January 28 / 15.21 Fairyhouse

15.21

Soft

Book Tickets Online @ fairyhouse.ie Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6265.49
  • 2m 4f 93y
  • 15 runners
RTV
View Course
Book Tickets Online @ fairyhouse.ie Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.80
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 706

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Navan sixth was a massive improvement from his previous Naas run; place possibility if building on that run, though hard to be sure if he is worthy of an initial rating of 102, which would be typically good enough to give a horse a good chance in a race like this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

13th Oct 2026

Good

2m 7f 95y

14:45 Punchestown

Buddy One

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Talented in his prime; however, last hurdles success was in November 2023; decent chaser, but sole win was in a three-runner event two seasons ago; won a Flat maiden last year; not disgraced in the Galway Plate; fair third in a conditions hurdle at Galway last month; once rated in the 150s; current 139 mark gives him a good chance in theory.

2/1

3rd

3

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 5f 129y

17:09 Galway

Buddy One

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Very talented over hurdles in his pomp but hasn't won over timber since November 2023; not disgraced in the Plate here back in July but needs to rediscover his best now returned to hurdling.

8/1

8th

15

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Buddy One

10st 13lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Smart staying hurdler/chaser who made a mistake at the wrong time when beaten about 18l in this 12 months ago when 5lb higher; failed to threaten afterwards in both disciplines, and again in a recent run on the Flat; others appeal more.

25/1

4/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 095

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Mid-division on his first two starts; took a step in the right direction when a staying-on fifth behind three-time bumper winner Hunters Yarn in a 25-runner maiden over 2m at Naas; good chance over a longer trip in a race of this modest standard.
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

5/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 58-65

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Fair hurdling debut when a staying-on to sixth of 23 over 2m at Cork in November; capable of making his presence felt at this level on the evidence of Leopardstown fifth; first runner for trainer who has taken over from his much-respected late father.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

17th Oct 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 2

15:37 Newton Abbot

El Capitaine

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Kayley Woollacott

Prolific pointer (7-8 strike-rate) who won twice under rules last season, latterly on chase debut at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in March; not favoured by these weights and has fitness to prove after seven-month break but should be fine on the faster ground.

13/2

1st

2

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

El Capitaine

11st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Kayley Woollacott

Only 1-10 over hurdles, the win coming over 2m5f at Newton Abbot in October (good to soft; 7lb lower); two further good runs afterwards before finishing tailed off the last time; a record of 7-8 in points bodes well for this switch to fences.

7/2

Form: 0658

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Did not make much impression in four bumper runs, the latest at this venue; may improve for switch to hurdling and longer trip; senior rider aboard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

25th Apr 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 100y

18:22 Wexford

Soldaro

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

towards rear early, midfield when not fluent 6th

9/1

2nd

8

25th Apr 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 100y

18:22 Wexford

Soldaro

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

towards rear

9/1

Form: 885

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 47-4P4

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Ran twice in bumpers for Nicky Henderson; well beaten in fourth at Thurles on Irish/hurdling debut; pulled-up at Limerick; may be starting to get the hang of things judged on his Clonmel fourth 11 days ago
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

24th Mar 2026

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 4

14:00 Southwell

I Am Rocco

11st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Caroline Fryer

Running well until blowing out on his final run in November but remains a maiden and he's debuting for a new yard after 131 days off.

10/1

Form: 7-07F

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Beginning to weaken after prominent run when falling at second-last in a 2m maiden at Cork three weeks ago; in-form Cian Quirke takes off 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

16

11th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 48y

18:40 Ballinrobe

Roccabaker

10st 6lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: David Harry Kelly

Sole win came in 2m6f Tramore handicap hurdle on New Year's Day (soft), absent since well held at same venue in April in first-time cheekpieces (now left off); chase debut and probably wants it softer.

16/1

7th

6

19th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

15:53 Tramore

Roccabaker

11st 6lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: David Harry Kelly

Breakthrough win came here on New Year's Day (2m6f, soft) off 85 and ran well off 9lb higher at Punchestown later same month; both runs since leave her with a fair bit to find and cheekpieces now added to usual tongue-tie.

10/1

Form: 0-80

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Put in an improved round of jumping at Punchestown, more likely a handicap prospect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:35 Tipperary

Away To Milan

11st 5lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Promising third on November's return but lost his way since; now tried with cheekpieces and looks opposable.

33/1

Form: 95-P60

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Nondescript bumper form; had plenty of horses behind her when sixth on hurdling debut at Naas; failed to match that form at Clonmel 11 days ago; riding plans now suggest a stable preference for Malton Groove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 170y

17:35 Downpatrick

Cool Croi

11st 11lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Best effort came when third in a Perth novice handicap over 3m but was disappointing back at that track since; has a squeak if bouncing back.

13/2

6th

2

24th Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:17 Perth

Cool Croi

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

0-5 over hurdles but bettered her low-key handicap debut (2m1f) when close third of six over C&D (good) last month; remains very unexposed over this sort of trip and might be seen to better effect if today's race is run at a stronger pace.

