August 03 / 16.50 Galway

16.50

Yielding

Ardilaun Hotel Handicap

  • Prize money: £8721.74
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • 14 runners
TG4
View Course
Ardilaun Hotel Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

13/2 (Won)

Form: 665-23 CD

Last run: 4 days

W: 10st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
2021 win in this race one of five career wins; returned recently in good form, second at Bellewstown and only lost second late on over C&D on Tuesday under top-weight; has to be respected off same mark from a good draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 205y

14:48 Bellewstown

Imposing Supreme

10st 2lb

J: Rory Mulligan

T: Thomas Gibney

9yo has won six races including one over C&D; shaped as though still retaining ability when runner up in higher grades than this at Galway and fourth at the Curragh; 2lb below last win and can go well.

9/1

10th

9

(5)

9th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 98y

16:35 Galway

Imposing Supreme

9st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Thomas Gibney

Four of his six wins have come at this venue, two over this trip; ran another sound race when splitting Genuine Article and Titanium at the festival; a bit below his best in two more recent runs; could feature back at his favourite track with a valuable 7lb off.

11/2

3

(4)

28th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 20y

16:30 Navan

Imposing Supreme

9st 13lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Thomas Gibney

Four of his six wins have come at Galway and good second there last month; setting steady pace left him vulnerable at the Curragh on latest; rider's claim here a positive.

9/1

2nd
17 (4)
Eddie G

Form: 4073-1

Last run: 204 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
First reserve; absent since off the mark (well-backed) in 6f Dundalk AW handicap back in January, winning with a bit to spare; 7lb higher now but scope for more on only second turf start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

10

(14)

18th Oct 2026

Good

1m 0f 100y

15:12 Leopardstown

Eddie G

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Adrian McGuinness

Wins over 7f at Naas and Galway over the summer and holding his form well, most recently getting to within a neck of front-running Uncle Goalie over same trip at the Curragh; 1m probably stretches him but definite chance of reversing that form here on 2lb better terms.

8/1

2nd

9

(10)

26th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 0y

15:45 Curragh

Eddie G

8st 8lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Adrian McGuinness

No closer than about 4l in three races since going up the weights for back-to-back wins in July; ran okay at Listowel on Tuesday (1m) but others are more intriguing.

15/2

3rd

2

(1)

22nd Sep 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

16:41 Listowel

Eddie G

9st 6lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Hit by the handicapper for his back-to-back wins in July (over 7f) and has struggled since, including when behind two of these in his penultimate race at Roscommon.

12/1

Form: 200-11

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
In the form of her life, on a hat-trick here following narrow 1m wins at Gowran and Killarney, winning shade snugly second occasion after having to wait for a gap; not sure this drop in trip will suit and up 11lb for those wins.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(5)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

1m 2f 0y

17:00 Curragh

Stormie Outlook

9st 12lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Andrew Slattery

Two wins (both on good) for the late Edward O'Grady; made a bright start for this stable when fifth at Listowel; ran at Leopardstown on Sunday.

12/1

Form: 20-001 C

Last run: 4 days

W: 10st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Returned from 111-day absence to win here on Tuesday (second time in three years) over extended 1m; also finished second over this trip here last autumn; 7lb penalty takes him back to career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(5)

8th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 0f 98y

16:18 Galway

Clear Quartz

9st 10lb

J: Joseph Harnett

T: Mark Fahey

Six-time winner, with there of those gained over C&D; remains 3lb above his last winning mark at Roscommon a year ago (1m4f, soft); good second on seasonal return at Leopardstown in June (1m1f, soft); below his best since then, at the Curragh, this venue, and Tramore; last two outings have been at around 2m; good C&D record is a positive.

8/1

7th

3

(9)

15th Aug 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:25 Tramore

Clear Quartz

10st 1lb

J: Joseph Harnett

T: Mark Fahey

Six-time winner is 6lb above his last winning mark at Roscommon in September (1m4f, soft); good second on seasonal return at Leopardstown in June (1m1f, soft) but below his best at the Curragh and Galway (2m1f, yielding) since then; slowly away and stumbled in that latest outing, which was a first try at a 2m+ trip; best form on softer.

6/1

14th

16

(10)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Clear Quartz

11st 5lb

J: Mr L P Shanahan

T: Mark Fahey

Best form at this venue, the scene of three of his six wins; pleasing second at Leopardstown on seasonal debut; failed to improve his weak Curragh record (now unplaced on nine visits) a month ago; highly effective over the extended mile here, this trip may stretch his stamina.

