12.30
Yielding To SoftMervyn Gray Construction Maiden Hurdle
- Prize money: £6197.48
- 2m 4f 0y
- 24 runners
Runners: 24 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly cloudy
Abandoned
Form: P-0
Last run: 20 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
2nd Jun 2023 Good 2m 5f 0y |
11st 12lb |
towards rear, bad mistake 6th |
9/1 |
|
18 |
30th May 2023 Good 2m 6f 13y |
11st 10lb |
|
|
|
8th 1 |
12th May 2023 Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Point' winner; shown very little in four starts under Rules; off 116 days; opposable back down in trip. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 00
Last run: 9 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 2 |
17th Aug 2023 Good 1m 7f 110y |
11st 5lb |
Modest operator over hurdles and appears to be in at the deep end here; makes limited appeal. |
50/1 |
|
14th 11 |
30th May 2023 Good 2m 0f 40y |
10st 6lb |
Unseated early on his handicap debut at Tipperary when a 50-1 chance; others are far more likely winners of this. |
50/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 05
Last run: 20 days
W: 11st 12lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13th 2 |
25th Feb 2023 Yielding 2m 4f 23y |
11st 11lb |
in rear, shaken up after 7th, pushed along and held before 2 out |
5/1 |
|
18th 6 |
26th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 0f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Has come up against some smart types in three qualifying maiden runs, much the best being Cork fifth to Irish Point; potential improver now switched to handicaps. |
7/1 |
|
17th 1 |
26th Dec 2022 Yielding To Soft 2m 0f 0y |
11st 7lb |
Took a step forward on latest of two runs in Cork maidens in November but lots more likely required here. |
50/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 6/8
Last run: 11 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 2 (3) |
23rd Apr 2024 Heavy 1m 4f 100y |
9st 9lb |
Several good efforts at Killarney in 2021 and 2022, including second place in a 1m6f premier handicap; also ran well at over 2m1f at that venue on the first of two starts last season; not seen since unplaced run at Listowel last June; could be one for Killarney next month. |
6/1 |
|
5th 2 (3) |
23rd Apr 2024 Heavy 1m 4f 100y |
9st 9lb |
Several good efforts at Killarney in 2021 and 2022, including second place in a 1m6f premier handicap; also ran well at over 2m1f at that venue on the first of two starts last season; not seen since unplaced run at Listowel last June; could be one for Killarney next month. |
6/1 |
|
7th 1 (3) |
4th Jun 2023 Good 2m 0f 40y |
10st 5lb |
took keen hold, prominent, soon in touch with leaders |
13/2 |
Abandoned
Form: /1626-
Last run: 269 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
17 |
27th Apr 2023 Yielding To Soft 2m 7f 130y |
10st 9lb |
Course maiden winner over 2m4f has twice been well below that level and has questions to answer stepping up in trip; tongue-tie on now. |
33/1 |
|
12th 11 |
10th Apr 2023 Yielding 2m 5f 155y |
11st 1lb |
soon midfield, lost position when pushed along after 3 out, weakened before 2 out |
12/1 |
|
19 |
17th Mar 2023 Soft 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
10st 13lb |
Out of his depth in last year's Ballymore at this meeting on second start for Willie Mullins; opened his hurdles account at Punchestown (2m4f, soft) in January, adding to his French bumper win; still has low mileage and may have more to offer for powerful stable; hard to dismiss. |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 3
Last run: 219 days
W: 11st 12lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 11 |
13th May 2026 Good 3m 0f 0y |
11st 4lb |
In good form early last year, scoring by a head at Punchestown (3m, yielding) off 80; beaten a neck off revised mark at Thurles next time (3m1f, good to yielding); fell at the fifth at Kilbeggan when last seen in April; has tended to improve with a run in the past, but player if returning in the same form. |
11/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 8-8
Last run: 222 days
W: 11st 12lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
27 |
25th Feb 2023 Yielding 2m 4f 23y |
10st 13lb |
took keen hold, towards rear, in touch with leaders when not fluent 4th, ridden and held when fell 2 out |
|
|
17 |
22nd Feb 2023 Yielding 2m 4f 100y |
11st 5lb |
|
|
|
10th 23 |
15th Jan 2023 Heavy 2m 0f 0y |
11st 12lb |
First reserve; hasn't shown enough in points or under Rules so far; plenty to find. |
Abandoned
Form: 341-
Last run: 263 days
W: 11st 12lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
18 |
26th Apr 2025 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
0-14 since bumper win in 2022; fourth and second in the last two Scottish Nationals, latterly off a reduced mark when wearing second-time cheekpieces two weeks ago; while that was a welcome return to form, position 12lb out of the handicap today demands so much more; 5lb claimer is called up. |
25/1 |
|
18 |
26th Apr 2025 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
0-14 since bumper win in 2022; fourth and second in the last two Scottish Nationals, latterly off a reduced mark when wearing second-time cheekpieces two weeks ago; while that was a welcome return to form, position 12lb out of the handicap today demands so much more; 5lb claimer is called up. |
25/1 |
|
2nd 21 |