15/8

3rd

1

17th May 2023

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

19:00 Perth

Cool Croi

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

held up in last

3/1

Form: 0670

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Not enough in his bumper or hurdles form to suggest he can play a leading part.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

5th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

15:20 Sedgefield

Ask Bob

11st 0lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Andrew Crook

Ex-Irish maiden who has struggled on all three hurdling starts (2m-2m7f) for Andrew Crook this year; has too much to prove on this chasing debut.

33/1

8

5th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

15:20 Sedgefield

Ask Bob

11st 0lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Andrew Crook

Ex-Irish maiden who has struggled on all three hurdling starts (2m-2m7f) for Andrew Crook this year; has too much to prove on this chasing debut.

33/1

9th

7

15th Oct 2024

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

15:35 Market Rasen

Ask Bob

11st 3lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Andrew Crook

towards rear

50/1

Form: 85704

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Limerick fourth was his best effort yet, needs to find a bit extra in order to feature now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

19

11th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 48y

18:40 Ballinrobe

Coole Vision

10st 0lb

T: Norman Lee

Third reserve; returned from almost three years off when pulled up in a point in February and both handicap hurdle runs since modest; hard to fancy on chase debut from 9lb out of handicap.

14th

12

21st Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 41y

19:09 Ballinrobe

Coole Vision

10st 6lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Norman Lee

Returned from almost three years off when pulled up in a point in February; weakened to finish tenth of 16 at Sligo six weeks ago on his first hurdles start since 2023.

25/1

20/1

Form: 0-007

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Struggled on stable/hurdling debut at Cork; had plenty of horses behind when remote seventh behind the smart Impaire Et Passe at Naas, but is held by fifth-placed Jane Wild on that running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

8

28th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 40y

19:18 Bellewstown

Neevs Dream

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Treacy

T: David Harry Kelly

Unplaced joint-favourite for a division of this race last year during her time with Tom Gibney; pulled up at Wexford (Grizabella fourth) on her first run for Harry Kelly.

10/1

6

7th Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 160y

17:15 Wexford

Neevs Dream

11st 6lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: David Harry Kelly

Ran some decent races without really threatening the judge for Tom Gibney; good effort when beaten 5.75L off 89 at Wexford over 2m in March 2023 and 3lb lower now; back from almost a year off; could go well if fit on first run for new yard; wears usual tongue tie.

10/1

5th

7

30th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 37y

18:40 Bellewstown

Neevs Dream

11st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

towards rear of midfield, mistake 4 out, headway 3 out, no impression after 2 out

9/1

Form: 0688

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Two mid-field Cork runs were not without merit; however, may need to qualify for a handicap mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 176y

18:18 Limerick

Carlas Big Jim

10st 0lb

J: G B Noonan

T: L J Archdeacon

Two hurdle wins arrived in 2024 on heavy ground; beaten 27l over fences at Clonmel (2m7f, soft) in April, but he was only 2l down when falling at the second last hurdle here (2m4f, soft to heavy) later that month; 3lb wrong.

10/1

16

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 60y

15:55 Limerick

Carlas Big Jim

10st 11lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: L J Archdeacon

Dual-winning hurdler has largely struggled this term and was pushed along vigorously over fences on latest at Clonmel; Jack Kennedy has been booked though, so he's worth a market check.

14/1

Form: 005

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Improved on previous form when fifth at Tramore at the beginning of the month; a lot more needed in order to win a race; cheekpieces on now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

8th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 100y

19:48 Wexford

Duncarrig

11st 5lb

J: Shaun Greene

T: James M Barrett

On a winless run since September 2023; finished 2024 out of form; new headgear combination needs to revive on first run for 307 days.

20/1

9th

9

5th Oct 2024

Good

2m 2f 0y

17:25 Gowran Park

Duncarrig

11st 7lb

J: Shaun Greene

T: James M Barrett

Won a Navan handicap hurdle last year for Tony Mullins; needs to bounce back from a poor run in a Killarney handicap hurdle in August; has run terribly in three starts over fences.

33/1

15th

8

24th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 50y

14:30 Killarney

Duncarrig

11st 10lb

J: Shaun Greene

T: James M Barrett

towards rear throughout, detached from 4 out, eased approaching last

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 8-4P

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Flopped here last time after an early mistake; 3-1 chance then, much better judged on previous Naas fourth in a race that has been well advertised by the third-placed Eabha Grace, the fifth Gaoth Cheoil and Cadatharla (seventh); should be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

30th Sep 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

16:40 Sligo

Malton Groove

10st 8lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Longstanding maiden went close at Downpatrick (23.5f, good) in June off 3lb higher; was keeping on when fell two out at Kilbeggan but hard to fancy for win purposes given his chase record of 0-24.

16/1

13

20th Aug 2026

Good

2m 7f 100y

18:45 Killarney

Malton Groove

10st 10lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Maiden in all spheres after 34 starts, but was second at Downpatrick in June off 1lb higher (3m, good); sent off favourite up in grade at Wexford next time (2m7f, good), but was a modest third; well beaten over C&D latest; others preferred.

18/1

Non-runners

Carlas Big Jim

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €96.00
Straight Forecast €63.56
Trifecta €517.30

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

El Capitaine

SPOTLIGHT:

Malton Groove

POSTDATA:

El Capitaine

The Irish Sun:

Malton Groove