November 24 / 15.10 Thurles

15.10

Yielding

Holycross Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4957.98
  • 2m 0f 33y
  • 19 runners
RTV
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Holycross Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 700-1U

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Readily landed a mares handicap hurdle at Sligo last month before a first fence unseat in a Naas handicap chase; up 8lb for that Sligo success and one for the shortlist here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Boghlone Honey

11st 8lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Liam P Cusack

prominent on outer, pressed leader after 3 out (usual 4 out), led going easily before 2 out, soon went clear, went well clear when not fluent last, easily

6/1

15

12th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:15 Naas

Boghlone Honey

10st 8lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Liam P Cusack

midfield, mistake and unseated rider 1st

16/1

1st

8

21st Oct 2022

Yielding

2m 1f 110y

14:25 Sligo

Boghlone Honey

11st 1lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Liam P Cusack

held up in midfield, prominent in chasing group 4 out, led going best just after 2 out, went clear approaching last, ridden briefly and kept on strongly run-in, eased towards finish, comfortably

25/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 9803-5

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Alternated between fences and hurdles last season, by far his best effort when a good third in a big-field handicap hurdle at Naas in March; probably needed the run on his return in a handicap chase at Limerick last month; looks the owner's first-string here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

1

10th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

1m 7f 110y

19:08 Roscommon

Know The Game

11st 12lb

J: Peter Carberry

T: J T R Dreaper

midfield

8/1

4th

3

4th May 2023

Good

2m 1f 0y

18:25 Tipperary

Know The Game

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J T R Dreaper

prominent, briefly led from 1st, briefly led before 2 out, not fluent and headed 2 out, soon ridden and weakened

6/1

2nd

6

16th Apr 2023

Soft

1m 7f 22y

17:10 Tramore

Know The Game

11st 8lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J T R Dreaper

visibility reduced by fog, raced in second, led narrowly before 4 out, faced challenge after 3 out, 1 length ahead last, ridden and kept on well but headed final strides

5/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 2947U8 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Last win was over C&D a year ago; unlucky not to add to that tally during the summer; not disgraced in a competitive Navan contest last time; 10lb higher than last year but well capable of getting into the shake-up at his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Peace Party

11st 11lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Desmond McDonogh

Reserve; 2-35 over hurdles, the wins a long time ago now; didn't run badly last time but an 11yo now and others appeal more.

9th

10

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 0lb

J: E Walsh

T: Desmond McDonogh

Tailed off throughout after starting very sluggishly here four weeks ago; hasn't won for a long time now.

25/1

10

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 7lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: Desmond McDonogh

Hasn't won in a long time but three times runner-up at this track last summer including in this event; back from a break and has to be respected given his record around here.

8/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 12F33F D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Landed a 2m handicap hurdle at Wexford in July and had every chance when coming down at the last at the same venue last month; consistent performer and unlikely to be too far away here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

23rd Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 138y

14:30 Thurles

Our Bobby

11st 9lb

J: Niall Moore

T: John M Burke

2m4f winner on good ground at Bellewstown in July; bounced back from a fall with two placed efforts since and can give another good account.

10/1

Form: 941P-3 D

Last run: 105 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won a Flat handicap at Tipperary in May and generally in good form over the summer; returning from a couple of sub-standard Flat efforts last month at the Curragh and Dundalk but cannot be discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

29th Mar 2023

Soft To Heavy

1m 2f 0y

17:05 Navan

Secret Sea

10st 0lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: Eoin Doyle

Both Flat wins have been over further and on better ground; lacks a recent run and may need this.

14/1

5th

5

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Secret Sea

11st 11lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Eoin Doyle

Won a Flat handicap at Tipperary in May and generally in good form over the summer; returning from a couple of sub-standard Flat efforts last month at the Curragh and Dundalk but cannot be discounted.

8/1

13th

8

(17)

4th Nov 2022

Standard

1m 4f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Secret Sea

9st 10lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Eoin Doyle

dwelt start, towards rear of midfield

14/1

Form: 5F82-6

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a Galway maiden hurdle for Pat Kelly 13 months ago; faded on his reappearance at Wexford last month after a year off; should come on but others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

19th Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 112y

14:15 Thurles

Champagne Vacation

11st 8lb

J: Diarmuid Moloney

T: Sean Aherne

14-race maiden; below his best over hurdles of late and this looks like a tough ask on chase debut.

20/1

6th

9

10th Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 140y

14:25 Punchestown

Champagne Vacation

11st 2lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Sean Aherne

Solid runs in h'caps this season at Bellewstown and Navan (4.5l behind Mr Macphisto) either side of a lesser one at Sligo; could get involved.

11/1

6th

5

16th Sep 2023

Good To Yielding

1m 7f 120y

15:20 Navan

Champagne Vacation

11st 10lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Sean Aherne

12-race maiden; hinted at return to form at Bellewstown in July but ran poorly at Sligo since and drop to this trip may not help.

