December 26 / 12.48 Down Royal

12.48

Yielding To Soft

Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6526.55
  • 2m 1f 0y
  • 19 runners
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Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.60
  • Place: £1.20

Form: -04391

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Yard in form; perhaps found nice opportunity at Ayr last time and doubts persist based on Irish form but something seemed to click then (belatedly) in the tongue tie and cheekpieces (retained).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

15:15 Wexford

Gamigin

11st 13lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Three-time hurdles winner returned to form when runner-up at Down Royal (2m1, soft, 7-2 fav') in final start for Gary McGill in January; unfancied and well beaten in two runs for new yard; may go well back in 0-100 company now.

10/1

6th

4

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 165y

15:17 Downpatrick

Gamigin

11st 3lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Noel C Kelly

Three-time hurdles winner returned to form when second of 11 finishers at Down Royal (2m1f, soft) in January off 3lb lower; weak in the market for Ayr run last time, weakening quickly to finish last of six finishers; in the mix at his best.

9/2

6th

6

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Ayr

Gamigin

11st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Noel C Kelly

Has won three times, including over C&D two years ago when trained by current handler, who has taken over once more after eight starts for Gary McGill; returned to form when second of 11 finishers at Down Royal (2m1f, soft) in January and this Irish-trained challenger should be in the firing line.

7/2

50/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: B07-06

Last run: 92 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Just one run since July 2023; 0-16 hurdling, he shaped OK on return, but another break since and couldn't be confident.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

30th Jun 2026

Good

2m 3f 110y

16:50 Wexford

Malbas

11st 12lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

Did well over hurdles last year, winning a couple of handicaps; unfancied and has shown little in three starts this year, including chase debut in a Limerick handicap.

25/1

11th

3

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Wexford

Malbas

11st 9lb

J: Mr Finn Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

Dual hurdle winner over 2m has been well beaten over fences and hurdles the last twice; the cheekpieces worn last time are left off; this trip is new territory.

22/1

8th

5

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 110y

16:50 Kilbeggan

Malbas

11st 10lb

J: Mr Finn Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

C&D winner last June, beating today's rival Jerrari; also ran well to take second in a 2m3f contest last August; a recent chase start should have advanced his fitness; cheekpieces added

10/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 925-62

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Yard in fine form; so was she when going down fighting at Cork recently; blinkers retained; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

14th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:55 Tramore

Gold Haven

11st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul W Flynn

Maiden under all codes but has good C&D form; narrowly denied in this race last year and also second here in June; better for Navan return after nearly six months off.

7/1

3rd

2

14th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:55 Tramore

Gold Haven

11st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul W Flynn

Maiden under all codes but has good C&D form; narrowly denied in this race last year and also second here in June; better for Navan return after nearly six months off.

7/1

4/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 049P-1

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Revelation under this rider for young trainer when travelling/scoring well at Navan last month; that is pretty strong form so 9lb rise fine; a major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 120y

16:27 Downpatrick

St Deniss Well

10st 11lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Mixed form this season, best efforts over hurdles at Navan, winning 2m handicap and second to a progressive horse over 2m4f last time; two less encouraging runs over fences, well beaten in sixth in the 3m6f Porterstown Chase and pulled up at Leopardstown when found to have blood at both nostrils; trainer won this last year.

11/2

2nd

4

28th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

14:25 Navan

St Deniss Well

11st 9lb

J: James Smith

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Six-time winner split evenly between hurdles and fences; began season with two poor runs over hurdles but returned to form when making all to land a gamble in a 2m handicap hurdle here in November (heavy); well beaten in sixth in the 3m6f Poterstown Chase and pulled up at Leopardstown when last seen when found to have blood at both nostrils; chance at his best

13/2

9th

5

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

16:00 Limerick

St Deniss Well

11st 6lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Has lost his way since scoring off 8lb lower at Downpatrick last December; rated much higher over fences but didn't show enough on return from a break at Fairyhouse to make him of interest here.

