March 09 / 15.40 Thurles

15.40

Good

Killinan Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5221.24
  • 2m 0f 98y
  • 19 runners
RTV
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Killinan Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain and snow

Form: 4-09F

Last run: 91 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Maiden showed improvement on returning in November, midfield in good-class Navan maiden and disputing third when fell last in much weaker Clonmel contest; could have more to offer now entering handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

21st Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 1f 93y

17:38 Sligo

Benjis Benefit

12st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won over hurdles at Down Royal in May but not as good at Punchestown after off this mark; three solid Flat runs in defeat since; has a shout with cheekpieces tried.

6/1

Form: 7307P2

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Went close in good ground handicap hurdles last spring and much improved on previous efforts back on better ground over C&D last month, despite taking keen hold under inexperienced claiming lady rider only collared after mistake last by Port Rashid and rallying well; 2lb better off with that rival here and every chance of turning the tables.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

26th May 2023

Good

2m 6f 0y

19:45 Limerick

Dylan Lombardy

11st 5lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Maiden whose best runs have been on decent ground, including second in Thurles ladies handicap in February; chase effort latest was disappointing but respected back hurdling with ground to suit although untried over this far; non-runner here yesterday (7.00).

8/1

17

25th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 160y

19:00 Limerick

Dylan Lombardy

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Half-brother to Noble Yeats; failed to feature in his first handicap chase at Kilbeggan; placed in four of his 14 starts over hurdles, so should be capable of better; first reserve.

8th

10

21st Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:40 Kilbeggan

Dylan Lombardy

10st 12lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

towards rear

10/1

Form: 060P38

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Flat winner in France and standout run for current yard when placed in Down Royal handicap over Christmas on soft; never landed a blow in similar contest following month however; interesting to see how she fares on this better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(1)

28th Jul 2023

Yielding To Soft

1m 4f 175y

20:00 Down Royal

Galactica

10st 0lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Gavin Cromwell

towards rear, dropped to rear halfway

16/1

11th

4

(1)

12th Jul 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Galactica

9st 13lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual turf winner ran well on AW in France back in 2021; mostly over hurdles for this yard but has to improve a bit on recent Flat efforts; hood tried.

11/1

6th

7

(9)

24th Jun 2023

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 75y

15:45 Down Royal

Galactica

8st 7lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Gavin Cromwell

took keen hold, midfield

7/1

Form: 667-31 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 12lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Veteran has returned from long absence in fine form, most recently notching second C&D win in three years when getting up late to beat Dylan Lombardy in ladies handicap last month on good; meets that rival on 2lb worse terms here so could struggle to confirm the form but major contender nonetheless.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

9th Oct 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:40 Tramore

Port Rashid

10st 8lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: Timothy Townend

Veteran has bagged two of his four wins under rules at this track but was pulled up when last seen at Fairyhouse in December and is entitled to need this after 299-days off.

16/1

11

14th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:47 Fairyhouse

Port Rashid

10st 10lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: Timothy Townend

Stayed on nicely for fourth at Tramore in May but entitled to need this after 197 days off; engaged at Cork Friday.

12/1

Form: -9U069 BF

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Just fair form since entering handicaps, showing some degree of promise at Cork but very disappointing well-backed favourite at Clonmel last time on heavy ground; return to better could suit and not one to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

15th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 110y

14:35 Punchestown

Gwan Tadhg

11st 10lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: E J O’Grady

midfield, outpaced 5th, dropped to rear after 3 out

15/2

11th

4

15th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 110y

14:35 Punchestown

Gwan Tadhg

11st 10lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: E J O’Grady

midfield

15/2

3rd

2

31st May 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

18:50 Tramore

Gwan Tadhg

11st 13lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: E J O’Grady

In fine form last last summer, winning at Downpatrick (twice) and Bellewstown on good/soft; absent since November but runs well fresh; career-best needed off this mark.

10/1

Form: 062575

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Pick of form when second in Clonmel handicap in December (soft-to-heavy) off today's mark; ran okay in similar contest last month in first-time tongue tie but more needed to play a major role here; encounters much better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

16:42 Wexford

Warm In Gorey

10st 12lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Three-time winner over hurdles; totally out of form over fences, pulled up on last three starts; blinkers tried now; main positive is that he has often run well at this venue, placed four times from seven visits, including twice last summer.

8/1

6

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:08 Wexford

Warm In Gorey

11st 6lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Three-time winner over hurdles, 0-17 chasing but C&D second last summer off 5lb higher; has failed to complete last three outings so very hard to be confident in.

14/1

12

5th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 110y

14:58 Thurles

Warm In Gorey

10st 10lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Three-time winner over hurdles, 0-16 over fences, placed seven times; confidence possibly dented after two failures to complete.

