May 11 / 14.15 Cork

14.15

Good

PADDY MAC Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6669.57
  • 2m 1f 65y
  • 17 runners
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PADDY MAC Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

100/30 (Won)

  • Win: £3.00
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 083P2- BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
York winner for Richard Hannon before fetching 85,000gns; couple of decent runs in maiden hurdles on much softer ground, third at Naas and last month when chasing home an all-the-way winner at Limerick (2m1f) when tongue-tied for first time; handles decent ground so has to be considered a major player again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 2

16:40 Sandown

Palamon

10st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Returned to form and rewarded heavy market support at Bangor (2m4f, good; tongue-tie refitted) last month, his fifth start for Dan Skelton; just a respectable sixth under penalty in the Red Rum at Aintree (2m, good to soft) nine days later and his mark is another 5lb higher here, but he remains very much of interest.

11/4

6th

15

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Palamon

10st 2lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Well-backed, even-money favourite at Bangor (2m4f) last Tuesday, when reverting to good ground in a reapplied tongue-tie and returning to form with a convincing win; 9lb higher in a much hotter race today but not ruled out for his top yard on the back of that stylish success.

9/1

1st

8

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Palamon

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Maiden chaser and with an overall strike-rate of 2-32; he hasn't got anything going over fences for current yard but he's dropped sharply in the weights and getting back on good ground can only help; would be interesting if the market offered encouragement.

5/2

Form: 43-

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Classy sort on the flat (rated 102) whose previous two hurdle runs have been in much better company, not looking a natural jumper at Fairyhouse and when third of 4 in Grade 3 Naas contest; jockey reported him to be a difficult ride at Naas so caution advised but if getting his jumping sorted would surely make his mark at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(1)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Trustyourinstinct

9st 12lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Good form early last season, recording back-to-back wins here in today's event and Group 3 International Stakes over 1m2f; subsequent Leopardstown efforts were below best below best, as was last month's seasonal return here in 1m2f Group 3 Alleged Stakes dominated by two stablemates; entitled to come on for that.

13/2

7th

1

(2)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Trustyourinstinct

9st 8lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Good form early last season, notably recording back-to-back wins at this venue in a Listed 1m4f contest and Group 3 International Stakes over this trip; below best when attempting a repeat of his 2024 Group 3 win at Leopardstown's Irish Champions meeting; well beaten at the same venue on final start.

8/1

1

(7)

19th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

15:26 Leopardstown

Trustyourinstinct

9st 12lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Better than ever this term, recording back-to-back wins at the Curragh in Listed contest and 1m2f Group 3 International Stakes when never stronger than at finish; below best however when attempting repeat win in last month's Group 3 CMG Group Stakes here (1m4f) so needs to bounce back; big player if he does.

11/4

OUR TIP

13/2

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 0-

Last run: 104 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Decent flat handicapper (rated 92) with 1m2f wins last year at Down Royal and Curragh; inauspicious start to hurdling career in January but surely capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

21

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Dutch Gold

8st 7lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Noel Meade

A long time since he showed his best form; the most recent of his two wins was in 2023; towards the rear in three outings this season; 6lb out of the handicap, can be ruled out.

25/1

10th

11

(6)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:32 Leopardstown

Dutch Gold

9st 0lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Noel Meade

A long time since he showed his best form; the most recent of his two wins was in 2023; this season's two Curragh runs provide no encouragement; held by Mr Rango.

25/1

Form: 7-

Last run: 137 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Rated 76 on the flat with Ger Lyons (winning Killarney maiden), far too keen on hurdles debut at Limerick over Christmas when heavy ground probably not ideal; likely improver now on better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(16)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 40y

14:34 Gowran Park

Voice Of Reason

10st 1lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: William Delahunty

Dual-purpose; 1-9 on turf on the Flat; won on the AW (1m4f) off 4lb lower in January and has generally held form well since; hasn't won on turf since 2023, however, and others make more appeal.

12/1

5th

3

(7)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Voice Of Reason

9st 12lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: William Delahunty

Winner on turf and over hurdles; has developed into a capable AW performer, notching three wins and four seconds from eight runs here; no match for Beauparc last week, not guaranteed to avenge that loss despite altered terms

5/1

Form: 090-

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten a long way in three maidens, can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

1st Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:10 Worcester

Duchamps Art

11st 13lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

0-7 over hurdles but was still in contention before last-flight fall on stable debut in July and did not really enjoy the run of the race when respectable sixth of 14 at Kilbeggan (2m2f, good to yielding) last month; represents top Irish stable and must be considered.

5/2

6th

15

23rd Aug 2024

Good

2m 2f 120y

17:55 Kilbeggan

Duchamps Art

10st 5lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Didn't show much for Mags Mullins but in the process of showing improved form when a faller at the last in 2m5f Wexford handicap on yard debut last month, staying on and yet to be asked a question by inexperienced claiming rider; senior rider takes over here and likely player off a light weight.

