August 05 / 14.30 Galway

14.30

Good To Yielding

BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race)

  • Prize money: £57433.63
  • 2m 6f 108y
  • 16 runners
TG4
View Course
BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.60
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 1P0-03

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner over hurdles, most recently at Listowel in September; behind Gallant John Joe at Cork last time but likely better to come from him; owner-trainer-jockey already among the winners this week.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(9)

14th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 55y

20:10 Killarney

Ambitious Fellow

11st 12lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Bumper and four-time hurdles winner; unraced under Flat rules and comes here on the back of being pulled up in the Connacht National at Roscommon; best watched.

14/1

9

8th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 24y

18:48 Roscommon

Ambitious Fellow

10st 6lb

J: Jake Coen

T: Peter Fahey

4-16 over hurdles but yet to win over the bigger obstacles (0-11); out of sorts this year but he was a 1.25l runner up in this race last year off this mark at 25-1 and he was running a better race when unseating at Listowel last time.

16/1

7

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Ambitious Fellow

11st 7lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Four wins over hurdles (rated 130), one of them here; maiden after 10 chase starts and has had jumping issues, but was second off 120 at Roscommon last summer; only beaten 7l in Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown where he was a huge price.

6/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 44312/

Last run: 464 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
First reserve; very progressive staying novice handicapper last year; returning from over 15 months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

2nd Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Bugs Moran

11st 7lb

J: Mr M J Kenneally

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

One time smart hurdle for Noel Meade; runner-up to Lisleigh Lad in a Cork hunter chase but not as good at Killarney last time behind some of these and has to rebound.

8/1

1st

6

2nd Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Bugs Moran

11st 7lb

J: Mr M J Kenneally

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

One time smart hurdle for Noel Meade; runner-up to Lisleigh Lad in a Cork hunter chase but not as good at Killarney last time behind some of these and has to rebound.

8/1

5th

6

12th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

19:43 Killarney

Bugs Moran

11st 7lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

held up in rear, not fluent 11th, headway on outer after 4 out, weakened before 2 out

5/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 300-84

Last run: 2 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Grade 3 winning juvenile hurdler and fourth in the 2022 Triumph Hurdle; right back to form when a staying fourth in Thursday's Galway Hurdle when not enjoying much luck in running; every chance that he will stay and could be a big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Icare Allen

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third here (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he's fine at this trip; not his fault when unseating mid-race at Haydock last month; could be involved.

12/1

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Icare Allen

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent but he won at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last July and returned from a break with a close third at Wetherby (2m5f, soft) on Boxing Day, staying on nicely; he'll be fine now back up in trip and could be involved.

11/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 149y

Class 3

12:40 Aintree

Icare Allen

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Returned to form to win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July and again ran well when fourth there (2m4f, good) last month; stays this far and is effective on soft ground; goes well for Benjamin Macey, with form figures of 29214, and he could have a part to play.

6/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 2090-1

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Came right back to his best when bolting up in a handicap hurdle at Tipperary last month; up 14lb for that and winning this would require a career best; not impossible though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 3f 110y

19:25 Wexford

Watch The Weather

10st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: R P Cody

Good record at this venue, including C&D win in 2024; 10-1 for Mayo National at Ballinrobe in late May after an encouraging run over hurdles, but was tailed off; chase mark is dropping and capable of going well back here.

10/1

11th

15

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Watch The Weather

10st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: R P Cody

Mixes chasing with hurdling and has run well here over flights; won a couple of handicap chases in 2024 but held in four starts over the larger obstacles since, including on first start of the year at Wexford last month; second over hurdles since and has dropped below latest winning chase mark.

9/1

2nd

3

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 50y

18:07 Killarney

Watch The Weather

11st 9lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: R P Cody

Dual chase winner with three hurdle wins on the board; beaten 17l over fences on last month's return from a lengthy break but might strip fitter here and Kennedy is booked.

10/1

Form: P800-1

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Down to a mark of 131 and returned to form when winning a 2m3f handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan last month; unproven over this trip but only up 6lb and goes on soft; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24th

1

30th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

15:05 Fairyhouse

Highland Charge

12st 0lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

towards rear

20/1

24th

1

30th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

15:05 Fairyhouse

Highland Charge

12st 0lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

towards rear

20/1

Form: 980/0- C

Last run: 371 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Has spent some time on the sidelines; ran well after a year off in a 2m handicap at the Curragh last month; more needed but not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

20th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 45y

Class 5

14:40 Uttoxeter

Foveros

12st 0lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: Henry Oliver

towards rear

16/1

6th

1

20th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 45y

Class 5

14:40 Uttoxeter

Foveros

12st 0lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: Henry Oliver

towards rear

16/1

5th

1

1st Dec 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 113y

Class 4

13:45 Leicester

Foveros

12st 0lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Henry Oliver

On a very long losing spell and is 0-11 (Flat/hurdles) for current stable; has a fighting chance on bits of 2024 form but is difficult to support with confidence.

