December 18 / 12.30 Navan

12.30

Frozen

Navan Ford & Opel Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6197.48
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • 29 runners
RTV
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Navan Ford & Opel Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 29 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

Form: 01-5

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Caused a massive shock a year ago when beating a now stablemate in a Limerick bumper for a small County Clare stable; promising enough hurdles debut for current yard at Punchestown last month in first-time hood but will need to improve greatly to play a role here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 0y

13:57 Naas

An Forghas

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Bumper winner for his previous trainer; ran well on hurdling debut; pulled-up and fell (beaten at the time) in his last two races; plenty to prove now as a result.

20/1

1

6th Mar 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:40 Leopardstown

An Forghas

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Bumper winner for former trainer ran well on hurdling debut but was pulled-up and fell (beaten at time) since; has to resume progression.

22/1

1

11th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

14:15 Naas

An Forghas

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Bumper winner last term and ran okay when fifth of 21 on yard debut at Punchestown in November; made errors when pulled up latest and has a bit to find here; wears first-time tongue-tie.

16/1

Form:

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fame And Glory gelding jumped right at times, ultimately tailed off on hurdles bow at Fairyhouse early this month; can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

21st Jan 2023

Soft To Heavy

1m 7f 170y

14:17 Navan

Ballycottonjacksie

12st 0lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Stephen Gerard Carey

Tailed off in two maiden hurdles at big prices so far; cheekpieces need to make a sizeable difference.

100/1

22th

2

8th Jan 2023

Soft

1m 7f 194y

14:50 Naas

Ballycottonjacksie

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Stephen Gerard Carey

80s when beaten a long way out on Fairyhouse maiden hurdle debut last month.

150/1

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Walk In The Park 4yo whose dam was well held in bumper, half-sister to Turkish 1m Group 2 winner/2,000 Guineas second Glory Awaits; newcomer best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 10y

15:30 Naas

Catch The Beast

11st 1lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

Sole win from 15 starts came at Punchestown in 2023 off 105; didn't run badly on seasonal return in a Listed handicap hurdle here (2m4f, heavy) but stopped quickly and pulled up at Navan next time (2m4f, soft to heavy); ran one of his best races last time when headed late on into second here (2m, heavy); return to this trip is no issue and place chance with a repeat.

17/2

Form: 3-512

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point winner landed 2m3f Cork bumper in October and smart debut effort over hurdles when clear second in a 2m4f Clonmel maiden last month; should have a maiden in him and seems sure to be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Corbetts Cross

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Emmet Mullins

Strong stayer who made short work of his rivals in the National Hunt Chase here (3m6f, heavy) last March and showed he could do more than just grind away when close up in the Bowl (3m1f, soft) at Aintree after; unable to go with Banbridge in the home straight in the King George at Kempton (3m) on Boxing Day and his pace was again lacking over 2m5f at Ascot (good) last month, but this test can see him back in a good place; a dollop of rain would help but he isn't a forlorn hope.

20/1

2

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 1

15:37 Ascot

Corbetts Cross

11st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Emmet Mullins

Second-season chaser who never landed a blow in good-ground King George last time (raced mostly on soft/heavy otherwise); not short of stamina, having been successful over 3m6f at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, but his last attempt over 2m5f resulted in a win; major player provided he copes with the return to this distance and shows best form.

5/2

Form: 50

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point-to-point winner wasn't disgraced in a bumper on debut but well held in maiden hurdle at Punchestown latest; likely to need more time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

9

27th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 2f 0y

13:40 Fairyhouse

Finding Freedom

10st 2lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Point winner; poor maiden over hurdles; no encouragement from his form in beginners' chases; tailed off at this venue in his first handicap; pulled up at Thurles in first-time blinkers which are now replaced with cheekpieces.

33/1

Form: 5

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Two wins on the Flat, the first for William Haggas in a weak contest at Beverley, the second this year when trained in France; looked as if the race would bring him on at Gowran last month but likely to still need more time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(13)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

19:10 Laytown

Fireworks

11st 12lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Missed all of 2024 and shown nothing in four runs over jumps this year; won over slightly further at Beverley in 2021 but hard to make a case for.

25/1

13

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:47 Curragh

Fireworks

12st 0lb

J: Ben Cusack

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Both wins over shorter; hurdling (to little effect) of late, hard to be confident in back on the level.

33/1

16

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

14:30 Killarney

Fireworks

10st 3lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Poor on last three starts and can't be fancied on that evidence.

66/1

Form:

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Never counted and none too fluent when soundly beaten on last month's hurdles debut over C&D; bred to need more time and distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 140y

16:25 Fairyhouse

Harvard Guy

11st 0lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Three-time hurdles winner rated 138 in that discipline; not too much to get excited about so far chasing, never counting last twice in handicaps over much further; down markedly in trip here off potentially favourable mark.

