January 15 / 13.25 Punchestown

13.25

Soft

John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5900
  • 2m 0f 77y
  • 17 runners
RTV
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John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

OUR TIP

Form: 3-260

Last run: 18 days

W: 12st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a Gowran maiden hurdle in November; disappointing twice since but interesting to see him go handicapping so soon; could well go close.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 66y

14:00 Thurles

Joyeux Vivo

11st 10lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: John E & Thomas Kiely

Maiden was a close second at Punchestown last year over 2m7f; has been poor in a hurdle and chase start this year so has to return to best.

10/1

3

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 66y

14:00 Thurles

Joyeux Vivo

11st 10lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: John E & Thomas Kiely

Maiden was a close second at Punchestown last year over 2m7f; has been poor in a hurdle and chase start this year so has to return to best.

10/1

6

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 5y

19:40 Kilbeggan

Joyeux Vivo

11st 5lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: John E & Thomas Kiely

Went close at Punchestown in October (2m7f, gd-yld) and just 1lb higher here; should strip fitter for spin over hurdles at that venue in June and has placed at this trip over timber; not discounted back over fences.

12/1

Form: 8-U149 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Three time winner in Britain but no show whatever on his Irish debut at Tramore; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

24th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 50y

14:30 Killarney

The Grey Falco

11st 9lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Michael Flannery

towards rear throughout

20/1

14th

11

18th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 1f 0y

19:10 Killarney

The Grey Falco

11st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Michael Flannery

prominent on inner, not fluent and lost position 3 out, weakened from 2 out

33/1

6th

2

26th May 2024

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:45 Uttoxeter

The Grey Falco

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Patrick Neville

Back in Britain after three unsuccessful runs for an Irish yard in early part of this year; makes stable debut from a workable mark and is versatile regarding ground but he's tricky to weigh up at the moment.

10/1

Form: 0541P9

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Decisive winner of a mares maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in October; soundly beaten twice since including on his handicap debut at the same venue; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

19:07 Killarney

Miss Oreo

11st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Generally regressive since a maiden hurdle win in 2023 and has mostly struggled over fences.

40/1

2

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 61y

18:43 Ballinrobe

Miss Oreo

11st 10lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Has been struggling over fences, generally regressive since a maiden hurdle win in 2023; remote ninth at Tramore on her only hurdles attempt this year.

20/1

6

23rd Jul 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:38 Wexford

Miss Oreo

11st 5lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Hurdles winner has run creditably in defeat over fences at times, but outclassed here.

50/1

Form: -F0000 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Fairyhouse maiden hurdle winner two years ago but badly out of form last year and makes little appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

25th Apr 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:50 Wexford

Imperial Ruler

11st 12lb

J: Conor Maxwell

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Fairyhouse maiden hurdle winner two years ago; nothing of note in his form since 2022; trainer has a better chance with Bocelli's Voice.

20/1

8th

7

25th Apr 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:50 Wexford

Imperial Ruler

11st 12lb

J: Conor Maxwell

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

prominent early, in touch with leaders when jumped slightly right 3rd, soon dropped to rear, detached before 5th

20/1

4

15th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 77y

13:25 Punchestown

Imperial Ruler

12st 0lb

J: Mr J P Sutton

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Fairyhouse maiden hurdle winner two years ago but badly out of form last year and makes little appeal.

50/1

Form: 74F-22 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Reverted to hurdles last twice when just held in a handicap at Thurles and overhauled late at Cork last month; has gone up 5lb but comes here in form and unlikely to be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

1

27th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

15:11 Limerick

Ricky Bobby

12st 0lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: Timothy Doyle

Sole success was well over three years ago but hasn't been in bad form this year; being absent since May might not be ideal.

8/1

13th

1

27th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

15:11 Limerick

Ricky Bobby

12st 0lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: Timothy Doyle

Sole success was well over three years ago but hasn't been in bad form this year; being absent since May might not be ideal.

8/1

6th

6

28th May 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 75y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Ricky Bobby

11st 8lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: Timothy Doyle

Nearly three years since hurdles win but good Naas second in March brings him into the mix.

8/1

Form: -6P999 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Not much sign of her best form last year but quite slow to come down the handicap; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:35 Tipperary

Itsallabouteve

11st 4lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Won handicap chase here last summer; well backed for return but never recovered from bad error; workable mark but very best form has come on soft.

9/1

11th

4

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:05 Listowel

Itsallabouteve

11st 7lb

J: Mr C J Shine

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Bumper/hurdle/chase winner who was runner-up in this 12 months ago and filled the same position over C&D when last seen in September; goes on all ground and good chance provided she's ready to rock after a lengthy break.