16/1

Form: 285283

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Top yard's only runner; 0-19 but each-way chance; may prefer better ground (often avoids testing ground).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

1st Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 120y

14:48 Tipperary

Be My Hero

10st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Long-standing maiden; back from a break with midfield efforts over hurdles at Down Royal and on chasing debut at Limerick (2m2f, good); trip and ground fine but needs to find improvement from somewhere.

33/1

11

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Be My Hero

10st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Ran respectably over hurdles when returning from a big layoff on most recent start, travelling okay but made a bad mistake at a crucial point; prior to that his form was mediocre; he could play a role if his first run over fences brings about some further improvement.

8/1

11

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Be My Hero

10st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Ran respectably over hurdles when returning from a big layoff on most recent start, travelling okay but made a bad mistake at a crucial point; prior to that his form was mediocre; he could play a role if his first run over fences brings about some further improvement.

8/1

Form: 00000

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
A little promise in maidens but probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

27th Oct 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:00 Wexford

Jacenry

11st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: William Harvey

Good form over this trip at Down Royal last season, winner in March, second the following month; running well until falling two out in a Galway chase on his return from a break.

10/1

5

8th Oct 2024

Good

2m 2f 54y

16:50 Galway

Jacenry

11st 1lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: William Harvey

in touch with leaders, prominent after 3 out, 2 lengths down going okay when fell 2 out

15/2

7th

8

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 7f 55y

17:50 Downpatrick

Jacenry

11st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: D Harvey

in touch with leaders, dropped to midfield 3rd, headway on outer approaching last, weakened run-in

5/1

Form: F4-555

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well-held at Ayr behind Gamigin, so not sure why he should win this much better race; unexposed at least.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

7th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:12 Stratford

Joker Du Chenet

10st 4lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: James Owen

0-14 over hurdles but lost out only by a neck here (2m6f, good; refitted cheekpieces) in July and ran much better than bare form of 26l defeat might suggest at Fontwell (2m5f, good) last week; might be the answer.

7/1

6th

3

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

18:45 Fontwell

Joker Du Chenet

11st 4lb

J: Mr Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

0-13 over hurdles but has been knocking on the door in recent months; went up 3lb for his close second at Stratford (2m6f, good) last time but capable amateur Alex Chadwick claims a useful 5lb here; respected.

11/2

Form: 75565/

Last run: 613 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Has shown enough to win one of these but local yard quiet this term and layoff has to be a major issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

15th Jul 2024

Good

2m 5f 185y

17:30 Downpatrick

Stockdale

11st 9lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Patrick Eugene Turley

Tried hard to justify favourite's tag in a beginners chase here latest; good second also here on last start over hurdles; tongue-tie won't need to bring about a whole lot of improvement in order for her to add to sole win (2021); should give another good account.

11/2

2nd

6

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 150y

16:00 Downpatrick

Stockdale

11st 5lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Patrick Eugene Turley

Maiden hurdle winner in 2021; regressive in that sphere in the last year while running well at times; unseated early on chasing debut here last time.

15/2

13

24th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 100y

18:35 Downpatrick

Stockdale

11st 5lb

J: Tom Harney

T: Patrick Eugene Turley

Punchestown maiden hurdle winner in 2021; consistent enough in handicaps lately, including at this track last time; rated 90 so has to find improvement for chasing debut.

14/1

Form: 68-136 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Shade below par last time but well-capable of good run for yard that had good year, having scored at Killarney in October.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

13th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 195y

14:05 Wexford

Caoimhes Pet

11st 12lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Won at Killarney last October and some decent runs in defeat since; has to improve plenty from Sligo return, though.

12/1

7th

5

11th Jun 2024

Good

2m 1f 182y

18:15 Sligo

Caoimhes Pet

11st 7lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Won a 2m1f Killarney handicap last October when returning from an even longer absence; later showed that she can cope with this higher mark; possibilities if bouncing back from some lesser efforts.

