July 14 / 19.55 Kilbeggan

19.55

Good

AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National Handicap Chase (Listed)

  • Prize money: £52212.39
  • 3m 1f 0y
  • 17 runners
RTV
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AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National Handicap Chase (Listed)

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

OUR TIP

11/1 (Won)

Form: 5F0U-2

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won for over 2 years but put up a fine run in the Paddy Power Chase at Christmas and got back to form last time when second to Stealthy Tom at Roscommon; a player if repeating that off 3lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

4th May 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Foxy Jacks

12st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: M F Morris

4-29 over fences, including Midlands National at Kilbeggan last summer and a Cheltenham cross-country race (3m5f, good to soft) last November, having failed to compete on two earlier attempts at that course; finished third behind Delta Work over C&D in November 2022; struggling a long way from home in the Grand National.

9/2

3

4th May 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Foxy Jacks

12st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: M F Morris

4-29 over fences, including Midlands National at Kilbeggan last summer and a Cheltenham cross-country race (3m5f, good to soft) last November, having failed to compete on two earlier attempts at that course; finished third behind Delta Work over C&D in November 2022; struggling a long way from home in the Grand National.

9/2

12

13th Apr 2024

Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

15:00 Aintree

Foxy Jacks

11st 4lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: M F Morris

Best of his runs on heavy was his win in a maiden hurdle in 2020; fell in the 2022 Topham over these fences; won a Cheltenham cross-country race (3m5f, good to soft) in November, having come a cropper on two earlier attempts at that course, but this 8lb higher mark seems to demand another major career best.

40/1

Form: 102-11 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Versatile sort mixes banks races with conventional fences to good effect; runner-up in a 4m2f banks event at Punchestown before winning over 2m4f at Killarney and 3m at Roscommon, beating Foxy Jacks; 10lb higher but respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

11th May 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:50 Killarney

Stealthy Tom

11st 10lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: E Bolger

Course specialist has won six chases in total, four of them here at 2m4f-2m7f on yielding to soft and good ground; runner up in this last season off 140 and same mark here; chance once a fall over the banks at Punchestown hasn't dented his confidence.

12/1

3

11th May 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:50 Killarney

Stealthy Tom

11st 10lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: E Bolger

Course specialist has won six chases in total, four of them here at 2m4f-2m7f on yielding to soft and good ground; runner up in this last season off 140 and same mark here; chance once a fall over the banks at Punchestown hasn't dented his confidence.

12/1

Form: 1333-3 BF

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Has put in solid runs in quality events last three starts, including the Mayo National behind Tullybeg last time when getting a bit squeezed out before running on again; a repeat of that will see him run well up 1lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

8

2nd Feb 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Life In The Park

11st 2lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Sole win in 14 chase starts came in 2022; creditable runs in the Plate at Cheltenham and the Galway Plate but more recent 3m efforts have been poor; plenty to find.

25/1

14th

8

2nd Feb 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Life In The Park

11st 2lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Sole win in 14 chase starts came in 2022; creditable runs in the Plate at Cheltenham and the Galway Plate but more recent 3m efforts have been poor; plenty to find.

25/1

18th

11

27th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

15:00 Leopardstown

Life In The Park

11st 5lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

visibility reduced by fog, midfield

28/1

Form: 572-28 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won this last year off an 8lb lower mark and some good runs since in strong company mostly, including a second to Noble Yeats in a Wexford Listed event; well below best behind Stealthy Tom last time and has to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

20th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Limerick

Hurricane Georgie

11st 2lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

4-28 over fences; respectable seventh in the Galway Plate and reappeared four days later to win a conditions event at the same venue, beating the 14lb-conceding Easy Game with Janidil third; did not jump well in Kerry National.

14/1

16

25th Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

16:20 Listowel

Hurricane Georgie

10st 10lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gordon Elliott

Is 4-27 over fences, including Midlands National at Kilbeggan in 2022; respectable seventh in the Galway Plate and reappeared four days later to win a conditions event at the same venue; first-time with cheekpieces; lowest-rated of stable's five runners.