7/1

11th

4

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:05 Listowel

Itsallabouteve

11st 7lb

J: Mr C J Shine

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Bumper/hurdle/chase winner who was runner-up in this 12 months ago and filled the same position over C&D when last seen in September; goes on all ground and good chance provided she's ready to rock after a lengthy break.

7/1

Form: 2-6414

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Comfortable winner of a handicap chase at Thurles in November; would have been closer but for a bad mistake at the last at Cork last time revertting to hurdles; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

McGrath From Clune

11st 0lb

J: Aidan Weaver

T: Tom Gretton

Ended last year in good form over fences but was pulled after a break at Hereford in March and it's over a year since he last ran over hurdles (0-12 in this discipline).

16/1

4

25th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

15:00 Hereford

McGrath From Clune

10st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tom Gretton

C&D winner in November and ran well when second at Newcastle (2m, good to soft) 11 days later; looked the likeliest winner before unseating late at Taunton in December and now needs to bounce back from a disappointing run at Fontwell on Boxing Day (jumped right); tough mark but remains of interest with Sean Bowen booked.

9/2

Form: 68-90P

Last run: 212 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Dual Flat winner for Joseph O'Brien but well beaten to date over hurdles and makes no appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

18:19 Wexford

Montys Way

11st 0lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: George Stanley

Dual-Flat winner is 1-15 over timber, the win coming off 6lb higher at Ballinrobe two years ago; well below that level last autumn and probably best watched on seasonal return.

20/1

Form: 000

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
No show in three good maiden hurdles; handicap debut here and well worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

1st Jan 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 110y

13:50 Fairyhouse

Brogue Man River

10st 2lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Norman Lee

Unplaced all starts and needs to improve loads from stable debut last time.

66/1

22

1st Jan 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 110y

13:50 Fairyhouse

Brogue Man River

10st 2lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Norman Lee

Unplaced all starts and needs to improve loads from stable debut last time.

66/1

15th

13

3rd Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 91y

12:35 Clonmel

Brogue Man River

11st 2lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Norman Lee

always behind

28/1

Form: P99120 BF

Last run: 95 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Two runs over fences since winning a 2m6f handicap hurdle at Galway in September; 7lb higher but certainly not discounted if he can repeat it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

18th Feb 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 189y

17:10 Punchestown

Hutchie

12st 3lb

J: Mark Dunne

T: Stephen Gerard Carey

.

66/1

0

5

20th Jan 2024

Frozen

3m 0f 0y

15:42 Navan

Hutchie

11st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Stephen Gerard Carey

Ran twice over fences after winning a 2m6f handicap hurdle at Galway in September, disappointing at Tramore following second at Killarney; fair fifth of 17 when sent back over hurdles in a handicap at Punchestown on Monday.

6/1

11

15th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 77y

13:25 Punchestown

Hutchie

11st 3lb

J: Mr M N Sharpe

T: Stephen Gerard Carey

Two runs over fences since winning a 2m6f handicap hurdle at Galway in September; 7lb higher but certainly not discounted if he can repeat it.

10/1

Form: 021542

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Kept his form well since winning a handicap hurdle at Downpatrick in September, probable career best in first-time cheekpieces when second over 2m3f on heavy here last month; 3lb higher now but a likely contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

21st Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 141y

19:10 Sligo

Morricone

11st 13lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

prominent, pressed leader after 3 out

11/2

3rd

5

4th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 160y

13:50 Galway

Morricone

11st 11lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Won slow-ground handicaps at Punchestown earlier this year and was respectable in defeat there last time; off since late April but rain would bring him into it.

10/1

Form: 7-897

Last run: 179 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
No real show in a trio of maiden hurdles last summer; handicap debut and potentially interesting; worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

7th Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 157y

14:20 Punchestown

Walkonthebriteside

10st 11lb

J: Carl Millar

T: John C McConnell

Had blood in nostrils when pulled up at Clonmel in March; unseated early on at Tramore on most recent start; won a 3m Wexford handicap hurdle from a mark of 89 last August; others are preferred.

18/1

9

30th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:05 Tramore

Walkonthebriteside

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Won 3m Wexford handicap hurdle last August on good ground but soundly beaten favourite on both chase attempts when veterinary excuses, latest when blood in nostrils after being pulled up at Clonmel in March; back from a short break and caution advised but can't rule out.

