February 21 / 13.45 Punchestown

13.45

Heavy

Best Odds Guaranteed At Bet Victor Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5386.96
  • 2m 0f 148y
  • 16 runners
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Best Odds Guaranteed At Bet Victor Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Wind and rain

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.40
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 2-U40

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the Goffs Defender Bumper at Punchestown on his sole run last season but three runs over hurdles so far have been failures; middle run at Tramore was not terrible and would give him a squeak here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

30th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

14:30 Fairyhouse

Milo Lises

11st 13lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: David Harry Kelly

always behind, pulled up after 4 out

33/1

2

30th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

14:30 Fairyhouse

Milo Lises

11st 13lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: David Harry Kelly

always behind, pulled up after 4 out

33/1

6th

3

16th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 50y

13:25 Navan

Milo Lises

11st 1lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: David Harry Kelly

Off the mark when showing improved form to beat a subsequent winner in 2m Punchestown maiden in February (heavy); place prospects when last-flight faller in 2m4f Perth handicap in April (soft) and has since left Willie Mullins; probably needs to improve to play a major role on yard debut.

12/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 2323S- BF

Last run: 364 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ran into a couple of useful types in bumpers and on his maiden hurdle debut; not seen since slipping up in the 2m4f maiden hurdle on this card a year ago; entitled to need the run but could be a contender if fit enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

7th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:02 Wexford

Faulty

11st 12lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Winner of a Down Royal maiden hurdle in March 2024; reported coughing after a poor run the following month; off for almost two years before chasing debut at Naas two months ago, jumped untidily and never in contention.

25/1

5th

3

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

16:37 Naas

Faulty

11st 12lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Rated 125 over hurdles; fell and unseated in his point runs; winner of a Down Royal maiden hurdle in March 2024; coughed following a very poor effort in a novice contest here in April 2024; unseen since then and can only be watched after such a long absence.

16/1

Evs

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 22

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No match for Mullins novices Tullyhill and Mercurey in maiden hurdles at Naas and here; obviously no disgrace in that and these waters appear considerably calmer; looks the one to beat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

16:47 Clonmel

Lightkeeper

11st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Maiden hurdle winner in 2024 has won three chases since and is rated 128 in that sphere; was second in a Bellewstown claimer in August when last over hurdles; a spin in the charity race at Punchestown can have him straight; valuable 5lb claimer a help.

3/1

20th

1

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Lightkeeper

12st 9lb

J: Paul Burns

T: Gordon Elliott

Four-time winner, rated 128 over fences, flat debut, top yard, respected.

11/2

3rd

1

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 3

14:33 Perth

Lightkeeper

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

Reversed previous C&D form with King Roly under an aggressive front-running ride from Sean Bowen here 17 days ago (good); that wasn't without the occasional scare over his fences but he's clearly capable of going well again off just 4lb higher.

5/2

4th
14
Pax

12/1

Form: 86

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown a little ability in two starts; needs this for a mark but could sneak into a place.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

4

28th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

12:50 Leopardstown

Pax

11st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: C A Murphy

Minor promise in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in February but tailed off twice since switching to handicaps; enough to prove from this mark at present; tongue-tie on.

12/1

14th

4

28th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

12:50 Leopardstown

Pax

11st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: C A Murphy

Minor promise in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in February but tailed off twice since switching to handicaps; enough to prove from this mark at present; tongue-tie on.

12/1

8

23rd Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 87y

14:50 Punchestown

Pax

11st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: C A Murphy

Some promise in three maidens, notably when staying on late into fourth of 16 at this venue (16.5f, heavy) in February; looked a potential improver on handicap debut but that didn't come to fruition; the jury is out.

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Unlucky not to win a Leopardstown Flat maiden on his belated debut in October; seems to have had his issues but is a very interesting hurdles newcomer here; worth a market watch.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 3

14:35 Ascot

Military Alliance

11st 6lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

His four-race Irish career stalled but he made a winning start for new yard by a neck in maiden hurdle at Hereford (2m, good) in April, leading at the final flight; the second, third, sixth and ninth have won over hurdles since; with more still to learn in that Hereford race, he brings potential as well as a leading chance on form.

7/2

1st

2

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 7f 157y

Class 3

14:35 Ascot

Military Alliance

11st 6lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

His four-race Irish career stalled but he made a winning start for new yard by a neck in maiden hurdle at Hereford (2m, good) in April, leading at the final flight; the second, third, sixth and ninth have won over hurdles since; with more still to learn in that Hereford race, he brings potential as well as a leading chance on form.

