March 16 / 14.40 Curragh

14.40

Soft

Nua Healthcare Handicap

  • Prize money: £17066.12
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • 12 runners
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Nua Healthcare Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.20
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 0033-4 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Eight-time winner on turf and, given that he's never won on the AW, it was an encouraging run at Dundalk 23 days ago (not far behind Big Gossey on similar terms); trip/ground fine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(3)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:42 Curragh

Laugh A Minute

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Stephen Thorne

Nine-time winner, most recently over C&D (soft) off 82 in March; best effort for some time when today's headgear tried in finishing never nearer fourth over C&D 17 days ago in testing conditions; 2lb lower now and Keane takes over; has to be respected.

8/1

4th

6

(8)

4th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:52 Curragh

Laugh A Minute

9st 7lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Stephen Thorne

Nine-time winner, most recently over C&D (soft) off 6lb higher in March; well behind Gerrit's Gem at Cork on latest; new headgear combination needs to spark a revival, well-treated if it does.

16/1

11th

1

(8)

10th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 6f 0y

17:10 Cork

Laugh A Minute

10st 0lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Winner of nine races; latest success was four starts ago over this trip on soft at the Curragh in March; has to bounce back from a below-par display at Naas last month.

16/1

20/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 93236-

Last run: 165 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Only 2-16 for Richard Hannon but ran a number of good races last year, though was kept mostly to 7f; may need that longer trip now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(1)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:45 Fairyhouse

Love Billy Boy

9st 11lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gerard O’Leary

Four wins up to 7.5f and in varying ground conditions; was beaten a long way on return over 6f at the Curragh in March; can do a lot better today but others preferred.

12/1

9th

2

(4)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

15:10 Curragh

Love Billy Boy

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Gerard O’Leary

Fine campaign last season included wins at Naas (6f, gd-yld) and Leopardstown (7.5f, good); excellent run off this mark in 1m premier handicap here (good) in June; below best when last seen at Galway in August; handles softer ground and could go well if he's fit.

12/1

8

(13)

3rd Aug 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

16:00 Galway

Love Billy Boy

9st 7lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Gerard O’Leary

Has done really well since joining current trainer this year, winning at Naas and Leopardstown (beating Fort Vega) and good second in Curragh premier handicap; fast ground may not have suited last time; cheekpieces now tried and rider's claim a positive.

12/1

OUR TIP

8/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 31-322 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Grand servant who loves it here and returns on the back of competitive shows on the AW (5f-1m); it's never going to be easy off this mark back in a handicap but can never discount.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(3)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Entering legendary course specialist status after adding a tenth win at the venue in a Listed race last time (6f, good); prior to that he won a C&D Listed contest in March (soft to heavy) when seeing off East Hampton by 1.5l; got closest to subsequent Group 1 winner Comanche Brave when a 2l second in a 6f Group 2 here on penultimate (good); always a danger around here and should go well again.

11/4

1st

1

(5)

28th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

14:10 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Gallant grey veteran is an eight-time course winner and no signs of slowing down this season; won Listed race here in March (7f, sft-hvy) and another cracking run when runner up in the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes here in May (6f, good, Fregada 2.5l behind); goes on any ground, was fourth in this last year and another big run likely on the cards here.

11/4

2nd

2

(9)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 5lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Splendid veteran showed he retained enthusiasm when winning the 7f Gladness Stakes in March, his ninth Curragh win on his 50th visit; found 5f too sharp at Naas last time; runs in this event for the fourth consecutive year, second at 25-1 in 2023, ninth in 2024, third behind James Delight at 33-1 last season; asking a lot now in a strong edition.

12/1

Form: 3711-3 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
6f/7f wins on the AW before finishing third of four upped to 1m at Dundalk where he was close up behind Big Gossey off level weights; should be well handicapped off this lower turf mark but soft ground could be troublesome.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(15)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Apache Outlaw

9st 5lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Solid form in four runs on turf since an unproductive spell on AW; needs to find extra on the evidence of last Saturday's third at Limerick; previous third at this venue was over 7f.

16/1

5th

6

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Firm

0m 6f 150y

17:25 Limerick

Apache Outlaw

9st 7lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: Adrian McGuinness

Solid form in three runs on turf since an unproductive spell on AW; 7lb claimer in the saddle here, with a senior rider on stablemate Clonmacash.

