February 29 / 16.07 Clonmel

16.07

Heavy

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7695.65
  • 2m 2f 152y
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

Form: 00

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Flat winner but no show in two maiden hurdles and needs this for a handicap mark.
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: 62/32 BF

Last run: 149 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Flat winner in France; beaten in two Galway maiden hurdles including at 2-5 after jumping poorly when last seen in October; surprising if he was not in a better place now and very much the one to beat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

8th Aug 2026

Good

3m 1f 0y

18:48 Kilbeggan

Olympic Man

11st 2lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: John C McConnell

Winning hurdler-chaser for Willie Mullins; good fifth in the Kim Muir on his stable debut in March; well beaten in the Midlands National here last month on his latest start; has a similar mark over hurdles and a very interesting runner at his best.

6/1

8th

6

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 1f 80y

18:32 Kilbeggan

Olympic Man

11st 2lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: John C McConnell

Winning hurdler-chaser for Willie Mullins; fine run on his stable debut when fifth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham; fell over banks at Punchestown; trip and ground are fine and has an each-way chance.

14/1

6

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Olympic Man

11st 12lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Decent performer at his best for Willie Mullins, winning 2m4f Naas beginners' chase last season and ran well for a long way in 4m Scottish National; struggled back hurdling earlier this season before let go for 16,000gns in January; surpassed expectations (125-1) on yard debut in 3m Kim Muir at Cheltenham when beaten under 10l in first-time cheekpieces; can't be ruled out on banks' debut.

12/1

Form: 32174 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Stayed on well to win a Limerick bumper over a similar trip in December; soundly beaten in two maiden hurdles although better effort at Punchestown last time; needs this for a mark but the likeliest to chase home the favourite.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

The Story So Far

11st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

midfield

20/1

14th

13

22nd Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 35y

16:30 Fairyhouse

The Story So Far

11st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

midfield

20/1

Form: P

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Won his sole point at Dromahane last April; tailed off on his hurdles debut here two weeks ago and best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

17th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 195y

16:55 Clonmel

Beechfield

11st 12lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Donal Commins

Point winner who ran a big race when fourth of 17 in a Punchestown handicap hurdle; reportedly made a noise when tailed off at Thurles since and has a bit to find back in maiden hurdle company after 140 days off; return to further will help at least.

25/1

2

17th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 195y

16:55 Clonmel

Beechfield

11st 12lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Donal Commins

took keen hold, in touch with leaders early, prominent 3rd, lost ground quickly 7th, pulled up after 8th

25/1

16th

3

28th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 46y

15:35 Thurles

Beechfield

11st 13lb

J: Mr R W Barron

T: Donal Commins

Point-to-point winner and did well on his handicap debut when a close fourth in a 2m4f contest at Punchestown last month; didn't quite see it out that day so the drop in trip could suit.

6/1

Form: —

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Tailed off on his track debut at Cork last month and makes no appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:12 Downpatrick

Beggars Rock

11st 2lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Had struggled for form before winning his second start over fences quite convincingly at Wexford (2m3f) last month and easily followed up off 5lb higher at this course; returns to hurdling off 19lb lower mark compared to chase rating; must have a big chance.

5/2

1st

2

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

17:39 Downpatrick

Beggars Rock

11st 5lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Had struggled for form before winning his second start over fences quite convincingly over 2m3f at Wexford three weeks ago; likes good ground or a slight ease and only 5lb higher; on the shortlist.

100/30

1st

3

8th Aug 2026

Good

2m 3f 20y

16:00 Wexford

Beggars Rock

11st 10lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

1-9 over fences; hasn't really fired in 2026 and failed to exploit lower hurdles mark at Galway on latest when 28-1; needs to rediscover best.

13/2

Form: —

Last run: —

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
First foal; dam fell in a point only start, half-sister to 2m3f chase winner Keltic Moon and two point winners; bred to stay further and likely to improve for whatever he does here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Abandoned

Form: 63

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Two runs in maiden hurdles; fair third in an ordinary contest at Thurles two weeks ago; much more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Limerick

On Your Way

11st 2lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: C Byrnes

soon held up in last, headway 5th, pressed leaders before 6th, lost position when not fluent 4 out

3/1

1st

5

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Limerick

On Your Way

11st 2lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: C Byrnes

soon held up in last, headway 5th, pressed leaders before 6th, lost position when not fluent 4 out

3/1

4th

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:50 Cork

On Your Way

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: C Byrnes

held up in rear, headway before 9th, in touch with leaders 4 out

3/1

Form: 86660

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Showed some ability in a Navan bumper and a Limerick maiden hurdle; tailed off at Thurles two weeks ago and makes very limited appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 3

14:40 Newbury

Rodney

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Kerry Lee

Record 5-7 (hurdles/fences) for current yard and 3-3 since ridden by Charlie Deutsch; looked value for more than the winning margin at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) most recently; respected with further progress possible.

