February 03 / 16.10 Leopardstown

16.10

Soft

Ryanair Handicap Chase (Listed)

  • Prize money: £51304.35
  • 2m 1f 0y
  • 11 runners
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Ryanair Handicap Chase (Listed)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.70
  • Place: £1.70

Form: -82U61 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Won twice over fences in France and getting better with each run for his new yard; received a nice waiting ride from Harry Cobden to win at Cheltenham's December meeting and is only 3lb higher; that form doesn't look particularly strong but there could be more to come from this five-year-old; Reveley didn't ride him in France but he's an able deputy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Madara

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

3-1 favourite when easily winning the 23-runner Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last month in reapplied cheekpieces (retained); hit with a 10lb rise but that may not stop this 7yo, who could still have more to offer.

4/1

1st

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Madara

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Four chase wins for other yards, most recently in February 2024; 0-4 for this trainer but he achieved a lifetime best when close up on the New course (about 2m4f, good to soft) in December 2024, off this mark to an improver; has a strong record in other races here and looks to retain all his ability since back from an absence; regular cheekpieces refitted; rock-solid contender.

4/1

2nd

1

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Madara

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Useful on his day, particularly in cheekpieces which were missing when he seemed to need the outing over Christmas on return from 12-month layoff; with the headgear again left off, the market may offer extra guidance.

11/4

100/30

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 4468F2 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Had been struggling for form but was in the process of running a big race when coming down at the last over C&D in a race won by The Folkes Tiara (The Big Chap second) and creditable effort when runner-up in a beginners' at Fairyhouse; not the slickest jumper and could do with ironing out the errors out but probably has one in from this sort of mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(13)

14th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 55y

20:10 Killarney

Path Doroux

11st 12lb

J: Mr B M Coonan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Bumper winner and very useful hurdler/chaser on his day; lost his way last season, but could well play a hand here if he can put it together.

10/1

15th

7

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

16:50 Punchestown

Path Doroux

11st 6lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Gavin Cromwell

Only one win from 21 starts over fences, placed seven times; a long way below his best at Cork last time and well held by third-placed Sky Lord.

25/1

5th

1

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 45y

14:25 Cork

Path Doroux

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Gavin Cromwell

Useful although hard to win with and soundly beaten lately, but the handicappper is relenting; one of three runners for in-form yard

12/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 1-2251 CD

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
C&D winner; arrives on the back of a career best success in a Listed handicap at Fairyhouse in December; 9lb higher here but there could be more to come if he settles better and one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(5)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:30 Curragh

Solness

10st 5lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Three-time Grade 1-winning chaser makes his Flat debut here at the age of eight; his dam is an unraced half-sister to a German 1m Listed winner; it's hard to know what to expect from him, but he's an intriguing runner and hails from a savvy yard in great form.

11/2

3rd

6

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 99y

Class 1

14:55 Sandown

Solness

11st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Smart front-runner whose Grade 1 form features three wins at Leopardstown (2m1f) in 2024/2025 and neck second, showing career-best form, at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) on latest start; one of the main contenders back down in distance.

7/2

2nd

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

15:30 Aintree

Solness

11st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Tailed off at Leopardstown in February when the soft ground was against him and a visor replaced his usual cheekpieces, which return today; prior to that he posted a third Grade 1 win at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) in December; there's a question mark regarding the step back up in trip for this front-runner but his trainer won this twice in a row with Fakir d'Oudairies in 2021 and 2022, and this 8yo arrives fresh after just two starts this winter; chance.

9/1

Form: 312671 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Just about a career best when gaining a third chase success in a handicap at Naas; didn't appear to have much left in the tank and he's opposable from 4lb higher but it's interesting that Kennedy keeps the partnership intact.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

4th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 54y

15:30 Galway

Pats Choice

10st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

C&D winner in October; latest win came at Naas in January over 2m; holding his form reasonably well since and didn't run badly lto when beaten 11.5l into sixth by Galway Plate winner Pinkerton; likes soft ground.

11/1

6th

17

2nd May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 55y

16:15 Punchestown

Pats Choice

10st 1lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Has enjoyed a good season in handicaps at around this trip, winning at Wexford, Galway and Naas; has found things too demanding since Naas success in January, but now back on a mark that gives him a fair chance.

16/1

6th

17

2nd May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 55y

16:15 Punchestown

Pats Choice

10st 1lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Has enjoyed a good season in handicaps at around this trip, winning at Wexford, Galway and Naas; has found things too demanding since Naas success in January, but now back on a mark that gives him a fair chance.

16/1

Form: 151-06 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 9lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Veteran; won twice over fences last season; struggled in two runs this term, although had his work cut out against El Fabiolo in Grade 2 company last time; this mark looks on the high side for what he's achieved so far but Stone-Walsh's 5lb claim will help in that regard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

7th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 50y

15:08 Gowran Park

Rebel Gold

11st 12lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Patrick T Foley

Veteran six-time winner; produced some good displays off much higher chase marks in 2025; continues to show plenty of zest, in front of Piccolo Player when third at Naas 13 days ago.

11/2

3rd

15

22nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 7f 110y

15:00 Naas

Rebel Gold

10st 5lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Patrick T Foley

Veteran six-time winner; produced some good displays off much higher chase marks in 2025; weakened into a 19.5l third here last time (2m3f, heavy); 13l behind Peaceinthevalley on that occasion; hit the front early that day, so perhaps can get closer more patiently ridden.