50/1

Form: 4-2734 D

Last run: 79 days

W: 10st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Returned from a spell with Brian Ellison in Britain and ran well in defeat in the Spring on heavy, most recently left with fair to do when fourth at Limerick; has form on yielding so respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(6)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Ramiro

9st 9lb

J: W J Lee

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

Six turf wins but below form lately; has run well enough on AW from just five starts but others preferred today.

33/1

8

(4)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 15y

15:20 Listowel

Ramiro

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

Won this race in 2020 and again last year off 1lb higher; likely to have needed his latest outing when behind a few of these at Roscommon and Oisin Murphy is an eye-catching booking; looks to have been laid out for this; interesting.

20/1

16

(5)

1st Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 94y

17:15 Roscommon

Ramiro

9st 3lb

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

First reserve; the last of his six wins came at Listowel 11 months ago; not a bad effort there on sole run this year but needs more.

Form: 0-6353

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Maiden went closest on latest when good C&D third on Monday under forcing tactics from a low draw; cheekpieces now fitted and should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

1st Oct 2026

Good

2m 6f 170y

16:42 Clonmel

Louiescall

11st 6lb

J: Daniel King

T: David Harry Kelly

Has backed up a maiden hurdle win at Tramore with two pleasing Flat runs; finished third of 18 over 1m4f at Cork, and second of 15 over 1m6f at Listowel, both races won by the same horse; can keep up the good work in his first handicap hurdle.

9/4

2nd

1

(10)

21st Sep 2026

Good

1m 6f 55y

17:12 Listowel

Louiescall

10st 0lb

J: Adam Browne-Souza

T: David Harry Kelly

Back to form in winning a Tramore maiden hurdle and backed that up with a 3l third of 18 over 1m4f at Cork; returning to further is probably a good move and claimer takes 7lb off his back this time.

8/1

3rd

4

(8)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 0y

17:15 Cork

Louiescall

10st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: David Harry Kelly

Poor in two Flat runs on return from a break but bounced back with a maiden hurdle win at Tramore on latest; that will have boosted confidence but this trip may be on the sharp side back on the level.

16/1

25/1

Form: 40-606 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner but form so far this year has been poor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

2

(10)

15th Oct 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 1f 0y

14:47 Curragh

Lady Arwen

10st 2lb

J: W J Lee

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Six-time winner, including in July at Ballinrobe and when beating 16 rivals at the Galway festival despite a slow start; again compromised chance with slow start at Punchestown and when third over 1m here 11 days ago, a good effort in the circumstances; Billy Lee has a good record on her.

8/1

3rd

8

(13)

4th Oct 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Lady Arwen

9st 7lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Six-time winner, including in July at Ballinrobe and when beating 16 rivals at the Galway festival despite a slow start; again compromised chance with slow start at Punchestown on latest, so comes with a health warning.

12/1

8th

3

(3)

15th Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 30y

16:10 Punchestown

Lady Arwen

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Six-time winner, including twice in July; defied a 7lb rise for a Ballinrobe success when beating 16 rivals at the Galway festival; overcame a high draw, and the loss of several lengths at the start; holding her form well judged on last week's Galway second.

11/2

14/1

Form: 4-6785

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner last year yet to hit form this campaign, latest when fair fifth to Clear Quartz here on Tuesday when forcing it over 1m; good bit more needed but drop in trip could suit; high draw to overcome.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 100y

15:00 Punchestown

Drop The Dip

11st 5lb

J: James Smith

T: Thomas Gibney

Three time Flat winner; last win came at Bellewstown two years ago (7f, heavy); has pulled up and unseated since trying hurdles; an unlikely candidate.

80/1

2

26th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 131y

17:00 Ballinrobe

Drop The Dip

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Thomas Gibney

Three-time Flat winner, including twice at Listowel; had a valid excuse at that venue last autumn when found to be clinically abnormal; saddle slipped early when 80-1 chance on hurdling debut at Kilbeggan ten days ago.

20/1

25/1

Form: 0-5060 D

Last run: 4 days

W: 10st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Three years without a win and recent form none too encouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

(4)

19th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

14:35 Cork

Royal Pippen

10st 2lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Paul W Flynn

prominent

11/2

12th

4

(4)

19th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

14:35 Cork

Royal Pippen

10st 2lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Paul W Flynn

prominent

11/2

3rd

1

(3)

2nd Apr 2025

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

16:35 Gowran Park

Royal Pippen

10st 2lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Paul W Flynn

prominent, went second over 2f out, lost second inside final 110yds, just held third

4/1

10th
4 (1)
Mile End

25/1

Form: 56-600

Last run: 82 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Dual 2yo winner for Johnny Murtagh in 2022; no show in three runs for this yard and handicapper quite slow to relent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

8

(11)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:42 Curragh

Mile End

9st 8lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Ciaran Murphy

Three-time winner on soft ground, including over C&D; hasn't won in over a year though, no show on both recent runs after a break; back in trip here and McMonagle booked but not an obvious one.

