May 30 / 19.00 Ballinrobe

19.00

Good

Portwest Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6004.42
  • 2m 0f 40y
  • 16 runners
RTV
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Portwest Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.70
  • Place: £1.70

Form: /1742- D BF

Last run: 196 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won two handicap hurdles for his previous yard, albeit off much lower marks; first three runs for Willie Mullins were over fences (winning the first) and he was runner-up (staying on) on his return to hurdling at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft); up 5lb for that and may prefer that longer trip (has won over 2m5f).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

24th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

14:00 Uttoxeter

Wellhavewan

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Rebecca Menzies

Listed hurdle winner last December for Willie Mullins; departed that yard for £11,000 and no form as yet for current stable (2m7f hurdle/3m5f chase); no real significance in another headgear switch.

25/1

9/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 277-6

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Beaten 10l into sixth on his handicap debut at Clonmel (2m3f, soft) but he's still lightly raced and his best maiden effort came on this drier ground; possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

22nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:55 Killarney

Solitary Man

10st 12lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: E Bolger

Looked to have lost his way in points and hunter chases but came back to his very best when landing the Midlands National at Kilbeggan; never competitive in the Galway Plate but has a stellar record at this venue and should run a big race.

7/2

14th

19

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Solitary Man

10st 12lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: E Bolger

Won a hunter chase in May and last time returned to his best when emerging from off a strong pace to beat Perceval Legallois in the 3m1f Midlands National at Kilbeggan; ideally wants further than this but a solid pace would help in that respect; back up 7lb.

25/1

1st

7

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 1f 80y

18:32 Kilbeggan

Solitary Man

11st 2lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: E Bolger

Fair novice chaser before going pointing and hunter chasing; again showed his affinity for Killarney when winning a hunter chase there in May before disappointing at Listowel; more needed.

8/1

50/1

  • Place: £6.70

Form: /0090-

Last run: 61 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Looks limited and failed to raise his profile when 50-1 for handicap debut at Naas in March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 50y

17:56 Kilbeggan

Jinxs Link

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: M M Rice

Two hurdle wins include a success here; tailed off in a Fairyhouse beginners' chase returning from almost a year off and pulled up over hurdles at the same venue last time; needs to return to form.

15/1

11

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 50y

14:38 Fairyhouse

Jinxs Link

11st 1lb

J: J J Slevin

T: M M Rice

Dual hurdles winner was a 15.5l fourth when last seen over timber in January last year; tailed off on seasonal return here last month in a beginners' chase; others more likely.

50/1

8th

2

14th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 1f 30y

14:50 Fairyhouse

Jinxs Link

11st 12lb

J: James Smith

T: M M Rice

Rated 101 over hurdles following two wins in that sphere; makes chasing debut following almost a year off and likely to find a few too talented.

20/1

Form: 7PP00-

Last run: 208 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
No wins since French chase success in 2019 and was soundly beaten over hurdles in the autumn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

13th Sep 2024

Good

2m 1f 55y

18:50 Ballinrobe

So Easy Way

10st 0lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: I Madden

pressed leader, fell 1st

20/1

12th

14

12th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 165y

18:53 Ballinrobe

So Easy Way

11st 1lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: I Madden

Poor strike-rate of 1-37 and the sole win came over fences in France back in 2019; however, under positive tactics he finished third of 16 in a Cork handicap hurdle last week.

6/1

Form: 3400-3

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Only 1-31 overall and 0-15 as a hurdler; however, it's still early days with Gordon Elliott and he hit the frame here four weeks ago off this mark, albeit finishing some 13l off the winner; needs to find extra from somewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

11th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:25 Perth

Ballinlough Gale

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, not fluent 4th

11/2

5th

7

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Ballinlough Gale

11st 3lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Only 1-31 overall and 0-15 as a hurdler; however, it's still early days with Gordon Elliott and he hit the frame here four weeks ago off this mark, albeit finishing some 13l off the winner; needs to find extra from somewhere.

7/1

3rd

4

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Ballinlough Gale

11st 10lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Fair sort on the Flat is 0-14 hurdling although went close off this sort of mark on a few occasions last summer on this sort of ground; two most recent efforts well below his best so needs to bounce back but quite possible given the drying ground.

