August 30 / 19.00 Down Royal

19.00

Good

Pilgrim’s Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5130.43
  • 3m 0f 0y
  • 19 runners
RTV
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Pilgrim’s Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: -2P210

Last run: 24 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Generally very consistent and finally off the mark in 2m6f Cartmel novice (good) last month; ran no sort of race when strong in the betting at Roscommon this month (3m, yielding to soft) and is 2lb worse off now; probably needs good ground to be seen to best effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

30th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

18:00 Tramore

Dinoland

11st 4lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: W R Crawford

Not the easiest to predict but he bounded clear over nearly 3m at Downpatrick 22 days ago to earn this 7lb higher mark; good ground is the key to him.

5/1

1st

4

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 150y

19:35 Downpatrick

Dinoland

11st 9lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: W R Crawford

Dual hurdle winner has run well in defeat here and was running well on second chase start at Tipperary last year when making a bad mistake at the last; not easy to fancy on last two runs.

25/1

6

18th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 5y

17:00 Bellewstown

Dinoland

11st 11lb

J: Mr R Guiney

T: W R Crawford

Won twice over hurdles in 2024, showing useful form; however, has been pulled-up over fences in both runs since but is likely to do better back to this sphere .

16/1

Form: 59-173 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Bolted up with a 7l win on his return to action at Punchestown in May but failed to build on that at Kilbeggan (3m) last month from 12lb higher; bounced back to form when third at Wexford over shorter when last seen; each-way player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

19:20 Limerick

Western Model

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Andrew Kinirons

Punchestown hurdles winner in May 2024 off 90; record of 0-9 chasing for Paul Nolan in recent times but hit the frame on several occasions; off since November; first run for new yard; market can guide.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 0F-5P0

Last run: 83 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won twice over hurdles (soft/heavy) when trained by Henry de Bromhead some years back but hasn't won for over three years; beaten out of sight over fences at Punchestown in June and return to hurdling needs to spark a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

13th Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 77y

18:15 Ballinrobe

Low Lie The Fields

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Peter Maher

0-9 over fences and has lost his way this year; pulled up over timber latest and plenty to prove.

20/1

3

30th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:00 Down Royal

Low Lie The Fields

11st 12lb

J: Mr B T Stone

T: Peter Maher

Won twice over hurdles (soft/heavy) when trained by Henry de Bromhead some years back but hasn't won for over three years; beaten out of sight over fences at Punchestown in June and return to hurdling needs to spark a revival.

50/1

Form: 65P-69

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Maiden was placed several times in bumpers; he ran well when only beaten 5.5l when sixth of 15 at Punchestown (2m3f, good) in June; looked a non-stayer when well beaten over this trip at Wexford last month; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

17

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 22y

16:36 Punchestown

Down Around

10st 8lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Won off 3lb lower at Thurles (2m4f, good) last November; mostly below best in 2025 but a bit of encouragement at Ballinrobe on latest (2m6f, soft); place chance if building on that.

12/1

2nd

7

12th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 5y

17:00 Ballinrobe

Down Around

10st 12lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Won off 99 at Thurles (2m4f, good) last November and some good runs after; however, well beaten of late and hard to be confident in.

16/1

Form: 354615 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark at the ninth attempt over hurdles at Wexford over 3m last month; that was her first try at this sort of trip and she saw it out well; ran freely early when fifth at Ballinrobe (2m7f) since but Jack Kennedy is back aboard (rode her to victory at Wexford).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

29th Sep 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 25y

16:00 Roscommon

Bigira

10st 2lb

J: Thomas O’Connor

T: Mark Fahey

Ran well at Kilbeggan in June but well below that level the last twice; beaten 29l on latest at Down Royal; dropped 2lb but remains 6lb above her sole success; may need more respite from the handicapper.

11/1

7th

4

29th Aug 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:23 Down Royal

Bigira

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Mark Fahey

3m winner last summer at Wexford; back to form when second at Kilbeggan in June; has become inconsistent, tailed off at the same venue last time; hard to trust her.

