January 13 / 13.22 Fairyhouse

13.22

Soft

SBK Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £8208.7
  • 3m 0f 0y
  • 10 runners
RTV
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SBK Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 313348

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Won 2m4f Down Royal maiden and better form in defeat in a couple of Cork novices' over today's trip; never landed a blow however on handicap debut at Navan last month in albeit much better race; down in class here so not one to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

13:22 Fairyhouse

Pinyon Jay

11st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Won 2m4f Down Royal maiden and better form in defeat in a couple of Cork novices' over today's trip; never landed a blow however on handicap debut at Navan last month in albeit much better race; down in class here so not one to rule out.

7/1

8th

8

9th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 1f 50y

13:42 Navan

Pinyon Jay

10st 12lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Won a Down Royal maiden hurdle in September and two fine runs in novice company since; well-held in a Grade 3 over 2m4f here last time and will have to improve upon that even dropped in class.

18/1

5

19th Nov 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Navan

Pinyon Jay

10st 13lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

Very green when winning a good ground maiden hurdle at Down Royal in September; beaten in novice company twice since at Cork but looked more straightforward; place prospects here.

9/2

Form: 39-152

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Back from summer break to win 2m4f Gowran maiden in September (heavy) and better of two novice efforts since on latest when clear second over 2m7f at Thurles last month; room for improvement and respected on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 72y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Mint Boy

11st 10lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Two-time hurdles winner is 0-6 over fences; unseated when 8-1 at Cheltenham in March; didn't get home in the Irish National in April; cheekpieces now tried; others make more appeal.

16/1

3

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 72y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Mint Boy

11st 10lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Two-time hurdles winner is 0-6 over fences; unseated when 8-1 at Cheltenham in March; didn't get home in the Irish National in April; cheekpieces now tried; others make more appeal.

16/1

14th

23

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Mint Boy

10st 9lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gavin Cromwell

2-6 over hurdles, rated 137; has reached the same mark over fences despite failing to win in five attempts; fair effort when third over 2m6f at Punchestown in February; among the leading fancies (8-1) for the Kim Muir, made a bad mistake at the 15th and unseated rider; renews rivalry with the first three home.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 21-1PP D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Confirmed stamina credentials with comeback win over this trip at Clonmel in October (heavy) but disappointingly pulled up both starts since, dropping out tamely at Navan last time; questions to answer at this stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:45 Fairyhouse

Castle Field Boy

11st 1lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Patrick T Foley

Dual hurdles winner won on handicap chase debut here in November (3m, soft) off 110; poor in two handicaps after, as well as in a novice contest here (2m5f, yielding) last time when 73l behind Nelson County.

20/1

5th

4

14th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 5f 150y

15:25 Fairyhouse

Castle Field Boy

11st 12lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Patrick T Foley

Dual hurdles winner got off the mark chasing around here at the fifth attempt back from a break on handicap debut over 3m in November (soft); pulled up after a bad mistake at Cork 19 days later but appeared to have few excuses for his 28l seventh at Navan last time (3m, soft to heavy); capable of getting involved on his best day.

12/1

1st

1

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

Castle Field Boy

11st 12lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Patrick T Foley

2-10 over hurdles and rated 10lb higher in that sphere; tailed off in all four starts in beginners' chases including two here; likely best watched on return from 264 days off.

12/1

Form: /1147P

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Two wins include 2m6f Downpatrick novice last summer but no impact as yet in handicaps, latest when reportedly never travelling at Navan; cheekpieces now tried but may want better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

13:22 Fairyhouse

Gortmillish

11st 8lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Two wins include 2m6f Downpatrick novice last summer but no impact as yet in handicaps, latest when reportedly never travelling at Navan; cheekpieces now tried but may want better ground.

15/2

0

2

19th Nov 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 0y

13:55 Navan

Gortmillish

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Seventh of 20 in Pertemps Series Qualifier at Cheltenham last month; that was his handicap debut and he's not obviously well treated but he's unexposed; it's notable he's the yard's first-string.

7/2

7th

19

28th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

15:00 Cheltenham

Gortmillish

10st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Promising in bumpers in spring 2021 and returned from a long absence with two hurdle wins this summer (2m/2m6f); shade disappointing when only fourth of five at Killarney this month but remains unexposed; no surprise if he features on handicap debut.

14/1

Form: 45131/ C

Last run: 1505 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Very useful dual-purpose performer back in 2019 for Tony Mullins, finishing second in 30-runner Cesarewitch before winning 2m4f rated novice hurdle here in November, both on soft; hasn't been seen since and switched yards; potentially lenient mark but market likely best guide after long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

1st May 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Party Playboy

11st 9lb

J: Michael J Molloy

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Useful level of form for Tony Mullins when winning a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse in 2019 after finishing an excellent second in the 30-runner Cesarewitch; back after four years and has shown that he retains some ability; new headgear tried today and an interesting runner

16/1

10th

13

1st May 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Party Playboy

11st 9lb

J: Michael J Molloy

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Useful level of form for Tony Mullins when winning a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse in 2019 after finishing an excellent second in the 30-runner Cesarewitch; back after four years and has shown that he retains some ability; new headgear tried today and an interesting runner

16/1

3rd

8

1st Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 6f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Party Playboy

10st 10lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

in touch with leaders

16/1

Form: 252

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Ordinary point-to-point form but two good runs from three maiden hurdle outings this term, chasing home a smart sort at Navan and here last month when second in a decent 2m7f contest on heavy; opening mark looks workable and one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 4f 61y

16:55 Leopardstown

Prince Palace

11st 11lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Sole win from 21 runs came in a Listed novice handicap chase at Navan last March (2m5f, heavy) off this mark; badly out of form since and now makes stable debut with first-time cheekpieces replacing the blinkers worn the last day.

