January 18 / 15.55 Fairyhouse

15.55

Frozen

Jump Into January At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5130.43
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • 19 runners
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Jump Into January At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Clear

Form: UU53

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Unseated on first two starts but more promise in latest two runs, particularly when third (beaten 4l) in a Naas maiden hurdle latest; potential improver now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

11

20th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 140y

13:52 Fairyhouse

Hillsdale

10st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: J P Dempsey

Impressed in winning handicap chases at Naas (yielding) and Clonmel (yielding to soft) and had jumped well out in front before falling late on at Navan (2m7f), where he was headed but boxing on; expect another positive ride back at this distance.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 25-623 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
16-race maiden but knocking on the door of late, finishing runner-up at Cork last month prior to a third of 19 at Down Royal; his turn seems near and step back up in trip should help.
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

Form: 0000

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Shown nothing in four starts in maiden hurdles at huge prices; pedigree suggests he may improve for further now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

9th Oct 2025

Soft

2m 4f 80y

17:00 Tramore

Juke Box Rock

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Shaped nicely in last three handicap hurdle runs; bumped into a well handicapped rival at Navan last time when a 5.5l second (2m3f, yielding); good chance.

5/2

5

20th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

15:45 Navan

Juke Box Rock

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

0-8 over hurdles but has shaped nicely the last twice at Sligo (20.5f, good) and Clonmel (2m4f, good); chance if handles the forecast slower ground (dam won on yld-sft).

6/1

6

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 107y

18:38 Sligo

Juke Box Rock

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Well beaten in two handicap starts over 2m1f after showing little in maidens; took a step in the right direction at Clonmel last October on his first try at this trip; absent since then; market may provide clues.

11/2

Form: 90872

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
0-5 but only beaten a nose when up in trip on handicap debut at Limerick three weeks ago; up 5lb and respected with Mullins on again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

19:07 Killarney

Rusheen

11st 13lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Terence O’Brien

Back to form when third at Clonmel (2m7f, soft) and both his wins have been at this shorter trip; likely to go well.

7/1

3rd

1

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 55y

17:00 Clonmel

Rusheen

11st 12lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Terence O’Brien

Unseated at Naas five out in February before pulling up at Thurles last month; had previously won well at Naas on seasonal/stable debut; 7lb higher now; bounce back required.

14/1

2

5th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 110y

14:58 Thurles

Rusheen

11st 13lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Terence O’Brien

Unseated five out at Naas 11 days ago; had previously won well at the same venue in January on seasonal debut; 7lb higher now.

8/1

Form: 90-823 BF

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Much improved since handicapping this term; beaten under two lengths on each of her last two runs; has been well supported on both outings and a 3lb rise doesn't help but the step back up in trip could be the answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

4th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Naas

The Big Cloud

12st 0lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Shane Crawley

Course winner of a handicap chase in December, showing no ill-effects from an 11-month absence in beating a solid yardstick; in touch when falling two at Clonmel in January; could go well from a mark 7lb below her chase rating; talented 5lb claimer into the bargain.

7/2

1

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:38 Gowran Park

The Big Cloud

12st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Shane Crawley

Won over this trip at Limerick (heavy) at the end of last season before a respectable fourth of 16 at Naas later that month and likeable reappearance effort back at Limerick over Christmas; may come on for that and warrants respect; wears a first-time tongue-tie.

6/1

1

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:38 Gowran Park

The Big Cloud

12st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Shane Crawley

Won over this trip at Limerick (heavy) at the end of last season before a respectable fourth of 16 at Naas later that month and likeable reappearance effort back at Limerick over Christmas; may come on for that and warrants respect; wears a first-time tongue-tie.

6/1

Form: 45995-

Last run: 467 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Promise in bumpers but couldn't build on that in maiden hurdles; has been off 467 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

4th Mar 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

16:00 Leopardstown

Balum

11st 13lb

J: Mr J P Sutton

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Mare has had an interrupted campaign but has returned from 478-day absence in fine form in 2m4f Punchestown handicaps recently, latest when winning under today's rider on heavy; good chance she'll stay this longer trip and 11lb rise workable.

