December 29 / 12.35 Leopardstown

12.35

Soft

Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7436.97
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • 14 runners
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Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.60
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 2/1U

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed promise in a Fairyhouse bumper on debut in 2020; produced in good shape to win a Wexford bumper in October after a long layoff; 100-30 second favourite when unseated at first on hurdling debut at Fairyhouse; probably greater depth in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

26th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 175y

14:30 Naas

Good Land

11st 0lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

High class staying novice hurdler two seasons ago, winning a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and fourth in the Ballymore at Cheltenham; respectable efforts in two runs over fences including when a 15 length fourth in the Grade 1 at Limerick last month; yet to tackle 3m and likely to find at least one too good.

7/1

3rd

4

26th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 175y

14:30 Naas

Good Land

11st 0lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

High class staying novice hurdler two seasons ago, winning a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and fourth in the Ballymore at Cheltenham; respectable efforts in two runs over fences including when a 15 length fourth in the Grade 1 at Limerick last month; yet to tackle 3m and likely to find at least one too good.

7/1

4th

1

28th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 100y

13:40 Limerick

Good Land

11st 12lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

raced in third, lost position after 3 out, ran on from last, went fourth towards finish

20/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 341-4

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
25-1 Punchestown bumper winner in April on his third racecourse start; up in trip now after fourth behind a Willie Muillins-trained odds-on chance in a 25-runner maiden hurdle over 2m at Naas; open to improvement.
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

3/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 1

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cost 200,000GBP in April after winning a Quakerstown point for John Costello; odds-on for emphatic Fairyhouse bumper win on stable debut; strong chance.
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: 15-2 C BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
2m4f course bumper winner on debut a year ago; fifth behind stablemate Facile Vega in a Grade 2 contest here in February; 2m probably too sharp when second on hurdling debut at Cork; winner Itswhatunitesus has won again since and looks a useful yardstick; however, Paul Townend prefers Madmansgame.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Embassy Gardens

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Stablemate of Gaelic Warrior; record of 3-6 over fences features a very useful performance at Tramore (2m7f, heavy) on New Year's Day; subsequently came up short in the Irish Gold Cup, taking overall Grade 1 form figures to P6P6; still has something to prove at this level.

8/1

3

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Embassy Gardens

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Stablemate of Gaelic Warrior; record of 3-6 over fences features a very useful performance at Tramore (2m7f, heavy) on New Year's Day; subsequently came up short in the Irish Gold Cup, taking overall Grade 1 form figures to P6P6; still has something to prove at this level.

8/1

6th

2

1st Feb 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 70y

15:30 Leopardstown

Embassy Gardens

11st 10lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: W P Mullins

led narrowly or disputed lead, prominent 3rd

12/1

Form: 105-

Last run: 246 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Debut point winner for leading producer Donnchadh Doyle at Boulta just over a year ago; bought for 250,000Gns and won a Navan bumper on first start for Willie Mullins; aimed high in Cheltenham/Punchestown Grade 1 events won by stablemate Facile Vega; tongue-tie fitted, Paul Townend picks him over a race-fit runner with hurdling experience.
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: 6/8

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Experienced 78-rated maiden on Flat, second on three occasions; will probably need to get a handicap mark to judge from his first two runs over hurdles.
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

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No encouragement from his two runs in points; 33-1 when in rear on hurdling debut at Gowran last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

29th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 149y

15:40 Punchestown

American Money

10st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

in touch with leaders

10/1

15th

14

29th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 149y

15:40 Punchestown

American Money

10st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

in touch with leaders, weakened from 2 out

10/1

4th

13

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

17:05 Fairyhouse

American Money

10st 7lb

J: Cian Cullinan

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

raced in second

14/1

Form: 66

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in a maiden point; very remote sixth on hurdling debut at Fairyhouse last week; safe to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

28th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

17:50 Limerick

Jollie Cosmos

10st 1lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: P J Rothwell

Placed seven times in points; modest form on the track and getting on in years now.

33/1

9th

12

29th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 100y

17:35 Wexford

Jollie Cosmos

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: P J Rothwell

Bits and pieces of form off low marks, although needs to improve considerably on recent efforts; cheekpieces tried.

16/1

13

10th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

16:52 Downpatrick

Jollie Cosmos

10st 2lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Bits and pieces of form off low marks, twice in the frame at Kilbeggan at 2m2f/24.5f; pulled up at Wexford on most recent start; more needed to make the breakthrough.

25/1

Form: 23 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Definite promise when second over 2m at Wexford on sole hurdles start, beaten favourite in a Clonmel bumper on latest; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Transmission

10st 13lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Tapped back into last season's initial promising form, and then some, to win by 12l in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft; from Rock My Way) in February with a first-time visor, which has been kept since; ridden by 7lb claimer when fair third off this 8lb higher mark behind Havaila in the Sussex National at Plumpton 19 days ago but needs to hit new heights again.

