December 28 / 15.55 Limerick

15.55

Yielding To Soft

Doherty Woodshavings INH Flat Race

  • Prize money: £5386.96
  • 2m 2f 0y
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Doherty Woodshavings INH Flat Race

Runners: 13 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.40
  • Place: £2.80

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Represents last year's winning trainer and jockey combination; promise in sole point-to-point start at Belclare and is worth a market check on debut for shrewd operation.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 190y

16:15 Punchestown

I Started A Joke

11st 10lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Won 2m maiden here in January (soft-to-heavy) and excellent run following month when favourite in very competitive 19-runner 2m Leopardstown handicap, going clear with winner from last; took another step forward when third to a top-class novice in 2m4f Grade 2 Fairyhouse novice on latest (Generous Risk second) in first-time cheekpieces, despite slipped saddle; good chance he'll improve again at 3m and don't rule out.

12/1

3rd

6

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

I Started A Joke

11st 3lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Won 2m Punchestown maiden hurdle in good style in January (soft-to-heavy) and excellent run following month when favourite in very competitive 19-runner 2m Leopardstown handicap, going clear with winner from last; cheekpieces added and upped in trip on switching to novice company.

7/1

25

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

I Started A Joke

10st 11lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Reserve; 13th at 33-1 in the Champion Bumper here last March; progressing well at 2m in the mud as a hurdler, easily winning a maiden at Punchestown and second of 19 when hot favourite for a top handicap at Leopardstown on latest run; the front two drew clear in the latter, after this one travelled best and launched a strong challenge; not crying out for this longer trip on that display but his stable has made many notable strikes.

9/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Narrowly prevailed in a Rathcannon point-to-point last month for Cormac Doyle; unsold at 95,000GBP at the November Sale at Cheltenham; half-brother to two winners and his dam won a bumper at this track; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Road Exile

11st 7lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

By a Derby winner and there's lots of stamina on the dam's side of his pedigree; unraced beyond 2m2f under rules (did win a 3m point); maiden winner who was turned over at 8-11 last time, but in a messy race won by the classy Sober; he wouldn't be the first horse representing these connections to deliver a clear career best in this race.

33/1

3rd

9

1st Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

13:00 Down Royal

Road Exile

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Half-brother to winners Classic Theatre (bumper and useful 2m-2m4f hurdler/chaser) and Miss Sassie (2m hurdle/2m4f chase); dam bumper winner, half-sister to high-class 2m4f-3m chaser Joncol; point-to-point winner last season for Cormac Doyle and having been touched off on bumper debut at Limerick in December went one better following month in similar contest (heavy); obvious appeal now sent hurdling.

15/8

3rd

9

1st Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

13:00 Down Royal

Road Exile

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Half-brother to winners Classic Theatre (bumper and useful 2m-2m4f hurdler/chaser) and Miss Sassie (2m hurdle/2m4f chase); dam bumper winner, half-sister to high-class 2m4f-3m chaser Joncol; point-to-point winner last season for Cormac Doyle and having been touched off on bumper debut at Limerick in December went one better following month in similar contest (heavy); obvious appeal now sent hurdling.

15/8

12/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Locally trained; won a point-to-point at the second attempt at Quakerstown for Daniel Murphy in March (runner up has since won a maiden hurdle and the fifth has won a bumper); related to plenty of winners and his yard targets races at this meeting and track; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

15:05 Punchestown

L Evangeliste

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Point-to-point and bumper winner; second on hurdling debut at the Listowel festival; made all for 8l Galway maiden win in October (2m); jumped well when same tactics employed to win a rated event over an extended 2m4f at Fairyhouse in November; lack of a recent run is a mild concern.

4/1

1st

1

25th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 90y

14:28 Galway

L Evangeliste

11st 10lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Won a point-to-point and added a Limerick bumper in March (yielding); struggled at Punchestown afterwards but reappeared last month with good hurdling debut effort when chasing home an odds-on shot in Listowel auction maiden (good-to-yielding); major player.

7/2

2nd

3

25th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:50 Listowel

L Evangeliste

11st 10lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Won a point and added a Limerick bumper in March, after which he struggled at Punchestown; should pay his way over hurdles.