16/1

5th

11

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Harvard Guy

10st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Three-time hurdles winner has shown modest chase form to date. including in his first handicap chase last time when beaten 17.5l by Goraibhmaithagat here (2m4f, heavy) at 40-1; best watched for the moment.

22/1

7th

2

22nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

17:00 Naas

Harvard Guy

11st 9lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Sustained improvement as a handicap hurdler in 2023/2024 season, winning first three starts in 2m4f Navan contests (soft to heavy); modest chase form in three runs to date; makes handicap chase debut (10lb lower mark than hurdles) now so may do better.

16/1

Abandoned

Form: /1626-

Last run: 277 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won French AQPS Flat race last year (good) and solid start over hurdles when second in 2m Punchestown maiden in February in testing conditions; out of depth subsequently in Ballymore at Cheltenham and has had time off since; should be up to winning a maiden although Townend prefers Madmansgame here.
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

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Mount Nelson half-brother to yard's 2m4f-3m hurdle/chase winner Nobody Home and 2m6f hurdle winner Native Gold; dam 2m chase/2m4f hurdle winner, half-sister to 2m2f hurdle winner Hot Commodity; newcomer likely to benefit from the experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

19th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 45y

16:30 Cork

Hes Home Again

10st 9lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

Course 3m winner two years ago; lightly raced since then; a leading contender now after recent Leopardstown second; cheekpieces fitted for the first time.

7/2

2nd

9

3rd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 0y

15:25 Leopardstown

Hes Home Again

10st 8lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

Won over this trip at Cork in 2024 and only five runs since, three of them chases; soundly beaten back hurdling at Cork the last twice and has to rebound.

16/1

5th

13

20th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 80y

15:22 Cork

Hes Home Again

10st 12lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

1-9 over hurdles, the win coming off 96 over C&D last March by 2.25l and 10lb higher now; sent chasing to no avail since, unseating on latest at Clonmel; return to hurdles and this venue could spark a revival; testing ground fine; can't discount.

25/1

Form: U0

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Steering went when looking quite headstrong in a Ballinrobe bumper in May and tended to jump left when tailed off on last month's Cork hurdles debut; can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:10 Cartmel

Importateur

10st 2lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

0-5 over hurdles and absent since modest third on handicap debut for Tom Gretton in April 2024; 4lb wrong for stable/chase debut; could be considered only if lively in the betting.

20/1

12

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:10 Cartmel

Importateur

10st 2lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

0-5 over hurdles and absent since modest third on handicap debut for Tom Gretton in April 2024; 4lb wrong for stable/chase debut; could be considered only if lively in the betting.

20/1

3rd

13

1st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 164y

Class 5

16:45 Plumpton

Importateur

10st 5lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Tom Gretton

Ex-Irish 5yo who has achieved little in maiden/novice hurdles; long way out of the weights on this handicap debut.

66/1

Form: 8-8

Last run: 230 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Maiden pointer well held in a bumper; impossible to fancy on switch to hurdles.
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.

Abandoned

Form: 6

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Didn't run too badly (albeit beaten 32l) on hurdles debut at Fairyhouse recently; likely to need more time to make his mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

Kelce

11st 7lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

Consistent sort who gained a first win of the current campaign in 3m Musselburgh handicap chase 37 days ago; not ruled out despite taking a 7lb hike in the weights.

7/2

1st

5

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 3

16:11 Musselburgh

Kelce

10st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Front-runner who won twice last season (soft/good) and bounced back from heavy-ground blip to finish second at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; runs well a lot more often than not and he's a leading player.

5/2

Form: 105- C

Last run: 235 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to smart staying hurdler Gentlemansgame made 250,000gns after winning a point-to-point; won bumper here on Rules debut in February before finishing down the field behind stablemate Facile Vega in Grade 1 bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown; front-runner tried in a tongue tie here for hurdles debut and if settling could take plenty of beating.
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: -72645

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a bumper at Cork in August 2021 and subsequently promoted to first in another the following month; 0-5 over hurdles and a more likely type for handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

17th Sep 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:45 Listowel

Mistys Gift

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: David Harry Kelly

Won a couple of bumpers in 2021, including at this festival, but frustrating over hurdles and attempting to bounce back after a poor effort over fences at Ballinrobe last month; others preferred.

8/1

0

4

28th Aug 2023

Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:35 Ballinrobe

Mistys Gift

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: David Harry Kelly

towards rear, not fluent 1st, soon midfield, bad mistake 6th, dropped to rear 9th

10/1

Form: 1-38

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of an unraced half-sister to Gold Cup winner Native River; bought for GBP58,000 after Musselburgh bumper win in February for Donald Whillans; opening two efforts over timber respectable enough but will need to take a step forward to play a major role here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

4th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 4

15:15 Warwick

Neigh Botha

10st 13lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won at Southwell (2m, good) in October but looked set to be second when left in the lead at Bangor; however, only 2lb higher now and he reportedly finished lame in November on his final run.