12/1

Form: 66856

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Showed ability in maidens but opening two handicap runs a bit underwhelming, never really travelling at Clonmel last time when tongue tie tried (left off here); has raced only on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:50 Cork

Mahlers Cove

11st 9lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: James Joseph Mangan

1-11 over hurdles; has run well on soft ground in two of his last three starts; 3lb rise for 7l second on latest at Naas seems harsh; trip and ground fine though and he has place claims again.

17/2

12th

3

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:50 Cork

Mahlers Cove

11st 9lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: James Joseph Mangan

1-11 over hurdles; has run well on soft ground in two of his last three starts; 3lb rise for 7l second on latest at Naas seems harsh; trip and ground fine though and he has place claims again.

17/2

2nd

8

9th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 0f 7y

15:10 Naas

Mahlers Cove

11st 6lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: James Joseph Mangan

Sole win came over hurdles at Thurles in March 2023; last three runs have been over fences; second at Punchestown on penultimate start, but beaten 10l.

12/1

Form: 800PP2

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Dual Flat winner in France who put behind her some modest handicap hurdle form with much improved second at Limerick last time under a positive ride in first-time tongue tie; 2lb higher and has her chance if handling this quicker ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

14th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Tramore

Pidoyne

10st 13lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Career best to win at Roscommon last summer from 6lb lower before lesser run at this track; low-key Flat return at Limerick in June; needs more to win this.

13/1

Form: -P6703 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won at Naas this time last year (good-to-yielding) and having been out of form in first half of this season much more encouraging run at Clonmel last month after a short break, albeit beaten a long way in third after forcing it; down to a nice mark and not one to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

23rd Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 205y

14:52 Clonmel

Flashthelights

11st 13lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Won twice on good ground last year, at Punchestown and Wexford; a long way best in two 2025 outings, five months apart; may do better now.

7/1

5

10th Oct 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 65y

15:23 Downpatrick

Flashthelights

11st 4lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Noel C Kelly

One of three for yard; has won three over timber but tailed off in his last couple of starts and needs the ground to dry out to see him at his best.

15/1

Form: 80P00

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Modest form in maidens but not beaten far in mid-field at Punchestown in her first handicap; open to improvement and yard going really well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

13th Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 170y

17:35 Downpatrick

Kanors Girl

10st 13lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Has been regressive in handicaps and well beaten at Limerick plus over C&D latest; others much more likely.

33/1

11th

10

17th Jun 2023

Good

2m 5f 60y

14:55 Downpatrick

Kanors Girl

11st 5lb

J: Mr J P Sutton

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

towards rear of midfield

12/1

6th

14

26th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

18:15 Limerick

Kanors Girl

11st 2lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

midfield

25/1

Form: 400068

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Showed ability once in a Tramore bumper but was poor in maiden hurdles and has looked a weak finisher in both handicaps on much softer ground; quicker conditions here may suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

26th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

18:45 Limerick

Ramble On Muller

11st 2lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: P A Fahy

Ran well for a long way in a Punchestown handicap hurdle in December but well beaten since; not a forlorn hope but others more likely.

14/1

12

13th Mar 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 98y

15:05 Thurles

Ramble On Muller

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: P A Fahy

Showed ability once in a Tramore bumper but was poor in maiden hurdles and has looked a weak finisher in both handicaps on much softer ground; quicker conditions here may suit.

14/1

Abandoned

Form: P0-880

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Moderate form and last of 18 on C&D return last month behind Port Rashid so very hard to have confidence in, although beaten favourite on penultimate so may be capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:05 Downpatrick

Katzoff

10st 0lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Maiden under all codes but did run well enough over hurdles on debut for this yard last time; needs to build on that from 5lb out of the handicap.

10/1

2nd

16

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 216y

18:12 Clonmel

Katzoff

10st 0lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

0-18 over hurdles, placed once; unplaced in eight runs over fences

14/1

18

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 80y

14:30 Thurles

Katzoff

10st 0lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: J Morrison

0-18 over hurdles, placed once; unplaced in eight runs over fences, 5lb out of the handicap here; second reserve.

Form: 6P98FP

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Mostly modest form for Paul Nolan although still in with a shout when faller at Tramore on penultimate; first start for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

14:48 Kelso

Mullins Cross

10st 11lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

2-42 when trained in Ireland; respectable fourth under Ben Smith at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) in February was easily the best of her four races for new yard; 7lb lower today but she probably can't be relied upon.

10/1

6

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

14:48 Kelso

Mullins Cross

10st 11lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

2-42 when trained in Ireland; respectable fourth under Ben Smith at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) in February was easily the best of her four races for new yard; 7lb lower today but she probably can't be relied upon.

10/1

7th

9

23rd Mar 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Carlisle

Mullins Cross

10st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: R Mike Smith

held up in last

14/1

Form: -008P0

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Has yet to show any ability, tailed off at Clonmel last month; very hard to make a case for.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

10

16th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 172y

14:47 Thurles

Hollow Spark

11st 0lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: James M Barcoe

Off the mark in a Gowran handicap hurdle in October last year (2m, good); has been disappointing in four runs since, evenly spread between Flat and hurdles; reported to have burst a blood vessel at Cork in August when pulled up; remains 4lb above last winning mark.

