February 26 / 16.40 Naas

16.40

Yielding

Spring Festival Trials At Naas Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £8353.98
  • 1m 7f 109y
  • 19 runners
RTV
View Course
Spring Festival Trials At Naas Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £26.50
  • Place: £3.50

Form: -00113 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Scored in a pair of handicap hurdles within four days after Christmas at Limerick and Punchestown; another solid effort when third off a 15lb higher mark at the latter venue last month; up another 1lb here and has run well on goodish ground before; leading chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

25th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:35 Listowel

Little Mixup

11st 5lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Has won four times over hurdles but chasing didn't go well a year ago and has mostly struggled back over hurdles.

33/1

7th

9

17th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Wexford

Little Mixup

10st 11lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Four-time winner over hurdles but very much out of form this winter after unhappy spell over fences in early autumn; hard to support at present.

40/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.80

Form: 123/12 D BF

Last run: 80 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Won and second in a pair of sellers in England for Charles Byrnes; down the field on his stable debut in a Dundalk handicap last month; chance on his best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

19th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 165y

14:46 Downpatrick

Wajaaha

11st 4lb

J: Anna McGuinness

T: Patrick J McKenna

Three hurdle wins; best effort this season was when just denied over fences at this track in July; not as good since and questions after being pulled-up on last two hurdle starts.

20/1

6

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 165y

17:28 Downpatrick

Wajaaha

11st 2lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Patrick J McKenna

Pushed Lakefield Flyer all the way over 2m3f here last month but has since pulled up over hurdles at Galway and finished last of the four in a beginners chase; did face a tough task last time and this is more realistic.

10/1

5

15th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:00 Tramore

Wajaaha

10st 12lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Patrick J McKenna

Maiden chaser last won in November 2022; went close in a handicap chase at Downpatrick last month off 104; pulled up over hurdles at Galway latest; likely up against it in this company.

25/1

OUR TIP

5/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 1UP415 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Took advantage of a good handicap mark to win handicap hurdles at Clonmel and Thurles; good effort when not getting much luck in running in the Liffey hurdle last time; leading player here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22th

18

30th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

15:05 Fairyhouse

Hey Johnny

10st 7lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Thomas Mullins

midfield

100/1

22th

18

30th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

15:05 Fairyhouse

Hey Johnny

10st 7lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Thomas Mullins

midfield

100/1

12th

3

3rd Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 60y

13:10 Cork

Hey Johnny

11st 10lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Thomas Mullins

midfield

33/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 38-112 D BF

Last run: 69 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper winner including on seasonal return at Down Royal last month before making successful switch to hurdles to land long odds in modest 6-runner 2m Ayr novices' event later in month, jumping soundly and winning with plenty in hand; unexposed and could be very capable off this mark; dangerous to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Carnfunnock

12st 0lb

J: Sophie Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Two-time hurdles winner, rated 126 over fences, 3m his best trip, this too sharp.

10/1

10th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Carnfunnock

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Ran well for a 100-1 shot in this last year (sixth), doing best work late on; that was also the case when only 6l off Its On The Line at Down Royal over Christmas and, like last year, he arrives here after winning a point; cheekpieces offered nothing when tried once before (hurdles); place squeak.

33/1

2

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Carnfunnock

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

midfield

10/1

Form: 1000-P D

Last run: 212 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner for Willie Mullins last season; ran okay in the County Hurdle but his form fell away after that; back now with his original trainer; best watched after seven months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

16th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 119y

14:05 Naas

Tempo Chapter Two

11st 5lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Paul W Flynn

Winner of two bumpers and a novice hurdle during his time with Willie Mullins; has deteriorated sharply and has failed to show anything like his best form in two runs for this stable

25/1

6th

8

16th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 119y

14:05 Naas

Tempo Chapter Two

11st 5lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Paul W Flynn

Winner of two bumpers and a novice hurdle during his time with Willie Mullins; has deteriorated sharply and has failed to show anything like his best form in two runs for this stable

25/1

Form: 03-042 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Gradually getting the hang of things handicapping; just failed to get up in a C&D handicap last month; up 4lb for that but likely to still be progressive and one of the ones to beat here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

16

1st Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Neveradullmoment

11st 1lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: J P Dempsey

Galway specialist with all three wins having come at the track; back-to-back winner over hurdles and fences here last term at 2m and 2m6f on soft and good to yielding; well beaten in two starts in May in Punchestown and Ballinrobe; he's up 12lb since his chase win last season, but he loves this place.