13/2

1st

3

27th Oct 2025

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 5

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Neigh Botha

11st 13lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Watch the weather as all his best form is on good ground, including latest comfortable win at Southwell (2m); could deal with the 6lb rise under suitable conditions.

7/2

1st

3

27th Oct 2025

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 5

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Neigh Botha

11st 13lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Watch the weather as all his best form is on good ground, including latest comfortable win at Southwell (2m); could deal with the 6lb rise under suitable conditions.

7/2

Form: 650

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Three bumper efforts just fair, hard to see him featuring on hurdles debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

16

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Pickanumber

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Olly Murphy

Made it three wins from four starts for this yard when scoring at Huntingdon (2m, good) a fortnight ago; he's up in grade today but he was clear with a thriving runner-up last time and could take a 6lb rise in his stride.

20/1

1st

16

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Pickanumber

10st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Olly Murphy

Made it three wins from four starts for this yard when scoring at Huntingdon (2m, good) a fortnight ago; he's up in grade today but he was clear with a thriving runner-up last time and could take a 6lb rise in his stride.

20/1

1st

1

25th Apr 2024

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

19:15 Huntingdon

Pickanumber

12st 0lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Olly Murphy

Effectively a 0-135 Bangor handicap (2m3f, soft) in which his winning streak for Olly Murphy ended last time; likely his prospects depend on whether he can carry his recent improvement back to a sounder surface.

6/1

Form: 1

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to winners Global Equity (bumper/2m2f-2m4f hurdle/chase) & Fleminport (2m3f/2m5f hurdle) dam point' winner from the family of top class 2m chaser Remittance Man; cost GBP200,000 in April after winning a Quakerstown point-to-point and landed odds on Rules debut last month in Fairyhouse pointers' bumper, probably not suited by steady pace but came home strongly to win going away; bred to appreciate 2m4f and respected on hurdles debut.
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: 000

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Nothing in three runs for Andrew Lynch, easily passed over.
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: 36 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the third attempt under Rules in 2m Punchestown bumper in April (good-to-yielding); absent until good start over hurdles when fourth of 25 in 2m maiden here last month, outpaced at a crucial stage; step up in trip here should suit and one to consider.
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: 324000

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in good-ground bumpers at Killarney and Kilbeggan early in the campaign but maiden hurdle form has been largely disappointing; looks more one for handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 185y

15:52 Downpatrick

Themanintheboots

11st 6lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Bagged third career hurdles win at Navan in November (2m4f, soft to heavy) off 98; poor in four starts since; needs to bounce back.

12/1

3rd

4

4th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 20y

15:52 Naas

Themanintheboots

11st 0lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Bagged third career hurdles win at Navan in November (2m4f, soft to heavy) off 98; poor in three starts since (one over fences); needs to bounce back to his best and others better treated.

8/1

7th

2

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 180y

15:20 Navan

Themanintheboots

11st 10lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Won over 2m4f here in November (heavy), his third career win over hurdles; pulled up off 10lb higher back here next time (3m1f, sft-hvy) and then well beaten in a beginners' chase at Punchestown latest; needs to bounce back.

8/1

Abandoned

Form: U9P8-3

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Back from summer off to finish remote third at Cork last month, unlikely to feature here in this stronger maiden.
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: 05-0

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten all three maidens, will be of more interest when getting a handicap mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

22nd Aug 2024

Good

2m 7f 100y

18:36 Killarney

Always Giving

10st 9lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Tom Dreaper

towards rear

14/1

8

7th Jun 2024

Good

2m 6f 169y

20:30 Clonmel

Always Giving

11st 2lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Tom Dreaper

Showed very little until some encouragement in her comeback run at Downpatrick, beaten 17l; of interest but has to improve a fair bit too.

12/1

4th

8

10th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 100y

19:20 Downpatrick

Always Giving

11st 2lb

J: Mr J W Hendrick

T: Tom Dreaper

midfield, headway and went modest fourth 2 out, no impression from last

25/1

Form: 88

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten a long way but showed a glimpse of ability in good-class Punchestown maiden last month; likely to need more time however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

15

14th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

18:25 Cork

Jane Wilde

11st 2lb

J: Sarah Kavanagh

T: C A Murphy

Lightly raced mare was never sighted on handicap debut at Kilbeggan in April, having shown some promise in maidens; remains a potential improver.