25/1

Form: UPP7-4 CD

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
C&D winner but nearly two years since her last score; was a 13l third to Hurricane Georgie in this last year off a 5lb higher mark; chance if building on her solid run behind Tullybeg and Life In The Park in the Mayo National.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

23rd Jul 2025

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 110y

16:45 Wexford

Fairyhill Run

10st 6lb

J: Daniel King

T: John Patrick Ryan

Last of five career wins came in 3m1f Kilbeggan handicap chase nearly four years ago; rapidly declining mark of late but glimpses of form, albeit plenty to find with Pride Of Place on latest Tipperary effort.

12/1

4th

6

1st Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 35y

15:18 Tipperary

Fairyhill Run

11st 5lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: John Patrick Ryan

Came back from an absence this year and best run at Ballinrobe last time, beaten 9l; has to build on that but could do so.

8/1

Form: PU34-7

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner in 2021 was a fine third at Leopardstown in March before a similar run when fourth at Punchestown the following month; however, was below that form in the Mayo National; needs best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Enhanced his good record here when inheriting first place over 3m5f in May (same mark) and the drop back to 2m5f found him out when fourth to Charlie Uberalles two months ago; this race is a better fit; third 12 months ago on heavy ground.

5/1

4th

6

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:30 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Three-time course winner, most recently when awarded 3m5f veterans' chase here (good to soft; second past the post) last month; versatile regarding ground but would appeal more over further than 2m5f.

5/1

1st

2

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Won four races last season, two over 3m1f here (good/soft), one at Ayr (3m, good) and one over 3m6f at Newcastle (good); 8lb higher than for last win but a contender.

5/2

Form: P58-16 C

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Came back to form when winning over 2m3f here but was hit with an 8lb rise and ran poorly since at Ballinrobe, so has to bounce back from that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

19th Jan 2025

Good

2m 5f 186y

14:35 Thurles

The Echo Boy

11st 8lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Veteran who won at Ballinrobe early in the season but well below form in three runs since; only 2lb above his last winning mark now at least.

5/1

9th

3

19th Jan 2025

Good

2m 5f 186y

14:35 Thurles

The Echo Boy

11st 8lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Veteran who won at Ballinrobe early in the season but well below form in three runs since; only 2lb above his last winning mark now at least.

5/1

1

30th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 5f 110y

12:12 Fairyhouse

The Echo Boy

12st 3lb

J: Miss J Walton

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

C&D winner who is 4-18 over fences; won off 124 at Ballinrobe in May (2m3f, good); beaten 17l in Midlands National at Kilbeggan and never figured at Gowran latest off a tough mark; more needed but all of his wins have been off the back of a bad run so he's not out of it.

25/1

Form: 437P4- D

Last run: 76 days

W: 10st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
First reserve; has run well in several valuable handicap chases, including at Punchestown last time; stays further than this; could run well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

The Dabbler

10st 13lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Liam P Cusack

Veteran produced his best effort for some time when a 9l third at Punchestown (2m7f, gd-yld) last month; career low mark now but hasn't won over fences since 2021 and this ground may be a shade soft for him.

10/1

8

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

The Dabbler

10st 13lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Liam P Cusack

Veteran produced his best effort for some time when a 9l third at Punchestown (2m7f, gd-yld) last month; career low mark now but hasn't won over fences since 2021 and this ground may be a shade soft for him.

10/1

Form: U145-1 C

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Won a beginners' chase over 2m4f here last year but his jumping has let him down at times since; however, he put it all together to win the Mayo National last time, beating Life In The Park and Fairyhill Run; respected but this is tougher off 8lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

25th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 136y

19:05 Ballinrobe

Tullybeg

11st 4lb

J: James Smith

T: Brian M McMahon

Won the big race on this card three years ago, but handicapper had him after that and well held in this last year; recent form in points/hunter chases doesn't look good enough, but has been dropped sharply in the ratings.

12/1

4th

12

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

Tullybeg

11st 7lb

J: Mr E M Nugent

T: Brian M McMahon

Classy operator at his best for Gordon Elliott; good to see him win a recent point but that was hard work and others in here appeal more.

