October 27 / 13.30 Galway

13.30

Yielding To Soft

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase

  • Prize money: £7952.17
  • 2m 6f 111y
  • 12 runners
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Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 31417- C

Last run: 226 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won his maiden hurdle on this card last year; also won two Grade 3 novice hurdles last season before an 18l seventh in the Albert Bartlett; rates as the type to take to fences and the ground will be fine for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Search For Glory

11st 2lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Didn't jump well when seventh in this last year and pulled up in the Thyestes at Gowran Park (3m1f, heavy) in January on latest run; however, he was in good form previously, finishing second of nine at Navan (2m4f, soft to heavy) then second of 28 in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown (3m, yielding); each-way player if back on song and finding some fluency.

25/1

10

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

15:30 Gowran Park

Search For Glory

11st 4lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Failed to add to Galway beginners' chase win last season; jumping was untidy in the Ultima at Cheltenham; failed to stay in the Irish Grand National; ran well for a long way in Troytown on return before fading; fine second over inadequate trip at Navan (Harry Des Ongrais third); big chance now based on second in the Paddy Power; Jack Kennedy takes over from a claimer.

13/2

3/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 6/106-

Last run: 183 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made a winning return at Limerick on testing ground last Christmas but didn't manage to build on that in two handicap hurdles in Britain subsequently; may resume progress this season and market support would be worth noting after 183 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Sa Majeste

10st 13lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

Dual chase winner last term and good third to Daily Present in 3m2f Kim Muir at Cheltenham; has struggled in big handicaps this season, exception a never-nearer remote third in Leinster National; never really recovered from bad early blunder when pulled up in Irish National on latest; others look more reliable.

20/1

3rd

5

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Sa Majeste

10st 10lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

Dual chase winner last term and ran a cracker in the Kim Muir over 3m2f at Cheltenham; not at the same level in four runs since, including when always behind and pulled up at Leopardstown last time; needs to show some spark.

18/1

10

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Sa Majeste

10st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Dual chase winner last term and ran a cracker in the Kim Muir over 3m2f at Cheltenham; hasn't been at that level since and was beaten a long way in the Paddy Power here last time, so has to do much better.

25/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 15217-

Last run: 211 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Progressive hurdler last season with his career best coming in handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in January off a mark of 126; every chance there's more to come in this sphere and worth a market check on back of 211-day absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 72y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Mint Boy

11st 10lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Two-time hurdles winner is 0-6 over fences; unseated when 8-1 at Cheltenham in March; didn't get home in the Irish National in April; cheekpieces now tried; others make more appeal.

16/1

3

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 72y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Mint Boy

11st 10lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Two-time hurdles winner is 0-6 over fences; unseated when 8-1 at Cheltenham in March; didn't get home in the Irish National in April; cheekpieces now tried; others make more appeal.

16/1

14th

23

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Mint Boy

10st 9lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gavin Cromwell

2-6 over hurdles, rated 137; has reached the same mark over fences despite failing to win in five attempts; fair effort when third over 2m6f at Punchestown in February; among the leading fancies (8-1) for the Kim Muir, made a bad mistake at the 15th and unseated rider; renews rivalry with the first three home.

25/1

Form: 4090-8 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Didn't kick on last season after winning a novice hurdles at this meeting and his chase debut here earlier this month was low-key; return to slower conditions may help but others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Sequestered

11st 1lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.

25/1

9

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Sequestered

11st 1lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.

25/1

10th

9

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Sequestered

11st 6lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Irish-trained novice who has improved the last twice, easily winning big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 3m, good to yielding) in December then second of 16 at same track (2m5f, yielding); could do with jumping better than last time but this progressive 7yo may have more left in the tank.

14/1

Form: 213/2-

Last run: 451 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bumper and maiden hurdle winner who produced a promising chase debut over this C&D at the 2023 Galway Festival, chasing home Mars Harper who had the benefit of plenty of chase experience; yard adept at readying one off this sort of absence and he's achieved more than his rivals in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

2nd May 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Sir Argus

10st 13lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

in rear, overjumped 1st, fell 9th

22/1

11

2nd May 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Sir Argus

10st 13lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

in rear, overjumped 1st, fell 9th

22/1

Form: 0625-F

Last run: 153 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner but looks up against it on chase debut returning from 153 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 15y

15:35 Cork

West Is Awake

11st 0lb

J: E Walsh

T: Edward Cawley

Two-time winner was well beaten in this last year but ran a nice race on sole start since at Fairyhouse (3m2f, yielding) in January; 3lb rise for that 6l second seems harsh and this is harder but he has to be considered for yard that won this in 2024.

9/1

17th

11

20th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 80y

15:22 Cork

West Is Awake

11st 1lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Edward Cawley

Without a win over timber since October 2023 at Fairyhouse (3m, soft) off 102 and remains 8lb above that mark; has been out of form this season and no signs of a revival when pulled up on latest; others hold stronger claims.

40/1

17th

11

20th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 80y

15:22 Cork

West Is Awake

11st 1lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Edward Cawley

Without a win over timber since October 2023 at Fairyhouse (3m, soft) off 102 and remains 8lb above that mark; has been out of form this season and no signs of a revival when pulled up on latest; others hold stronger claims.

