October 29 / 15.55 Wexford

15.55

Heavy

Michael Moore Volkswagon Portarlington And Athlone Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5743.36
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • 17 runners
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Michael Moore Volkswagon Portarlington And Athlone Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

Form: 98-9P9

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Out of form earlier in the year and tailed off on last month's low-key return; needs first-time cheekpieces to spark a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 150y

15:33 Tipperary

All Walks Of Life

11st 0lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Michael Hourigan

Maiden over hurdles was fourth at Clonmel but was then poor at Listowel last time and has to bounce back on chasing debut.

20/1

12th

11

1st Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 80y

16:10 Listowel

All Walks Of Life

11st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Michael Hourigan

Much improved effort when a staying on fourth in a 2m3f handicap hurdle at Clonmel last month; on a competitive mark now and looks capable of a bold showing here.

5/1

4th

15

16th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

19:00 Clonmel

All Walks Of Life

11st 0lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Michael Hourigan

midfield, headway when not fluent 2 out, ran on and went fourth towards finish, not reach leaders

20/1

Form: 2PP7-P D

Last run: 181 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in three of his last four starts over fences; may need this return after 181 days off; possible pipe-opener before going back chasing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 4

18:20 Cheltenham

Joy Of Life

12st 4lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Mrs H Hickman-Jones

led, raced in second when headed 12th, lost second after 14th, weakening when hit 17th, soon pulled up

33/1

2

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 4

18:20 Cheltenham

Joy Of Life

12st 4lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Mrs H Hickman-Jones

led, raced in second when headed 12th, lost second after 14th, weakening when hit 17th, soon pulled up

33/1

13th

6

14th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:50 Down Royal

Joy Of Life

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Seamus Neville

jumped left on occasions, didn't always jump with fluency, prominent, pressed leader 4th, lost second when mistake 4 out, weakened before 3 out

14/1

Form: 3/P914 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 11st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Made it three wins from 12 over hurdles when bouncing back to form at Fairyhouse last month; 8lb rise possibly on the high side though and not sure to relish these conditions; 4th at Sligo Friday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 100y

15:25 Downpatrick

Mick Charlie

11st 8lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Declan Queally

Followed up a handicap hurdle win on New Year's Day with a first chase success at Clonmel in February but lesser form in two runs since; his mark might be on the high side at present.

10/1

8th

3

25th Apr 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

17:15 Wexford

Mick Charlie

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: Declan Queally

didn't always jump with fluency, led, headed and weakened before 2 out

5/1

Form: /0231-

Last run: 305 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Had been shaping like his turn may be near before getting off the mark at Limerick (2m5f, heavy) when last seen; 7lb rise demands more and might need this after 305 days off but trip/ground are ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 0y

14:55 Clonmel

Tomjackwilliam

12st 2lb

J: Mr R Sugrue

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Very lightly raced 8yo; won 2m5f Limerick handicap in late 2022 (heavy) and touched off at Cork a year later on return; two December comeback runs after further absence leave him with plenty to find.

12/1

10th

3

28th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 0y

15:25 Limerick

Tomjackwilliam

12st 0lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

midfield

14/1

10th

3

28th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 0y

15:25 Limerick

Tomjackwilliam

12st 0lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

midfield

14/1

Form: 3557-0

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Promise near the start of the year but tailed off in last three starts; well treated if he could bounce back to his best back in handicap company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 6f 160y

19:38 Limerick

Arthor

10st 11lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: James Joseph Mangan

Modest 21-race maiden under rules; won point-to-point in January; ran okay in Wexford handicap chase last month; fell at the sixth when sent off joint-favourite at Tramore nine days later; not dismissed.

8/1

13

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 6f 160y

19:38 Limerick

Arthor

10st 11lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: James Joseph Mangan

Modest 21-race maiden under rules; won point-to-point in January; ran okay in Wexford handicap chase last month; fell at the sixth when sent off joint-favourite at Tramore nine days later; not dismissed.

8/1

6

13th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 7f 110y

17:25 Tramore

Arthor

10st 12lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: James Joseph Mangan

Modest maiden over hurdles, placed off 89 over 2m5f last summer; point winner in January and ran okay on recent handicap chase debut over 2m3f at Wexford; this trip might be too sharp.

