December 26 / 13.10 Leopardstown

13.10

Yielding

O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

  • Prize money: £23086.96
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • 10 runners
RTE2
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O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 71 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Flat maiden winner on good ground was unable to do himself justice on hurdles debut at Punchestown (behind Its Bilbo) last month but much improved to win Grade 3 at Fairyhouse just eight days later, appreciating better ground when coming off pace to quicken past hot favourite Willy De Houelle on run-in; 3lb to concede to that rival now but ground remains in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

1st Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 120y

13:48 Tipperary

Naturally Nimble

11st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Flat maiden winner was a smart juvenile hurdler last season, winning a Grade 3, but was below form in cheekpieces at Punchestown; beaten a long way in a Flat handicap at the Curragh since; however, has a chance if his jumping holds up on chasing bow.

8/1

5

(17)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:50 Curragh

Naturally Nimble

9st 6lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of two runners for yard; won a 1m2f Navan maiden when last seen on the level last September; Grade 3 juvenile hurdle winner since though was below form at Punchestown last time; respected back in this sphere.

9/1

18th

5

(17)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:50 Curragh

Naturally Nimble

9st 6lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of two runners for yard; won a 1m2f Navan maiden when last seen on the level last September; Grade 3 juvenile hurdle winner since though was below form at Punchestown last time; respected back in this sphere.

9/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler A Wave Of The Sea; belated making the Flat but won both starts in the autumn, 1m6f Navan maiden (good) and coped with drop in trip and soft ground when ready winner of 1m2f Roscommon rated event; very interesting now switched to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 118y

17:30 Punchestown

Hello Neighbour

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won Grade 1 Juvenile at the DRF last season; below best first three starts this season but better effort when a 7.5l third of 18 in Listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse latest (2m, yld-sft); same mark here but stamina to prove for this longer trip.

8/1

3rd

2

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Hello Neighbour

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler last season; sustained an injury over the summer and has posted decent RPR's in three defeats since returning at Christmas, latest when 10th of 23 in County Hurdle after not clear run (only 1l behind Karbau); more needed but don't rule out.

10/1

10th

5

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Hello Neighbour

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

This useful Flat performer was a Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler last season; sustained an injury over the summer but there's been enough in two comeback runs at Leopardstown this winter (seventh to Bowensonfire in handicap latest) to think he retains his ability; not discounted.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4-1 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fourth in a hurdle race in France in March and immediate impact for current yard in Punchestown 3yo maiden hurdle last month, looking a good prospect when finding plenty for pressure; fair step up in class here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 0y

15:00 Cork

Its Bilbo

11st 12lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Henry De Bromhead

Won a Listed handicap at Limerick over 2m on testing ground buty was poor behind a stablemate over 2m4f at Cheltenham; has to rebound.

11/1

23th

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Its Bilbo

11st 12lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Campaigned only at about 2m; made a successful handicap debut in Limerick contest (soft to heavy; Listed) on last appearance, proving suited by the return to hurdles after two chase defeats; this 5yo looks open to further improvement and has possibilities provided he stays the new trip.

20/1

2nd

4

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:40 Fairyhouse

Its Bilbo

11st 0lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

prominent

11/4

Form: 114-F2 D

Last run: 201 days

W: 10st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Brother to French 2m1f hurdle winner Dark Water, half-brother to 2m3f hurdle winner Beaumesnil; dam maiden half-sister to 2m2f/2m3f hurdle/chase winner Eaux Forte; 2-5 over hurdles in France, second in Listed event at Auteuil on final start in June; following month bought for 200,000euros at Arqana; yet to race on ground this quick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

15th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 3

15:18 Uttoxeter

Sony Bill

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Showed useful form without winning over hurdles for Willie Mullins; left that yard for 64,000gns having finished fourth over fences at Ballinrobe in May but it was an inauspicious stable debut when tailed off in three-runner affair here (2m4f, good) 17 days ago; needs to leave that behind tackling 3m for the first time.

8/1

3rd

1

28th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

13:47 Uttoxeter

Sony Bill

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Showed fairly useful form over hurdles for Willie Mullins without managing to add to his French wins; beaten favourite switched to fences last time (sold for 64,000gns since) but may improve with that experience under his belt and is interesting on debut for Faye Bramley, who has done well with recruits from other yards (including ex-Closutton runners).

7/2

4th

11

25th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 54y

18:05 Ballinrobe

Sony Bill

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Two wins over hurdles in France on heavy ground; yet to hit the target for this yard; beaten off 136 in handicap hurdles at Fairyhouse and Punchestown on last two starts; should make a chaser on breeding, but has to prove he acts on good ground.

11/2

Form: 25

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to winners including the high-class Running Lion and hurdles scorer Cozene; Flat maiden for Andrew Balding cost 105,000gns at the July Sales; just denied on hurdles debut at Cork but not at same level under forcing tactics at Navan; plenty to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

17th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

11:35 Navan

Star Runner

11st 0lb

J: Oakley Brown

T: William Durkan

soon led, faced challenges from 4 out

3/1

Form: 12-2 D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
French recruit won Compiegne newcomers contest in March on heavy and finished clear second in Auteuil Listed contest following month; hot favourite for Irish debut early this month in Grade 3 at Fairyhouse, travelling well to lead but then outpaced run-in by Naturally Nimble; 3lb better off here and hood fitted but ideally may want it softer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Willy De Houelle

11st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: W P Mullins

took keen hold, towards rear, mistake 3rd, fell heavily 4 out

16/1

12

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Willy De Houelle

11st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: W P Mullins

French debut winner; has some useful form in defeat since, notably his fourth in a Leopardstown Grade 1 (2m, soft) in February, but he needs to bounce back from a poor run in the Triumph at Cheltenham and Paul Townend sides with Murcia.

