penalty when third behind a Willie Mullins-trained odds-on shot Killarney; suited by good ground, should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

12:40 Punchestown

Champella

10st 11lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Improved mare won handicaps at Galway and Listowel this term; might not have stayed 2m7f at Limerick last time and the drop to this trip should suit, so looks a player.

5/1

5th

2

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

12:40 Punchestown

Champella

10st 11lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Improved mare won handicaps at Galway and Listowel this term; might not have stayed 2m7f at Limerick last time and the drop to this trip should suit, so looks a player.

5/1

5th

2

19th Oct 2024

Good

2m 6f 180y

14:45 Limerick

Champella

10st 9lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Ross O’Sullivan

led narrowly or disputed lead, headed but prominent before 3rd, jumped right 2 out, weakened from last

4/1

Form: 53-202

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Every chance of winning an ordinary maiden judged on seconds in rated races at Cork in May and at Tramore just over two weeks ago; official rating off 112 sets a reasonable standard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Evenwood Sonofagun

11st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Won the 2m6f handicap on this card 12 months ago and returned to form with a 2l success over that same trip on Monday (following a wind operation); did that comfortably and must have every chance under a penalty.

9/4

1st

5

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Evenwood Sonofagun

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Won this race in 2025 (good ground) and followed up over C&D (good to soft) two days later; suffered dip in form afterwards but shaped quite well before weakening into sixth in competitive series final at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) in March and returns to this track on an attractive mark; had another wind op last month (his fourth); good chance.

7/2

6th

12

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Musselburgh

Evenwood Sonofagun

10st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Won over C&D (good to soft) last February and add two wins at Cartmel in May; he's 6lb below his last winning mark but has failed to shine on his three outings since November, over C&D most recently.

50/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 65

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
18-race Flat maiden, rated 64; out of the money in two maiden hurdle outings this month; trainer has a much stronger candidate in Evenwood Sonofagun.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(1)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Abstract

9st 0lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tony Carroll

Had a long absence before reappearing last January and he didn't offer a great deal of encouragement in 2025.

20/1

12

(4)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 1f 24y

Class 6

15:28 Bath

Abstract

9st 6lb

J: Matthew Lloyd Slater

T: Tony Carroll

Yet to add to his 1m4f AW win in March 2023 and has had several chances off lowly marks this year; difficult to enthuse over.

25/1

7

(3)

29th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 209y

Class 6

16:03 Ffos Las

Abstract

9st 0lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tony Carroll

AW winner over 1m4f in 2023 but he's been big prices and well held in 2025; major turnaround needed.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Very useful Flat performer for Jessica Harrington; won a 7f Cork maiden at two and ran good races in defeat in smart company at three, notably when second to subsequent Group 1 winner Poetic Flare in a Listed race; two moderate runs for Harrington this year before facing a stiff task over 7f at Naas on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

(2)

13th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:15 Dundalk (AW)

Ace Aussie

10st 0lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Losing run since sole success in September 2020 and no sign of a return to form here a fortnight ago; up in trip.

50/1

13th

5

(2)

29th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Ace Aussie

9st 12lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Formerly Group 3-placed for Jessica Harrington but regressive in the last year for this yard; likely best watched on AW debut.

33/1

Form: 0-46

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Finished a remote fourth at Kilbeggan on the second of two bumper starts; moderate sixth in a Tramore maiden won by a shorter-priced stablemate open to improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

11th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

12:20 Gowran Park

Innellan Shore

11st 12lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear, not fluent 1st

25/1

0

9

21st Oct 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:40 Limerick

Innellan Shore

11st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Gordon Elliott

Just a hint of ability in maidens but opening two handicap efforts this time last year leave him with plenty to find.

16/1

Form: 9

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made no impact first time out at Ballinrobe and will need to pick up more experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

21st Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 141y

18:40 Sligo

Realta Geal

11st 0lb

J: Benjamin P Kennedy

T: Francis J Flood

Pulled-up up on handicap debut last time back after a long absence and not easy to fancy.

50/1

14

8th Jul 2024

Good

3m 0f 149y

19:45 Roscommon

Realta Geal

11st 3lb

J: Benjamin P Kennedy

T: Francis J Flood

Modest form when last seen and can only be watched returning from a huge absence.

50/1

12th

14

30th Oct 2022

Soft

2m 4f 150y

14:35 Wexford

Realta Geal

10st 6lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Francis J Flood

in rear throughout, mistake 6th, tailed off

33/1

Form: 07

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Killarney effort was a step in the right direction but not a likely winner at this stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

14

7th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 110y

15:23 Fairyhouse

Punk Rock Girl

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

prominent, weakened before 4 out, not fluent 3 out, soon dropped to rear and pulled up

16/1

10th

18

22nd Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

14:40 Listowel

Punk Rock Girl

10st 13lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Michael Collins

Drop in trip seemed to suit her last time when third at Bangor; pulled-up in this race last year; this distance may not be ideal judged on a couple of runs over staying distances during the summer.