40/1

Form: 6121-P BF

Last run: 167 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won twice in Britain at the start of the year but big step forward required on her chase debut after 167 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:10 Perth

Pitwood Road

11st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Two good runs on first two starts for Nicky Richards, including Carlisle win off 9lb lower in December (2m3f, soft); had stiff task last time; back down in grade; chance.

3/1

7th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 100y

Class 1

13:00 Kelso

Pitwood Road

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Won handicap at Carlisle (2m3f, soft) in December on stable debut and went close at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) in January; could continue to progress for this yard but has plenty to find in today's company.

33/1

2nd

1

27th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

15:00 Newcastle

Pitwood Road

12st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Following a break and a change of stables she returned to form with a win at Carlisle (2m3f, soft) last month; that form reads well and she could have more to offer for this stable; major player up 7lb.

7/2

50/1

Form: 3810-7 BF

Last run: 159 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark in a handicap hurdle from a rating of 94 last season before two lesser efforts; tough ask on chase debut returning from 159 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

11

20th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 140y

13:52 Fairyhouse

Hillsdale

10st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: J P Dempsey

Impressed in winning handicap chases at Naas (yielding) and Clonmel (yielding to soft) and had jumped well out in front before falling late on at Navan (2m7f), where he was headed but boxing on; expect another positive ride back at this distance.

8/1

Form: 2452P/

Last run: 550 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point winner; had a tough ask when pulled up in a valuable contest at the 2023 Punchestown festival when last seen and best watched on return from 550 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

17th Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

16:30 Tramore

Iks Man

10st 13lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

Gained a breakthrough success in a 2m7f Clonmel handicap in March off a 9lb lower mark; fair fourth at Killarney on penultimate start but hard to be confident about his chance

12/1

10

23rd Jul 2025

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 110y

16:45 Wexford

Iks Man

11st 0lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

Off the mark in 2m7f Clonmel handicap in March off 10lb lower mark; okay runs since over shorter trips, stamina unproven over this far.

10/1

4th

3

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 100y

19:08 Killarney

Iks Man

11st 10lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

in touch with leaders on inner, prominent 8th, disputing third approaching last, kept on

14/1

Form: 6P2P1-

Last run: 210 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a handicap hurdle off 96 when last seen and makes his chase debut here; plenty to find after 210 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

19th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 45y

16:30 Cork

Hes Home Again

10st 9lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

Course 3m winner two years ago; lightly raced since then; a leading contender now after recent Leopardstown second; cheekpieces fitted for the first time.

7/2

2nd

9

3rd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 0y

15:25 Leopardstown

Hes Home Again

10st 8lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

Won over this trip at Cork in 2024 and only five runs since, three of them chases; soundly beaten back hurdling at Cork the last twice and has to rebound.

16/1

5th

13

20th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 80y

15:22 Cork

Hes Home Again

10st 12lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

1-9 over hurdles, the win coming off 96 over C&D last March by 2.25l and 10lb higher now; sent chasing to no avail since, unseating on latest at Clonmel; return to hurdles and this venue could spark a revival; testing ground fine; can't discount.

25/1

Form: 33-143

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Justified favouritism in a maiden hurdle at Cork in May before a lesser run at Kilbeggan; became detached early when a distant third in a Gowran beginners' earlier this month on chase debut; should have learnt from that and first-time cheekpieces may help sharpen him up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 70y

18:59 Kilbeggan

Maxi Mac Gold

11st 12lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Paul Nolan

126-rated hurdler; not as effective over fences; best effort when second over 3m2f at Fairyhouse in February; pulled up in a competitive handicap last time; needs to improve.

14/1

8

21st Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 150y

16:17 Navan

Maxi Mac Gold

11st 3lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul Nolan

Maiden hurdle winner ran well in a Naas handicap hurdle in February last year off 124 (2m7f, heavy); didn't set the world alight in beginners' chase starts, but much better in a novice chase at Fairyhouse last time (3m2f, heavy); kept on well to take the runner-up spot, 1l behind Rokathir with 3.75l back to Nelson County; jumped left throughout that day so this track can help, however slightly worse off at the weights now.

7/1

2nd

9

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:45 Fairyhouse

Maxi Mac Gold

11st 1lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Paul Nolan

Maiden hurdle winner at Cork in 2024 (3m, good); ran well in a Naas handicap hurdle in February last year off 124 (2m7f, heavy); hasn't set the world alight in three beginners' chase runs, including when tailed off on seasonal return at Leopardstown (2m5f, yielding).

18/1

OUR TIP

Form: 0831-

Last run: 209 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Getting better with every run and confirmed the promise of a third in a Thurles maiden hurdle when scoring by a wide margin at Cork when last seen; fascinating contender on chase debut, despite 209-day lay-off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 165y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Arion Soldier

11st 0lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Eamon Courtney

Easy winner of soft-ground Cork maiden last April when stepping up to 3m for the first time; tailed off over fences only start since; scratched several times lately due to good ground; will get his conditions here but stiff enough task.

28/1

7th

10

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 165y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Arion Soldier

11st 0lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Eamon Courtney

Easy winner of soft-ground Cork maiden last April when stepping up to 3m for the first time; tailed off over fences only start since; scratched several times lately due to good ground; will get his conditions here but stiff enough task.

28/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €6.70
Straight Forecast €9.05
Trifecta €32.30

Selections

POSTDATA:

Search For Glory

The Irish Sun:

Sa Majeste

SPOTLIGHT:

Sir Argus