12th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Won a bumper three years ago but 0-13 since; competitive over fences last season and his 6l fourth at 50-1 in this race (soft; 8lb lower today) last April reads well, but a poor sequence since was not greatly improved by his eighth when wearing first-time cheekpieces in last month's 3m6f NH Chase. |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 88
Last run: 75 days
W: 11st 12lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 23 |
11th Sep 2023 Good To Yielding 2m 6f 55y |
11st 8lb
|
Third reserve; not a bad run on comeback making handicap debut at Downpatrick; could be involved with improvement likely up in trip. |
|
|
5th 7 |
28th Aug 2023 Good 2m 1f 165y |
11st 8lb |
Poor maiden hurdle form last winter after a fair debut at Navan in September; transformation needed on handicap/seasonal debut. |
20/1 |
|
21th 11 |
19th Feb 2023 Yielding To Soft 2m 4f 0y |
11st 12lb |
always towards rear, pushed along when reminders after 4th, mistake 4 out |
100/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 105- C
Last run: 227 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 8 |
29th Dec 2022 Soft 2m 4f 0y |
11st 12lb |
prominent, mistake 1st |
7/4 |
Abandoned
Form: 9
Last run: 40 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
21st Dec 2022 Yielding 2m 6f 110y |
11st 4lb |
Beaten 31l in a bumper on debut and isn't high on the list today. |
66/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 3/43/6
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 12lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
12th Nov 2024 Good 2m 7f 110y |
11st 3lb |
Off the mark (first-time cheekpieces) in 2m6f Downpatrick handicap in May off 100 but well held since, latest in similar contest in August; withdrawn over C&D last month due to good ground so may not have his ground here either and yard also have a strong contender in Goodie Girl. |
16/1 |
|
8 |
12th Nov 2024 Good 2m 7f 110y |
11st 3lb |
Off the mark (first-time cheekpieces) in 2m6f Downpatrick handicap in May off 100 but well held since, latest in similar contest in August; withdrawn over C&D last month due to good ground so may not have his ground here either and yard also have a strong contender in Goodie Girl. |
16/1 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: 7 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
20th 7 |
30th Mar 2023 Soft 2m 7f 130y |
11st 9lb |
Tailed off in three maiden hurdles so far but signs in her pedigree that this new trip could suit; any market support would be worth noting. |
16/1 |
|
12th 11 |
12th Feb 2023 Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Finished last in maiden hurdles at Fairyhouse and Down Royal in December; can be ruled out |
100/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 1
Last run: 25 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
Didn't jump well when seventh in this last year and pulled up in the Thyestes at Gowran Park (3m1f, heavy) in January on latest run; however, he was in good form previously, finishing second of nine at Navan (2m4f, soft to heavy) then second of 28 in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown (3m, yielding); each-way player if back on song and finding some fluency. |
25/1 |
|
10 |
22nd Jan 2026 Heavy 3m 1f 0y |
11st 4lb |
Failed to add to Galway beginners' chase win last season; jumping was untidy in the Ultima at Cheltenham; failed to stay in the Irish Grand National; ran well for a long way in Troytown on return before fading; fine second over inadequate trip at Navan (Harry Des Ongrais third); big chance now based on second in the Paddy Power; Jack Kennedy takes over from a claimer. |
13/2 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 1 |
7th Jul 2025 Good 2m 4f 125y |
12st 0lb |
Tough task over hurdles last time and wasn't pulling up any trees in handicap chases before that; sights are now lowered considerably but all his three wins have come in the mud. |
5/1 |
|
3rd 4 |
28th May 2025 Good To Firm 3m 0f 0y |
11st 5lb |
Moderate form in handicaps over fences last season; 35lb inferior to Ash Three Meadow on current chase ratings; very tough task against his stablemate in the circumstances. |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 000
Last run: 20 days
W: 11st 12lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 10 |
29th Mar 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 4f 120y |
10st 11lb |
Mixed form this season, best efforts over hurdles at Navan, winning 2m handicap and second to a progressive horse over 2m4f last time; two less encouraging runs over fences, well beaten in sixth in the 3m6f Porterstown Chase and pulled up at Leopardstown when found to have blood at both nostrils; trainer won this last year. |
11/2 |
|
2nd 4 |
28th Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 4f 0y |
11st 9lb |
Six-time winner split evenly between hurdles and fences; began season with two poor runs over hurdles but returned to form when making all to land a gamble in a 2m handicap hurdle here in November (heavy); well beaten in sixth in the 3m6f Poterstown Chase and pulled up at Leopardstown when last seen when found to have blood at both nostrils; chance at his best |
13/2 |
|
9th 5 |
18th Oct 2025 Good 2m 0f 70y |
11st 6lb |
Has lost his way since scoring off 8lb lower at Downpatrick last December; rated much higher over fences but didn't show enough on return from a break at Fairyhouse to make him of interest here. |
