July 29 / 18.40 Galway

18.40

Soft

Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap

  • Prize money: £8721.74
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • 15 runners
RTE1
View Course
Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.30
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 404245

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Maiden has run well at times, going closest over 1m at Leopardstown in first time cheekpieces; respectable runs twice since; cheekpieces left off; ground a query.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(15)

21st Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

18:55 Leopardstown

Artful Approach

9st 13lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Stephen Thorne

Inconsistent this year; 1-17 record is a negative; on the plus side, he has tended to show his best form at this venue, runner-up here on three occasions.

12/1

4

(2)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

17:40 Curragh

Artful Approach

9st 5lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Stephen Thorne

Inconsistent this year; 1-16 record is a negative; held by Imposing Supreme on Galway run; has tended to show his best form at Leopardstown.

12/1

13th

4

(13)

31st Jul 2025

Yielding

1m 0f 98y

14:45 Galway

Artful Approach

9st 9lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Won over 7f here last summer for Jack Davison off 73 and good run six days later over today's C&D; two good runs this term in Leopardstown handicaps but too keen on latest in premier handicap at same venue; slow-starter at times.

12/1

OUR TIP

13/2

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 329-55

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Maiden has run well in defeat a number of times, notably on AW; didn't get the clearest of runs behind Enchanted Garden at Leopardstown last time; go well if handling this ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

(1)

15th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

14:50 Dundalk (AW)

Cuban Confusion

9st 8lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: David Marnane

Maiden has run well in defeat a number of times, both here and most recently at Galway last month when strong-finishing second, coming from some way back under today's rider, having not had clear run; definite contender and good draw if he can exploit it.

7/2

2nd

3

(5)

29th Jul 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

18:40 Galway

Cuban Confusion

9st 11lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: David Marnane

Maiden has run well in defeat a number of times, notably on AW; didn't get the clearest of runs behind Enchanted Garden at Leopardstown last time; go well if handling this ground.

13/2

5th

8

(3)

18th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

17:45 Leopardstown

Cuban Confusion

9st 8lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: David Marnane

Placed twice on AW, including on handicap debut, at two and gelded over the winter; better for return at Cork and strong-run 7f (can be keen) would suit.

14/1

18/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 30-635

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Some decent efforts in defeat in maidens and handicaps; found 6f too sharp last time at Fairyhouse and this can suit better; ground a query.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

13:45 Limerick

Louiescall

11st 7lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: David Harry Kelly

Won on the Flat at Leopardstown in August and some good hurdle runs since; the best of them when runner-up in maidens at Tramore and Listowel; a repeat will put him in the mix.

7/2

2nd

9

27th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:10 Listowel

Louiescall

11st 7lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: David Harry Kelly

Flat winner; best of four runs over hurdles on in a maiden at Tramore when beaten 0.75l; no impact on handicap debut here on Thursday but these are calmer waters; chance if turned out quickly.

4/1

16

25th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:25 Listowel

Louiescall

10st 0lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: David Harry Kelly

Won on the Flat at Leopardstown last month and was just denied by Tatateo in a Tramore maiden hurdle since, third start in this discipline; needs more on handicap bow from 2lb out of the handicap.

22/1

Form: -00158 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Showed much-improved form when running away with a Down Royal handicap over this trip; not as effective over much longer trips twice since but this will suit better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(6)

11th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 1f 130y

17:42 Clonmel

Cornahilt Soldier

9st 8lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Kevin Michael Smith

Wide margin winner at Down Royal last year off 62 (7f, good); some okay runs following that but well beaten in last four starts and needs to return to her best.

18/1

11th

3

(4)

1st Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 94y

16:45 Roscommon

Cornahilt Soldier

10st 0lb

J: Rory Mulligan

T: Kevin Michael Smith

Wide margin winner at Down Royal last year and some decent runs in defeat since; however, well beaten last three starts and needs a return to best after a break.

14/1

14

(10)

30th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

17:58 Down Royal

Cornahilt Soldier

9st 5lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Kevin Michael Smith

Won the 3yo handicap on this card last year off 62; 1lb lower now and should strip fitter for her comeback run at the Curragh when sporting blinkers (removed); draw not perfect but dangerous to dismiss (course form figures at 7f read 221); considered.

20/1

Form: 134006

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Won over 6f at Dundalk in January for Ado McGuinness and several solid runs in defeat since, though was disappointing over this trip; handles easy ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(5)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 210y

16:52 Fairyhouse

Perfect Judgement

9st 11lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: P J F Murphy

Four AW wins, sole turf win came at Leopardstown (7f); late headway into midfield on recent yard debut at latter venue, remains unproven over this far.

14/1

7th

3

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:12 Leopardstown

Perfect Judgement

10st 0lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: P J F Murphy

Four AW wins; signs of a return to form at Dundalk last time; his record on turf is not very convincing (1-16), though his single success came at this venue in 2024.