16/1

11th

13

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

13:20 Cheltenham

Willy De Houelle

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Ex-French; turned over at 1-4 on yard debut in December (Grade 3) before two supporting roles when hooded (also tongue tied latest) in better races at Leopardstown won by Hello Neighbour; 18-1, held up last in only a partially successful attempt to settle him on latest outing but he ran on into fourth of eight in that steadily run Grade 1, his best form; better may be possible in different circumstances, such as a more strongly run race here.

40/1

Form: 1

Last run: 96 days

W: 10st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Saint Des Saints half-sister to winners Flip De Vega (French 2m1f/2m2f hurdle inc Listed) and Givega (2m-2m1f hurdle); dam 1m4f AQPS Flat winner, half-sister to yard's high-class 2m-3m hurdler Quevega; scrambled home from an odds-on shot (and subsequent chase winner) in Moulins 3yo hurdle in September (soft); market interesting on yard debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

14

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

13:20 Cheltenham

Lady Vega Allen

10st 9lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Dam half-sister to high-class hurdler Quevega; won in September on her only start in France; stuck to her task admirably at the finish when placed behind Hello Neighbour at Leopardstown in both her races for new connections, short-headed in a Grade 2 on first occasion and one and a half lengths down in a steadily run Grade 1 last time; seemingly the pick (Townend rides) of the Mullins multitude and a greater stamina test here should suit.

12/1

3rd

7

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:50 Leopardstown

Lady Vega Allen

10st 7lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

midfield, headway and in touch with leaders 2 out, disputed lead when not fluent last, kept on but lost second towards finish

100/30

3rd

7

1st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:50 Leopardstown

Lady Vega Allen

10st 7lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

midfield, headway and in touch with leaders 2 out, disputed lead approaching last, kept on but lost second towards finish

100/30

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Decent middle-distance Flat performer, winning twice on decent ground over the summer; safely held when upped in trip/class afterwards; stiff-looking task on hurdles debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

16:45 Limerick

Mo Ghille Mar

11st 8lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Last of three Flat wins for Jessica Harrington was off 84 last summer; was having her eighth hurdles start when making the breakthrough in a Wexford handicap in May; failed to back that up at Listowel.

14/1

7th

1

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:22 Listowel

Mo Ghille Mar

11st 12lb

J: G B Noonan

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Latest of three Flat wins for Jessica Harrington was off 84 last summer; improved of late over hurdles; mild promise when sixth at Bellewstown and then 22-1, dropped in grade to beat geldings at Wexford; needs proper good ground and trainer admits she's unpredictable.

3/1

1st

3

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

14:40 Wexford

Mo Ghille Mar

12st 0lb

J: G B Noonan

T: John Joseph Hanlon

One of two for trainer; three-time Flat winner for Jessica Harrington on good/good to firm; moderate hurdles form for new yard, but her sixth of ten at Bellewstown last time was not her worst effort; in this lower grade for first time.

18/1

Form: 3-331

Last run: 201 days

W: 10st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Doctor Dino filly got off the mark over hurdles in France at fourth attempt when running away with 2m2f Auteuil fillies Listed contest in June (soft); interesting recruit, untried on this quicker ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

16th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 85y

17:05 Killarney

Murcia

11st 5lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Grade 1 winner at Aintree (2m1f, gd-sft) in April 2025; regained the winning thread in mares' race at Listowel (16.5f, good) on latest (Grainne A Chroi 6.25l behind); the one to beat on ratings, but has never run beyond 2m1f so she has stamina to prove (mixed messages in pedigree).

5/4

1st

2

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:06 Listowel

Murcia

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Top-rated here at 138; won Grade 1 at Aintree in April 2025, her last start on ground with good in the description; below best in hot handicaps this year but better expected now back on a sounder surface; giving weight away to most of her rivals but the one to beat.

13/8

16th

2

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Murcia

11st 1lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Grade 1 Juvenile winner at Aintree (2m1f, gd-sft) last year; has come up dry since, beaten similar distances in first three handicaps; dropped 1lb for an 11l fifth behind Kalix Delabarriere on latest and Townend takes over now; drying ground a plus and could go well.

11/2

Form: 1162 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sister to very capable hurdler/chaser Prairie Dancer; enjoying a good spell since late summer, winning twice on the Flat and twice over hurdles including at Down Royal; at least as good form when chasing home an 8l winner of Newbury Listed 3yo contest last month; plenty of experience but career-best needed to play a major role here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(4)

23rd Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

15:35 Dundalk (AW)

Prairie Angel

9st 3lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Sister to the trainer's useful and versatile seven-time winner Prairie Dancer; stable has made an excellent start to 2024 at this venue; merits respect.

5/1

Betting Forcast

7/2 Naturally Nimble, 9/2 Hello Neighbour, 12/1 Its Bilbo, 20/1 Sony Bill, 25/1 Star Runner, 15/8 Willy De Houelle, 20/1 Lady Vega Allen, 14/1 Mo Ghille Mar, 7/1 Murcia, 10/1 Prairie Angel

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Willy De Houelle

The Irish Sun:

Murcia

TOPSPEED:

Prairie Angel

SPOTLIGHT:

Naturally Nimble

POSTDATA:

Willy De Houelle