16/1

3rd

8

25th Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 2f 150y

14:25 Naas

Rebel Gold

11st 3lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Patrick T Foley

Veteran six-time winner; produced several good displays off his much higher chase mark during 2025; hard to be sure how effectively he will cope on his return to hurdling at the age of 13

10/1

Form: 5P2116 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Stayed on well to win a beginners' over 2m3f at Kilbeggan and followed up in a Listed handicap chase at Cork in October; not as good over C&D since behind some of these and while lightly raced over fences, it's hard to see him turning the form around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

26th Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Curragh

Typical Thomas

12st 0lb

T: James Andrew Fahey

Hurdle and chase winner ran respectably on sole Flat start; not a bad hurdle run last time; chance.

8/1

4th

3

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:00 Downpatrick

Typical Thomas

11st 12lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: James Andrew Fahey

Maiden hurdle winner here in 2022 but hasn't won since taking a Cork chase in 2023; well beaten over fences at Tramore last time; others preferred.

20/1

Form: 0U11P2 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won a beginners' at Fairyhouse in October before a novice chase success at Galway later that month; pulled up after a bad mistake behind Solness at Fairyhouse but back on track with a 1l defeat to The Folkes Tiara over C&D on St Stephen's Day; that looked like a warm race and he was closing on the winner all the way to the line; should be in the mix again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

The Big Chap

11st 10lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Paul W Flynn

in rear

20/1

8th

2

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

The Big Chap

11st 10lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Paul W Flynn

in rear

20/1

1

28th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 100y

14:15 Limerick

The Big Chap

11st 12lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Paul W Flynn

Outran his 80-1 odds when third at Navan three weeks ago (2m4f, soft) but looks to have little margin for error off this mark.

12/1

Form: 3-2191 CD

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Gained a first chase success when beating The Big Chap by roughly 1l over C&D on St Stephen's Day; however, that rival was closing all the way to the line so he's probably going to need more to confirm the form on 3lb worse terms.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

The Folkes Tiara

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Both chase wins have been in quite valuable 2m1f handicaps (yielding), most recently at Fairyhouse in November 2024; below best this season, however, and needs to be revitalised by this switch to the banks; ground should suit.

14/1

10th

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

The Folkes Tiara

10st 10lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Both chase wins hae been in quite valuable 2m1f handicaps (yielding), most recently at Fairyhouse in November 2024; below best this season, beaten nearly 20l over same trip at Leopardstown over Christmas on latest; cheekpieces now added to usual tongue-tie.

16/1

1

26th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 130y

13:05 Wexford

The Folkes Tiara

12st 0lb

J: Dylan Whelan

T: Henry De Bromhead

One of two for trainer; Leopardstown St Stephen's Day handicap chase winner in 2023 (2m1f, soft); returned to form when winning a Fairyhouse handicap in November and beaten a short head at Leopardstown in race she won year prior; out of form in three runs since and still 6lb above last winning mark; likely best watched for now.

20/1

Form: 944P47 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in last seven starts (six of those in handicap chases) and he didn't beat a rival at Kempton when last seen; 1lb wrong for this and may find 2m1f on the short side these days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 180y

20:17 Kilbeggan

The Little Yank

11st 6lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Lost form drastically after a Clonmel win in January on the 101st outing of his career; pulled up on last four starts; Love Like This is yard's main hope.

25/1

4

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 60y

16:30 Limerick

The Little Yank

11st 8lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Veteran improved his hurdles strike-rate to 5-60 with Clonmel victory on the 101st outing of his career in January off 93; generally unpredictable; pulled up on his three most recent attempts.

66/1

3

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

13:34 Limerick

The Little Yank

11st 10lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Improved his hurdling strike rate to 5-60 with Clonmel victory over Coffeys Forge on the 101st outing of his career; generally unpredictable in recent seasons; pulled up on his two most recent attempts.

20/1

Form: F17-07 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Career best when winning at Haydock for Sam Thomas last season; bought for £35,000 in the spring; not at the same sort of level in two runs at Fairyhouse for his new connections; back on a good mark at least.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

9th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

14:50 Stratford

Grey Diamond

11st 1lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Dual winner over fences but last success was three years ago; his mark continues to fall but he doesn't look ready to take advantage.

12/1

8th

9

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 67y

Class 3

15:45 Haydock

Grey Diamond

10st 9lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

C&D winner whose mark continues to fall and he was an encouraging third at Bangor in November following a break; however, this inconsistent 12yo is winless since March 2023 and others arrive with more pressing claims.

25/1

Form: F4-215 D BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Didn't show much over fences last season but built on a promising return when beaten 1l in a Wexford beginners' to go one better in a Clonmel beginners' in December; the Clonmel form has worked out but he was a disappointing 6-4 favourite when fifth of six in a Limerick novice since; while he doesn't look particularly well treated, it's still early days and the addition of a tongue-tie may help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

8th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 3

14:15 Taunton

Henn See

11st 11lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Alexandra Dunn

in rear, headway before 6th, lost ground and struggling after 4 out, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out

33/1

Non-runners

Embittered, Final Orders

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €26.80
Straight Forecast €23.33
Tricast €78.67
Trifecta €132.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

The Big Chap

POSTDATA:

Madara

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Grey Diamond

TOPSPEED:

The Big Chap

The Irish Sun:

The Big Chap