7/2

Form: 12/10-

Last run: 104 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Two wins and a second from three AQPS appearances in France; bitterly disappointing hurdles debut for current connections at Naas in January though, far too keen and weakening quickly; tongue tie now added to usual hood and remains a likely player if settling better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

16th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 172y

14:47 Thurles

Katakana

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

A winner of two of her three French bumper starts but has been underwhelming in her Irish career to date; well beaten in opening two handicap hurdles and switch to fences didn't help at Wexford last time.

18/1

9th

6

23rd Jul 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

15:38 Wexford

Katakana

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Dual bumper winner in France; not a bad attempt on sole effort over fences at Downpatrick in September when third (2m2f, good); modest improvement over poor seasonal return when sixth at this track earlier this month (2m1f, good); enters handicap chase company for the first time.

5/1

6th

2

4th Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 55y

14:40 Wexford

Katakana

11st 13lb

J: Danny Power

T: Henry De Bromhead

Dual bumper winner on testing ground in France is 0-5 over hurdles, most recently dropping away tamely on good ground in Ballinrobe handicap in May (after 249-day absence); entitled to come on for that but will probably want rain.

10/1

Form: 06-

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tramore run an improvement on debut but likely a lot more required here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

18:49 Wexford

Happy Me

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: W J Burke

Placed in four of his 14 starts over hurdles; well exposed now; unlikely to make the breakthrough in this company.

12/1

6th

9

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 50y

17:05 Killarney

Happy Me

11st 4lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: W J Burke

Has had 13 starts over hurdles and rated 100; unlikely to contend.

50/1

9

12th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 100y

14:52 Cork

Happy Me

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: W J Burke

Second runner for yard; some fine runs in defeat in maiden hurdles last season but was well below form on last two starts; could get involved if back to his best after a break.

11/2

Form: 87-

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; some level of ability when midfield in both Naas bumper and Bellewstown maiden hurdle last month for new yard; may need more time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 50y

18:07 Killarney

King In Love

10st 13lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Sean Aherne

Dual handicap winner and better than ever when third of 23 at Leopardstown over Christmas (good to yielding); slower ground not ideal since then and could be a factor here in first-time cheekpieces.

20/1

16th

16

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 10y

15:30 Naas

King In Love

10st 9lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Sean Aherne

Gained second handicap win off 104 at Cork in November (2m, yielding); well beaten at Punchestown next time but improved for step up in trip when staying on third of 23 at Leopardstown in December (20.5f, good to yielding); weakened into a 20l fifth of ten at Thurles (2m7f, heavy); better chance if the ground dries out.

25/1

5th

1

29th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 126y

16:25 Thurles

King In Love

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Sean Aherne

Gained second handicap win off 10lb lower at Cork in November (2m, yielding); well beaten at Punchestown but improved for step up in trip when staying on third of 23 at Leopardstown last month (20.5f, good to yielding); not certain to back that up on softer but respected.

3/1

Form: 90-

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed nothing in four Flat runs and two hurdle efforts suggest he'll be of more interest in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

14

27th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 63y

20:00 Ballinrobe

Tannery Park

10st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Barry Connell

Dual-purpose maiden; yet to hit the frame in six starts over hurdles but didn't run too badly at Cork (2m4f, good) on his return from a 254-day break; has run well here on the Flat on soft and stays 2m in that sphere; looks well worth a go at this trip; interesting.

12/1

1st

14

27th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 63y

20:00 Ballinrobe

Tannery Park

10st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Barry Connell

Dual-purpose maiden; yet to hit the frame in six starts over hurdles but didn't run too badly at Cork (2m4f, good) on his return from a 254-day break; has run well here on the Flat on soft and stays 2m in that sphere; looks well worth a go at this trip; interesting.

12/1

5th

14

10th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

15:25 Cork

Tannery Park

10st 10lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Barry Connell

midfield on inner

11/1

Form: 9-

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won back-to-back handicaps on AW late last year, never sighted on hurdles debut at Downpatrick last month; entitled to come on for that experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(7)

27th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Rhythm And Tyne

9st 10lb

J: Sean Davis

T: C Byrnes

Dual winner here over 1m2f; best recent effort when second in a C&D claimer last month; reported to have a swollen knee after a bad run here last week; claims at his best and worth a market check.

10/1

7th

3

(7)

27th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Rhythm And Tyne

9st 10lb

J: Sean Davis

T: C Byrnes

Dual winner here over 1m2f; best recent effort when second in a C&D claimer last month; reported to have a swollen knee after a bad run here last week; claims at his best and worth a market check.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Poor flat maiden, hard to muster any confidence for on hurdles debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

15

(10)

7th Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

20:17 Fairyhouse

Lynskey

8st 12lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

10-race maiden; poor form in Flat handicaps and shown nothing over jumps more recently.

33/1

9th

7

31st May 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

18:20 Tramore

Lynskey

10st 13lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Poor form on the Flat and showed very little when 200-1 on hurdle bow 20 days ago.