5/1

Form: 67

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Long odds and made no impact in a pair of bumpers at Galway and Cork; difficult to make a case for after those efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:03 Wexford

James The Brave

10st 4lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Padraig Butler

Killarney handicap winner in October (2m7f, yielding) and took advantage of lower hurdles mark at Punchestown in February before third in a similar event; well-backed favourite back chasing last month, disputing lead (clear of remainder) when unseating two out at Limerick (2m2f, heavy); remains very much of interest off 2lb higher mark.

3/1

6

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 1f 185y

14:54 Limerick

James The Brave

10st 10lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Padraig Butler

Killarney chase winner in October (2m7f, yielding); went close to following up at Punchestown (3m, heavy); pulled up in a 2m6f contest at this venue at Christmas; took advantage of a lower hurdles mark at Punchestown last month; third in a similar event at that venue last time; back over fences now, trip possibly a bit sharp for him.

13/2

1st

7

4th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 17y

14:48 Punchestown

James The Brave

10st 0lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Padraig Butler

Chase winner was pulled-up in that sphere last time; runs off a much lower hurdles mark but is 1lb out of the handicap and will have to get back to his best form.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
0-5 in point-to-points on a variety of ground, failing to complete in three of them; tongue tied for Rules debut; look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

13

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Ballykinlar

10st 7lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Won three consecutive handicaps last summer up to 2m4f for Donncha Duggan; some fine runs in defeat after including since switched to this yard; has to prove he stays this trip.

28/1

7th

18

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Ballykinlar

11st 3lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Consistent results in Ireland this term featured three summer wins; not disgraced with midfield finish at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) on debut for new stable but needs to improve on that bare form.

33/1

11th

19

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Ballykinlar

11st 3lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Consistent form in Ireland this season for Donncha Duggan features three summer wins; absent since finishing second in Listed novice event at Limerick (2m5f, yielding) five months ago; appears to have a stiffer task on debut for new connections but market support should be noted.

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten 2l into second in a point-to-point at Ballindenisk in May; winner of that race has since placed in a maiden hurdle for Donald McCain at Carlisle; dam is well-related and he is worth a market check on his Rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

18th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 1f 30y

17:35 Bellewstown

Gillane

11st 10lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Solid efforfts in defeat in two maiden hurdles and two out of four of his bumper runs; was runner-up in a stronger bumper than this at Wexford last time and sets the standard; cheekpieces added.

2/1

2nd

3

17th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:05 Wexford

Gillane

12st 0lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Showed ability without winning in bumpers and maiden hurdles for Kevin O'Donnell; disappointing stable debut as 4/5 fav' at Limerick last month and has questions to answer after that.

12/1

3rd

7

10th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 150y

16:55 Limerick

Gillane

11st 10lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Placed in a point-to-point; 0-4 under Rules for Kevin O'Donnell but placed in a Gowran maiden hurdle and a Navan bumper (2m, sft-hvy) on latest where he had a subsequent winner 6l behind; has joined Gavin Cromwell and should go well.

9/4

6/4

Form: 2

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Was well backed for his debut in a Fairyhouse bumper earlier this month and he ran a decent race behind a well-regarded sort, shaping like a step up in trip would suit; sets the standard on form and holds leading claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

13

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 100y

13:30 Fairyhouse

Mossy Way

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

Showed ability in bumpers last season for Pat Doyle; started this season well with an emphatic bumper win at Limerick in November on heavy; kept good company in two races in winners' bumpers for this stable (last of seven in Grade 2 at DRF); well held by Newbrook Diamond on the form of hurdles debut at Punchestown.

14/1

7th

5

2nd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

16:40 Leopardstown

Mossy Way

11st 10lb

J: Mr Finn Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

Showed ability last season for Pat Doyle and successful return when making all for runaway win at Limerick in November on heavy; switched yards and again made plenty of use of but came up short over C&D at Christmas on better ground, albeit solid run; return to testing conditions should suit but this looks a tougher task again.

16/1

Form: 4-

Last run: 415 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Offered something to work with when a pleasing fourth of 10 on debut in a bumper at Clonmel (16.5f, heavy); weakened late on in that race so the step up in trip here may not suit but there is stamina in his pedigree so he can't be totally discounted if fit after a 415-day absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

2nd Nov 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 100y

14:10 Cork

The Night Agent

11st 0lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: D E Fitzgerald

Definite promise last season in a Naas bumper (18.5f, sft-hvy) and when meeting traffic problems in a 2m3f Clonmel maiden hurdle (heavy); last run in April in a Fairyhouse bumper too bad to be true; lacks a recent run, stamina to prove and might prefer softer ground than this.