9/2

1st

1

21st Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 41y

16:25 Punchestown

Balum

12st 0lb

J: Mr J P Sutton

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

travelled strongly, soon prominent, led after 2nd, joined before 4th, raced wide when led narrowly before 2 out, went clear going best approaching last, stayed on, eased towards finish

6/1

3rd

2

29th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:40 Punchestown

Balum

11st 12lb

J: Mr J P Sutton

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Mare showed ability in bumpers and when last seen in Fairyhouse maiden hurdle; handicap debut after long lay-off.

18/1

Form: 0608

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in three points and yet to show much under rules, including handicap debut last time when 50-1; longer trip needs to bring about improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

30th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

18:00 Tramore

Jouster

11st 1lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul W Flynn

Hurdle/chase winner for Gavin Cromwell before losing his way; some signs of a revival when fourth at Downpatrick (2m3f) and he's slipped to a handy mark.

10/1

4th

1

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:05 Downpatrick

Jouster

12st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul W Flynn

Won twice over hurdles and once over fences for Gavin Cromwell before losing his form last year; has continued his regression for this yard and is hard to fancy on his poor Kilbeggan comeback run.

12/1

10th

7

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 110y

16:50 Kilbeggan

Jouster

11st 7lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Paul W Flynn

Good form for Gavin Cromwell in the closing months of 2024, featuring a chase win at Tramore and a handicap hurdle win at Fairyhouse; never managed to reach that standard last year.

14/1

Form: 09F7P-

Last run: 273 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Still involved when coming down in a point when last seen; had shown little under rules previously; interesting recruit for this yard but needs to leave all previous form behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

21st Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 1f 93y

17:38 Sligo

Benjis Benefit

12st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won over hurdles at Down Royal in May but not as good at Punchestown after off this mark; three solid Flat runs in defeat since; has a shout with cheekpieces tried.

6/1

Form: 556-0P

Last run: 237 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Distant fifth on hurdle bow was promising but poor since and likely to need this after 237 days off; wears first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 110y

13:10 Gowran Park

Portnacoo

11st 8lb

J: Adam Leahy

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Four-time hurdles winner; not solid on his form this term, latterly for new yard; unseated rider at Taunton over fences on latest; best form is on better ground than this.

25/1

2

23rd Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 51y

15:52 Clonmel

Portnacoo

11st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Three wins at Downpatrick and one at Carlisle which was the latest in February; showed nothing in two runs since that win but encouraging signs when fourth at Gowran 20 days ago and he's back on his last winning mark.

5/1

Form: 09P0-4

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Showed very little in maiden hurdles but much more promising on handicap debut on New Year's Day here; can be involved if building on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

2nd Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

13:05 Catterick

Coco Kolada

12st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Karl Thornton

Irish hurdler who justified favouritism at Down Royal (2m1f, soft; drew clear run-in) last week, building on his promising reappearance effort (2m4f); has low mileage and looks likely to progress further; leading player even with 7lb penalty.

8/11

1st

7

23rd Jan 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 33y

14:20 Down Royal

Coco Kolada

11st 8lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Karl Thornton

in touch with leaders, not fluent 1st, not fluent 2nd, prominent behind clear leader after 2nd, headway after 3 out, ridden to lead from last, stayed on

5/1

Form: 7P0086

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Has really struggled in beginners' company here the last twice and struggled on handicap debut over timber three starts ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

26th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 0y

15:43 Listowel

Lilys Choice

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: David Harry Kelly

Maiden hasn't troubled the judge in three runs since return from a 527 day layoff; jumping often an issue, though she was hampered when unseating latest; others appeal more.

40/1

13

19th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 165y

15:21 Downpatrick

Lilys Choice

10st 6lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: David Harry Kelly

Yet to make much of an impact under rules with lack of fluency in jumping a consistent issue; tailed off in two starts following 527-day break, although slight improvement last time; others bring more pressing claims.

25/1

6th

15

8th Aug 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:03 Wexford

Lilys Choice

10st 12lb

T: David Harry Kelly

First reserve; Yet to make much of an impact under Rules and jumping has been an issue; tailed off after 527-day layoff over 16.5f here on latest; others have more pressing claims.

Form: -99000

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Modest form so far including handicaps on last three starts; needs improvement for the step back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

26th Jul 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 200y

17:45 Kilbeggan

Boxcar Molly

10st 13lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Maiden unseated at Sligo recently, midfield finishes in earlier handicaps so 5yo not one to rule out here in a weak race.