22/1

13

4th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 20y

14:30 Cork

Hollow Spark

10st 13lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: James M Barcoe

Handicap hurdle winner at a modest level at Gowran last October; only 4lb higher now and no fitness doubts having had two runs in Flat maidens this summer.

8/1

5

(4)

8th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:50 Tramore

Hollow Spark

9st 4lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: James M Barcoe

Handicap hurdle winner at a modest level last October; no show on rare Flat outing in good-class Leopardstown amateur maiden last month; of limited appeal.

20/1

Form: P38P00

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Poor form in maidens and handicaps; impossible to make a case for.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

20:00 Down Royal

One More Lass

11st 5lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: Ms M Flynn

15-race maiden; arrives in poor form and was tailed off at Limerick last week; stamina to prove at this trip; wears first-time tongue-tie.

50/1

11th

16

26th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

18:45 Limerick

One More Lass

10st 13lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ms M Flynn

Her third at Thurles in March was remote and she's finished tailed off in her two runs since; others preferred

33/1

17

23rd May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 80y

17:20 Punchestown

One More Lass

10st 13lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ms M Flynn

First reserve; her third at Thurles in March was remote and she's finished tailed off in her two runs since.

Abandoned

Form: 7-00P0

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Poor performer, tailed off from this basement mark at Clonmel last time; easily overlooked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(1)

17th Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 80y

20:00 Tramore

War Thunder

9st 3lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Paul W Flynn

prominent early, soon dropped to midfield

16/1

13th

12

(4)

7th Aug 2024

Yielding

1m 5f 98y

20:02 Sligo

War Thunder

9st 3lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Paul W Flynn

prominent, disputing second halfway

12/1

6th

14

(8)

17th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:05 Gowran Park

War Thunder

9st 0lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Paul W Flynn

Having first run for this yard when winning a 1m5f handicap at Sligo (yielding to soft) in May but this looks a better race and he's struggled under both codes since; tongue-tie added.

10/1

Form: 904F10 C BF

Last run: 4 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
First reserve; off the mark over fences here last month (good-to-yielding) but never counted on follow-up bid at Wexford on Sunday when favourite; 0-20 hurdling but not one to rule out if getting a run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

15

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 216y

18:12 Clonmel

Added Bonus

10st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Veteran showed that he retains some ability when fourth in a 2m3f handicap here last month; however, that was his first time to make the frame since a Naas second in December 2024.

10/1

4th

16

26th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 2f 188y

17:42 Clonmel

Added Bonus

10st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Veteran has won twice over fences at Thurles; however, he has failed to make the frame in 15 consecutive starts since a Naas second in December 2024.

33/1

Abandoned

Form: 9/0559

Last run: 126 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; 25-race maiden under all codes, let down by jumping over C&D when last seen in November; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

30th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 150y

16:00 Thurles

Nusra

10st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: G Ahern

Three-time Flat winner; two decent handicap hurdle runs in April (third at Limerick, second at Tramore) imply a definite chance; however, she has been off since a below-par Tipperary run in May.

10/1

13

30th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 150y

16:00 Thurles

Nusra

10st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: G Ahern

Three-time Flat winner; two decent handicap hurdle runs in April (third at Limerick, second at Tramore) imply a definite chance; however, she has been off since a below-par Tipperary run in May.

10/1

7th

12

14th May 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

18:20 Tipperary

Nusra

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: G Ahern

Three-time Flat winner; now more mature than when obtaining initial hurdles experience early in her career; beaten 10l when second at Tramore a month ago but one of the more appealing runners.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 99800-

Last run: 528 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; opening handicap form in 2021 poor; long absent and best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 157y

16:43 Limerick

Prince Of Air

12st 0lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: David O’Sullivan

Hurdles and three-time chase winner; best form at Tramore; was demoted from first in Killarney chase last summer; never sighted in first three starts for this yard; blinkers go on now.

16/1

11th

11

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 80y

17:42 Tramore

Prince Of Air

11st 2lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: David O’Sullivan

One hurdle and two chase wins at this venue; was demoted from first in a Killarney chase last autumn; has a chance if back to form after two poor chase efforts for this new yard.

9/2

6th

9

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 45y

14:25 Cork

Prince Of Air

10st 0lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: David O’Sullivan

Likes a sharp 2m and good ground; first past the post against useful rival at Killarney in October and better for recent comeback; 2lb wrong and ground may not be dry enough.

20/1

Verdict

On 2lb better terms DYLAN LOMBARDY is taken to reverse a narrow C&D defeat by Port Rashid last month. Pidoyne is another to consider, while Gwan Tadhg is a potential improver now on better ground. [Alan Hewison]

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

Warm In Gorey

POSTDATA:

Pidoyne

SPOTLIGHT:

Dylan Lombardy

The Irish Sun:

Warm In Gorey