May 19 / 17.00 Downpatrick

17.00

Good

Joe Rea Memorial Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5221.24
  • 2m 2f 165y
  • 16 runners
RTV
View Course
Joe Rea Memorial Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

15/8 (Won)

  • Win: £1.70
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 1O53-

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
One of three runners for yard; won a Punchestown bumper on debut before running out at Cheltenham; showed improved form back after a break when an unlucky-in-running third in Aintree Grade 2 Mares' bumper; should take high rank on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

12

1st Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 11y

17:05 Galway

Williamstowndancer

10st 9lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: W P Mullins

Unexposed mare over hurdles; warmed up for this by winning an amateur maiden at Leopardstown in June; interesting runner.

16/1

1st

15

(10)

20th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Williamstowndancer

11st 2lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway going okay over 2f out, ridden to lead when edged left inside final furlong, pushed out, comfortably

6/4

3rd

1

10th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 190y

13:27 Down Royal

Williamstowndancer

11st 3lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Bumper winner and third in an Aintree Grade 2 mares' event; won her first two races over hurdles; failed to run to expectations in Galway festival event won by stablemate Arctic Fly; recovered from that lapse to beat Bialystok and today's rival Birdie Or Bust at Tipperary, with Arctic Fly a remote fourth; strong contender.

100/30

7/2

  • Place: £1.20

Form: P4222- BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner in 2021 has run some cracking races in defeat in six hurdle tries, including when second here in April; below that level at Tramore since at 2m when 4-7fav; needs to return to previous best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

19th May 2023

Good

2m 2f 165y

17:00 Downpatrick

Smooth Player

11st 12lb

J: Mr R James

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper winner in 2021 has run some cracking races in defeat in six hurdle tries, including when second here in April; below that level at Tramore since at 2m when 4-7fav; needs to return to previous best.

7/2

2nd

2

17th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:45 Tramore

Smooth Player

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful bumper performer has stepped up a level in performance on latest two maiden hurdle runs, finishing second at Navan (2m, heavy) and chased home a warm favourite over 2m6f at Downpatrick on soft; clearly trip-versatile but this sharp 2m possibly not ideal; major player all the same.

5/4

2nd

1

2nd Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 160y

13:40 Downpatrick

Smooth Player

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Gordon Elliott

disputed lead, prominent from 2nd, went second 7th, led approaching last, soon pushed along, ridden and headed final 110yds, kept on, no match for winner

9/4

25/1

  • Place: £5.50

Form: 60-

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a point' but has been soundly beaten in a bumper and maiden hurdle, so has to find improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

19th May 2023

Good

2m 2f 165y

17:00 Downpatrick

Hilton De Chaillac

11st 4lb

J: Peter Carberry

T: Nina Walsh

Runner-up in a point' but has been soundly beaten in a bumper and maiden hurdle, so has to find improvement.

25/1

12th

7

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 0y

13:57 Naas

Hilton De Chaillac

11st 12lb

J: Peter Carberry

T: Nina Walsh

taken down early, jumped right on occasions, took keen hold, led, mistake 2nd, jumped right when clear 5th, reduced lead before 3 out, headed when bumped home turn, weakened before 2 out

12/1

6th

6

25th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

17:05 Fairyhouse

Hilton De Chaillac

12st 0lb

J: Mr T P Harney

T: Nina Walsh

First foal; dam fourth in French 2m1f hurdle only start, from the family of top chaser Gloria Victis; was a 9l runner-up in a point' last year but will have to improve on that form to play a major part.

12/1

Form: 63264-

Last run: 198 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Rated 117 over hurdles after six starts, placed twice; however, was well below form when last seen at Musselburgh and needs a return to best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell

Harel Du Marais

11st 5lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Resumed winning ways over fences at Stratford (2m1f) in March but below par both runs since, beating just one in 2m4f Warwick handicap chase last month; needs to take a big step forward back in this sphere.

14/1

7th

3

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Warwick

Harel Du Marais

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Landed his fourth win over fences at Stratford in March (2m1f, soft) but his Huntingdon third was remote and some inconsistency has crept in.

10/1

3rd

4

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

17:25 Huntingdon

Harel Du Marais

11st 6lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Back to his best after a three-month break when landing his fourth win over fences at Stratford (2m1f, soft) last month; up 5lb but recorded back-to-back victories around this time last year so not to be taken lightly.