10/1

9

30th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:05 Tramore

Walkonthebriteside

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Won 3m Wexford handicap hurdle last August on good ground but soundly beaten favourite on both chase attempts when veterinary excuses, latest when blood in nostrils after being pulled up at Clonmel in March; back from a short break and caution advised but can't rule out.

10/1

Form: 8079

Last run: 142 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Has failed to reach the first six in four maidens; off since August and best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

30th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

18:30 Tramore

The Border Boy

10st 5lb

J: Danny Power

T: Sean Aherne

Only 1-21 over hurdles, the win coming on good ground at Wexford last summer (similar mark); did finish well held on chase debut in November and also in his subsequent run back hurdling.

20/1

14th

19

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:50 Punchestown

The Border Boy

10st 2lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Sean Aherne

Won 2m1f Cork handicap hurdle last summer on good ground; produced a couple of decent placed efforts after that, including third behind today's rival Hickey's Hill at Thurles; lacks a recent run but ground should suit; on a mark that gives him a fair chance.

6/1

Form: P/6-34 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 8lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Reverted back to handicap company when a strong finishing fourth in a 2m handicap at Naas last month; same mark here and has an each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

13

29th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 53y

15:25 Roscommon

Derby De Thaix

10st 13lb

J: Miss H Heffernan

T: James Andrew Fahey

Extended record over hurdles to 0-42 at Naas when last seen in December; ran poorly on only previous visit to this track; hard to fancy.

20/1

14th

17

16th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 51y

15:00 Naas

Derby De Thaix

11st 3lb

J: Miss H Heffernan

T: James Andrew Fahey

0-41 hurdles record is highly off-putting; twice a runner-up over 3m this season; unreliable.

20/1

14th

17

16th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 51y

15:00 Naas

Derby De Thaix

11st 3lb

J: Miss H Heffernan

T: James Andrew Fahey

0-41 hurdles record is highly off-putting; twice a runner-up over 3m this season; unreliable.

20/1

Form: 750406 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Close fourth in a handicap hurdle at Navan in September and ran well despite some poor jumping behind a stable companion here two weeks ago; trainer and rider teamed up for a winner at Clonmel on Thursday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

26th Jul 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 200y

18:55 Kilbeggan

Future Proof

10st 9lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: P J Rothwell

Gained first win since 2020 in a handicap hurdle at Wexford and shaped like he was worth another go at this sort of trip; recent strike-rate isn't encouraging but 6lb rise is fair and can't be ruled out.

5/1

1st

11

29th May 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 0y

18:30 Wexford

Future Proof

11st 1lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: P J Rothwell

towards rear, headway on outer into midfield 4 out, led before 2 out, ridden clear approaching last, ridden out and much reduced lead towards finish, all out

22/1

13th

9

4th May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:30 Punchestown

Future Proof

12st 0lb

J: Joanna Thornton

T: P J Rothwell

Losing run since 2020 and poor over hurdles this season.

33/1

Form: /08-57

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Winless in 12 starts; not beaten far in a Sligo maiden hurdle in October; interesting on her debut for Willie Austin.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

17:15 Taunton

Lyla Garrity

11st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Maiden in Ireland; 50-1 when pulled up in a Chepstow handicap on stable debut; headgear is soon turned to.

14/1

7th

7

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

17:15 Taunton

Lyla Garrity

11st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Maiden in Ireland; 50-1 when pulled up in a Chepstow handicap on stable debut; headgear is soon turned to.

14/1

14

1st Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:55 Chepstow

Lyla Garrity

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Henrietta C Knight

0-12 over hurdles in Ireland, signing off with down-the-field run at Punchestown in January; makes stable debut from a workable mark but is not the most obvious answer.

20/1

Form: 0-P009 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in handicaps off this mark lately and can't be fancied even with cheekpieces tried; 4lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

15th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 2f 193y

15:30 Clonmel

Treyarnon Bay

10st 10lb

J: Mr H E Sexton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Won a bumper for Nicky Henderson but very poor form over hurdles since joining this yard for small money last summer and remains opposable.

20/1

5th

14

29th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 7f 0y

16:10 Punchestown

Treyarnon Bay

11st 0lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Flat-bred mare won a bumper for Nicky Henderson but very poor form over hurdles since joining this yard for small money last summer.

40/1

18

15th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 77y

13:25 Punchestown

Treyarnon Bay

10st 7lb

J: Miss Abigail Voyce

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Well beaten in handicaps off this mark lately and can't be fancied even with cheekpieces tried; 4lb wrong.

50/1

Non-runners

Woodstream Lad

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Woodstream Lad

The Irish Sun:

Morricone

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Derby De Thaix

POSTDATA:

Woodstream Lad