20/1

Form: 1/3F-3 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Every chance when falling three out in this race last year; not seen until finishing a decent third in a Roscommon handicap hurdle last month; likely to be spot on for this and should play a hand.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 12y

15:07 Punchestown

Digby

11st 4lb

J: Miss C O O’Brien

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Has become hard to predict but travelled a bit better than he often does when fifth in a first-time visor at Ballinrobe; cheekpieces back on now and trip looks too sharp.

14/1

5th

17

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Digby

10st 2lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

First reserve; won this last year off 9lb higher and then went close at Uttoxeter in a handicap chase the following month but has completely lost form since; yard amongst winners recently but he's hard to fancy on recent showings; new headgear combo needs to spark.

7th

6

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

18:30 Kilbeggan

Digby

10st 12lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Four-time hurdles winner had been expected (9-2) to leave recent poor form behind upong encountering better ground at Down Royal over fences 11 days ago but the revival never arrived; questions to answer now.

10/1

Form: FPF-50 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Just 7lb lower when bolting up in this race last year and went on to win over fences; did not get the run of the race in a 2m Flat handicap here on Wednesday; forecast rain will help and very likely to be a strong contender to follow up last year's success.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(8)

20th May 2024

Soft

1m 4f 14y

19:50 Roscommon

Hallowed Star

9st 8lb

J: W J Lee

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Triple hurdle winner is a maiden on Flat but some good runs in 2022; well beaten when last in this sphere in 2023; others make more appeal.

25/1

4th

10

(8)

20th May 2024

Soft

1m 4f 14y

19:50 Roscommon

Hallowed Star

9st 8lb

J: W J Lee

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Triple hurdle winner is a maiden on Flat but some good runs in 2022; well beaten when last in this sphere in 2023; others make more appeal.

25/1

Form: 023-P2 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Lightly-raced veteran and has come back quite well from a long period on the sidelines; good second in a staying handicap hurdle at Punchestown in February and again in a 3m conditions hurdle at Cork last month; goes on any ground and should give a good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

30th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 90y

17:40 Bellewstown

Gallant John Joe

11st 11lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

in touch with leaders

25/1

0

6

5th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 108y

14:30 Galway

Gallant John Joe

11st 2lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Lightly-raced veteran and has come back quite well from a long period on the sidelines; good second in a staying handicap hurdle at Punchestown in February and again in a 3m conditions hurdle at Cork last month; goes on any ground and should give a good account.

14/1

2nd

5

14th Jul 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:35 Cork

Gallant John Joe

11st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

prominent, ridden after 3 out, chased clear leader 2 out, ridden and headway run-in, no impression towards finish

8/1

Form: 6/7P-2

Last run: 68 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Off the track for two years and gradually coming back to form; stayed on well to be runner-up in a competitive Ballinrobe handicap in May; should be spot on for this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

5th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:40 Cork

Power Of Pause

11st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Former point winner and useful 132-rated hurdler, though pulled up in two of his last three races in that sphere; made an encouraging start over fences when making almost all to beat the error-prone favourite Genois at Listowel; will need to raise his game to win here.

5/1

1st

7

20th Sep 2023

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:00 Listowel

Power Of Pause

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Useful hurdler is rated 132 in that sphere but has been pulled-up on two of last four starts; has the ability to go well if his jumping holds up; has won a point' which can help.

3/1

0

7

5th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 108y

14:30 Galway

Power Of Pause

11st 2lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Off the track for two years and gradually coming back to form; stayed on well to be runner-up in a competitive Ballinrobe handicap in May; should be spot on for this.

8/1

Form: U34-76 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Campaigned over fences of late but below his best of late at Ballinrobe and Kilbeggan; three of his four wins have come at this venue; fair chance off this mark.
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: 653/5-

Last run: 220 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Acts well around here; got no real run in the amateur handicap here on Monday; stays 3m and capable of getting into it at his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(6)

24th Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 165y

16:45 Curragh

Maze Runner

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: W P Mullins

midfield

4/1

0

11

5th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 108y

14:30 Galway

Maze Runner

11st 1lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: W P Mullins

Acts well around here; got no real run in the amateur handicap here on Monday; stays 3m and capable of getting into it at his best.