20/1

7th

4

2nd Nov 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 100y

14:10 Cork

The Night Agent

11st 0lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: D E Fitzgerald

Definite promise last season in a Naas bumper (18.5f, sft-hvy) and when meeting traffic problems in a 2m3f Clonmel maiden hurdle (heavy); last run in April in a Fairyhouse bumper too bad to be true; lacks a recent run, stamina to prove and might prefer softer ground than this.

20/1

4th

8

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

18:10 Fairyhouse

The Night Agent

11st 7lb

J: Mr R W Barron

T: D E Fitzgerald

Runner-up in a bumper at Naas (soft/heavy) and was close up in a Clonmel maiden hurdle despite not enjoying the best of runs at various stages; shouldn't be underestimated.

16/1

Form: 5

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Was just 15/2 for his debut in a 2m bumper at Navan but trailed in 27l behind the winner; goes up in trip and should be capable of better but can only be watched after that initial effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

20th Jan 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 33y

13:20 Down Royal

Beckistine

11st 3lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: M A Molloy

Would have gone close to beating the useful Bowensfire at Limerick last January but for a last-flight fall; has failed to make any progress since then; as a result, he has plenty to prove at this stage; trainer won a similar race at Fairyhouse last week.

14/1

2

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

14:37 Limerick

Beckistine

11st 12lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: M A Molloy

Modest form in three bumpers but looked set to win over C&D on hurdling debut back in January when falling at the last; was then a solid third at Wexford when last seen; can run well if ready enough after a break.

4/1

3rd

1

17th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:10 Wexford

Beckistine

11st 12lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: M A Molloy

midfield, headway and went third before 2 out, no match for first two

7/2

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in sole point-to-point start for Brian Hassett; dam is from a good family but he is probably best watched on return from a 664-day layoff.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

13:15 Cork

Amberjack

11st 12lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Donal Hassett

Tongue tie is now tried after a trio of tame bumper efforts and a 23l defeat on hurdles debut at Clonmel; passed over.

50/1

11th

1

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

13:15 Cork

Amberjack

11st 12lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Donal Hassett

Tongue tie is now tried after a trio of tame bumper efforts and a 23l defeat on hurdles debut at Clonmel; passed over.

50/1

10th

1

27th Mar 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:15 Clonmel

Amberjack

11st 12lb

J: Ambrose McCurtin

T: Donal Hassett

prominent, led narrowly 4th

50/1

Form:

Last run: 97 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Was a 40-1 shot for his debut in a Listowel bumper and he was beaten 58l; may need more time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

17:17 Listowel

Rusty Finure

11st 7lb

J: Mr E P O’Brien

T: Daniel John Howard

Beaten a shade under 60l in bumpers here and at Limerick; the last was in late 2024.

100/1

11th

12

28th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 2f 0y

15:55 Limerick

Rusty Finure

12st 0lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Daniel John Howard

held up in rear

100/1

11th

12

28th Dec 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 2f 0y

15:55 Limerick

Rusty Finure

12st 0lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Daniel John Howard

held up in rear

100/1

50/1

Form: 03

Last run: 81 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in three starts in point-to-points; finished third at Galway in a maiden hurdle in October but was still beaten 41l; others make more appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

28th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

18:50 Limerick

Work Place

11st 0lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Didn't show much in maidens and similar story in first handicap at Thurles (2m6f, good) when tailed off at 80-1 in March 2025; eased 4lb but off since; best watched.

33/1

Form: P

Last run: 229 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Was 100-1 for her debut in a Killarney maiden hurdle and she was pulled up; drops in trip but she is hard to fancy after that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 63y

15:40 Punchestown

Lady Mamie

11st 5lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Has shown little ability in a bumper and two maiden hurdles so is passed over today.

200/1

11

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 7f 63y

15:40 Punchestown

Lady Mamie

11st 5lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Has shown little ability in a bumper and two maiden hurdles so is passed over today.

200/1

8th

5

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Limerick

Lady Mamie

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Pulled up at Killarney first time out, tailed off last of 13 at this venue; easily ruled out.

100/1

Non-runners

Jericho Du Fenoir, Khmer, Fortunes Told

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €78.20
Straight Forecast €49.32
Trifecta €291.40

Selections

POSTDATA:

Mossy Way

SPOTLIGHT:

L' Evangeliste

The Irish Sun:

Mossy Way