20/1

Form: P06160 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won a good ground handicap hurdle at Tramore in August; not quite at that level in two starts since and better ground would help; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

7th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 14y

14:22 Clonmel

Bite That

12st 0lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Patrick J Flynn

Sole win over hurdles came at Tramore in 2022 and fine run on return back at same venue in October; never landed a blow (none too fluent and clipped heels) at Limerick last month but top-weight still respected.

11/2

9th

1

21st Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:10 Limerick

Bite That

12st 0lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Patrick J Flynn

Sole win over hurdles came at Tramore in 2022; good run over fences at Wexford in June; a fine run on return back at Tramore last time and a chance if improving from that.

7/2

3rd

4

12th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:35 Tramore

Bite That

11st 12lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Patrick J Flynn

Sole win came over C&D last year; mostly below form since but a decent chase run last time and a chance if back to his best; seems to handle soft.

15/2

Form: 307336

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Yet to win but some solid handicap form this year in the context of this race; faded late but far from disgraced at Punchestown last time; drops in trip here but very interesting nonetheless, even if Bryan Cooper prefers his stablemate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 5f 170y

13:40 Tramore

Ocojohn

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Thomas Cooper

in touch with leaders

6/1

3rd

1

6th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 5f 100y

15:15 Tramore

Ocojohn

12st 0lb

J: B J Cooper

T: Thomas Cooper

Maiden was below form last time but was previously consistent in defeat over hurdles; has a squeak on chasing debut if jumping soundly.

15/2

8th

14

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Ocojohn

11st 8lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Thomas Cooper

Yet to win but some solid handicap form this year in the context of this race; faded late but far from disgraced at Punchestown last time; drops in trip here but very interesting nonetheless, even if Bryan Cooper prefers his stablemate.

10/1

Form: 9F-957 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Fourth run for the stable, respectable efforts in handicaps at Galway and Killarney before possibly not staying over 2m3f at Clonmel latest; could be far more at home over this trip than stablemate Ocojohn and considered with Bryan Cooper preferring him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

1st Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 1f 0y

14:30 Killarney

Elusive Rebeldom

11st 2lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Thomas Cooper

Won maiden on heavy and decent fifth in this last year but didn't do much after and been off seven months.

14/1

12

25th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 23y

15:20 Fairyhouse

Elusive Rebeldom

11st 4lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Thomas Cooper

led, headed 6th, ridden and lost ground before 3 out, soon dropped to rear, pulled up after 3 out

25/1

12th

3

16th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:25 Clonmel

Elusive Rebeldom

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Thomas Cooper

Good enough to win a Punchestown maiden hurdle for Debbie Hartnett three years ago; has run okay in a couple of handicap hurdles for his current stable.

14/1

Form: 0-9116

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Good staying type with six career wins; not at his best when failing to complete a hat-trick at Roscommon last time having gone up 17lb; cannot be discounted here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

15

2nd Oct 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Fairyhouse

Oskar High

10st 13lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Norman Lee

Two wins last September but some time since he has shown anything and hard to fancy.

25/1

Form: /0P7-8 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won a Fairyhouse bumper for Vincent Ward 19 months ago; respectable effort in a maiden hurdle there at Easter; handicap debut here and not obviously well treated but should improve for his Limerick run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

7

5th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

12:55 Cork

Mary’s Pride

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Edward Cawley

Fairyhouse bumper and h'cap hurdle winner (off a mark of 100); however, needs to improve plenty from his poor comeback.

16/1

12th

15

11th Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:00 Punchestown

Mary’s Pride

10st 6lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Edward Cawley

prominent in chasing group

16/1

6/1

Form: 6/711- D

Last run: 490 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Looked a real improver when landing a pair of handicap hurdles at Tramore and Limerick 19 months ago; racing off a 19lb higher mark here; tough ask but the market should be a good guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

7th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 14y

14:22 Clonmel

Gendarme

11st 4lb

J: Cian Walsh

T: Charles Coakley

Won twice over 2m in 2021 for Charles Byrnes but not too much of note since, barely getting home over today's trip last twice; opposable.

14/1

8th

8

21st Oct 2023

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

16:56 Limerick

Gendarme

11st 7lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Charles Coakley

Won over 2m here in 2021 for Charles Byrnes but not too much of note since, last week's Tramore effort was a fair one; others preferred.

16/1

4th

10

12th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 4f 73y

15:45 Tramore

Gendarme

10st 8lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Charles Coakley

Won over 2m here in 2021 for Charles Byrnes and followed up at Limerick; lightly raced and not much since although caught the eye when fourth at Limerick in July; pulled up over 3m on yard debut at Listowel, visor discarded.

25/1

Form: -95650

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Second in a Killarney bumper for John Murphy in 2021 but only bits and pieces of form since; well beaten in a Navan maiden hurdle latest and not easy to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(11)

18th Jan 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

13:35 Dundalk (AW)

Fairy Tree

9st 7lb

J: W J Lee

T: Matthew J Smith

Second in a Killarney bumper for John Murphy in 2021; has done little of note since; jumped badly and tailed off in a handicap hurdle at Thurles in November; very hard to fancy.