11/1

15

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 72y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Neveradullmoment

11st 0lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: J P Dempsey

1-13 over fences; won back to back races at Galway last August-September including a chase (22.5f, gd-yld) off 113; well-beaten off this mark on return from six months off when behind a couple of these at Punchestown; others make more appeal.

28/1

Form: 1U1P-0

Last run: 119 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Dual winner in France but soundly beaten on both starts in Ireland; hood and tongue-tie tried here; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Garrybello

11st 6lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Thomas Cooper

Two hurdle wins came in France early in his career; placed on the Flat on sole outing in 2025; struggled over hurdles at Thurles in January.

33/1

12th

7

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

1m 7f 168y

13:40 Thurles

Garrybello

11st 3lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Thomas Cooper

Dual French hurdles winner showed some ability in his AW starts but just a moderate run back from a break at Killarney in July when a distant third; back over hurdles now with another break to overcome; interesting that Jack Kennedy rides as he is 1-1 for this trainer.

10/1

Form: 60/903 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Off the track for over two years and came back to some sort of form when a staying-on third to Hey Johnny at Thurles; could be better to come from him and could well get involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Sacchoandvanzetti

11st 13lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

In good form when last in action, coming from off the pace to score at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) just over one year ago, but has fitness to prove here.

12/1

1st

3

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

19:40 Stratford

Sacchoandvanzetti

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Both hurdle wins in Ireland during 2019; thereabouts in handicaps at 2m and 2m4f for this yard in the second half of 2023 and was still travelling well enough when falling three out at Hereford (2m3f, good) this May; unproven beyond 2m4f but has the ability to figure; one of two runners for the stable.

12/1

Form: 4P-854 D

Last run: 70 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Dual winner over hurdles for Joseph O'Brien; best run for a while when a close fourth in a handicap hurdle at Thurles in December; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

19th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 7f 110y

17:30 Tramore

Cerberus

11st 12lb

J: James Smith

T: William Coleman O’Brien

Two wins over hurdles in 2019 but nothing since and his recent Cork fourth (2m1f, yielding) was a pretty remote one; 10lb higher mark in this sphere and others make more appeal.

11/1

4th

9

19th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 20y

15:00 Cork

Cerberus

11st 6lb

J: James Smith

T: William Coleman O’Brien

Veteran has a record of 2-26 over hurdles; lost his way for John Hayes in 2024; no run under rules for 615 days; never a factor in two point starts in November; new trainer.

20/1

12th

3

12th Jul 2024

Good

3m 0f 180y

19:20 Kilbeggan

Cerberus

12st 0lb

J: Mr R W Barron

T: John G Hayes

Once a useful sort but has been soundly beaten when last seen over hurdles and also on the Flat recently; others appeal more.

28/1

Form: 827371 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 0lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Not the most consistent performer but came good in a 2m1f handicap hurdle at Down Royal last month; up 5lb for that and not without a chance if she can repeat it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 194y

15:10 Sligo

Karens Gift

10st 12lb

J: James O’Sullivan

T: P J Rothwell

Landed a mares' handicap hurdle at Down Royal in January; mostly campaigned over fences since; returns to hurdles after pulling up in a handicap chase at Tramore last month; others preferred.

14/1

6

2nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 7f 50y

17:50 Tramore

Karens Gift

10st 0lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Point/hurdle winner; made mistakes on chase debut but was better here last time (2m5f) when beaten under 5l; this shorter trip is no hardship.