5/2

Form: 60-

Last run: 50 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced in a bumper but beaten 42l in a maiden hurdle and has to find major improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Worcester

Boskill Borden

10st 3lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: David Rees

Twice placed in 2m4f hurdle races here last summer (good) but ended last year's campaign on a low, achieving little on October's chasing debut; can't be certain he will hit the ground running in 2026.

25/1

5

2nd Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

15:05 Southwell

Boskill Borden

11st 5lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: David Rees

Flat-bred, but one half-brother has won three chases; trail has gone cold since the summer's pair of Worcester 2m4f handicap hurdle frame finishes (good), and moderate results last time cheekpieces were tried.

16/1

Form: 2O/3-0

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Point' winner last December has shown some ability in six hurdle starts but was disappointing in handicap company last time; work to do.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

18th Jun 2023

Good

2m 1f 65y

16:05 Downpatrick

Hans Gruber

11st 10lb

J: E Walsh

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Won his sole point-to-point on returning from a year off the track; disappointing since from 2m3f to 3m and others look much more likely.

25/1

6th

7

19th May 2023

Good

2m 2f 165y

17:00 Downpatrick

Hans Gruber

11st 4lb

J: Mr J Dunne

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Point' winner last December has shown some ability in six hurdle starts but was disappointing in handicap company last time; work to do.

16/1

10th

1

11th May 2023

Soft

2m 3f 25y

19:48 Clonmel

Hans Gruber

12st 0lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Good level of maiden form for James Motherway; won point-to-point after long absence in December before decent third in 3m Cork maiden hurdle, despite taking keen hold; interesting back in trip for handicap debut.

12/1

Form: 07-

Last run: 110 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten a long way in two bumpers and can't be fancied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 5f 120y

19:30 Tramore

Myfiabellaevard

11st 5lb

J: Thomas Reilly

T: John C McConnell

Tailed off in three starts at big odds so far.

100/1

7th

12

19th May 2023

Good

2m 2f 165y

17:00 Downpatrick

Myfiabellaevard

10st 11lb

J: Thomas Reilly

T: John C McConnell

Beaten a long way in two bumpers and can't be fancied.

100/1

15

5th May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 165y

18:15 Downpatrick

Myfiabellaevard

10st 11lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: John C McConnell

Reserve; down the field in two bumpers and best watched for now.

Form: 44-

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
First reserve; third runner for yard; not disgraced on bumper debut at Leopardstown but was tailed-off at Clonmel next time; this better ground should suit but others have stronger credentials.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

13th Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 2f 165y

18:05 Downpatrick

Castlebawn North

12st 0lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: C A McBratney

led, pushed along and headed from over 3f out, soon weakened

20/1

8th

14

19th May 2023

Good

2m 2f 165y

17:00 Downpatrick

Castlebawn North

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

First reserve; third runner for yard; not disgraced on bumper debut at Leopardstown but was tailed-off at Clonmel next time; this better ground should suit but others have stronger credentials.

4th

1

21st Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 2f 112y

17:25 Clonmel

Castlebawn North

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Half-brother to bumper winner and smart chaser Castlebawn West was plenty keen for inexperienced rider on Leopardstown debut over Christmas when fourth to an odds-on stablemate; Patrick Mullins now takes over and no surprise if he improved enough to play a major role.

7/2

Form: 98-

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten in a bumper and maiden hurdle, so has to find major improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Ardad Derek

10st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Has shown little in ten starts; returned from an absence at the start of the month with a middling effort; unlikely to be involved.

33/1

15

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Ardad Derek

10st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Has shown little in ten starts; returned from an absence at the start of the month with a middling effort; unlikely to be involved.

33/1

13th

19

5th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 79y

14:10 Down Royal

Ardad Derek

10st 4lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: John Joseph Hanlon

prominent, not fluent 4th, lost position before 3 out

50/1

Form: /U244- C

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
One of three runners for yard; won a bumper here in 2021 and some decent form over hurdles in the last year; beaten 17l by a quality rival at Leopardstown last time and should be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Just one win from 18 Flat starts but fairly consistent at a modest level; best watched on hurdles debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(1)

2nd Apr 2025

Yielding

1m 1f 130y

18:45 Gowran Park

Deep Sigh

10st 0lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

never better than midfield

10/1

9th

4

(1)