7/2

1st

5

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:43 Hereford

Military Alliance

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Went close in a 1m1f Leopardstown maiden (heavy) on debut but a well-held fifth over hurdles next time and didn't offer much in two runs back on the Flat; however, he has joined Harry Derham and that heightens interest.

7/2

Form: 0-9PP8

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Little to recommend in bumpers and maiden hurdles; best run was in a first-time hood (retained) last time but much more needed here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

4th Apr 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Naas

Our Chezney

11st 9lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: Ms Helen P Markham

Little to recommend in bumpers and maiden hurdles; belated handicap debut at age of eight.

50/1

12

4th Apr 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Naas

Our Chezney

11st 9lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: Ms Helen P Markham

Little to recommend in bumpers and maiden hurdles; belated handicap debut at age of eight.

50/1

9th

11

5th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 52y

15:40 Thurles

Our Chezney

11st 4lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Ms Helen P Markham

Little to recommend in bumpers and maiden hurdles; best run was in a first-time hood (retained) last time but much more needed here.

33/1

Form: 8-6

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Flat winner for Ed Dunlop; off the track for 20 months before never featuring in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle last month; should come on a good bit for that but others still more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

26th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 110y

17:35 Bellewstown

Red Glory

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Yet to get his head in front this summer but fine efforts in defeat in the Tribes at Galway and when beaten 1l over 2m1f at this venue behind the subsequent Galway hurdle winner; creeping up the weights and hasn't been shaping as though this longer trip is what he wants.

9/2

4th

6

1st Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 175y

14:37 Galway

Red Glory

11st 6lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Dual-purpose winner won his last hurdle race over C&D last October; ran a solid race from the front to be third to Putapoundinthejar at Bellewstown last time; 3lb better off and cheekpieces added; chance.

15/2

3rd

10

4th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 40y

18:18 Bellewstown

Red Glory

11st 7lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Henry De Bromhead

Fifth behind Malbay Madness at Downpatrick last month; should be sharper for the run, his first since signing off a good spell of form with a narrow Galway win last autumn.

12/1

Form: 004

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in three maiden hurdles although his most recent effort at Fairyhouse was promising enough; needs this for a mark and likely to be suited by further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

16

26th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 110y

17:00 Bellewstown

Glenriver

10st 4lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Shane Crawley

Maiden missed last year but wasn't beaten far at Sligo last time on second start for this yard; could get closer today with cheekpieces added.

9/1

5th

16

6th Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 193y

18:20 Sligo

Glenriver

10st 3lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Shane Crawley

Made the frame in Downpatrick handicap in 2024 when with Dermot McLoughlin, but poor form overall; missed last year and made no impact in points early this year; well beaten on stable debut last month.

33/1

11th

14

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

15:07 Downpatrick

Glenriver

10st 5lb

J: Shane Fitzsimons

T: Shane Crawley

Maiden was pulled up when last seen over hurdles in September 2024; similar story in three point-to-points earlier this year; new yard now and tongue tie goes on; watch.

25/1

Form: 80

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in a maiden hurdle here last month; safe to put a line through.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

22nd Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 160y

16:35 Tramore

Storm Ryder

11st 4lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Ms Helen P Markham

Little to take from three maidens, handicaps likely to be his scene in due course.

50/1

9

22nd Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 160y

16:35 Tramore

Storm Ryder

11st 4lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Ms Helen P Markham

Little to take from three maidens, handicaps likely to be his scene in due course.

50/1

13

5th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 52y

15:40 Thurles

Storm Ryder

11st 4lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: Ms Helen P Markham

Recent Punchestown run a small step in the right direction but hard to fancy here.

66/1

Form: 52150 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won his final bumper start for John McConnell despite jinking violently at Sedgefield in October; soundly beaten on both maiden hurdles for this stable although not beaten far at Navan last time; needs this for a mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

15th Oct 2024

Good

2m 6f 166y

16:50 Punchestown

Hypersonic Missile

11st 3lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Gavin Cromwell

Soft ground at Roscommon last time didn't suit, better judged on previous Ballinrobe win over today's trip on good ground; one to consider.

10/1

5

30th Sep 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 25y

16:35 Roscommon

Hypersonic Missile

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Gavin Cromwell

Winner over 2m6f last time and wasn't right when pulled up over C&D the time before; stays this far but prefers good ground.

6/1

1st

11

13th Sep 2024

Good

2m 6f 11y

16:35 Ballinrobe

Hypersonic Missile

11st 2lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Gavin Cromwell

towards rear

8/1

OUR TIP

100/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Winner on the Flat in France at 2 but no trace of ability on the level for his current trainer; makes no appeal on his hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

21st Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 148y

13:45 Punchestown

Ayrton

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: T J O’Mara

Winner on the Flat in France at 2 but no trace of ability on the level for his current trainer; makes no appeal on his hurdling debut.

