May 04 / 17.25 Punchestown

17.25

Yielding

SBK Gold Trophy Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race)

  • Prize money: £51304.35
  • 2m 4f 118y
  • 23 runners
RTE1
View Course
SBK Gold Trophy Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race)

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

25/1 (Won)

Form: 20-161

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner at Clonmel in December before finding Grade 1 company tough but bounced back dropped in class at Navan last time; not obviously well treated but unexposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:23 Gowran Park

Chapeau De Soleil

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Signed off last season with Listed handicap hurdle success at the Punchestown Festival; finished just in front of Quai De Bourbon on last month's return but Townend seemingly prefers that stablemate again; ground versatile.

4/1

2nd

4

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:23 Gowran Park

Chapeau De Soleil

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Signed off last season with Listed handicap hurdle success at the Punchestown Festival; finished just in front of Quai De Bourbon on last month's return but Townend seemingly prefers that stablemate again; ground versatile.

4/1

2nd

5

28th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 70y

13:20 Leopardstown

Chapeau De Soleil

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

led, not fluent 6th, pecked on landing 10th

4/1

Form: 1P4296 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Chased home Hiddenvalley Lake in a Grade 2 before a ninth in the Coral Cup and fair sixth in the Aintree Hurdle since; very well treated if he can build on that down in class but might find this trip on decent ground a bit sharp these days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:00 Taunton

Beacon Edge

11st 12lb

J: Mr Joshua Newman

T: J Newman

Best known as a very talented hurdler, also landing a Grade 1 novice chase in 2021; had jumping issues over fences subsequently and this is his first chase start since 2022; returned from some time off with a point win last month (3m, soft); it remains to be seen how much ability this 12yo retains but he's entitled to considerable respect on his hunter chase debut.

13/8

1st

1

28th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 0y

16:55 Wexford

Beacon Edge

12st 0lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: Gordon Elliott

Winner of nine races; 7-34 record over hurdles, including a four-runner Grade 2 event over 3m at Wetherby last October; ran creditably when seventh in the 26-runner Coral Cup at Cheltenham; down the field at Aintree subsequently; trip is short of his best but he won a stronger race than this over 2m2f at Ballinrobe a year ago; amateur rider, 2-11 over hurdles.

11/8

1

28th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 0y

16:55 Wexford

Beacon Edge

12st 0lb

J: Mr J M Halford

T: Gordon Elliott

Winner of nine races; 7-34 record over hurdles, including a four-runner Grade 2 event over 3m at Wetherby last October; ran creditably when seventh in the 26-runner Coral Cup at Cheltenham; down the field at Aintree subsequently; trip is short of his best but he won a stronger race than this over 2m2f at Ballinrobe a year ago; amateur rider, 2-11 over hurdles.

11/8

Form: 41F455 D

Last run: 169 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won a couple of handicap hurdles last summer but seems on a tough mark now on balance and he's been off 169 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 100y

19:42 Kilbeggan

Moonovercloon

10st 13lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Declan Queally

No win since scoring at Sligo (20.5f, good) in August 2023; rated 12lb higher over fences but failed to exploit lower hurdles mark on last four starts in 2025 and has now joined a new yard; lacks a run and best watched unless market speaks.

16/1

7th

6

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 22y

16:36 Punchestown

Moonovercloon

11st 11lb

J: James Smith

T: Matthew J Smith

Hasn't really threatened over fences or over hurdles this year; beaten 12l when fourth at Listowel on latest; dropped another 2lb and blinkers now tried; others make more appeal.

20/1

Form: 2411-5

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Promise for Gavin Cromwell and won his first two starts for this yard, landing a maiden hurdle at Navan last season before wide margin novice handicap hurdle win; missed a year and tailed off on last month's return but return to quicker ground may help him get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

5th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 198y

16:05 Thurles

Western Walk

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Jonathan Sweeney

Very useful hurdler at up to 3m (rated 132); yet to shine in spell over fences, but not disgraced in Grade 1 behind Final Demand at Limerick in December; behind two smart types in Navan Grade 2 on latest; return to hurdling could spark a revival; Jack Kennedy's sole ride on the card.

7/2

3rd

5

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Navan

Western Walk

11st 3lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Jonathan Sweeney

Useful handicap hurdler at up to 3m (rated 132); yet to shine over fences, though he was only 2 3/4l behind Gold Dancer when third of four in the Grade 1 Limerick event won by Final Demand.