12/1

14

7th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 194y

16:15 Sligo

Boxcar Molly

10st 13lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Maiden's best effort was when fifth of 19 in headgear over 2m at Tipperary in April; well held since; back up in trip.

16/1

Form: 009-00

Last run: 159 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Poor form in maiden hurdles on first four outings and tailed off in handicaps twice since; off 159 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

11

24th Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 210y

15:50 Fairyhouse

Mount Gable

11st 1lb

J: Ryan Treacy

T: Mrs Julie Cashin

Poor form in maiden hurdles on first four outings and tailed off in handicaps twice since; off 165 days.

50/1

13th

10

12th Aug 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:25 Kilbeggan

Mount Gable

11st 3lb

J: Evan Dwan

T: Mrs Julie Cashin

always behind, lost touch after 5th, tailed off approaching last

100/1

Abandoned

Form: 539350

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner back on her last winning mark; tailed off at Punchestown last time but this is weaker and she had been in okay form previously; back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

18

8th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 100y

16:52 Punchestown

Shean Glory

10st 13lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Sean Aherne

midfield

12/1

8th

14

18th May 2024

Soft

2m 1f 55y

15:25 Wexford

Shean Glory

10st 13lb

J: Mr S Tobin

T: Sean Aherne

Dual winner was regressive last season, though not beaten far at Clonmel last time; has to return to his best.

22/1

8th

14

18th May 2024

Soft

2m 1f 55y

15:25 Wexford

Shean Glory

10st 13lb

J: Mr S Tobin

T: Sean Aherne

Dual winner was regressive last season, though not beaten far at Clonmel last time; has to return to his best.

22/1

Form: P6-1P5 D

Last run: 70 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Might have needed latest chase return when tailed off at Clonmel but has been off another 70 days; best form is on better ground than what is likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

14th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:50 Down Royal

Legacy Of Dreams

10st 11lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

soon led, faced challenges 3 out, headed when not fluent 2 out, soon weakened

16/1

5th

11

14th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:50 Down Royal

Legacy Of Dreams

10st 11lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

soon led, faced challenges 3 out, headed when not fluent 2 out, soon weakened

16/1

13th

16

9th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

15:20 Gowran Park

Legacy Of Dreams

10st 0lb

J: Conor Owens

T: P J Rothwell

Winning chaser, recorded a long-priced handicap success at Limerick last May; 0-10 over hurdles, well beaten over this trip at Punchestown last time.

16/1

Abandoned

Form: 0-P777

Last run: 53 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
30-race maiden and hasn't given the impression his turn is near in recent starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

24th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 135y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Ventnor

10st 7lb

J: J J Slevin

T: James M Barcoe

towards rear

12/1

7th

14

26th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:10 Cork

Ventnor

10st 0lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: James M Barcoe

led, headed but prominent after 2nd, lost position before 4th

14/1

Form: 42-343

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
First reserve; point winner; has gone close under rules and some solid form in defeat last season; respectable run over fences latest and not ruled out if getting in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

17th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

15:00 Wexford

Lilian Bland

11st 1lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Niall Patrick Hennessy

Two-time chase winner is 1-17 over timber; took advantage of lower hurdles mark at Downpatrick (2m6f, good) in March, beating Joueuse Royale by 2.25l; in contention when falling in a Tramore handicap chase latest off 102; 5lb lower here and could go well back returned to hurdles.

4/1

Abandoned

Form: 0855

Last run: 98 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; well held in maiden hurdles but should appreciate going back up in trip on hurdle debut; off 98 days.
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: P9-78P D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; struggled for any sort of form in the last 12 months; blinkers now tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

12

29th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 6f 120y

12:55 Limerick

Mrs Watson

10st 2lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: Peter Croke

Tailed off over hurdles here in October on latest venture, that far from out of the blue either, and two tries so far over fences failed to yield a great deal; far from obvious claims.

50/1

Verdict

She’s still a maiden but GOLD HAVEN has been in career best form and a return to further may help her get her head in front. The Big Cloud has been popular in the market on her last two starts and has gone close in each of her last two runs. She’s up another 3lb and is hard to rule out. Any support for the handicap debutant Juke Box Rock would be worth noting. [Phill Anderson]