200/1

11th

7

11th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 65y

14:15 Cork

Lynskey

11st 7lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

never better than midfield, no extra from 3 out

100/1

Form: 547-

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Both hurdle runs at Limerick were modest, easily passed over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

11th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 65y

14:15 Cork

Kellys Grove

11st 7lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Michael Butler

never better than midfield

66/1

12th

4

11th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 65y

14:15 Cork

Kellys Grove

11st 7lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Michael Butler

midfield

66/1

7th

2

19th Apr 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 190y

16:45 Limerick

Kellys Grove

11st 7lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Michael Butler

Has finished last in small-field events at Naas (bumper) and Limerick (hurdle); safe to rule out.

50/1

66/1

Form: 0-

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won Lingfield novice on Flat in January 2023 but unable to justify handicap mark afterwards; dropped out quickly on hurdles debut at Tramore last month, seems best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(16)

20th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Star Of Mayo

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: E McNamara

Lingfield AW winner over a mile in 2023; lost his form afterwards; mostly over hurdles for this yard; others preferred; cheekpieces.

28/1

9th

5

(4)

17th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 103y

19:20 Killarney

Star Of Mayo

9st 11lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: E McNamara

Winner in Britain for Andrew Balding; no show in four starts in maiden hurdles for his current trainer; best watched.

12/1

13th

11

5th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 190y

16:30 Cork

Star Of Mayo

11st 7lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

AW Flat winner but well beaten in three maiden hurdles and best wait for handicaps.

28/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ol'Man River gelding is first foal of an unraced sister to winners Whatdeawant (bumper/useful 2m4f hurdle) and Chez Hans (2m4f hurdle), closely related to winners Hardline (bumper/smart 2m-2m3f jumps) and Sangha River (bumper/2m hurdle); unlikely source of a first-time out maiden winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

12

8th Jul 2024

Good

1m 7f 204y

18:05 Roscommon

Tamborasi River

11st 0lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

In the rear throughout when a 66-1 chance for a maiden at Cork.

100/1

14th

12

11th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 65y

14:15 Cork

Tamborasi River

11st 7lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

towards rear throughout

50/1

14th

12

11th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 65y

14:15 Cork

Tamborasi River

11st 7lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

towards rear

50/1

Form: 0-

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Novicey jumping when never counting here in March on debut; can only be watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

12th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 100y

14:52 Cork

Kir Royal Blou

11st 8lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: W J Burke

Beaten a long way in two handicaps lately and has a rating of only 72 so can't be fancied.

100/1

13th

18

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 2f 0y

15:15 Listowel

Kir Royal Blou

10st 1lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: W J Burke

Remote third at Wexford (16.5f, good) off 2lb higher on penultimate but didn't build on that upped to 20.5f at the same venue latest; drops back in trip now but others make more appeal.

33/1

14

8th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 100y

19:13 Wexford

Kir Royal Blou

10st 1lb

J: G B Noonan

T: W J Burke

Stayed on for a modest third here (16.5f, good) last time, his best run to date; dropped 1lb and this longer trip should suit; place chance if building on that last run.

10/1

14/1

Form: 5-

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of a half-sister to top hunter-chaser On The Fringe; never a threat but some late headway on Limerick debut last month suggested there is ability there; more expected of here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

17

11th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 65y

14:15 Cork

Give Me A Smile

11st 0lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: E Bolger

towards rear throughout, tailed off

14/1

16th

17

11th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 65y

14:15 Cork

Give Me A Smile

11st 0lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: E Bolger

towards rear

14/1

5th

7

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:00 Limerick

Give Me A Smile

11st 2lb

J: Luke Donnelly

T: E Bolger

Dam won three races over hurdles and is a half-sister to hunter-chasing star On The Fringe; likely to need further than this.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cost £28,000 as 3yo; dam bumper and 2m4f-3m hurdle/chase winner out of 1m 2yo winner; market best guide on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Listowel

Bitofajokelike

11st 5lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

Left all previous form behind when a 125-1 runner-up over 3m at Cork in April; confirmed promise when justifying favouritism in a 3m1f Tipperary maiden hurdle in May; encouraging handicap debut when close up in third at Killarney; similar effort at Galway; form of that race looks solid (second and fifth have wnn since), may confirm with Duke Silver.

9/2

8

3rd Aug 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

14:20 Galway

Bitofajokelike

11st 7lb

J: Jake Coen

T: E McNamara

Left all previous form behind when a 125-1 runner-up at Cork; confirmed that promise when justifying favouritism in a Tipperary maiden hurdle in May; encouraging handicap debut when close up in third behind Greatness Awaits at Killarney, with Coole Cheery fourth

10/1

6

18th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 180y

14:30 Killarney

Bitofajokelike

10st 10lb

J: Jake Coen

T: E McNamara

Left all previous form behind when a 125-1 runner-up at Cork behind a nice prospect and confirmed that promise when justifying favouritism in a Tipperary maiden hurdle in May; fair mark for handicap debut but hasn't shown anything in two heavy ground runs so may need the rain to stay away.

5/1

Non-runners

Kilcrea Castle, Royal Reprobate, Rocket Ruby, Burren Breeze

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €4.20
Straight Forecast €4.89
Trifecta €46.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Trustyourinstinct

TOPSPEED:

Palamon

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Trustyourinstinct

POSTDATA:

Trustyourinstinct

The Irish Sun:

Palamon