16/1

3rd

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Transmission

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Neil Mulholland

Tapped back into last season's promising form, and then some, to win by 12l in a first-time visor at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft; Edinburgh National) in February; has also won on good ground and 2-2 over hurdles here; an 8lb rise may not stop him if the visor maintains its positive effect.

7/2

1st

3

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

15:05 Musselburgh

Transmission

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Cheltenham regular over fences and competitive off slightly higher marks than this last season, never-nearer fifth in the NH Chase when shaping as if he stayed 3m6f; that's not been the case this campaign and although a good deal closer at Ascot last time, he was still only eighth of ten finishers; needs to build markedly on that in new visor, replacing cheekpieces.

9/2

Form: 20-78

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has failed to build on a debut second in a bumper at Cork early last season; needs to jump better than on her first attempt at Fairyhouse.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

23rd Jan 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 33y

13:45 Down Royal

Skinnider

11st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Martin Hassett

Won at Cork last April off 7lb lower but has been below that level last twice and needs to return to her best.

11/1

8th

29

28th Dec 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

12:40 Leopardstown

Skinnider

10st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Martin Hassett

midfield

6th

8

10th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 0f 185y

14:45 Cork

Skinnider

10st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Martin Hassett

Big price when beating today's rival McGrath From Clune over C&D in April; showed that was not a fluke whn third over 2m4f here in May; absent since then.

8/1

Form: 8/F2-

Last run: 297 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Keeping on when falling at the second-last in a 2m Limerick maiden a year ago on only hurdles start; has an edge over Monty's Star on course bumper running in March, but not seen since then.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

25th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

17:05 Fairyhouse

Golden Wonders

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

Showed ability when runner-up in a Leopardstown bumper almost a year ago but was tailed-off in a Leopardstown maiden hurdle at Christmas; has to improve on his best form.

22/1

11th

6

29th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 4f 0y

12:35 Leopardstown

Golden Wonders

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Martin Brassil

prominent, not fluent 1st

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Five-time Flat winner, three of those wins gained in Britain in 2019 but still has ability judged on 1m4f handicap win at Bellewstown in September; may need better ground, lacks jumping experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(8)

6th Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 180y

18:00 Leopardstown

Bring Us Paradise

8st 13lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Luke Comer

slowly into stride, took keen hold, soon in touch with leaders, prominent after 4f

14/1

5th

2

(2)

1st Nov 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:05 Dundalk (AW)

Bring Us Paradise

10st 1lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Luke Comer

Won over C&D last year; fourth off 7lb higher mark here in March but needs to bounce back to form.

25/1

Form: 22 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten favourite in bumpers at Punchestown and Tramore in recent months; second-string for Gordon Elliott whose Search For Glory is more appealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

17:05 Cartmel

Cardamon Hill

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Miss A M Slack

Three listless performances since returning from 13 months out; 12lb below his last winning mark now, but no good thing to capitalise.

100/1

5

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Cardamon Hill

11st 9lb

J: William Maggs

T: Miss A M Slack

Won twice in November 2024 (2m7f/3m, good/good to soft) but mainly disappointing since including on both runs since a 404-day break; plenty to prove at present.

20/1

5th

3

10th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 4

13:57 Sedgefield

Cardamon Hill

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Miss A M Slack

Stays 3m and acts on the forecast sound surface; 50-1, always behind and pulled up on his return from 13 months off the track at Wetherby on latest start; bit to prove.

9/1

Form: 4-

Last run: 297 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Twice runner-up in points, 2m looked inadequate on only bumper start; should improve at this distance, but yard's second-string.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Montys Star

11st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Just 1-11 as a chaser, largely because he keeps trying in vain at Grade 1 level; fourth in last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup was one of his peak efforts, as was this season's never-nearer fifth in a Leopardstown Grade 1 at Christmas; he didn't fare so well in the Irish Gold Cup last time but was the only one matching strides with the top-class winner on the home turn; going up markedly in trip today, in a handicap, makes him a mouthwatering proposition.

14/1

6th

11

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 100y

15:30 Leopardstown

Montys Star

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Chase record is an off-putting 1-10; can perform respectably at a high level; second in Grade 1s as a novice, fourth behind Inothwayurthinkin in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup; laboured under a big weight burden in the Coral Gold Cup; finishes behind four of these rivals (and in front of four others) in the Savills.

25/1

Non-runners

Cardamon Hill, Monty's Star

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €30.70
Straight Forecast €28.76
Trifecta €182.70

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

Embassy Gardens

SPOTLIGHT:

Madmansgame

TOPSPEED:

Transmission

The Irish Sun:

Good Land

POSTDATA:

Embassy Gardens