8/1

3rd

18

(18)

26th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:10 Curragh

Apache Outlaw

8st 8lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Adrian McGuinness

Dual turf winner has shaped nicely enough in two runs since return from a two-month break; not beaten that far when fourth of 15 at Leopardstown latest (7f, good) and place claims if backing that up.

14/1

Form: 12018- D

Last run: 155 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Bolted up in a Cork handicap (6f, good to yielding) last October but was then seemingly anchored by an 8lb rise at Naas 11 days later; might be on a tough mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(11)

27th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 205y

18:15 Naas

Staysound Susie

9st 4lb

J: Jimmy Dalton

T: Andrew Slattery

Career-best on latest to land a nice pot at the Curragh (6f, sft-hvy) under this rider, her fourth win; ground-versatile but she'll need to improve again to follow up off a career-high mark of 90.

4/1

1st

4

(8)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

13:57 Curragh

Staysound Susie

9st 9lb

J: Jimmy Dalton

T: Andrew Slattery

Won 5f course handicap (heavy) on final run of 2025 off 8lb lower; needed her seasonal return but eyecatching effort here over 5f six days ago when third of 14, finishing off to good effect; should be bang there for stable in terrific form.

5/1

3rd

12

(10)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 5f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Staysound Susie

8st 10lb

J: Jimmy Dalton

T: Andrew Slattery

Won over C&D (heavy) on final run of 2025 off 7lb lower; moderate effort when a 7.75l fifth behind Dmaniac here on seasonal return (6f, heavy); will be sharper now but may need a bit more help from the handicapper.

16/1

6th
5 (3)
Stag Night

7/1

Form: 12766- CD

Last run: 155 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Strike-rate of 4-15; has worked his way up the ratings but only 2lb higher than for his last win at Cork 12 months ago and he can go well fresh.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

5

(6)

28th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

13:40 Curragh

Stag Night

9st 11lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

Six-time winner; boasts a good record at this venue and is generally dependable; beat Likedbymike narrowly here on penultimate start; out of the money at Navan three weeks ago when Erosandpsyche was third.

8/1

5th

5

(3)

7th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

13:42 Navan

Stag Night

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

In fine form this season at the Curragh; third on seasonal reappearance (6f, heavy); 1.25l second behind Bodhi Bear on penultimate (5f, sft-hvy); won over 5f (soft) there on latest and the runner up has run well in Listed company since; 5lb rise fair and should be bang there again if the forecast rain materialises.

11/4

1st

2

(6)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

13:50 Curragh

Stag Night

10st 0lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

One win and five places from ten Curragh starts; good chance now after second over C&D last month, marking an improvement from a third placing over 6f on seasonal debut; best suited by soft ground.

4/1

12/1

Form: 34104- BF

Last run: 163 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Second in a Listed race last spring and later won a 5f maiden (good) on seventh career start; beaten under 4l in a Group 3 next time (6f) and then ran in a useful conditions race; could have a future off this sort of mark in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

(5)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Betsen

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Tony Carroll

6f AW win on his stable debut in November; added to his tally when seeing off five rivals at Chepstow 16 days ago (Class 4; 5f, good to soft); in deeper today.

25/1

Form: 12469-

Last run: 144 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Only 1-11 but mostly consisent; has done a lot of her racing over 5f on good or faster ground but was second in a 6f maiden in the mud at Limerick; 2lb out of the weights but they claim 7lb; certainly not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:05 York

Emerald Harmony

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Ready win in a Class 5 at Thirsk last month; similar form when second in a Class 3 at Doncaster last week; she will need more to come out on top today but she's arriving in top form.

12/1

2nd

4

(6)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

15:10 Doncaster

Emerald Harmony

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Some good efforts for her new yard this year prior to snapping a losing sequence with a win at Thirsk (5f, good) last month; that may have given her confidence a boost and she's respected back up 4lb.

11/4

1st

2

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:42 Thirsk

Emerald Harmony

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

On a losing run but she comes here in decent nick for her current yard, third of seven at Nottingham (5f) 16 days ago; needs considering on a 2lb lower mark here.

