December 10 / 12.30 Navan

12.30

Yielding To Soft

Mervyn Gray Construction Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6197.48
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • 24 runners
RTV
View Course
Mervyn Gray Construction Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: P-0

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

17:20 Tramore

A Fortune Out West

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear, bad mistake 6th

9/1

18

30th May 2023

Good

2m 6f 13y

20:00 Ballinrobe

A Fortune Out West

11st 10lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Gordon Elliott

8th

1

12th May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Kilbeggan

A Fortune Out West

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Gordon Elliott

Point' winner; shown very little in four starts under Rules; off 116 days; opposable back down in trip.

20/1

Form: 00

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

17:15 Tramore

Abu Hazem

11st 5lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Anthony McCann

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

19:00 Ballinrobe

Abu Hazem

10st 6lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Anthony McCann

Unseated early on his handicap debut at Tipperary when a 50-1 chance; others are far more likely winners of this.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 05

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

15:20 Fairyhouse

After The Roar

11st 11lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Emmet Mullins

in rear, shaken up after 7th, pushed along and held before 2 out

5/1

18th

6

26th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:05 Gowran Park

After The Roar

11st 12lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Emmet Mullins

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

12:00 Leopardstown

After The Roar

11st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Emmet Mullins

Took a step forward on latest of two runs in Cork maidens in November but lots more likely required here.

50/1

Form: 6/8

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

19:15 Gowran Park

Away To Sea

9st 9lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Joseph G Murphy

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

19:15 Gowran Park

Away To Sea

9st 9lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Joseph G Murphy

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

15:07 Listowel

Away To Sea

10st 5lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Joseph G Murphy

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:

Form & Verdict
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

18:00 Punchestown

Haxo

10st 9lb

J: Jack Foley

T: W P Mullins

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

16:15 Fairyhouse

Haxo

11st 1lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

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

17:30 Cheltenham

Haxo

10st 13lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

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:

Form & Verdict
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

19:20 Punchestown

Joes Turn

11st 4lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Mark Michael McNiff

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

Form: 8-8

Last run: 222 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

27

25th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 23y

15:20 Fairyhouse

Kandoit

10st 13lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: C A McBratney

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

16:35 Punchestown

Kandoit

11st 5lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: C A McBratney

10th

23

15th Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:10 Punchestown

Kandoit

11st 12lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: C A McBratney

First reserve; hasn't shown enough in points or under Rules so far; plenty to find.

Form: 341-

Last run: 263 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

16:10 Sandown

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

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

16:10 Sandown

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

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

15:35 Ayr

Klarc Kent

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: W P Mullins

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

Form: 88

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

17:40 Galway

Leading Flame

11st 8lb

T: Matthew J Smith

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

14:40 Downpatrick

Leading Flame

11st 8lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Matthew J Smith

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

15:10 Punchestown

Leading Flame

11st 12lb

J: Jack Foley

T: Matthew J Smith

always towards rear, pushed along when reminders after 4th, mistake 4 out

100/1

Form: 105- C

Last run: 227 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

12:35 Leopardstown

Madmansgame

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

prominent, mistake 1st

7/4

Form: 9

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

21st Dec 2022

Yielding

2m 6f 110y

14:07 Fairyhouse

Mon Meilleur Ami

11st 4lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Alan Donoghue

Beaten 31l in a bumper on debut and isn't high on the list today.

66/1

Form: 3/43/6

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 110y

13:07 Fairyhouse

Quite Incredible

11st 3lb

J: Niall Moore

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

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

13:07 Fairyhouse

Quite Incredible

11st 3lb

J: Niall Moore

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

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

Form:

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

16:52 Naas

Sculduggery

11st 9lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

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

13:40 Navan

Sculduggery

11st 12lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Finished last in maiden hurdles at Fairyhouse and Down Royal in December; can be ruled out

100/1

Form: 1

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

15:20 Cheltenham

Search For Glory

11st 2lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

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

15:30 Gowran Park

Search For Glory

11st 4lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

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

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

16:30 Roscommon

So Des Flos

12st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

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

19:30 Wexford

So Des Flos

11st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

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

Form: 000

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

16:27 Downpatrick

St Deniss Well

10st 11lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

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

14:25 Navan

St Deniss Well

11st 9lb

J: James Smith

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

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

16:00 Limerick

St Deniss Well

11st 6lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

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

Form: 341-4

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

11th Jul 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:45 Cork

Tag Man

11st 6lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

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

19:30 Wexford

Tag Man

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

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

19:30 Wexford

Tag Man

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

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

Form: U9P8-3

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

6th Feb 2025

Good

2m 0f 4y

14:00 Thurles

Wee Charlie

11st 6lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Gerard O’Leary

midfield, good headway after 3 out

7/1

5

6th Feb 2025

Good

2m 0f 4y

14:00 Thurles

Wee Charlie

11st 6lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Gerard O’Leary

midfield, good headway after 3 out

7/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

16:17 Navan

West Of Carrig

10st 7lb

J: Mr A J Browne

T: Don Browne

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

13:42 Thurles

West Of Carrig

11st 12lb

J: Mr A J Browne

T: Don Browne

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

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

15:58 Fairyhouse

Charlie Bawnie

11st 2lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: T G McCourt

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

15:45 Cork

Charlie Bawnie

11st 1lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: T G McCourt

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

18:05 Ballinrobe

Charlie Bawnie

11st 4lb

J: Jake Coen

T: T G McCourt

Fifth of 16 in a Kilbeggan maiden (2m2f) and got badly hampered on her handicap debut (2m6f); remains unexposed.

100/1

Form: 04

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

17:42 Limerick

Elsannah

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

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

14:32 Navan

Elsannah

10st 9lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

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

Form:

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

15:17 Naas

House Of Glory

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Edward Cawley

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

14:18 Galway

House Of Glory

11st 5lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Edward Cawley

always towards rear

33/1

Form: 5-F342

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
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

15:27 Naas

Kilbree Warrior

10st 13lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

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

Form: 0S0P0

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 180y

17:30 Down Royal

Lockdown Daisy

10st 9lb

J: Miss A McGuinness

T: J J Lambe

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

14:30 Down Royal

Lockdown Daisy

11st 2lb

J: James Duggan

T: J J Lambe

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

12:40 Down Royal

Lockdown Daisy

10st 11lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: J J Lambe

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]