12/1

Form: 350P-1 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Smart sort for John McConnell but below form on first three starts for this yard; back to winning ways over hurdles here last time; has to build on that back chasing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

11:35 Punchestown

Streets Of Doyen

11st 4lb

J: Mr Finn Buckley

T: John C McConnell

Seven career wins but has struggled for form this year, pulling up in the Cork Grand National last time; unseated early in the La Touche on his one foray over these obstacles in April.

16/1

10

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

11:35 Punchestown

Streets Of Doyen

11st 4lb

J: Mr Finn Buckley

T: John C McConnell

Seven career wins but has struggled for form this year, pulling up in the Cork Grand National last time; unseated early in the La Touche on his one foray over these obstacles in April.

16/1

8

3rd Nov 2024

Good

3m 4f 0y

15:15 Cork

Streets Of Doyen

11st 6lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Fairly exposed in handicap chases although did run well in first-time visor at Roscommon in June; well held since and didn't get far in the Velka Pardubicka in Czechia last month.

22/1

Form: 047-14 BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 137

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

8

31st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:00 Kilbeggan

Vina Ardanza

11st 5lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: C A McBratney

Useful sort for Gordon Elliott early in his career, finished a remote third behind Jonbon and El Fabiolo in a Grade 1 contest at Aintree in 2023; mostly campaigned in points for the last two years, below his best in four outings in that sphere since January.

20/1

7

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:30 Cartmel

Vina Ardanza

11st 2lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: C A McBratney

Irish raider who returned to racing under rules with two underwhelming runs in hunter chases (3m5f/3m) this spring; drops back in trip for this handicap; needs a good boost from the new cheekpieces.

25/1

6th

4

2nd Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Vina Ardanza

11st 11lb

J: Mr D Higgins

T: C A McBratney

Useful over hurdles and fences at his best for Gordon Elliott; in decent form in open points last season but weakened over 3m5f in a hunter chase at Downpatrick last time; this trip suit better; not ignored.

6/1

Form: 180UP-

Last run: 95 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Pulled-up in Irish National last time but has a chance if back to his best form of last winter, which included a Punchestown win and a fine run in the Paddy Power Chase.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:05 Sandown

Farceur Du Large

12st 5lb

J: Maj Will Kellard

T: Jamie Snowden

Won the Grand Military Gold Cup over C&D last January and followed up in this race (also soft), both under Major Will Kellard; beaten just over 1l when second to Fil d'Ariane in the Grand Military Gold Cup three weeks ago but he's 5lb better off with the selection today and has solid claims.

5/2

2nd

1

24th Jan 2025

Good

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:00 Sandown

Farceur Du Large

12st 5lb

J: Maj Will Kellard

T: Jamie Snowden

disputed lead, prominent after 2nd, lost ground before 16th, not fluent 17th, hit 18th, not fluent 3 out

6/4

2nd

1

24th Jan 2025

Good

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:00 Sandown

Farceur Du Large

12st 5lb

J: Maj Will Kellard

T: Jamie Snowden

Ex-Irish gelding who won this quite comfortably 12 months ago on his first start for Jamie Snowden and followed up in February's Royal Artillery Gold Cup (again under Major Will Kellard); the horses he beat in both those races went on to win handicaps and he too ran well to be fifth in the Midlands National; the glaring concern is the very laboured return he made in a Newbury handicap, yet none of his rivals offered a lot more on their final starts.

6/4

Form: 49206-

Last run: 97 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner is a maiden over fences but has run with credit several times; a solid second in a Leopardstown handicap in March but was twice below that level on soft ground since; a squeak if returning in top form with the stable jockey aboard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Mars Harper

11st 4lb

J: Jamie Gambin

T: Sarah Humphrey

Left Gordon Elliott after disappointing hurdle run last autumn; well beaten again on stable debut in March but, after wind surgery, he returned to chasing with a good second at Fakenham (3m, good) 19 days ago; has possibilities if he can build on that but his last win was in 2023.

7/1

2nd

2

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Mars Harper

11st 0lb

J: Jamie Gambin

T: Sarah Humphrey

Left Gordon Elliott after disappointing hurdle run last autumn and was again well beaten when returning for new stable in March; given a wind op since and reverts to chasing on a workable mark but still looks risky.