17/2

Form: F6P-14 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Given a very positive ride by Carl Millar when winning on first start for new yard at Kilbeggan (3m1f, good) in June; given too much to do when respectable fourth at that venue last time from 6lb higher; he has won around here in the past and Millar is back aboard now; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

7th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:18 Fairyhouse

Reserve Judgement

11st 1lb

T: Leanne Breen

Reserve; won at Kilbeggan over this trip and a sound run there next time but questions raised by a poor Down Royal effort last time.

6

30th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:00 Down Royal

Reserve Judgement

11st 8lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Leanne Breen

Given a very positive ride by Carl Millar when winning on first start for new yard at Kilbeggan (3m1f, good) in June; given too much to do when respectable fourth at that venue last time from 6lb higher; he has won around here in the past and Millar is back aboard now; big player.

9/1

Form: 38-542

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Still seeking her first win (0-8 rules, 0-7 points); regularly placed in maiden company at Perth last year; built on encouraging fourth over 2m4f at that venue on handicap debut last month when narrowly denied there this month over 3m; runs from 4lb lower here and is unexposed over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Bayonetta

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

Exposed mare; has won one of her 15 points but yet to win in 12 starts over hurdles, although has been placed on six occasions; only gave way late on over 26.5f at Perth nine days ago; should give her running again off lower Irish mark.

9/1

4th

8

13th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 4

15:08 Perth

Bayonetta

11st 5lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

Exposed mare; has won one of her 15 races pointing in Ireland (fair third last month) but yet to win in 11 starts over hurdles, although has been placed on six occasions; 3m2f not sure to suit.

14/1

3rd

4

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

16:53 Downpatrick

Bayonetta

11st 4lb

J: James Smith

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

Point winner who is 0-13 under rules; only her second run over fences when beaten 16l into third at Perth last week; more needed.

10/1

Form: 80-082

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Placed in a Downpatrick bumper and made eyecatching late headway when second there (2m6f) on just his second handicap start this month, given an awful lot to do; must enter the reckoning up in trip from 2lb higher and decent ground will suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

10

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 7f 153y

17:20 Kilbeggan

Mister Vic

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Steve Jones

Returned from a 326-day absence at Ballinrobe last July to make the breakthrough at the seventh time of asking over hurdles (2m6f, good) with easy win; took a mammoth 16lb rise for that and duly struggled at Roscommon in final start for Noel Kelly in August (3m, good to yielding); down 3lb for stable debut.

16/1

8th

3

5th Aug 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

18:20 Roscommon

Mister Vic

11st 6lb

J: Mr L T Turner

T: Noel C Kelly

Has gone up a stone for winning so well after an absence at Ballinrobe (2m6f, good) but this 7yo remains relatively unexposed.

13/2

Form: 69-979

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
2-16 over hurdles for former stable; no show yet in four runs for Noel Kelly; only beat one rival home at Ballinrobe last time and is hard to make a case for on recent form; cheekpieces worn last time are discarded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

15th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:52 Fairyhouse

True Destiny

11st 6lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Noel C Kelly

Dual-purpose vetera; six wins on Flat, is 2-28 over hurdles, both wins at Sligo (latest in June 2023); minor placed form last May/June at Downpatrick and Perth; in rear in both races in recent months.

14/1

17th

7

31st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 30y

13:32 Down Royal

True Destiny

11st 7lb

J: Ms E Dunseath

T: Noel C Kelly

Both hurdle wins in 2m4f Sligo handicaps but on a long losing run, Naas fourth over this trip last season standout effort; lacks a recent run.

20/1

17th

7

31st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 30y

13:32 Down Royal

True Destiny

11st 7lb

J: Ms E Dunseath

T: Noel C Kelly

Both hurdle wins in 2m4f Sligo handicaps but on a long losing run, Naas fourth over this trip last season standout effort; lacks a recent run.

20/1

Form: 006-00

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Maiden pointer hasn't shown much over hurdles including when beaten 93l when last seen at Tramore in June; this is his first crack at this sort of trip and it's interesting he's sent all the way north from yard's base in Waterford; watch the market closely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Wexford

Beggars Rock

11st 6lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Has been mostly chasing in the last year, winning a Kilbeggan beginners' over 2m5f; mightn't have lasted 3m2f last time and this trip back off a lower hurdles mark can suit; chance.