16/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 341-4
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 12lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
11th Jul 2025 Good 3m 0f 0y |
11st 6lb |
Took a step back in the right direction when runner-up in four-runner race at Wexford in May, although was beaten 11l; needs either a career best or a couple of these to underperform to be in the mix; first-time cheekpieces could help. |
7/2 |
|
2nd 2 |
28th May 2025 Good To Firm 3m 0f 0y |
11st 10lb |
2-12 over hurdles, also a bumper and chase winner; best hurdles form represented by his defeat of the smart Run For Oscar over 3m at Down Royal last August; third on handicap debut at Clonmel before a winter break; big price when down the field in a Punchestown festival handicap; should be sharper now. |
7/4 |
|
2nd 2 |
28th May 2025 Good To Firm 3m 0f 0y |
11st 10lb |
2-12 over hurdles, also a bumper and chase winner; best hurdles form represented by his defeat of the smart Run For Oscar over 3m at Down Royal last August; third on handicap debut at Clonmel before a winter break; big price when down the field in a Punchestown festival handicap; should be sharper now. |
7/4 |
Abandoned
Form: U9P8-3
Last run: 20 days
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
6th Feb 2025 Good 2m 0f 4y |
11st 6lb |
midfield, good headway after 3 out |
7/1 |
|
5 |
6th Feb 2025 Good 2m 0f 4y |
11st 6lb |
midfield, good headway after 3 out |
7/1 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 11st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12 |
21st Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 7f 150y |
10st 7lb |
Record of 5-13 in points; opened account on the track at the 18th attempt, improving on hunter chase form to land a 2m5f handicap at Fairyhouse off 104 in January (soft); maintained consistency with a promoted third at Thurles last time (2m2f, soft); others preferred. |
20/1 |
|
3rd 3 |
5th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 2f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Record of 5-13 in points; opened account under rules at the 18th attempt, improving on hunter chase form to land a 2m5f handicap at Fairyhouse three weeks ago; 6lb higher with his regular rider again claiming 7lb. |
13/2 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: —
W: 11st 5lb
4 yo Filly
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 11 |
7th Nov 2023 Heavy 2m 7f 165y |
11st 2lb |
Excuses in her first two handicaps but no obvious ones when tailed off at Cork and now goes in a visor. |
33/1 |
|
15th 16 |
15th Oct 2023 Soft 2m 3f 0y |
11st 1lb |
Just a hint of ability in maiden hurdles; badly hampered on handicap debut and had mucus in her lungs when pulled-up last time; can't be dismissed. |
22/1 |
|
0 11 |
28th Aug 2023 Yielding 2m 6f 14y |
11st 4lb |
Fifth of 16 in a Kilbeggan maiden (2m2f) and got badly hampered on her handicap debut (2m6f); remains unexposed. |
100/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 04
Last run: 18 days
W: 11st 5lb
5 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
31st Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 5f 70y |
11st 12lb |
Dual winner for Shane Crawley at around 3m; should strip fitter for her return from a mammoth absence at Navan 10 days ago; this trip may be on the sharp side though. |
16/1 |
|
7th 6 |
21st Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 0f 0y |
10st 9lb |
Progressive in staying handicaps three seasons ago for Shane Crawley after showing modest form 2m early in her career; in a new stable after a mammoth absence; tongue-tie fitted. |
16/1 |
Abandoned
Form: —
Last run: 42 days
W: 11st 5lb
5 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14th 20 |
29th Jan 2023 Soft 2m 3f 0y |
11st 5lb |
Half-sister to trainer's useful five-time winner Nobody Home who needed plenty of time; big price when down the field at Galway in October. |
100/1 |
|
14th 20 |
29th Oct 2022 Soft 2m 0f 90y |
11st 5lb |
always towards rear |
33/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 5-F342
Last run: 27 days
W: 11st 5lb
7 yo Mare
OR: 104
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 7 |
10th Mar 2024 Soft 2m 3f 0y |
10st 13lb |
Pulled-up either side of a fine second at Navan; front-runner is at her best when getting a clear lead but is inconsistent; a player if at that best. |
16/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 0S0P0
Last run: 14 days
W: 11st 5lb
5 yo Mare
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7 |
2nd Jun 2023 Good 2m 0f 180y |
10st 9lb |
Shown nothing so far, soundly beaten in maidens here the last twice; cheekpieces tried. |
66/1 |
|
13 |
17th Mar 2023 Yielding To Soft 2m 4f 0y |
11st 2lb |
Shown nothing in seven starts so far; back up in trip for handicap debut with first-time cheekpieces fitted. |
50/1 |
|
15th 18 |
24th Jan 2023 Yielding To Soft 2m 1f 33y |
10st 11lb |
Down in trip; little impact in six starts under Rules so far; difficult to see her landing a blow here. |
250/1 |
Verdict
A step up in trip could see further improvement from the unbeaten SEARCH FOR GLORY after his facile success last month and he has more potential than most in here. A step up in trip should also suit Tag Man who has shown promise over 2m so far. The first-string for Willie Mullins, Madmansgame, also warrants respect back down in class. [Phill Anderson]