8/1

Form: 79

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some promise on the Flat in Britain for Roger Charlton; looks more like one for handicaps after this third handicap run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

26th Aug 2022

Good

2m 4f 0y

18:25 Down Royal

Modestus

10st 13lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Michael Collins

midfield, pushed along 3 out, no impression before 2 out

20/1

100/1

Form: P00P-4

Last run: 44 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Very modest form; would receive 29lb from Evenwood Sonofagun in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

18th Jun 2023

Good

2m 1f 65y

16:40 Downpatrick

Guest

10st 13lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: H Smyth

Appears very modest and tailed off on first run of the year at Down Royal.

25/1

16th

20

1st May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 180y

14:10 Down Royal

Guest

10st 13lb

J: Conor Clarke

T: H Smyth

prominent

10

7th Oct 2022

Yielding

2m 5f 110y

16:17 Downpatrick

Guest

10st 11lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: H Smyth

towards rear, mistake and reminders 4 out, soon weakened and became detached, pulled up 3 out

33/1

Form:

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not a bad pedigree; showed up prominently before dropping away to finish at the back first time out in a bumper at Cork.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

9

1st Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 120y

13:40 Tramore

Therailwayman

11st 0lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: John Joseph Hanlon

midfield, dropped to rear and detached after 5 out, pulled up before 4 out

25/1

9th

8

3rd Sep 2022

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:10 Wexford

Therailwayman

10st 13lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: E Sheehy

in rear, slightly hampered 1st, not fluent 2nd, ridden 5 out, no impression when not fluent 2 out

33/1

Form: 8

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Did not look an easy ride when a remote eighth in a bumper at Tipperary in June.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

26th Aug 2022

Good

2m 4f 0y

18:25 Down Royal

Nell C

10st 6lb

J: L P Dempsey

T: Kevin Michael Smith

always towards rear, awkward jump 3rd, became detached 4 out, tailed off

50/1

Form: 381

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed at Ballinrobe on the first of two Irish bumper starts; battled away to win a four-runner bumper at Perth 13 days ago; faces more demanding opposition now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

6th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 56y

Class 4

14:00 Wetherby

Finnthemagician

11st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

held up in rear on inner, awkward jump 2nd

10/1

4th

9

8th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

15:34 Hexham

Finnthemagician

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

prominent on outer, pushed along after 2 out (usual 3 out), ridden and went second approaching last, lost second run-in, no extra and lost third final 110yds

2/1

Form: 78

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Makes hurdling debut after two unplaced bumper runs; not an obvious contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

30th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

18:30 Tramore

Cullenwaine

10st 8lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: David O’Sullivan

Poor strike-rate and both wins were in 2024; however, chased home previous-race contender Lake Chad here before a near miss at Limerick last week; solid chance.

5/1

2nd

12

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 160y

19:48 Limerick

Cullenwaine

10st 2lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: David O’Sullivan

Record of 1-19 over fences; lost his form for Philip Rothwell last summer but two of his three runs for this yard full of promise, on latest when runner-up to an easy winner at Tramore; contender.

8/1

2nd

14

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 160y

19:12 Tramore

Cullenwaine

10st 2lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: David O’Sullivan

Record of 1-18 over fences; lost his form for Philip Rothwell last summer but fair effort on yard debut at this venue on New Year's Day; not as good at Thurles last time.

14/1

Form: 67

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some merit in his recent run at Tramore but not enough to suggest he can win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

12

1st Oct 2022

Good

2m 4f 0y

14:17 Gowran Park

Haitan

11st 10lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Josh Halley

midfield, not fluent 3rd, mistake 3 out, soon ridden but weakened

33/1

8

26th Aug 2022

Good

2m 4f 0y

18:25 Down Royal

Haitan

10st 13lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Josh Halley

midfield, pushed along before 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, no impression when fell last

20/1

Form: 7007

Last run: 54 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some ability in evidence at Punchestown in May on the second of four starts; likely to need a handicap mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

13

9th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 80y

12:30 Clonmel

Open The Gate

11st 4lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

didn't always jump with fluency, midfield, reminders after 7th

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €11.80
Straight Forecast €7.64
Trifecta €62.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Evenwood Sonofagun

RP Ratings (IRE):

Evenwood Sonofagun

TOPSPEED:

Evenwood Sonofagun

POSTDATA:

Evenwood Sonofagun

The Irish Sun:

Evenwood Sonofagun