7/1

3rd

4

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 50y

16:37 Down Royal

Beggars Rock

11st 3lb

J: James Smith

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Beginners' chase winner last year for Declan Queally but hasn't been as good since for different yards; has to return to best on second start for this stable; better ground a help.

12/1

6th

9

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Beggars Rock

10st 12lb

J: Ms H Phillips

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Won a Kilbeggan beginners' chase (2m4f, good) last May for Declan Queally; placed over 2m4f in the first of two outings for Gordon Elliott in January; pulled up here on the second; has joined Ian Donoghue who tries a new headgear combination.

25/1

Form: 48/08

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Winner on the Flat over 2m1f when trained in Britain; hasn't shown much in either code since coming to Ireland, beaten a combined 155l in two starts over hurdles and no better on the level at Killarney last time; big ask.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

30th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:00 Down Royal

Kincade

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Kidd

T: John C McConnell

Winner on the Flat over 2m1f when trained in Britain; hasn't shown much in either code since coming to Ireland, beaten a combined 155l in two starts over hurdles and no better on the level at Killarney last time; big ask.

20/1

Form: -747P4

Last run: 4 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Best run when second over 3m2f at Sligo last autumn; fair fourth in a 2m4f contest at Cork in July but disappointing in three starts since, including a remote fourth at Downpatrick on Monday; needs to find improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

14

21st Dec 2024

Good

3m 1f 22y

12:10 Thurles

Mustameet Secret

10st 7lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Hugh Paul Finegan

16-race maiden; not beaten far behind Malinas Glory here last month but more needed.

16/1

14

21st Dec 2024

Good

3m 1f 22y

12:10 Thurles

Mustameet Secret

10st 7lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Hugh Paul Finegan

16-race maiden; not beaten far behind Malinas Glory here last month but more needed.

16/1

6th

7

28th Nov 2024

Good

2m 6f 79y

13:15 Thurles

Mustameet Secret

10st 1lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Hugh Paul Finegan

Stays well; runner-up in a Sligo handicap hurdle and a 2m7f maiden hurdle here last autumn; not much to recommend of late, including in a Galway handicap chase last time.

25/1

Form: -52F64 BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Remains a maiden but went close at Downpatrick in May (2m6f, good) from 3lb lower; had the race at his mercy when a faller at Perth next time; failed to quicken when fourth at Downpatrick when sent off favourite this month but has a 13lb pull in the weights with the reopposing Mister Vic.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

9th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:55 Perth

Paddy Elvis

11st 8lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Is 0-17 but comes here in good nick, third of 19 in 3m Down Royal handicap ten days ago; he can make his presence felt once more.

5/1

14

30th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:00 Down Royal

Paddy Elvis

11st 1lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Remains a maiden but went close at Downpatrick in May (2m6f, good) from 3lb lower; had the race at his mercy when a faller at Perth next time; failed to quicken when fourth at Downpatrick when sent off favourite this month but has a 13lb pull in the weights with the reopposing Mister Vic.

10/1

4th

6

11th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 180y

16:48 Downpatrick

Paddy Elvis

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Remains a maiden but nearly put that right over C&D in May when 4lb lower and had every chance when falling at Perth next time; it wasn't a bad run back there four weeks ago and he's in the mix.

4/1

Form: 0P-660

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Has shaped better in maidens since the blinkers were fitted but was beaten 90l at Downpatrick this month; stable has had no winner since May 2022 and this gelding has very little chance on recent form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

20th Sep 2024

Good

2m 1f 165y

16:30 Downpatrick

Whats Lariat Now

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Francis Casey

Not much promise over hurdles and well-beaten off 91 and 89 in last two starts in that sphere, including here over 2m6f; can only be watched on chasing debut.

33/1

15

30th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:00 Down Royal

Whats Lariat Now

11st 1lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Francis Casey

Has shaped better in maidens since the blinkers were fitted but was beaten 90l at Downpatrick this month; stable has had no winner since May 2022 and this gelding has very little chance on recent form.

33/1

13th

5

11th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 180y

16:48 Downpatrick

Whats Lariat Now

11st 10lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Francis Casey

Has shaped better in maidens since the blinkers went on but this mark looks demanding enough.