10/1

6th

5

3rd May 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:25 Punchestown

Western Walk

10st 10lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Jonathan Sweeney

held up in rear

25/1

Form: 9032-0 D

Last run: 91 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
No hurdle wins since January 2022 but won on the Flat at Ascot last year; didn't show much back over timber at the Dublin Racing Festival last time and others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(12)

23rd Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:12 Killarney

The Very Man

9st 12lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

slowly into stride, always behind

12/1

9th

2

19th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 180y

15:05 Killarney

The Very Man

11st 12lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Mrs John Harrington

Talented dual-purpose performer; cracking fifth in red-hot 2m4f Punchestown handicap on latest hurdles run.

7/1

12th

2

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

18:05 Ascot

The Very Man

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Very solid sequence last spring/summer on ground ranging from good (unraced on firmer) to heavy, including a dominant display from the back over 2m at this track; 7lb higher mark today demands a career-best Flat performance but he was bang there in blanket finish to a good handicap hurdle last month and it's not hard to think that this trip will suit.

25/1

Form: 1341

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Didn't need to improve to win a novice hurdle at Perth last week but this looks like a tough ask and down the order on jockey bookings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(7)

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

19:15 Curragh

Stoke The Fire

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: W P Mullins

Yet to score on the Flat, best effort when runner-up in last season's November Handicap; two wins over hurdles this year and most recently finished a decent sixth in a very valuable Punchestown festival handicap hurdle; champion jockey booked and likely to have a leading chance; handles all ground.

5/1

6th

21

4th May 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:25 Punchestown

Stoke The Fire

10st 12lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: W P Mullins

Didn't need to improve to win a novice hurdle at Perth last week but this looks like a tough ask and down the order on jockey bookings.

25/1

6th

21

4th May 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:25 Punchestown

Stoke The Fire

10st 12lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: W P Mullins

Didn't need to improve to win a novice hurdle at Perth last week but this looks like a tough ask and down the order on jockey bookings.

25/1

Form: 113181 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Back to his best to win a Listed handicap chase at Cork in March but 6lb higher and this looks much tougher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:08 Killarney

Lucky Zebo

11st 12lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

in touch with leaders, dropped to midfield halfway, slightly hampered 3 out, no extra from 2 out

15/2

6th

1

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:08 Killarney

Lucky Zebo

11st 12lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

in touch with leaders, dropped to midfield halfway, slightly hampered 3 out, no extra from 2 out

15/2

16

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:05 Leopardstown

Lucky Zebo

10st 8lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Mixing hurdling and chasing in 2024; beat Shadow Rider by 2.5l at Cork (2m3f, soft to heavy) in March off 126; beaten 5.75l off revised mark of 132 subsequently at Punchestown; well-beaten on latest after a break at Chepstow; will come on for that but has a bit to prove off his current rating

33/1

Form: 1311-0

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Progressive last season, winning a pair of Grade 2s; returned with respectable Flat run but was tailed off when just 9-2 back over hurdles at Fairyhouse; has stamina to prove at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(14)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Comfort Zone

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Always behind in his two races this spring (1m2f/1m4f; ended pulled up last time) and last season was a mixed bag; however, his strong-finishing thirds last year in this race (off 1lb lower than today) and another big-field contest at Naas (2m) show that he needs a close look, particularly as some headgear (absent this season) is reinstated.

18/1

4

(5)

3rd May 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 30y

15:43 Cork

Comfort Zone

9st 7lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Three-time hurdle winner went close in 2m4f Ascot Stakes last June; finished well when close third in 2m Naas handicap in October; this trip is on the short side.

12/1

14th

6

(6)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

16:17 Curragh

Comfort Zone

9st 8lb

J: Gary Halpin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Third runner for yard; three-time hurdle winner went close in 2m4f Ascot Stakes off 93 last June; stayed on for midfield finish in Irish Cesarewitch here in September; finished well when close third in 2m Naas handicap in October; this trip is on the short side.

11/1

Form: 31-537 D BF

Last run: 91 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won Fairyhouse maiden hurdle last season and three solid runs since but will need more in this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

16:15 Punchestown

Canal End

10st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Peter Fahey

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, not fluent 3rd, headway 11th, mistake 13th

4/1

4th

11

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

16:15 Punchestown

Canal End

10st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Peter Fahey

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, not fluent 3rd, headway 11th, mistake 13th

4/1

33

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Canal End

10st 1lb

T: Peter Fahey

Answered questions about stamina when winning over a near-3m trip at Navan a month ago; will add substance to his owner's challenge if making the cut; third reserve.