6/1

Form: 1-3691 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Gained second handicap success at Cork a fortnight ago and his previous win came at this venue; however, 6lb rise is harsh for that neck success and he's struggled on very testing ground previously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

15th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

16:20 Punchestown

Chapel Street

11st 7lb

J: Mr E P O’Brien

T: Richard Hennessy

raced wide, midfield, jumped slightly left 1st, towards rear when pushed along and struggling after 4 out

22/1

5th

17

5th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:50 Cork

Chapel Street

11st 2lb

J: Daniel King

T: Joseph Hennessy

Won a Wexford handicap hurdle in June 2022; fine effort at the same venue in May after almost a year off; unplaced on his next two starts; came good again at this venue three weeks ago, staying on well to win a 2m3f contest; may feature again off 6lb higher, though ground might be too testing this time

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 788-08

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Six-race maiden; no progress for handicaps on her last two starts and struggled in her two efforts on softer ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

21st May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:28 Punchestown

Got To Fly

11st 9lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: J P Dempsey

Well held on chase debut last time but she was fifth of 18 in a 2m5f handicap hurdle here the time before and she retains some potential.

8/1

6

21st May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:28 Punchestown

Got To Fly

11st 9lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: J P Dempsey

Well held on chase debut last time but she was fifth of 18 in a 2m5f handicap hurdle here the time before and she retains some potential.

8/1

6th

13

28th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 100y

14:30 Tramore

Got To Fly

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J P Dempsey

Appeared to be making gradual progress over hurdles, but now switched to chasing after fifth placing in an 18-runner Punchestown handicap; dam Jacksonlady was a smart chaser; early days for her could be a useful long-term prospect.

5/1

Form: 08080- D

Last run: 192 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won handicap hurdle at Punchestown a couple of seasons ago but out of form last term and may need this after 192 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

24th Apr 2025

Good

2m 2f 50y

18:15 Kilbeggan

The Niffler

11st 13lb

J: Hugh Morgan

T: Eamonn O’Connell

towards rear, headway on outer from 2 out, ran on well from last, went third inside final 110yds

15/2

3rd

1

24th Apr 2025

Good

2m 2f 50y

18:15 Kilbeggan

The Niffler

11st 13lb

J: Hugh Morgan

T: Eamonn O’Connell

towards rear, headway on outer from 2 out, ran on well from last, went third inside final 110yds

15/2

2nd

10

6th Oct 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 50y

16:15 Tipperary

The Niffler

10st 8lb

J: Jack Foley

T: Eamonn O’Connell

slowly away, towards rear, soon detached, joined main group halfway, headway and went fourth 2 out, ran on well from last, went second post

10/1

Form: 92P1-5

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark on his final start of last season over a similar trip on soft ground and shaped ike he needed his recent return at Killarney; may do better now and should relish conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 25y

14:25 Cork

Kings Halo

11st 1lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: James Daniel Dullea

Gained third win over fences here in January off 118 over 2m4f (yielding to soft); no impact upped in trip and class the last twice at Punchestown (3m3f) and Naas (3m1f); big drop in trip here may not be ideal.

11/1

4th

6

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 25y

14:25 Cork

Kings Halo

11st 1lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: James Daniel Dullea

towards rear, jumped right last, kept on

11/1

Abandoned

Form: 7-70

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Shown very little in three maiden hurdles and the handicapper has taken no chances; back up in trip for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

8th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:25 Cork

Coffee Bay

11st 5lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: J P Flavin

towards rear early, in touch with leaders 5th

25/1

7th

11

8th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:25 Cork

Coffee Bay

11st 5lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: J P Flavin

towards rear early, in touch with leaders 5th

25/1

Form: 0855

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Poor form in maiden hurdles, although his best run came at this trip on testing ground; open to progress now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

17:10 Exeter

Granpa Ger

11st 4lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Longstanding maiden but in good nick for his new stable, fifth of 13 in 2m Ludlow novice in November; no forlorn hope after a break.

3/1

2nd

11

14th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Tramore

Granpa Ger

10st 5lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Anthony Mullins

Is 0-16 over hurdles but some good runs in defeat recently; finished 3l behind the winner at Clonmel in June (2m1f, good to yielding); likely didn't handle the softer conditions at Killarney following that but posted another good effort in a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan last time when a 2.25l third of seven (2m, good to yielding); cheekpieces go on now; he is not discounted and is due to be raised 4lb in future.

10/1

5

9th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:27 Kilbeggan

Granpa Ger

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Anthony Mullins

The most experienced of the field is 0-17 but has run well in defeat, including a 3l second in a Clonmel handicap hurdle off 96 in June (2m1f, good to yielding); well beaten in a handicap hurdle here last time (2m1f, yielding to soft); could do better back on good ground.