22/1

8th

6

26th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 111y

14:35 Galway

Prince Palace

10st 7lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: P A Fahy

Won a Listed handicap chase at Navan in March (2m4f, heavy) off 7lb lower so can't be entirely dismissed, though he could have shaped a lot better after a break at Gowran (behind some of these).

16/1

4

4th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:50 Gowran Park

Prince Palace

11st 7lb

J: J J Slevin

T: P A Fahy

Showed his best form last season at Navan, notably when winning a Listed handicap in March; capable of a good showing if fit and ready; effective at this trip, stays further.

13/2

Form: 33-552 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Two wins over hurdles include over this trip at Thurles nearly two years ago; seasonal-best on return to original trainer when second over this trip at Limerick over Christmas on heavy; 3lb rise for that so more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

30th Jan 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

12:50 Limerick

Ballyadam Destiny

11st 2lb

J: D G Hogan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Two wins over hurdles, the most recent over 3m at Thurles nearly two years ago; seasonal best on return to his original trainer when second over 3m at this venue after Christmas; unplaced in a handicap of a higher standard at Fairyhouse last time; stablemate Bal De Rio is marginally better suited by the race conditions but lacks a recent run.

3/1

7

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

13:22 Fairyhouse

Ballyadam Destiny

11st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Two wins over hurdles include over this trip at Thurles nearly two years ago; seasonal-best on return to original trainer when second over this trip at Limerick over Christmas on heavy; 3lb rise for that so more needed.

13/2

Form: /5215- D

Last run: 278 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Lightly-raced 10yo went close over C&D a year ago before decisive Cork win over this trip on heavy in March; solid enough effort after 10lb rise here following month and off the track since; runs well fresh and yard in fine form of late so has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

17th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 1f 0y

15:57 Wexford

Waittillitellyou

11st 12lb

J: E Walsh

T: Edward Cawley

Triple hurdle winner is rated 120 in that discipline and has won over 3m; however, was tailed-off on chasing debut at Naas recently so will have to improve hugely on that.

8/1

6th

6

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

16:37 Naas

Waittillitellyou

11st 12lb

J: E Walsh

T: Edward Cawley

Rated 120 over hurdles; three-time winner over timber with his latest win coming at Navan in February last year (2m6f, soft to heavy); nothing from three subsequent runs, beaten 7.5l at this venue last month (2m7f, heavy); 12yo makes his chasing debut now and others preferred.

12/1

4th

4

22nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 20y

15:30 Naas

Waittillitellyou

11st 4lb

J: E Walsh

T: Edward Cawley

Three hurdle wins have all been on soft/heavy, most recently runaway win over 2m6f at Navan a year ago off 114; seen just twice since off much higher mark, pulled up after never counting on seasonal return at same venue in November; entitled to come on for that and has his ground.

10/1

Form: 114/33 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Won three on the spin at this venue a couple of seasons ago (one chase, two hurdles); missed all of last season but returned with two solid runs here last month over fences; has to be respected given his record here (first hurdles run in nearly two years).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Wheres Frankie

10st 6lb

J: Miss E J Sweeney

T: Karl Thornton

Three-time chase winner; out of form; pulled up at Navan and Leopardstown on last two starts.

33/1

11

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 4f 61y

16:55 Leopardstown

Wheres Frankie

11st 7lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Three-time chase winner has not been at his best this season; pulled up at Navan 66-1 last time; new blinkers need to work a miracle.

50/1

9

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

16:20 Navan

Wheres Frankie

11st 5lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Has won four times at Fairyhouse; only other success gained over 3m4f at Leopardstown the season before last; soundly beaten in three outings during November/December; trainer probably has a better chance with Mighty Oak Lad.

20/1

Form: 46F-0P C

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Couple of moderate runs since October return; new headgear combination tried but of limited appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

13th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

13:35 Bangor-on-Dee

It Could Be You

12st 0lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Clare Ellam

2-26 over hurdles in Ireland; 125-1 and finished tailed off at Chepstow on stable debut; tongue-tie added.

66/1

7th

1

13th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

13:35 Bangor-on-Dee

It Could Be You

12st 0lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Clare Ellam

2-26 over hurdles in Ireland; 125-1 and finished tailed off at Chepstow on stable debut; tongue-tie added.

66/1

15th

7

22nd Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

15:25 Chepstow

It Could Be You

11st 7lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Clare Ellam

midfield, outpaced before 3 out

66/1

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Prince Palace

POSTDATA:

Where's Frankie

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Ballyadam Destiny

TOPSPEED:

Prince Palace

The Irish Sun:

Prince Palace