Form: 164856 C

Last run: 4 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Ran as well as could have been expected in a Grade 1 here earlier in the week but probably on a tough enough mark; new trip could yield improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Cheltenham

Fascile Mode

10st 13lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

A little in the doldrums before finishing second in a 2m6f Listed handicap hurdle at Galway in August and then ran well to be third in a chase at Sligo, though old jumping issues resurfaced late on; that part of his game will be tested around here in this big field and he might not stay the trip anyway.

20/1

1

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 27y

16:43 Sligo

Fascile Mode

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Thomas Mullins

Bounced back to form with a fine effort in a listed handicap hurdle at the Galway Festival in August; jumping has been an issue at times in this sphere and with a rating of 133, has a lot to find with Jesse Evans on the figures.

15/2

2nd

8

2nd Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 108y

15:12 Galway

Fascile Mode

11st 5lb

J: Jake Coen

T: Thomas Mullins

Has been out of form since winning a beginners' chase at Punchestown (16.5f, gd-yld) last October, though has been highly tried at times; unproven over this far and has questions to answer right now.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 51121P BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Reportedly didn't handle heavy ground when a pulled up favourite in Fairyhouse Grade 2 but won two of his three previous hurdle starts and he's less exposed than most; warrants respect with Millar claiming 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:25 Punchestown

Dee Capo

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Two chase wins including 2m6f handicap here in November (off 142) and at least as good form when staying-on fourth over same trip at the DRF; no match for stablemate Maxxum over 2m4f at Clonmel on latest; Jack Kennedy's pick.

9/1

2nd

1

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

16:30 Clonmel

Dee Capo

11st 6lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Won for the second time over fences when taking a Punchestown handicap on return last November; fourth in a valuable Leopardstown handicap since but was below form at Cheltenham last time; seems to be the yard's second string on riding arrangements but still respected.

11/8

14th

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Dee Capo

12st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Nearer last than first in the novice handicap chase (extended 2m4f) at the Cheltenham Festival last March but he's a better horse now, having won at Punchestown (about 2m5f, soft to heavy) in November and been close up in a big field at Leopardstown under similar conditions last month; even more needed and he might prefer slower ground than is likely today; yard runs two.

25/1

Form: 0315PF CD

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Won handicap hurdle at Galway festival but tailed off at Wetherby and failed to complete twice since including chase debut latest; probably needs further these days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(9)

14th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 55y

20:10 Killarney

Ambitious Fellow

11st 12lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Bumper and four-time hurdles winner; unraced under Flat rules and comes here on the back of being pulled up in the Connacht National at Roscommon; best watched.

14/1

9

8th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 24y

18:48 Roscommon

Ambitious Fellow

10st 6lb

J: Jake Coen

T: Peter Fahey

4-16 over hurdles but yet to win over the bigger obstacles (0-11); out of sorts this year but he was a 1.25l runner up in this race last year off this mark at 25-1 and he was running a better race when unseating at Listowel last time.

16/1

7

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Ambitious Fellow

11st 7lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Four wins over hurdles (rated 130), one of them here; maiden after 10 chase starts and has had jumping issues, but was second off 120 at Roscommon last summer; only beaten 7l in Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown where he was a huge price.

6/1

Form: -13585 BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Excelled on quicker ground last season; returned with Grade 3 win at Fairyhouse and some good runs in defeat since; may progress again now on quicker ground and Kelly is good value for the 5lb he can claim.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Leopardstown

Risk Belle

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd

9/1

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

13:20 Leopardstown

Risk Belle

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

midfield early, prominent behind clear leaders after 2nd

9/1

2nd

1

24th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

12:40 Punchestown

Risk Belle

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Won a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse on return last year and some decent efforts in defeat since; however, below form the last thrice (an excuse in Galway Hurdle) and has to bounce back.

5/1

Form: -2123P

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner at Navan in December before chasing home Mystical Power here in January and followed that with a third behind Tullyhill here; really struggled up in trip in the Coral Cup since but still early days and his handicap mark is probably fine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Jigoro

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

Blinkered first time when third of 14 on his handicap debut in this sphere at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January and off the mark over fences when landing fairly valuable event at Gowran (2m, heavy) last month; 22-1 and pulled up in Listed novice handicap last time but that had the makings of a warm event and he needs respecting.