100/1

14th

4

(13)

16th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

14:15 Dundalk (AW)

Ayrton

9st 8lb

J: Gary Halpin

T: T J O’Mara

slowly into stride

14/1

12th

2

(6)

10th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 0f 0y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Ayrton

9st 13lb

J: W J Lee

T: T J O’Mara

midfield

20/1

Form: 00

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Landed a 1m4f Flat handicap at Galway in October; well beaten in both maiden hurdles and qualifies for a mark after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

(8)

24th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 5f 160y

19:25 Gowran Park

Game Nation

10st 1lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: E McNamara

Nowhere in maiden hurdles this year but won his last Flat race, a 1m4f Galway handicap on heavy ground in October; 10lb higher for this but could still have a say.

10/1

14th

1

(8)

24th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 5f 160y

19:25 Gowran Park

Game Nation

10st 1lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: E McNamara

Nowhere in maiden hurdles this year but won his last Flat race, a 1m4f Galway handicap on heavy ground in October; 10lb higher for this but could still have a say.

10/1

12th

2

21st Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 148y

13:45 Punchestown

Game Nation

11st 12lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

Landed a 1m4f Flat handicap at Galway in October; well beaten in both maiden hurdles and qualifies for a mark after this.

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won on his point debut at Ballycrystal in 2022; remote second twice since; best watched on his track debut after almost a year off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

3rd Mar 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:15 Leopardstown

Desert Cave

11st 12lb

J: Niall Prendergast

T: Declan Queally

Form of 122 in points and the form of his 2022 point win worked out nicely; not so much the two 2023 efforts and he was tailed off when making his rules debut last week at 50-1; needs to leave that run behind.

12/1

14th

6

21st Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 148y

13:45 Punchestown

Desert Cave

11st 4lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Declan Queally

Won on his point debut at Ballycrystal in 2022; remote second twice since; best watched on his track debut after almost a year off.

16/1

Form:

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
1m7f winner in Germany; well supported when close second in a 1m4f handicap at Cork last August; ran poorly at Navan before scoring on Dundalk AW in October; will need more experience judged on hurdling debut at Fairyhouse.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

2nd Dec 2023

Good

2m 0f 128y

Class 3

13:31 Doncaster

Oakley

11st 2lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Not had much racing since his last win off a 5lb higher mark in March 2022; now a 10yo and he was beaten a long way out on his return from a break at Newbury.

25/1

7th

4

9th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

12:05 Newbury

Oakley

11st 12lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Richard J Bandey

midfield, lost ground before 4th

20/1

7th

1

16th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

16:00 Stratford

Oakley

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

prominent

5/1

Form: P4

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown little of any merit in a maiden hurdle and a bumper so far; makes little appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

10

12th Jan 2025

Frozen

2m 0f 198y

14:55 Punchestown

Monslatt

11st 12lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: E J O’Grady

Has showed little in three maiden hurdles and a bumper; makes little appeal.

100/1

15th

10

12th Jan 2025

Frozen

2m 0f 198y

14:55 Punchestown

Monslatt

11st 12lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: E J O’Grady

Has showed little in three maiden hurdles and a bumper; makes little appeal.

100/1

9th

7

21st Dec 2024

Good

2m 0f 15y

13:20 Thurles

Monslatt

11st 12lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: E J O’Grady

Showed little or nothing in three maiden hurdles last season; makes no appeal after 10 months off.

100/1

Form: 6

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
First reserve; raced too keenly and made too many mistakes in a 2m4f maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last month; drop in trip is likely to suit and should come on hugely for that initial experience; very much a contender if getting a run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

15th Jun 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

14:05 Downpatrick

Maroto

11st 4lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Andrew McNamara

Some promise for Willie Mullins last year but tailed off in three runs for new connections; engaged here Saturday.

20/1

5th

6

13th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 180y

17:30 Sligo

Maroto

11st 4lb

J: Dillon Maxwell

T: Andrew McNamara

took keen hold, prominent, outpaced before 2 out, weakened approaching last

11/4

Non-runners

Minella Buddy, Mywayorthehighway, Pharney Soldier

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €44.10
Straight Forecast €41.36
Trifecta €226.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Lightkeeper

The Irish Sun:

Military Alliance

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Milo Lises

TOPSPEED:

Lightkeeper

POSTDATA:

Lightkeeper