7/1

Form: /000-8

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Could do with settling better but has hinted at winning potential, including last time at Down Royal; having only his seventh race and may yet raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

18th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 1f 30y

16:25 Bellewstown

Atlantic Wonder

10st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: A J Martin

Poor in two chases and a hurdle since returning from an absence of over two years and not easy to fancy on that form.

18/1

18th

19

10th Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Punchestown

Atlantic Wonder

11st 0lb

J: A P Heskin

T: A J Martin

in rear

6/1

Form: 526/0-

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Only a length away on soft ground at Gowran in early 2022 and could strip fitter for his return to action at Cork when finishing in midfield; will need to, mind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

28th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 190y

16:15 Wexford

The Toothpicker

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: David Kenneth Budds

Now 0-16 hurdling but one of his best efforts came on latest (after nearly four months' break) when only losing second to Cool Summer over this trip at Ballinrobe 18 days ago (good); one for the shortlist.

13/2

3rd

10

10th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 109y

18:57 Ballinrobe

The Toothpicker

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: David Kenneth Budds

A couple of encouraging efforts last season after returning from a long absence, notably when fifth of 24 at Cork (2m4f, soft to heavy); soundly beaten when filling the same place at Kilbeggan in April.

8/1

5th

11

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 50y

17:23 Kilbeggan

The Toothpicker

11st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: David Kenneth Budds

A couple of encouraging efforts since returning from a long absence, notably when fifth of 24 at Cork (2m4f, soft to heavy); another positive effort when a 7.75l fifth at Limerick latest (2m, soft to heavy); should give a good account once again.

15/2

Form: /9P70-

Last run: 173 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Maiden after 10 starts and has now had a few chances in handicaps; tongue-tie tried; others are more intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

13

20th Aug 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:20 Tramore

Globetrottersivola

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: P J Rothwell

towards rear of midfield

5/2

1st

12

12th Aug 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:55 Kilbeggan

Globetrottersivola

11st 0lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: P J Rothwell

Has finally started looking capable in handicaps, finishing fourth at Downpatrick in June before a 2l defeat at Cork last month with this headgear combination fitted for first time; return to soft ground is fine and has each-way claims again.

6/1

3rd

19

14th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 190y

17:50 Cork

Globetrottersivola

10st 13lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

towards rear of midfield

8/1

Form: 8370-P D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Tailed off throughout after starting very sluggishly here four weeks ago; hasn't won for a long time now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Peace Party

11st 11lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Desmond McDonogh

Reserve; 2-35 over hurdles, the wins a long time ago now; didn't run badly last time but an 11yo now and others appeal more.

9th

10

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 0lb

J: E Walsh

T: Desmond McDonogh

Tailed off throughout after starting very sluggishly here four weeks ago; hasn't won for a long time now.

25/1

10

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 7lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: Desmond McDonogh

Hasn't won in a long time but three times runner-up at this track last summer including in this event; back from a break and has to be respected given his record around here.

8/1

Form: 079-P

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Longstanding maiden (0-17) and his handicap debut in this discipline was very forgettable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

30th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 37y

18:40 Bellewstown

Chequer Square

11st 6lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Paul John Gilligan

in touch with leaders early, midfield halfway, weakened quickly before 3 out, pulled up 2 out

33/1

12th

5

14th Aug 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 143y

18:50 Ballinrobe

Chequer Square

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Placed on the Flat but a maiden under both codes and hasn't offered much at all in handicaps.

25/1

5th

3

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 194y

14:00 Sligo

Chequer Square

10st 13lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

prominent in chasing group, not fluent 5th, pushed along and lost fourth after 2 out, soon no extra

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 260C-0

Last run: 16 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Now 0-16 as a hurdler after finishing tailed off in a competitive Killarney handicap two weeks ago; has plenty of placed form but he's opposable with top weight; often races prominently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 90y

14:50 Sligo

Listentillitellyea

10st 13lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Thomas Gibney

Maiden over fences and just 1-21 over hurdles; well beaten over fences lately and others make more appeal.