16/1

10th

8

(14)

31st Jul 2023

Soft

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Maze Runner

11st 10lb

J: Mr C Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Second in this race last year; not a bad return to action in a 1m4f premier handicap at the Curragh on Derby weekend; 3lb higher than last year and could well be worth a market watch.

33/1

Form: 13212-

Last run: 118 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Plenty to like about his career so far and yet to finish out of the first three under Rules; distant second in Grade 2 last time at Easter was another solid run; unexposed and soft ground not an issue; could well go close.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

17:57 Kilbeggan

Thecompanysergeant

11st 12lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual bumper winner and a winning chaser; 3-13 over hurdles and rated 135; mark left unchanged after an odds-on win at Clonmel; smart sort but has never won a handicap.

8/1

1st

5

5th Jun 2026

Good

2m 3f 61y

19:20 Clonmel

Thecompanysergeant

11st 6lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual bumper winner and winning chaser is 2-12 over hurdles and rated 135; bounced back to form when runner-up in a similar race at Ballinrobe last time (2m3f, good), with Farren Glory a neck behind in third; gave Farren Glory 5lb that day and they now race off levels, while claimer also takes off 7lb; big contender.

2/1

2nd

7

25th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 72y

16:30 Ballinrobe

Thecompanysergeant

11st 2lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual bumper winner and winning chaser is 2-11 over hurdles and rated 132; has lost his way since fine second in the Plate at Cheltenham in 2025; pulled up in Leopardstown chase when last seen in February; revival needed.

10/1

Form: 5/1B-R

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Favourite when brought down in this race last year; blotted her copybook in a big way after 11 months off when refusing to race at Kilbeggan last time; blinkered here but hard to trust after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

17

5th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 108y

14:30 Galway

La Prima Donna

10st 13lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Favourite when brought down in this race last year; blotted her copybook in a big way after 11 months off when refusing to race at Kilbeggan last time; blinkered here but hard to trust after that.

40/1

2

19th Jun 2023

Good

2m 2f 59y

18:43 Kilbeggan

La Prima Donna

11st 3lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

walked into the start, refused to race

2/1

14

30th Jul 2022

Good

2m 6f 168y

14:30 Galway

La Prima Donna

10st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

midfield, hampered and brought down 3 out

6/1

Form: 11207-

Last run: 102 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Twice a winner over hurdles late last summer; beaten at short odds in a pair of Flat maidens last twice; trip in her favour but some questions to answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

18

5th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 108y

14:30 Galway

Nikini

10st 12lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: W P Mullins

Twice a winner over hurdles late last summer; beaten at short odds in a pair of Flat maidens last twice; trip in her favour but some questions to answer.

25/1

5th

16

(4)

22nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 7f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Nikini

11st 2lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

led, headed but prominent after 3f, pushed along and outpaced over 2f out, ridden and no impression over 1f out

3/1

Form: F2516-

Last run: 350 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Six-time winner, most recently over fences at Wexford a year ago; won off a similar mark two years ago but soundly beaten in a pair of Flat handicaps of late; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

2

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 12y

15:07 Punchestown

Act Of God

11st 11lb

J: Ms A Budds

T: David Kenneth Budds

Old boy had a good career across the codes for the late Edward O'Grady; had been out of action since summer of 2023 until resuming in point-to-points last month.

25/1

4th

3

(6)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 5f 80y

17:20 Listowel

Act Of God

11st 0lb

J: Miss Megan Harris

T: David Kenneth Budds

Old boy had a good career across the codes for the late Edward O'Grady; point-to-pointing lately and just here for the day out.

150/1

10th

3

30th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 90y

17:40 Bellewstown

Act Of God

11st 8lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: E J O’Grady

in touch with leaders

25/1

Non-runners

Finest Evermore, Merlin Giant, Lucid Dreams, Streets Of Doyen, Dartan, An Mhi, Au Fleuron

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €213.00
Straight Forecast €124.46
Tricast €585.12
Trifecta €1033.90

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Icare Allen

SPOTLIGHT:

Digby

POSTDATA:

Merlin Giant

TOPSPEED:

Icare Allen

The Irish Sun:

Digby