2nd Apr 2025

Yielding

1m 1f 130y

18:45 Gowran Park

Deep Sigh

10st 0lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

never better than midfield

10/1

13th

14

17th Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

15:02 Down Royal

Deep Sigh

10st 13lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

raced in second

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: /35P-8

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner on heavy ground in 2020; placed several times in 12 starts over hurdles but was poor over 3m at Cork last time; blinkers are tried now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

10th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

17:00 Roscommon

Barbary Master

11st 4lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Noel Meade

prominent, headway disputing lead after 8th, led 4 out, pushed along before 3 out, headed 2 out, ridden when awkward jump last, lost second run-in

6/1

8th

6

11th Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 140y

17:00 Punchestown

Barbary Master

11st 2lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Noel Meade

Bumper winner on heavy ground in 2020; placed a few times over hurdles and didn't run badly in a C&D handicap earlier this year; more recent form is not so encouraging.

25/1

1

19th May 2023

Good

2m 2f 165y

17:00 Downpatrick

Barbary Master

11st 12lb

J: Neil Ryan

T: Noel Meade

Bumper winner on heavy ground in 2020; placed several times in 12 starts over hurdles but was poor over 3m at Cork last time; blinkers are tried now.

5/1

Form: 5

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a point' and showed ability on hurdling debut over C&D two weeks ago; this is tougher but should run respectably; hood worn then discarded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 55y

14:32 Punchestown

El Champo

10st 13lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: P J Rothwell

Dual-winning chaser whose last win came at Listowel in September off 1lb lower (2m6f, good to yielding); looks up against it based on a failure to complete at Gowran over fences and Fairyhouse over hurdles before finishing tailed off here last time.

40/1

9th

28

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

El Champo

11st 1lb

T: P J Rothwell

Winner of five races, up against it after failing to complete his last two starts; third reserve.

Form: 6- BF

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second runner for yard; disappointing favourite when well beaten in a Cork bumper on heavy ground; this surface should suit better but others make more appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

19th May 2023

Good

2m 2f 165y

17:00 Downpatrick

Pure Notions

10st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Second runner for yard; disappointing favourite when well beaten in a Cork bumper on heavy ground; this surface should suit better but others make more appeal.

12/1

18

15th May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 50y

16:55 Killarney

Pure Notions

10st 13lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Second reserve; has a nice French pedigree but was beaten 26l when odds on for her debut in a bumper in March; further should suit and would be a big player if she got in.

6th

9

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Cork

Pure Notions

11st 11lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: W P Mullins

Sixth foal; half-sister to winners La Prima Donna (2m4f hurdle), Felicie (French 2m1f hurdle), Maranjou (French 2m1f hurdle) and Gortmillish (point); dam 2m1f-3m5f chase winner (inc 3m3f-3m5f Grade 1); boasts a fine French pedigree and commands lots of respect for the champion trainer.

6/4

Form: 66-

Last run: 125 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; not disgraced in maiden hurdles at Punchestown and Fairyhouse but still has to find significant improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

28th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

14:50 Limerick

Gaye Winnie

10st 4lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear, midfield halfway

10/1

18

28th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

14:50 Limerick

Gaye Winnie

10st 4lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear, midfield halfway

10/1

Form: 0-

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; beaten a long way in a bumper on debut and best to look elsewhere; well-beaten in the 5.00 Tipperary Thursday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

17:15 Market Rasen

Prince Quattro

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Four-time hurdle winner who was second in a Cheltenham handicap last October on final jumps run; 2lb lower now and he was a recent 2m winner at Newmarket; should go well.

11/2

1st

3

(3)

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Newmarket (July)

Prince Quattro

9st 7lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Four-time hurdles winner whose first Flat success came on Southwell AW (1m6f) in January; has kept his form pretty well, including over 2m, and is considered seriously in this small field despite having had just two races (2025) on Flat turf.

3/1

4th

5

(5)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

14:37 Southwell (AW)

Prince Quattro

9st 3lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Registered a first Flat win when scoring over C&D in January and it was a creditable effort when chasing home St Faz at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) six days ago; work to do if he's to turn the tables but still one of the more likely ones.

6/1

Non-runners

El Champo, Gaye Winnie, Prince Quattro

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €3.80
Straight Forecast €3.67
Trifecta €44.40

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Smooth Player

SPOTLIGHT:

Williamstowndancer

POSTDATA:

Smooth Player

The Irish Sun:

Smooth Player