7/2

2

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 140y

16:25 Fairyhouse

Jigoro

11st 11lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Improved since going handicapping, decent Thurles effort followed by 2m Gowran win last month on heavy under a positive ride from today's rider; 5lb higher and this looks a much stronger race.

7/1

1st

5

7th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

16:18 Gowran Park

Jigoro

11st 5lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Second on his first two starts over fences last April/May; remote seventh behind Kopek Des Bordes at Navan in November; below-par when sharing favouritism in a Punchestown conditions hurdle in December; ran out of steam late on handicap chase debut over 2m5f at Thurles, 2m may suit better.

8/1

Form: 452485 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Won twice at the start of the summer and some good runs in defeat since but others seem to be on better marks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 171y

14:05 Clonmel

Pink In The Park

10st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

held up in rear, headway on near side of group after 3 out, challenging going okay 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, stayed on

13/2

1st

8

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 171y

14:05 Clonmel

Pink In The Park

10st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

held up in rear, headway on near side of group after 3 out, challenging going okay 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, stayed on

13/2

4th

7

16th Oct 2024

Good

2m 2f 75y

15:20 Punchestown

Pink In The Park

10st 8lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Won two bumpers, one of them at this venue; useful 129-rated hurdler; won on chase debut at Galway over an extended 2m6f trip; made a bad mistake three out when remote fourth at Killarney; similar error two out ended her chance of beating the favourite in a mares' event at Listowel.

7/2

Form: 3-1113

Last run: 196 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Won three on the spin last summer and ground possibly against him when stepped up in trip when last seen; respected despite 196-day absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

5

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

The Wallpark

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class staying hurdler, rated 155; 0-5 so far chasing this term but much more encouraging run on latest when second to the classy Oscars Brother in Grade 2 Ten Up Novices' at Navan last month; jumping still requires attention but is 13lb lower than hurdles here in first handicap chase.

9/1

2nd

4

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Navan

The Wallpark

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class staying hurdler, rated 155; now has serious questions to answer after his first four chase starts; remote seventh in Leopardstown event won by Koktail Divin (previously beaten by Oscars Brother at Punchestown); needs to jump a lot better than in 2m4f Gowran event; longer trip should be a help at least.

8/1

Form: -54107 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Course winner; gained third hurdle success when winning from 7lb lower at Leopardstown over Christmas; not as good from revised mark since but not ruled out back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 90y

14:50 Sligo

One Last Tango

11st 7lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Eoin Griffin

The last of three hurdle wins came in 2023; some good runs over fences in the last two seasons without winning; needs best hurdles form, but is off a low mark.

14/1

4th

9

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 50y

16:50 Limerick

One Last Tango

10st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Eoin Griffin

Bumper and three-time hurdle winner is yet to score over fences but was just denied by Conyers Hill at Down Royal in January; runner-up in a Tipperary handicap in May but his jumping was sluggish and he will have to be sharper on return; tongue-tie added.

10/1

2nd

9

8th May 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 130y

18:07 Tipperary

One Last Tango

10st 12lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Eoin Griffin

Three-time hurdles winner (rated 125); close fourth in competitive Leopardstown handicap chase in December; backed that up with neck second at Down Royal despite untidy jumping; something amiss when pulled up at Gowran; could bounce back.

15/2

Form: 7513U9 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; winner at Limerick over Christmas but struggled from revised mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

25th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 5f 200y

16:13 Galway

Catos Revenge

10st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

2m4f Limerick handicap winner '23/24 season (heavy) had a relatively light campaign last term, well held in handicaps; reduced mark so of limited appeal.

20/1

13th

14

20th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 0y

14:47 Cork

Catos Revenge

10st 10lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

towards rear throughout

12/1

13th

14

20th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 0y

14:47 Cork

Catos Revenge

10st 10lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

towards rear

12/1

Form: -P1858 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Disappointing well backed favourite in the Betfair Hurdle and has failed to built on that twice since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 55y

14:32 Punchestown

Ocastle Des Mottes

11st 8lb

J: Anna McGuinness

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; dual French hurdles winner is yet to score for this yard but has run well in defeat at times, including when runner-up at Punchestown on chasing debut (2m3f, soft); returned from over a year off at Cork (2m1f, yielding) when 23l fourth behind better-fancied stablemate; makes handicap chase debut now.