20/1

13th

9

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Fairy Tree

11st 9lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Matthew J Smith

Second in a Killarney bumper for John Murphy in 2021 but only bits and pieces of form since; well beaten in a Navan maiden hurdle latest and not easy to fancy.

33/1

12th

16

13th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

11:45 Navan

Fairy Tree

11st 5lb

J: B J Cooper

T: Matthew J Smith

held up in rear, minor headway after 3 out, made no impression

50/1

Form: /288-0

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won a Flat handicap at Dundalk in March; lost his way on the Flat after that and best watched here on his return to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

26th Aug 2023

Good

1m 4f 0y

19:40 Curragh

The Virginian

12st 3lb

J: Susan Shortt

T: Padraig Roche

Been running okay over hurdles but even the best of his Flat form leaves him up against it.

20/1

9th

4

21st Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 0y

17:05 Kilbeggan

The Virginian

12st 0lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Padraig Roche

AW winner who rather lost his way on the Flat but two solid runs back hurdling when staying on in 2m handicaps; extra trip could suit and one to consider.

13/2

4th

2

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

The Virginian

11st 12lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Padraig Roche

AW winner who rather lost his way on the Flat but ran well back over hurdles at Punchestown (2m, good to yielding) and that was after an absence; possibilities.

6/1

Form: /00-78

Last run: 174 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Has had a few trainers since winning twice on the Flat in Britain; debuts for Pat Foley here and hard to fancy on what he has done recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Morning Skye

11st 9lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: Patrick T Foley

Has had a few trainers since winning twice on the Flat in Britain; debuts for Pat Foley here and hard to fancy on what he has done recently.

20/1

Form: 20/60/ D

Last run: 804 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Second in a Tramore maiden hurdle for Gordon Elliott but not much to recommend otherwise; debuts for Peter Maher here after more than two years off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Mam Trasna

11st 7lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Peter Maher

Second in a Tramore maiden hurdle for Gordon Elliott but not much to recommend otherwise; debuts for Peter Maher here after more than two years off.

66/1

OUR TIP

Form: 005F-

Last run: 224 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
First reserve; showed a little ability in a Cork maiden hurdle in January; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

26th Oct 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 156y

16:55 Clonmel

Crowsatedappletart

10st 1lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Michael Winters

Fair hurdler last season, winning at Limerick and twice runner-up here; not as effective a chaser to-date, hard to fancy on both recent efforts in handicaps although handicapper giving him a chance.

12/1

8th

8

12th Oct 2023

Soft

1m 7f 110y

16:20 Tramore

Crowsatedappletart

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Michael Winters

Hurdle winner in the spring was poor at Listowel and also over fences last time; has to rebound in a major fashion.

12/1

9th

4

28th Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 2f 49y

16:50 Clonmel

Crowsatedappletart

11st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Michael Winters

Won over hurdles earlier this year but he's gone cold of late and his chase form is uninspiring; now blinkered.

12/1

Form: 090F-0

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; plum last in a Fairyhouse handicap hurdle last month; makes little appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

11

23rd Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 2f 91y

12:45 Thurles

Grand Cru Chatho

11st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

Unplaced in 11 hurdle starts and this looks very tough on chase debut; others preferred.

40/1

0

11

10th Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 140y

14:25 Punchestown

Grand Cru Chatho

10st 13lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: Edward Cawley

Maiden ran well at Tipperary but disappointed at Kilbeggan earlier this season; probably best watched on first run since.

25/1

7th

7

4th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:50 Kilbeggan

Grand Cru Chatho

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Edward Cawley

Yet to reach the first four in nine starts over hurdles; took a step in the right direction when fifth at Tipperary; needs to find a bit extra now.

8/1

Form: 44-009

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; not disgraced in a couple of early bumpers or in a Gowran maiden hurdle; might need a little leeway from the handicapper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

23rd May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 80y

17:20 Punchestown

Bella Union

11st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Early promise in bumpers; struggling over hurdles - in handicaps on last three starts - but conditions should be a positive for one who can take a keen hold; not dismissed.

5/1

5

11th May 2023

Soft

2m 3f 25y

19:18 Clonmel

Bella Union

11st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Early promise in bumpers but continues to struggle over hurdles, in handicaps on last three starts; may want better ground.

16

5th May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

17:40 Downpatrick

Bella Union

11st 1lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: John C McConnell

Reserve; early promise in bumpers but continues to struggle over hurdles, in handicaps on last three starts.

Non-runners

Crowsatedappletart, Grand Cru Chatho, Bella Union

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €35.20
Straight Forecast €28.05
Tricast €198.31
Trifecta €386.50

Selections

The Irish Sun:

Our Bobby

RP Ratings (IRE):

Boghlone Honey

POSTDATA:

Peace Party

SPOTLIGHT:

Gendarme