6/1

Form: 70958- CD

Last run: 141 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Eight-time winner but drew a blank last year; has returned to his former trainer and has possibilities off this mark should the new headgear work after a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

19

(1)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 63y

14:50 Curragh

Go Athletico

8st 7lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: Adrian McGuinness

Nine-time turf winner, including a 6f Group 3 at this venue in 2023, Listed contests and this event 12 months ago; was once rated 108, so has dropped a long way; inconsistent this year; good run when second here last time, 3lb wrong

14/1

2nd

6

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:05 Curragh

Go Athletico

9st 3lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Nine-time turf winner, including a C&D Group 3 in 2023, Listed contests and a C&D premier handicap last July; was once rated 108, so has dropped a long way; positive third at Naas in April (6f, good); no luck in running over C&D last month; well below his best over 7f at Cork last time.

14/1

12th

15

(1)

14th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

14:37 Cork

Go Athletico

8st 7lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Adrian McGuinness

Nine-time turf winner, including a Group 3 and Listed contests, was once rated 108 so has dropped a long way; positive third at Naas in April (6f, good); put a line through his latest Curragh run where he got no run; 3lb wrong but not ruled out.

14/1

Form: 14124- CD

Last run: 133 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Back from a similar break to win a C&D heavy-ground handicap on this card 12 months ago and later in the year won twice at Roscommon (7.5f, soft); has shown that he can live with this mark and go well fresh, so on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(10)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Curragh

Merisi Diamond

9st 3lb

J: W J Lee

T: Thomas Coyle

Four-time winner whose best form has on soft and heavy at around 7f; got those optimum conditions over C&D last time when third, finishing 1.75l behind Mickey The Steel and 6.5l behind Red Charlie; cheekpieces added to the tongue tie now, but may struggle to reverse form.

11/1

3rd

3

(2)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Merisi Diamond

9st 13lb

J: W J Lee

T: Thomas Coyle

Four-time winner whose best form has been on soft and heavy at around 7f; has run respectably in recent outings here and at Naas; needs to find extra.

10/1

7th

11

(3)

22nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

15:12 Naas

Merisi Diamond

8st 11lb

J: James Ryan

T: Thomas Coyle

Four-time winner whose best form has been on soft and heavy at around 7f; should be a bit sharper now as a result of last Sunday's 6f run at the Curragh.

16/1

11th
11 (12)
Rappell

8/1

Form: 71317- CD

Last run: 169 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Improved last year to win three 6f handicaps and he didn't really get the breaks back over 5f the last time; does have a bit to prove off his current mark, even with a 7lb claimer up top ( different 7lb claimer rode last time).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Firm

0m 6f 150y

18:00 Limerick

Rappell

9st 13lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Paul W Flynn

Three turf wins include one at Fairyhouse (6f) in 2024; high head-carriage proved his undoing when second off his reduced mark at the same venue on Wednesday; had excuses at the same track last week (upset in stalls, not clear run) when well backed in an apprentice handicap won by Monastere.

4/1

2nd

13

(1)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

20:30 Fairyhouse

Rappell

9st 1lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Paul W Flynn

Three turf wins include here (6f) in 2024; yet to hit form on turf this year but has taken a 14lb drop in the handicap and excuses here last week (upset in stalls, not clear run) when well-backed in an apprentice handicap; no form at this trip (from few opportunities) but not one to rule out.

15/2

6th

3

(5)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Rappell

10st 1lb

J: Joseph Harnett

T: Paul W Flynn

Three turf wins, none since a Curragh success in 2024; also a C&D winner during the same campaign; no better than ninth in five outings since April; hard to fancy.

16/1

Form: 027-65

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Not impossibly treated and hasn't run at all badly the last twice on the AW, but he's essentially a 7f/1m horse.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:25 Curragh

I Am Superman

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: M D O’Callaghan

Eight-time winner but none since winning over this trip on soft at Gowran in May 2024; steadily regressing this year although some glimpses of form; vulnerable.

9/2

3rd

2

(5)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:25 Curragh

I Am Superman

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: M D O’Callaghan

Eight-time winner but none since winning over this trip on soft at Gowran in May 2024; steadily regressing this year although some glimpses of form; vulnerable.

9/2

3rd

2

(5)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:25 Curragh

I Am Superman

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: M D O’Callaghan

Eight-time winner but none since winning over this trip on soft at Gowran in May 2024; steadily regressing this year although some glimpses of form; vulnerable.

9/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €24.40
Straight Forecast €22.70
Tricast €153.52
Trifecta €364.20

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Betsen

TOPSPEED:

Love Billy Boy

SPOTLIGHT:

Merisi Diamond

The Irish Sun:

Apache Outlaw

POSTDATA:

Laugh A Minute