11/4

1st

1

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 3

14:58 Ludlow

Rodney

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Kerry Lee

Dual hurdle winner; fell when appearing to have it in the bag on his chase debut and perhaps remembering that tumble when below par next time; has since got himself firmly back on track with wins at Leicester (2m, good) and Hereford (2m5f, soft); benefited from sitting off a strong pace last time and has gone up 10lb, but looks a chaser on the upgrade.

5/4

Form: 5897

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Ordinary bumper and maiden hurdle form to date; needs this for a handicap mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

9

16th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 119y

13:30 Naas

Shades Of Tara

11st 12lb

J: Richard Condon

T: P A Fahy

prominent behind clear leaders, not fluent 2nd, lost ground after 4th

50/1

17th

9

16th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 119y

13:30 Naas

Shades Of Tara

11st 12lb

J: Richard Condon

T: P A Fahy

prominent behind clear leaders, not fluent 2nd, lost ground after 4th

50/1

10th

17

10th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 0y

13:07 Naas

Shades Of Tara

11st 12lb

J: Sarah Kavanagh

T: P A Fahy

Soundly beaten in two bumpers and two maiden hurdles; up against it once again.

100/1

Form: 4

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced on her maiden hurdle debut at Punchestown last week but much more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

21st Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 6f 98y

15:15 Punchestown

Dont Tell Shirley

10st 13lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: S Curling

soon prominent, prominent behind clear leaders after 6th, mistake 4 out, no impression when lost third before last

100/1

Form: 4/3-96

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Some decent bumper form for Brian Nolan but some periods on the sidelines too; fairly well beaten in a pair of maiden hurdles for her current stable and others more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

9th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 35y

17:38 Roscommon

Dreamz

10st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Terence O’Brien

Dual-purpose maiden has lost form since a close second over timber at Ballinrobe in May 2024; beaten 84l over hurdles when last seen in December; can only be watched on chase debut.

20/1

15th

2

16th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 51y

15:00 Naas

Dreamz

12st 2lb

J: Mr D Allen

T: Terence O’Brien

Close second in a Ballinrobe handicap hurdle in May her best effort since her time in bumpers; did not run to that level at the same venue a few weeks later; unseated at the first at Listowel, struggled at Sligo.

16/1

15th

2

16th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 51y

15:00 Naas

Dreamz

12st 2lb

J: Mr D Allen

T: Terence O’Brien

Close second in a Ballinrobe handicap hurdle in May her best effort since her time in bumpers; did not run to that level at the same venue a few weeks later; unseated at the first at Listowel, struggled at Sligo.

16/1

Form: 4

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Point winner and ran well despite some indifferent jumping in a 2m4f maiden hurdle at Thurles two weeks ago; can get into the frame here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 68

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten in two maiden hurdles and likely to do better in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

16th Jun 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

18:18 Kilbeggan

Realtin Lonrach

10st 3lb

J: Sean Cleary-Farrell

T: M F O’Dowd

Has failed to complete four of her last five outings; highly risky in the circumstances.

50/1

13

27th Mar 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 2f 152y

17:45 Clonmel

Realtin Lonrach

10st 5lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: M F O’Dowd

0-12 over hurdles; best effort a 3.75l third at Wexford (2m1f, yielding to soft) in May 2024; failed to complete three of last four, unseating on latest when 28-1; more needed.

28/1

16

13th Mar 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 150y

13:34 Limerick

Realtin Lonrach

10st 5lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: M F O’Dowd

brought down 6th

20/1

Form: —

Last run: —

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Third foal; dam French Listed-placed 2m1f hurdle/chase winner out of 2m hurdle winner; best watched on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: —

Last run: 64 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR: —

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in a mares maiden hurdle at Limerick over Christmas; makes little appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

16

17th Oct 2026

Yielding

2m 5f 70y

16:40 Limerick

Whatyouwant

10st 4lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Gerard Kyne

Unpredictable mare was an 80-1 winner of 3m1f Kilbeggan handicap just over a year ago off 77; just fair form this summer, mildly encouraging Down Royal effort on latest; surprising if she played a major role.

20/1

6th

18

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

3m 0f 0y

19:22 Down Royal

Whatyouwant

10st 5lb

J: Thomas O’Connor

T: Gerard Kyne

Unpredictable mare was an 80-1 winner of 3m1f Kilbeggan handicap just under a year ago; fair fifth back there in July, when 9l off the winner Knocknagoran Lady.

25/1

13th

13

22nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 50y

14:35 Killarney

Whatyouwant

10st 9lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Gerard Kyne

Dual handicap hurdle winner, latest at Kilbeggan (3m1f, good) in September off 1lb lower, beating very well-treated Rising Dust; not gone on from that but more positive run at Kilbeggan last month; tame effort over shorter last time and is at his best over further.

22/1

Verdict

Bumper winner The Story So Far is likely to get in the shake-up, while Hollow Rodger has similar claims if she can improve from her Thurles track debut. This should go to OLYMPIC MAN, beaten at 2-5 when runner-up at Galway in October, but is likely to be too good for these. [Justin O’Hanlon]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Olympic Man

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Olympic Man

POSTDATA:

Olympic Man

The Irish Sun:

Olympic Man