14/1

9th

5

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

15:45 Downpatrick

Listentillitellyea

11st 12lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: Thomas Gibney

Has won over hurdles but is 0-10 over fences; good ground given as a possible excuse when tailed off at Ballinrobe back from an absence; same excuse given when tailed off in a Punchestown handicap last time (2m, good); down 4lb but others preferred.

16/1

4/1

Form: 1/325- D BF

Last run: 80 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Placed in two maidens on goodish ground despite not jumping with great fluency and perhaps unsuited by testing conditions the last time; could have some potential lurking off this initial mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

30th Jan 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:45 Limerick

Mitiva

11st 12lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Liz Doyle

raced in third, lost third but prominent after 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, soon no impression

5/2

4th

9

14th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 4f 67y

14:35 Punchestown

Mitiva

11st 2lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Liz Doyle

Debut bumper winner last season is 0-7 hurdling but comes into the race on the back of two good runs in handicaps at this trip on soft; bit keen on latest so fitting of a hood could help and seems sure to be thereabouts.

9/2

3rd

4

28th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

13:30 Tramore

Mitiva

11st 7lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Liz Doyle

Bumper winner; 0-6 over hurdles but latest 3l third at Thurles (2m4f, soft) is up there with her best form and must have every chance with a repeat of that.

5/2

Form: 2P210- D BF

Last run: 163 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Has been chasing, winning over 2m2f at Thurles (yielding) in December off a similar mark to today's; capable hurdler who could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 1f 70y

14:33 Tipperary

Filon Doudairies

11st 3lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Broderick

raced lazily at times, towards rear, hampered by faller 2nd, mistake and struggling 8th, pulled up before 4 out

12/1

5

11th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 162y

19:15 Sligo

Filon Doudairies

11st 7lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Broderick

Has been regressive over fences in the last year and isn't easy to fancy back over hurdles.

25/1

3

23rd May 2024

Good

2m 3f 160y

18:55 Limerick

Filon Doudairies

11st 11lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Broderick

mounted on course, midfield, in touch with leaders 8th, 2 lengths down when bad mistake and unseated 4 out

25/1

Form: 000U-

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Unseated early on his handicap debut at Tipperary when a 50-1 chance; others are far more likely winners of this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

17th Aug 2023

Good

1m 7f 110y

17:15 Tramore

Abu Hazem

11st 5lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Anthony McCann

Modest operator over hurdles and appears to be in at the deep end here; makes limited appeal.

50/1

14th

11

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Abu Hazem

10st 6lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Anthony McCann

Unseated early on his handicap debut at Tipperary when a 50-1 chance; others are far more likely winners of this.

50/1

Form: 88055- D

Last run: 258 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Tailed off over fences last time when tried in blinkers; probably a happier horse over hurdles but a career strike-rate of 1-52 sets the alarm bells ringing; cheekpieces are new.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

9

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Ashqar

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Tailed off over fences last time when tried in blinkers; probably a happier horse over hurdles but a career strike-rate of 1-52 sets the alarm bells ringing; cheekpieces are new.

25/1

Form: 890-

Last run: 134 days

W: 11st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 104

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

9th

8

(1)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

18:00 Dundalk (AW)

Eighty Eight

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: John James Feane

C&D winner off 67 in December 2024, now 12lb lower; best run for some time when third to Without Love in January, a short-head off second-placed Doctor Grace; faces a renewal of more recent rivalry with Aingeal Dorcha and Storm Eric.

9/2

3rd

5

(13)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

18:45 Dundalk (AW)

Eighty Eight

9st 11lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: John James Feane

C&D winner off 67 in December 2024; best run for some time off much reduced mark last month when third in three-way photo under today's rider, a short-head off second-placed Doctor Grace; one to consider off unchanged mark although draw not ideal.

15/2

3rd

4

(11)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Eighty Eight

9st 11lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: John James Feane

C&D winner off 12lb higher in December 2024; well handicapped but mostly out of form in 2025 and beaten 10.5l on return from 109 days off here last month; revival required.

16/1

Non-runners

Eighty Eight

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €21.00
Straight Forecast €20.10
Tricast €346.09
Trifecta €500.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Mitiva

POSTDATA:

Eighty Eight

The Irish Sun:

The Toothpicker

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Filon D'oudairies

TOPSPEED:

Peace Party