8/1

Form: P-P5P4

Last run: 61 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Winner for the Byrnes stable; had lost his way somewhat before a respectable effort on his stable debut at Limerick in December; more needed here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

9

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:25 Cork

One For Joe

11st 11lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

prominent, soon raced in second

33/1

11th

17

26th Feb 2023

Yielding

1m 7f 109y

16:40 Naas

One For Joe

10st 5lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Winner for the Byrnes stable; had lost his way somewhat before a respectable effort on his stable debut at Limerick in December; more needed here.

33/1

4th

5

27th Dec 2022

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

14:39 Limerick

One For Joe

11st 7lb

J: Miss T Quail

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

raced in second, ridden after 2 out, soon no chance with winner, lost second when blundered last, soon no extra

20/1

Form: 332250 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
In good form without winning since returning from a year's absence 11 months ago; below par effort in a competitive Punchestown contest in December; cheekpieces tried here; ground versatile and not one to rule out at her best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

9th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

16:05 Cork

Blanketontheground

10st 3lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

midfield, headway after 4 out

16/1

12th

7

26th Feb 2023

Yielding

1m 7f 109y

16:40 Naas

Blanketontheground

11st 4lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

In good form without winning since returning from a year's absence 11 months ago; below par effort in a competitive Punchestown contest in December; cheekpieces tried here; ground versatile and not one to rule out at her best.

14/1

14th

10

31st Dec 2022

Soft

2m 3f 120y

14:32 Punchestown

Blanketontheground

10st 8lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

No match for Clifton Warrior at Clonmel but she does have a pull in the weights with that one and probably performed to a similar level at Thurles; consistent mare who should give her running but probably vulnerable.

12/1

40/1

Form: 21-0P D

Last run: 156 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner for Joseph O'Brien in 2021; no show in two runs for Tony Martin and can be troublesome at the start; best watched on first run since September.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(4)

22nd Dec 2023

Standard

2m 0f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Vultan

10st 2lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: A J Martin

Hasn't won on the Flat since a 1m4f success on turf back in 2021; ran okay over 1m4f here a fortnight ago on all-weather debut and well worth another go at this trip.

12/1

4th

6

(2)

8th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Vultan

8st 7lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: A J Martin

Useful handicapper on turf in 2021 when he also won over hurdles; unable to make much impact under either code this year and now makes AW debut.

12/1

Form: 14-140 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Up 11lb for beating today's rival Blanketontheground in a Galway handicap hurdle in October; mid-division but not disgraced in the Liffey Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown; might need to come down a little in the handicap but should be competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Fortunedefortunata

12st 0lb

J: Jack Power

T: Patrick Morris

Had smart form when with Gordon Elliott before losing his way and selling for £3,000; fell midrace on stable debut but, with the cheekpieces back on, he outran odds of 100-1 to finish a fairly close third at Haydock (3m4f, good); if as good again here then he could have some say.

20/1

3rd

2

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Fortunedefortunata

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Patrick Morris

Mostly campaigned in competitive staying chases when with Gordon Elliott and did not accomplish much this season; £3,000 buy in February but fell mid-race here 11 days ago on debut for new yard; cheekpieces (tried once) return; major questions to answer.

66/1

Form: 11-P00 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Off for over a year after winning a Tramore handicap hurdle in October 2021; nothing to recommend since and makes no appeal on recent evidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

1st Jun 2024

Soft

2m 0f 50y

18:55 Tramore

Coolnacritta

11st 12lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: G Ahern

midfield

22/1

11th

9

15th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

19:00 Tipperary

Coolnacritta

11st 7lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: G Ahern

Three-time winner over flights but totally out of form when last seen and best watched after 15 months off; debuts for new yard.

50/1

11th

9

15th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

19:00 Tipperary

Coolnacritta

11st 7lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: G Ahern

Three-time winner over flights but totally out of form when last seen and best watched after 15 months off; debuts for new yard.