16/1

4th

5

(6)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Perfect Judgement

9st 10lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Stephen Thorne

Reeled off a 1m hat-trick here last winter, weak form on last five visits; plenty to prove and faces a stiff task against a pair of higher-rated rivals.

4/1

Form: 612P71 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Won a 7f handicap at Cork but stayed 1m2f well enough when winning a Fairyhouse claimer last time; this is tougher back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(13)

27th May 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

17:20 Tipperary

Signor Ferrari

9st 6lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: P J F Murphy

Four Flat wins divided between turf and the AW; couldn't get going in time when a beaten favourite in latest AW claimer over 7f and returning to further should help; considered.

7/2

8

(13)

27th May 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

17:20 Tipperary

Signor Ferrari

9st 6lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: P J F Murphy

Four Flat wins divided between turf and the AW; couldn't get going in time when a beaten favourite in latest AW claimer over 7f and returning to further should help; considered.

7/2

4th

6

(9)

28th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Signor Ferrari

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: P J F Murphy

midfield, headway towards near side over 1f out, kept on, not reach leaders

6/1

14/1

Form: 89483-

Last run: 276 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Maiden ran well in defeat at times last year from 6f-8f, including on soft ground; gelded since and will need to be ready on return/handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(1)

22nd Feb 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

19:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Auguste Lumiere

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Clare Hobson

stumbled soon after start, towards rear

6/1

4th

3

(1)

9th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Auguste Lumiere

9st 7lb

J: Raul Da Silva

T: Clare Hobson

led early, headed and in touch with leaders after 1f, outpaced from over 1f out

9/4

4th

3

(1)

9th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Auguste Lumiere

9st 7lb

J: Raul Da Silva

T: Clare Hobson

led early, headed and in touch with leaders after 1f

9/4

Form: 40-197 D

Last run: 65 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark on seasonal debut when winning a Cork 7f handicap on heavy ground; didn't get a clear run at the Curragh last time but can get closer today with a clear passage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(3)

22nd Apr 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

19:18 Gowran Park

Uncle Albert

9st 8lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Kieran P Cotter

No success since Cork (7f, heavy) in March 2024; continues to drop in the ratings, and is now 20lb lower than his winning mark; two runs this term not exactly persuasive; a top apprentice booked.

12/1

6th

13

(10)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 205y

17:23 Bellewstown

Uncle Albert

8st 13lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Kieran P Cotter

No success since winning well at Cork (7f, heavy) in March 2024; shaped well at Down Royal last May and 6f was too sharp on first run back at Navan last month; on a dangerous mark if rediscovers best with blinkers back on.

10/1

28/1

Form: -70000 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner last year up to this trip; below form all starts this term including handicaps the last twice; handles soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

4

(8)

23rd Oct 2024

Yielding

0m 5f 180y

14:00 Navan

Lia Fail

9st 12lb

J: Terry Casey

T: Michael Mulvany

Won twice last year but has really struggled to find any form this season; 6lb below her last winning mark but makes little appeal on current form.

33/1

9th

13

(9)

29th Jul 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

18:40 Galway

Lia Fail

9st 7lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Three-time winner last year up to this trip; below form all starts this term including handicaps the last twice; handles soft ground.

28/1

10th

4

(7)

14th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

17:05 Fairyhouse

Lia Fail

9st 12lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

midfield

12/1

Form: 3-3312

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 0lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort gained a deserved success when taking a Tipperary maiden over 5f; a fine runner-up over 6f at Naas since; raised 2lb; ground fine but trip a query.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(11)

27th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 205y

18:15 Naas

Staysound Susie

9st 4lb

J: Jimmy Dalton

T: Andrew Slattery

Career-best on latest to land a nice pot at the Curragh (6f, sft-hvy) under this rider, her fourth win; ground-versatile but she'll need to improve again to follow up off a career-high mark of 90.

4/1

1st

4

(8)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

13:57 Curragh

Staysound Susie

9st 9lb

J: Jimmy Dalton

T: Andrew Slattery

Won 5f course handicap (heavy) on final run of 2025 off 8lb lower; needed her seasonal return but eyecatching effort here over 5f six days ago when third of 14, finishing off to good effect; should be bang there for stable in terrific form.

5/1

3rd

12

(10)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 5f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Staysound Susie

8st 10lb

J: Jimmy Dalton

T: Andrew Slattery

Won over C&D (heavy) on final run of 2025 off 7lb lower; moderate effort when a 7.75l fifth behind Dmaniac here on seasonal return (6f, heavy); will be sharper now but may need a bit more help from the handicapper.