16/1

6

(7)

2nd Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 195y

15:10 Bellewstown

Mile End

9st 8lb

J: W J Lee

T: Ciaran Murphy

Three-time winner on soft ground, including a C&D win off 70 this time last year; never figured from a wide draw at Listowel nine days ago after fruitless run over hurdles; Billy Lee booked; big player if close to her best; cheekpieces go back on.

14/1

5

(15)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 15y

15:20 Listowel

Mile End

9st 10lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Ciaran Murphy

Three-time winner on soft ground; returns from a break after five fruitless runs over hurdles; remains 6lb above her last win but talented claimer takes off 7lb; conditions fine and could outrun likely odds.

20/1

Form: 340065

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
AW winner not as effective on turf though solid C&D run on Monday; bit to find with Louiescall on that but has a more favourable draw here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(5)

18th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Perfect Judgement

10st 0lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: P J F Murphy

Hat-trick of C&D wins the winter before last, cuminating in a victory off 84 in February of last year; mark has declined steadily since, but some creditable turf runs this summer make him of interest on first run in this grade on Polytrack.

6/1

5th

3

(7)

2nd Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 20y

18:10 Navan

Perfect Judgement

10st 1lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: P J F Murphy

Four-time AW winner and 1-22 on turf; second of 16 at Gowran last time (good to firm; has form on slower) and didn't quite see out the extended 1m1f; considered.

5/1

Form: 040542

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Both wins have been on a sound surface over sprint trips; got this trip well when second at Fairyhouse last time, first attempt at the trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(8)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

17:20 Hamilton

Mount Ruapehu

9st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

In fine form in the spring, winning three 6f handicaps at Southwell before finishing second over 5f here off a 9lb higher mark; his form has gone the wrong way since, including when backed into favouritism at Newcastle 13 days ago; not solid.

12/1

8th

7

(7)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:54 Newcastle (AW)

Mount Ruapehu

9st 6lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

Won three sprint handicaps at Southwell in the spring; form has dipped more recently but he has slipped in the weights and Jack Nicholls takes off a handy 5lb; market instructive.

12/1

8th

11

(7)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

20:00 Hamilton

Mount Ruapehu

8st 7lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Iain Jardine

1lb below his last winning mark, but is another who would have made more appeal on the AW (5-10) than turf (1-40).

12/1

10/1

Form: 17-594 D BF

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Struck form over 7f on soft/heavy last autumn with wins at Listowel and Curragh; back to form on third start this campaign (favourite) when fourth at Tipperary, not clear run; wide draw hardly ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(15)

5th Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 30y

14:45 Killarney

Racing Royalty

9st 7lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Gillian Scott

Both wins came on soft ground in 2023; he'll need to find something on this season's efforts.

25/1

7th

8

(2)

8th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

18:00 Galway

Racing Royalty

8st 11lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Gillian Scott

Both wins came over this trip on soft ground in 2023; has since been placed twice over C&D; not a bad run at Limerick last time and can be a player down 4lb.

6/1

Form: 9-0574 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Last year's winner off same mark (beating Shawaamekh) and later won at Listowel; definite sign of return to form at Killarney recently (on ground plenty quick) and one to consider, especially if ground softens.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(5)

18th Oct 2026

Good

1m 0f 100y

15:12 Leopardstown

Dragon Of Malta

10st 0lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: P F O’Donnell

Prolific winner whose last five wins have all been at Listowel, notably on successive days last month (yielding) under today's rider, over 1m1f and under mandatory 7lb penalty over 7f; aggregate 15lb rise takes him to a career-high but has to be respected being in such good form.

10/1

1st

6

(6)

22nd Sep 2026

Yielding

0m 7f 15y

14:57 Listowel

Dragon Of Malta

9st 10lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: P F O’Donnell

Had been running respectably in handicaps at Galway and Roscommon before winning over 1m1f here yesterday; would carry a 7lb penalty if taking up this engagement to bid for his third win in four years in this contest.

10/1

1st

7

(9)

21st Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

14:55 Listowel

Dragon Of Malta

9st 8lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: P F O’Donnell

Veteran has a fine record at this venue, three wins and three places from nine visits; won twice at last year's festival; recent form offers hope he is ready to strike again; however, he is best suited by testing conditions.

13/2

Non-runners

Shawaamekh, Expound, Loingseoir, Blackcastle Storm, River Derwent

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast €147.58
Tricast €841.48

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dragon Of Malta

POSTDATA:

Expound

The Irish Sun:

Imposing Supreme

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Dragon Of Malta