6/1

6th

5

30th Jan 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:45 Limerick

Caoimhes Pet

11st 5lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

raced wide, in rear throughout, mistake and weakened 3 out, tailed off before 2 out

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 273-00

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Chance on form earlier this year for Tony Martin but not sure what to expect after shocker at Navan latest, when race fitness no excuse; third start for yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th Jul 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:05 Wexford

Falvio

11st 4lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: C A McBratney

Flat winner on the continent but 0-14 in this sphere and arrives on the back of a tailed off Flat effort six days ago.

20/1

12th

1

(1)

19th Jul 2024

Good

1m 5f 0y

19:27 Down Royal

Falvio

10st 9lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: C A McBratney

in rear

22/1

25/1

Form: 7408-0

Last run: 85 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Yard respected and, early days, well-bred mare one to keep eye on in wagering as has ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

20

26th Dec 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 0y

12:48 Down Royal

Leylani

10st 13lb

J: Cian Walsh

T: Mrs Lorna Fowler

in touch with leaders

25/1

Form: 0-P500

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Not easy to make case for 8yo on this year's form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

9th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 0f 7y

15:10 Naas

Simply Shabra

11st 1lb

J: Oakley Brown

T: Anthony McCann

1-22 over hurdles; C&D win early last year came out of the blue; has failed to show similar form since; pulled up at Clonmel last month on first run since last May.

25/1

7

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 0y

14:55 Clonmel

Simply Shabra

11st 8lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Anthony McCann

Lost form since Naas win (2m, soft) just over a year ago off 86; suspect stayer and hard to be confident in.

12/1

40/1

Form: U-6900

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Just 2-68, maiden cannot be fancied on this year's efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

12

(2)

7th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

20:30 Tramore

Lariat

8st 12lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Liam P Cusack

Veteran with 2-39 Flat turf record; most recent success was in 2022; often placed, including over hurdles; 33-1 when putting in a satisfactory display at Sligo a month ago on his first Flat outing this year.

12/1

7th

14

(7)

7th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

16:37 Navan

Lariat

8st 11lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Liam P Cusack

Dual-purpose; 2-38 on turf; no win since 2022 and was pulled up over hurdles at Sligo 26 days ago on return from a break; hard to make a case for.

14/1

11

12th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

19:28 Sligo

Lariat

10st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Liam P Cusack

Flat winner is 0-26 over hurdles; off since heavy defeat in handicap chase at Thurles in October; has run well here on the Flat in the past but overall record fresh suggests he might need this after 194 days off.

14/1

Form: 57100P

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Can lead; not sure where Downpatrick win in October came from, three shockers since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

9

20th Sep 2024

Good

2m 1f 165y

15:20 Downpatrick

Moneynabane

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Course winner on soft ground in October last year off 90 over 21.5f and 2lb lower now; best run since when beaten 6.25l over this C&D in August but no impact in two runs since; visor now tried instead of cheekpieces and hard to know what to expect.

22/1

7th

4

26th Aug 2024

Good

2m 3f 100y

16:50 Downpatrick

Moneynabane

11st 7lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Sole win did at least come here over hurdles last October and again ran well back here in that discipline two starts back; however, he was soon in trouble when tailed off on his chase debut at Kilbeggan only last Friday (beaten too far out to blame the trip of 3m1f); cheekpieces tried.

20/1

10th

6

23rd Aug 2024

Good

3m 1f 100y

18:55 Kilbeggan

Moneynabane

11st 7lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

towards rear

10/1

Form: 40-66

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Inexperienced rider replaces Rachael Blackmore, who partnered mare so far; 25s last thrice, including on handicap debut, but in top hands and has ability; noted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

20:18 Stratford

Glenmalure Flyer

11st 3lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Maiden point winner at the 11th attempt prior to winning stable debut at Bangor (3m, good; refitted tongue-tie) four days ago; carries a penalty and drops back in trip but looks a big danger.