20/1

6th

3

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:13 Warwick

Mars Harper

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sarah Humphrey

Best known as a chaser these days and was tailed off back over hurdles on his final run for Gordon Elliott, whom he left for £30,000; on a good mark but there's much to prove on first sighting since October.

9/1

Form: U0-651 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Course winner who put some below-par runs behind him when back to form at Punchestown (2m5f) last time; this is tougher up 6lb; has won at just short of 3m before.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

17:05 Stratford

Arrycan

10st 13lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Nick Scholfield

Ex-Irish veteran who was safely held on first two starts for new stable this spring (both 3m, good); needs good boost from new cheekpieces here.

10/1

5th

9

5th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

16:18 Ffos Las

Arrycan

11st 1lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Nick Scholfield

Four-time winner over fences but a 12yo now and his stable debut was a quiet one.

25/1

5th

5

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:30 Ludlow

Arrycan

11st 5lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Nick Scholfield

12yo who has won four times over fences but there were more bad runs than good ones in Ireland last year; on workable mark in suitable conditions but he was tailed off when last seen in October and needs a major revival for new yard.

10/1

Form: 245P-1

Last run: 61 days

W: 10st 11lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Useful mare has had a couple of lengthy absences from the track; got off the mark over fences in the Killarney National (3m2f) last time; 9lb higher but stays well and a player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

14th Jul 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

19:55 Kilbeggan

Pont Aval

10st 11lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

didn't always jump with fluency, towards rear, bad mistake and fell 5 out

13/2

1st

13

14th May 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 2f 0y

16:55 Killarney

Pont Aval

10st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

midfield, headway after 4 out, keeping on when jumped right 3 out, soon ridden, went second after 2 out, stayed on to lead run-in, won going away

25/1

5

27th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 50y

19:10 Punchestown

Pont Aval

11st 3lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Bumper/hurdle winner who has returned this season from a long absence; 0-5 over fences (2m2f-3m) and didn't offer much over the longer trip on her switch to handicaps at Fairyhouse; perhaps a tongue-tie will help matters.

6/1

Form: 0/F6-2

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 121

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

0

7

3rd Aug 2023

Yielding

2m 2f 54y

14:45 Galway

Choice Of Words

10st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Martin Brassil

in rear, bad mistake and jockey lost irons briefly 2nd, recovered after 3rd, detached when not fluent 6th, jumped slightly right when not fluent 5 out, pulled up before 3 out

25/1

1st

1

21st Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

19:20 Kilbeggan

Choice Of Words

11st 7lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Martin Brassil

raced in second, not fluent 4th, not fluent and lost second 6th, pushed along and led after 2 out, ridden and kept on run-in

13/8

16

14th Jul 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

19:55 Kilbeggan

Choice Of Words

10st 5lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Martin Brassil

Form: P7-321 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 121

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

7

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 5y

19:40 Kilbeggan

Pakens Rock

11st 5lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Darren Collins

Three-time course winner, twice over fences in 2023 and won over hurdles here in April; struggled in a better race than this over C&D latest; this easier and can't be dismissed given his liking for this venue.

18/1

11

16th Jun 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 51y

19:48 Kilbeggan

Pakens Rock

10st 0lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Darren Collins

Kilbeggan specialist with a couple of handicap chase wins in 2023 (including this race) and landed 2m2f handicap hurdle in April; fair third off higher chase mark at Ballinrobe since; 3lb wrong here but respected given his record here.

13/2

3rd

7

26th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 136y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Pakens Rock

10st 10lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Darren Collins

Gained his tenth success (and first for this stable) when taking a handicap hurdle over 2m2f at Kilbeggan a month ago; most recent chase run saw him finish second to Flash De Touzaine at Limerick on stable debut; good chance he can reverse that form and go close in the process.

9/2

Non-runners

Vina Ardanza, Arrycan, Choice Of Words, Pakens Rock

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast €77.01
Tricast €324.93
Trifecta €482.00

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Pont Aval

POSTDATA:

Hurricane Georgie

SPOTLIGHT:

Fairyhill Run

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Tullybeg

The Irish Sun:

Pont Aval