16/1

13th

14

21st Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 3f 50y

16:35 Kilbeggan

Jane Wilde

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: C A Murphy

towards rear

14/1

5th

12

28th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 93y

15:21 Fairyhouse

Jane Wilde

11st 5lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: C A Murphy

Has shown definite promise in two maiden outings though beaten a long way both times; has an edge over Neev's Dream on Naas running.

8/1

Form: 00

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten twice in maidens this month, easily overlooked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

11

25th Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 122y

19:08 Ballinrobe

Misstheamaria

10st 12lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Ms M M Gannon

No worthwhile form thus far, including her handicap debut when tried over 3m.

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sageburg filly cost 40,000Euros as a 3yo; sister to point winner Mystic Man, half-sister to winners Mystic Theatre (bumper/useful 2m-2m4f hurdle), Morello Royale (useful 2m5f-3m hurdle) & Castra Vetera (Listed bumper); dam unraced half-sister to 2m-2m4f hurdle/chase winner; newcomer appears the de Bromhead second-choice and likely all the better for the experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

9

17th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 100y

18:15 Kilbeggan

Mystic Sage

11st 5lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: Henry De Bromhead

midfield, no impression from 3 out

14/1

10th

9

1st Jun 2024

Soft

2m 5f 175y

19:25 Tramore

Mystic Sage

11st 5lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

led narrowly, headed and raced in second after 3rd

9/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Homebred Walk In The Park filly is first foal of Jennies Jewel, a 1m6f-2m4f winner on the Flat and very useful 2m3f-3m hurdler/chaser; worth a market check on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

12

24th Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 210y

15:50 Fairyhouse

Pirate Bonnie

11st 0lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Poor form last season and while she's gone off fairly short prices in two handicap hurdles this winter, she has failed to show improved form; bit to prove now.

5/1

0

9

17th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

15:10 Wexford

Pirate Bonnie

11st 1lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Jarlath P Fahey

No worthwhile form as yet including never sighted when well-supported in market at Gowran last Saturday; may yet improve and can't be ruled out.

6/1

9th

19

11th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

15:37 Gowran Park

Pirate Bonnie

11st 1lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Jarlath P Fahey

No worthwhile form as yet and was a weakener over 2m7f on handicap debut; drops back in trip and that may help.

25/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
First reserve; Cloudings filly a 7,000Euros 3yo; third foal; dam unraced sister to point winner Winning Habit, half-sister to 2m3f-3m hurdle/smart chase winner Big Fella Thanks; newcomer best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

4th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Naas

The Big Cloud

12st 0lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Shane Crawley

Course winner of a handicap chase in December, showing no ill-effects from an 11-month absence in beating a solid yardstick; in touch when falling two at Clonmel in January; could go well from a mark 7lb below her chase rating; talented 5lb claimer into the bargain.

7/2

1

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:38 Gowran Park

The Big Cloud

12st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Shane Crawley

Won over this trip at Limerick (heavy) at the end of last season before a respectable fourth of 16 at Naas later that month and likeable reappearance effort back at Limerick over Christmas; may come on for that and warrants respect; wears a first-time tongue-tie.

6/1

1

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:38 Gowran Park

The Big Cloud

12st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Shane Crawley

Won over this trip at Limerick (heavy) at the end of last season before a respectable fourth of 16 at Naas later that month and likeable reappearance effort back at Limerick over Christmas; may come on for that and warrants respect; wears a first-time tongue-tie.

6/1

Form: 3

Last run: 227 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; unbeaten in point-to-points at Ballindenisk and Monksgrange last season before shaping well when third in Tipperary pointers' bumper in May, looking a tad onepaced when tempo quickened; should appreciate 2m4f over hurdles.
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:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; Soldier Of Fortune half-brother to 2m/2m5f hurdle winner Lostnfound; dam French 2m1f hurdle/2m2f chase winner, comes from family of Gold Cup winner Long Run; newcomer likely to be all the better for the experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

8th Sep 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

19:20 Kilbeggan

Tubberrobe

12st 0lb

J: Mr E P O’Brien

T: D E Fitzgerald

prominent, weakened quickly under 3f out

100/1

7th

7

25th Aug 2023

Good

2m 1f 0y

20:10 Killarney

Tubberrobe

12st 0lb

J: Mr E P O’Brien

T: D E Fitzgerald

Half-brother to winning hurdlers Lostnfound and Godot; dam a French hurdle/chase winner; no bumper success for the yard in the last five seasons.

20/1

Verdict

Corbetts Cross has a maiden in him but may have to again settle for second here behind hurdling debutant MADMANSGAME. Tag Man is a likely danger now upped in trip, while Search For Glory is respected on hurdles debut. [Alan Hewison]

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

Corbetts Cross

TOPSPEED:

Haxo

SPOTLIGHT:

Madmansgame

The Irish Sun:

Tag Man

POSTDATA:

Corbetts Cross