4/6

1st

3

26th Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

18:33 Bangor-on-Dee

Glenmalure Flyer

11st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

0-10 over hurdles when based in Ireland and it was her 11th run in a maiden point there when prevailing by a neck on good ground last month; now with top stable for this chasing debut, though, having recently changed hands for £5,000.

100/30

8th

10

3rd Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 91y

12:05 Clonmel

Glenmalure Flyer

11st 5lb

J: Niall Moore

T: David Peter Nagle

Modest form for Henry de Bromhead; in rear in a handicap hurdle at Limerick two weeks ago on stable debut.

14/1

Form: 3P-790 D

Last run: 198 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
First reserve; moved from one Ulster yard to another; has ability, so not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

23rd Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 205y

14:52 Clonmel

Flashthelights

11st 13lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Won twice on good ground last year, at Punchestown and Wexford; a long way best in two 2025 outings, five months apart; may do better now.

7/1

5

10th Oct 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 65y

15:23 Downpatrick

Flashthelights

11st 4lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Noel C Kelly

One of three for yard; has won three over timber but tailed off in his last couple of starts and needs the ground to dry out to see him at his best.

15/1

Form: 53-192 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
One of the more reliable and she should get good clip to sit off here; creeping up handicap but respected; moderate fifth in this last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

26th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:22 Wexford

Wellgowats

11st 4lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Liam G O’Brien

Won off 2lb lower on testing ground at Gowran (2m) in October 2023; only seen twice in the last two years and not many positives to take from his August C&D run after 465-day absence; others appeal more.

22/1

9

8th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 100y

19:13 Wexford

Wellgowats

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Liam G O’Brien

Without a win since scoring at Gowran in September 2023 off 4lb lower; off since May 2024 but has gone well fresh before; check market.

12/1

4th

5

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

19:20 Stratford

Wellgowats

10st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Liam G O’Brien

Second hurdle success when seeing off 14 rivals at Gowran Park (2m, soft/heavy; other win on good) in September; good second at Wexford in November and given a break after a lesser run at Down Royal over Christmas; placed off a similar mark in Britain in summer 2022; Brian Hughes booked for this Irish raider.

6/1

Form: 960283 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Stable had fine run; two good runs recent months, one over hurdles when second to Caoimhes Pet, bring 6yo into it; can lead.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

15

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:20 Punchestown

Baltinglass Hill

10st 12lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Spent most of last season over fences; mid-division over hurdles at Clonmel on latest after being pulled up in consecutive chases; almost two years since the most recent of his three wins.

25/1

7th

9

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 216y

18:12 Clonmel

Baltinglass Hill

11st 1lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: P J Rothwell

Pulled up in a chase at Wexford last Friday; much more effective as a hurdler, though he he has added only one win to his tally since 2021.

14/1

13

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:08 Wexford

Baltinglass Hill

10st 3lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Three-time winning hurdler is 0-13 chasing, pulled up after some indifferent jumping last time; back from a break, handicapper has given him every chance and better ground in his favour.

14/1

Form: 060-00 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has not gone on from early promising form; neither run this winter was encouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 1f 157y

19:00 Sligo

Moulane West

11st 5lb

J: Alan King

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Locally-trained gelding won here early last season; overall record is unconvincing and getting on in years; down the field here four weeks ago.

14/1

10th

4

12th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 166y

18:28 Sligo

Moulane West

11st 6lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Gained his only hurdles win in this race a year ago, making all to win easily on good ground after 200 days off; trying to repeat that feat; also ran well here a couple of times in August before form tailed off.

20/1

Non-runners

Boola Boola, Lakomet Of Saints, Prince Quattro, Wee Jerry

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €56.70
Straight Forecast €29.19
Tricast €125.67
Trifecta €143.90

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Gold Haven

SPOTLIGHT:

St Denis's Well

POSTDATA:

Gamigin

The Irish Sun:

Gold Haven