16/1

Form: 082592

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Maiden was runner-up in handicaps over 1m2f at Cork and a furlong shorter at Tipperary last time; takes a sharp drop in trip and has a tough, wide draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 4

13:45 Beverley

Sportingsilvermine

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: James Owen

Did well last spring and was placed five consecutive times last summer/autumn; now well handicapped on those exploits but beaten upwards of 8l on all four outings this year; can't rule out a revival but hard to be confident.

8/1

7th

6

(16)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Sportingsilvermine

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: James Owen

Did well last spring and placed five consecutive times last summer/autumn; now well handicapped on those exploits but down the field in his three appearances this year; latest was in a 1m4f race at Chester last week, where he'd been runner-up the year before, so there are doubts currently.

22/1

10th

2

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Sportingsilvermine

9st 12lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Placed five consecutive times on turf/AW last summer/autumn and now well handicapped on those exploits but finished well down the field on first two appearances this year (1m6f/1m2f); hood removed after one use.

14/1

6/1

Form: 6-0461

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark when winning a 1m Killarney handicap on good ground last time; raised 6lb for that; this trip should be fine and ran well enough on soft as a 2yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(12)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:10 Ripon

Avatar Jet

9st 6lb

J: Harry Smith

T: Declan Carroll

Made all on AW debut and second start back from a long absence at Southwell (1m, AW) in April, and third there since (1m) in a race that is working out very well; won on turf in 2024 and he's a strong candidate if his good recent form continues back on grass.

15/2

3rd

6

(8)

7th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Avatar Jet

9st 6lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Stepped forward considerably from his stable debut and first start for 553 days when landing a C&D handicap 12 days ago (made all); that was his first try on the AW and he's respected off this 4lb higher mark.

13/2

1st

9

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Avatar Jet

9st 2lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Ex-Irish 5yo who makes his AW debut (half-brother to a Polytrack winner) having been beaten a long way on his first run in 18 months for new connections four weeks ago; ran well to a point in that Doncaster race, though, before not seeing out 1m2f.

12/1

20/1

Form: 224049 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Has been consistent enough in defeat since winning a Down Royal nursery last year over this trip; a rare poor run last time and has to rebound.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(4)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 68y

Class 6

21:00 Hamilton

Velvet Skies

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Stephen Hanlon

Fair ex-Irish 6f winner; yet to hit top form in four runs for his current yard, tried in a visor when fourth of seven in 6f Southwell handicap 15 days ago; needs to step forward despite a falling mark.

9/1

4th

4

(4)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Velvet Skies

9st 6lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Stephen Hanlon

Well handicapped on last year's Irish best; has not made a big impact in three runs for Stephen Hanlon (single-figure price on each occasion) and cheekpieces didn't help over 7f three weeks ago; dropping down the weights and new headgear is tried but there are risks attached.

8/1

9th

1

(5)

7th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Velvet Skies

9st 9lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Stephen Hanlon

3-47 with his wins coming over 6f/7f on turf/Polytrack in Ireland; has made a low-key start for this yard and needs to improve for the fitting of cheekpieces.

6/1

Form: 30-140 D BF

Last run: 60 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
First reserve; got off the mark when winning a 7f handicap (yld) at Gowran in April and a solid run next time; below form at Fairyhouse since but this softer ground will suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(13)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Madame Plaintiff

9st 1lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Alan Brown

Campaigned mostly over further; slowly away and always behind returned to 6f last time, taking record for current yard to 0-9; opposed.

33/1

9th

10

(5)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Madame Plaintiff

8st 12lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Alan Brown

Ex-Irish filly who has been unable to take advantage of a declining mark for new stable; change of trip (second attempt at sprinting) needs to help.

16/1

9th

10

(5)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Madame Plaintiff

8st 12lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Alan Brown

Ex-Irish filly who has been unable to take advantage of a declining mark for new stable; change of trip (second attempt at sprinting) needs to help.

16/1

Form: 5020

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Best effort when runner-up in a 6f maiden at Naas but was below that form in a handicap at the same track last time; tongue-tie on up in trip
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(13)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

17:10 Dundalk (AW)

Speedwood

9st 13lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

started quickly, soon led, headed under 2f out, weakened final furlong

12/1

10th

8

(2)

27th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Speedwood

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Showed some ability in maidens but has been well held in handicaps and has to get back to his best.

16/1

15th

9

(14)

31st Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:10 Curragh

Speedwood

9st 3lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Runner-up in a Naas maiden over this trip in June; soundly beaten in two handicaps since and gelded since his last run; others preferred.

25/1

Non-runners

Enchanted Garden, Promo Queen, Rebelsontherun

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €110.00
Straight Forecast €75.14
Tricast €509.85
Trifecta €771.40

Selections

The Irish Sun:

Louiescall

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Avatar Jet

TOPSPEED:

Artful Approach

POSTDATA:

Velvet Skies

SPOTLIGHT:

Uncle Albert