12/1

4th

4

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 45y

16:45 Cork

Ocastle Des Mottes

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: W P Mullins

Dual hurdle winner in France; yet to score for this yard but some good runs in defeat including in the first of two chase starts last season; yard has a better chance with Funiculi Funcicula.

16/1

Form: 21-445 CD

Last run: 111 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won novice hurdle at this meeting last year; some promise over fences this season seems on a good mark back in this sphere; should be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 0y

15:00 Cork

Monbeg Park

11st 8lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Jack Foley

Better known as a chaser but has shown smart hurdles form in the past; would have a squeak if back in top form off a lower hurdle mark.

14/1

9th

4

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Monbeg Park

11st 6lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Jack Foley

Two wins include this race last year off 2lb lower; standout run this term when second in Grade 3 Punchestown contest (2m7f), tame effort last time (albeit stiff task) in Grade 2 at Thurles; not one to rule out back in handicap company.

15/2

4th

5

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 66y

15:20 Thurles

Monbeg Park

11st 3lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Jack Foley

Useful sort; best form at Punchestown, including when second to the talented Heart Wood three starts ago; 2-16 record over fences is not a great return bearing in mind his 147 rating; inferior to the four Mullins-trained runners on official figures

12/1

Form: 90-146 D

Last run: 203 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Left his previous form behind when bolting up at Tipperary last summer but struggled on softer ground twice since; conditions need to help spark a revival here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 3f 110y

19:25 Wexford

Watch The Weather

10st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: R P Cody

Good record at this venue, including C&D win in 2024; 10-1 for Mayo National at Ballinrobe in late May after an encouraging run over hurdles, but was tailed off; chase mark is dropping and capable of going well back here.

10/1

11th

15

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Watch The Weather

10st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: R P Cody

Mixes chasing with hurdling and has run well here over flights; won a couple of handicap chases in 2024 but held in four starts over the larger obstacles since, including on first start of the year at Wexford last month; second over hurdles since and has dropped below latest winning chase mark.

9/1

2nd

3

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 50y

18:07 Killarney

Watch The Weather

11st 9lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: R P Cody

Dual chase winner with three hurdle wins on the board; beaten 17l over fences on last month's return from a lengthy break but might strip fitter here and Kennedy is booked.

10/1

Form: 2/3212 BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Bolted up in a maiden hurdle at Naas and only narrowly denied when bidding to follow up in a Listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse; different ground is a question and the form has taken a few knocks but hard to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

5th

14

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Olympic Man

11st 5lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: John C McConnell

Won 2m4f beginners chase at Naas last March and ran well for a long way in the Scottish National in April (4m) before fading; however, struggled over hurdles on final two runs for Willie Mullins and sold for 16,000gns in January; big revival needed in first-time cheekpieces on stable debut.

40/1

Form: 7-1122 D BF

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Progressive, winning first two starts this season, a maiden hurdle at Galway and a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse; a bit too keen at Leopardstown over Christmas when only beaten 1l but chased home Better Days Ahead in the Martin Pipe and he could be very well treated from just 2lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Waterford Whispers

11st 6lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Henry De Bromhead

Runner-up in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle here (2m4f, heavy) in March 2024; 0-6 over fences but he returned to form when third in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 2m5f, soft) last month, when shaping as though this first crack at a staying trip could be right up his street.

4/1

3rd

17

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Waterford Whispers

10st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Henry De Bromhead

Dual hurdle winner has shown ability in some of his five chase starts but was poor at Fairyhouse last time when favourite; may do better back left-handed and not dismissed.

16/1

10

25th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 2f 54y

15:38 Galway

Waterford Whispers

11st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Henry De Bromhead

135-rated hurdler whose two wins include here; limited first season chasing last term, good second on Navan debut but then dropped out tamely in Grade 1 Limerick novice at Christmas; not seen until staying on fourth (having been hampered) behind a stablemate in 2m2f Listowel novice last month; entitled to improve for that and major player.

5/2

Non-runners

Encanto Bruno, Visionarian, Gold Dancer, Garrybello, Ardera Ru

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Beacon Edge

SPOTLIGHT:

Waterford Whispers

TOPSPEED:

Ocastle Des Mottes

The Irish Sun:

Encanto Bruno

POSTDATA:

Beacon Edge