14/1

Form: P-773P

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Improved effort when third at Roscommon (3m1f, soft) this month but folded tamely at Kilbeggan last week; rain would be a help for his chances.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

19th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

16:40 Sedgefield

Ballydangan

10st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Hugh Burns

Two wins at Hexham (3m, good to soft) last year and on a handy mark on that form; soft ground may not have suited here last time but he's now been well below par on his last two starts and has to get back on track.

12/1

4th

3

19th Feb 2026

3m 2f 59y

Class 5

15:08 Sedgefield

Ballydangan

11st 3lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Hugh Burns

Won twice over 3m at Hexham last year (good); pulled up when returning from a short break at Catterick last time; conditions perhaps not ideal and a bit to prove.

9/1

Form: 00-252

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Nine-race maiden but was only beaten a neck when nearly causing a 66-1 upset at Cartmel in June; failed to back that run up back there next time but the return to better ground helped when second at Wexford this month; respected off 3lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 150y

19:35 Downpatrick

Jimlis Cave

10st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: R K Watson

Sole hurdle win came here over 2m6f and his his best chase efforts have also been here; however, has been poor on last three starts and has to rebound in a big way.

16/1

11th

6

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 185y

14:42 Downpatrick

Jimlis Cave

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: R K Watson

Sole win came here in a 2m6f handicap hurdle off this mark in 2024 (good to yielding); reverts to hurdles following poor efforts in his last two runs; won't want the ground too soft.

20/1

Form: 0000

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in a point and in all four starts over hurdles; tailed off at Tramore last time and can't recommend until he shows a lot more; in good hands and his day will come but it probably won't be today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

16th Jun 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

18:18 Kilbeggan

Handy Manny

10st 13lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Conor David Maxwell

Weak form in points before failing to make any impact on return to hurdling at Listowel.

33/1

12

31st May 2025

Good

2m 4f 80y

15:40 Listowel

Handy Manny

10st 13lb

J: Ivan Ryan

T: Conor David Maxwell

Poor rules form last year and shown nothing in two recent points.

100/1

Form: -88086

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Showed nothing in his first five starts under rules but ran by far his best race when sixth of 13 at Wexford (3m, good to yielding) behind Bigira on handicap debut last month; that was his first try at this trip in this sphere and he might have been closer but for a jumping error three from home.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

30th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:00 Down Royal

Hestheboycandoit

10st 12lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: S Michael Millar

Showed nothing in his first five starts under rules but ran by far his best race when sixth of 13 at Wexford (3m, good to yielding) behind Bigira on handicap debut last month; that was his first try at this trip in this sphere and he might have been closer but for a jumping error three from home.

20/1

6th

9

25th Jul 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:05 Wexford

Hestheboycandoit

10st 13lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: S Michael Millar

Shown nothing in five runs under rules so far; decent chance further will suit on handicap debut but hard to recommend.

20/1

8th

9

6th Jul 2024

Good

2m 1f 40y

17:28 Bellewstown

Hestheboycandoit

11st 4lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: S Michael Millar

Poor point-to-point form and a similar story in four outings under Rules so far.

100/1

Form: 0097

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Slowed glimpes of ability in maidens but well below form on handicap debut at Roscommon (3m, yielding to soft) this month; pulled out at Sligo since due to soft conditions so we might see a better performance if he gets his preferred good ground here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

30th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

18:00 Tramore

The Rebel County

11st 4lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: G Ahern

Hunter chase winner 12 months ago but fairly slim pickings since then and cheekpieces now go on.

33/1

4th

2

9th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

15:35 Killarney

The Rebel County

11st 10lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: G Ahern

Hunter chase winner at Tipperary last year has been soundly beaten over hurdles and fences lately and has lots to find in this company.

66/1

7th

9

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 60y

15:55 Limerick

The Rebel County

11st 3lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: G Ahern

Winner of a novice hunter chase at Tipperary last spring (23.5f, good to yielding) on yard debut; 0-6 over hurdles for Noel Meade prior to that; midfield in Clonmel handicap chase two weeks ago (23.5f); others preferred.

25/1

Non-runners

Il Silenzio, Delias Pet, Divilabother, Heart Of Rome

Selections

The Irish Sun:

Bigira

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Bayonetta

POSTDATA:

Mister Vic

TOPSPEED:

Mustameet Secret

SPOTLIGHT:

Reserve Judgement