13/2

Form: 0-881F D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Still very much in the conversation when coming down in his bid for back-to-back wins last time out; still on the up and ought to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 85y

18:02 Killarney

Vintage Gold

10st 8lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: John Joseph Murphy

Sole win over hurdles came over C&D in 2023; some decent runs in defeat last year but has to bounce back from a poor Listowel effort.

22/1

6

31st May 2025

Good

2m 4f 80y

15:40 Listowel

Vintage Gold

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: John Joseph Murphy

Sole win came over this sort of trip at Killarney in August 2023; running well in defeat from this sort of mark at the end of 2024 and may have needed this month's return at Tipperary; some rain would be in his favour.

8/1

Form: 0-0800

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a point but shown very little under rules so far including in handicaps on last two runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

17th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

17:15 Wexford

Free Parking

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Kidd

T: John C McConnell

Lightly raced 8yo returned from over a year's absence when tailed off at Naas in November and after further breaks well beaten twice more over hurdles; 1lb wrong here on chase debut and hard to see him making an impact.

16/1

13

17th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 100y

17:15 Wexford

Free Parking

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Kidd

T: John C McConnell

Lightly raced 8yo returned from over a year's absence when tailed off at Naas in November and after further breaks well beaten twice more over hurdles; 1lb wrong here on chase debut and hard to see him making an impact.

16/1

10th

11

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 80y

17:10 Cork

Free Parking

10st 13lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

towards rear

20/1

Form: F09-39 BF

Last run: 148 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Is 0-13 under rules; drop in trip against him when well held when last seen 148 days ago; gets his optimum conditions back up in trip and one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

14:35 Newcastle

Huit Reflets

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Experienced chaser; won at Sedgefield on Boxing Day (2m, good to soft) and placed all three starts since, last time finishing runner-up at Sedgefield (2m3f, good to soft); contender.

5/2

2nd

6

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 65y

Class 5

14:07 Sedgefield

Huit Reflets

11st 5lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Running consistently well since August, winning here (2m, good to soft) on Boxing Day and finishing a close second of five over this C&D (good to soft) ten days ago; has the same mark as last time and holds solid claims.

5/2

2nd

5

25th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 65y

Class 5

13:40 Sedgefield

Huit Reflets

11st 3lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Currently in a consistent vein of form; opened his chase account in Sedgefield contest (2m, good to soft) on Boxing Day, beating Dixie Cowboy and taking record here to 3321; ran creditably at Catterick (2m3f) since; solid claims.

5/1

Form: 779531

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
First reserve; belatedly off the mark at Fairyhouse last time and 6lb rise is fair; respected back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

Brownstone

11st 11lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Won two handicaps in Ireland; building some momentum for his new yard and probably needs further than the 2m2f he ran over at Exeter last time (stays 3m); needs considering.

20/1

5th

2

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

Brownstone

11st 11lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Won two handicaps in Ireland; building some momentum for his new yard and probably needs further than the 2m2f he ran over at Exeter last time (stays 3m); needs considering.

20/1

4th

1

6th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

12:25 Exeter

Brownstone

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Grace Harris

Runner-up at Leicester (2m4f, good) last month on second stable start and again ran well when fourth at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) seven days later; won on soft ground in Ireland; could have a part to play.

7/1

Form: 0099-

Last run: 341 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; tailed off all four maiden hurdle starts so far at huge odds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

24th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 50y

14:55 Limerick

Cristiano Marealdo

10st 4lb

J: Conor Owens

T: P J Rothwell

held up in rear

12/1

6th

13

10th Mar 2024

Soft

1m 7f 116y

14:17 Naas

Cristiano Marealdo

11st 1lb

J: Conor Owens

T: P J Rothwell

A shock winner of a C&D handicap in December off 6lb lower but was below that form back here since; has a chance if bouncing back.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: P-7930

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; left previous form behind when third at Bangor but disappointed when tailed off at Limerick since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

14

7th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 110y

15:23 Fairyhouse

Punk Rock Girl

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

prominent, weakened before 4 out, not fluent 3 out, soon dropped to rear and pulled up

16/1

10th

18

22nd Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

14:40 Listowel

Punk Rock Girl

10st 13lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Michael Collins

Drop in trip seemed to suit her last time when third at Bangor; pulled-up in this race last year; this distance may not be ideal judged on a couple of runs over staying distances during the summer.

8/1

Verdict

This looks competitive but ARTHOR has come down to a good mark and he may show more back in handicap company this time. The intermediate trip on testing ground is sure to suit Kings Halo who probably needed his return and Vintage Gold was still involved when coming down last time. [Phill Anderson]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Arthor

POSTDATA:

Vintage Gold

The Irish Sun:

Tomjackwilliam

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Arthor