50/1

Form: 8-12B BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

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

2nd

1

17th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 140y

16:12 Down Royal

Spirit Of Legend

11st 11lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Henry De Bromhead

Hurdles winner is 0-7 chasing, having failed to complete on three of those; still not a fluent jumper although penultimate Fairyhouse effort was a solid one; hard to be confident in.

9/2

8th

1

11th Jan 2025

2m 5f 203y

14:51 Fairyhouse

Spirit Of Legend

12st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Henry De Bromhead

held up in rear

16/1

8th

1

11th Jan 2025

2m 5f 203y

14:51 Fairyhouse

Spirit Of Legend

12st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Henry De Bromhead

held up in rear

16/1

Form: 42P10- CD

Last run: 348 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Decent juvenile hurdler last season for Joseph O'Brien, winning a maiden hurdle here and not disgraced in the Boodles at Chaltenham; not seen since then and debuting for Padrag Roche here; market may provide the best guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

10th Feb 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 175y

15:05 Naas

Champion Green

12st 0lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Padraig Roche

Decent juvenile hurdler two years ago, winning his maiden here; having just his fourth run in two years and ran better than his finishing position over 2m2f hare last time; cannot be dismissed could be a big player off this mark in such a weak contest.

7/2

10th

2

28th Jan 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 2f 116y

15:45 Naas

Champion Green

11st 7lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Padraig Roche

prominent, soon went second, lost second halfway

20/1

13th

5

2nd Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 165y

15:10 Fairyhouse

Champion Green

11st 8lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Padraig Roche

Won maiden hurdle at Navan two seasons ago; came down on only start last season when beaten and off another 279 days.

25/1

Form: 780680 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Form has been in decline since winning a C&D handicap hurdle on goodish ground 13 months ago; 3lb below that winning mark now but hard to fancy on recent evidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

23rd Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

14:15 Wincanton

Bigz Belief

10st 4lb

J: Tpr Elizabeth Feakes

T: Fergal O’Brien

Best of three hurdle runs for new stable this season when second of five in soft-ground Leicester seller (2m4f) in December; reverts to this code after going close off his basement Flat mark three weeks ago but others have more compelling claims; first ride under rules for Elizabeth Feakes.

6/1

2nd

8

(2)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bigz Belief

8st 10lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Fergal O’Brien

This season's hurdling form for Fergal O'Brien was uninspiring and he was safely held when fourth in C&D classified race on Flat return in January; difficult to enthuse over.

14/1

4th

1

(6)

26th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bigz Belief

9st 9lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Triple hurdle winner but his last success was in 2023 and he was well held at Taunton last Saturday; now returns to the Flat for the first time in 16 months and he's 1-24 in this sphere; opposable.

12/1

Form: 4-0000

Last run: 60 days

W: 10st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Very well treated on his form from 18 months ago but seems to have completely lost his way at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

1st Sep 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:05 Down Royal

Roi De Dubai

11st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: John C McConnell

2m4f winner here in the past but hasn't win in two years, surprising co-favourite at Bellewstown last time; declining mark and latest support suggests some think he's capable of exploiting it.

10/1

8th

9

8th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

19:30 Bellewstown

Roi De Dubai

11st 9lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Mark continues to fall but for good reason on the evidence of his recent efforts.

14/1

12th

10

19th May 2023

Good

2m 2f 165y

17:30 Downpatrick

Roi De Dubai

11st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: John C McConnell

Course winner has been soundly beaten the last twice and has to show more even though his mark has dropped plenty.

20/1

Non-runners

Spirit Of Legend

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €563.60
Straight Forecast €792.38
Tricast €5250.64
Trifecta €0.00

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

Spirit Of Legend

The Irish Sun:

Fortunedefortunata

SPOTLIGHT:

Hey Johnny

TOPSPEED:

Tempo Chapter Two

POSTDATA:

Spirit Of Legend