16.30
Yielding To SoftIrish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final (Listed Race)
- Prize money: £24380.17
- 2m 7f 141y
- 24 runners
Runners: 24 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Mostly cloudy
Abandoned
Form: 12431
Last run: 90 days
W: 11st 12lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 2 |
25th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 15y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Signed off for Gavin Cromwell in Ireland with hard-fought win at Galway (2m6f, yielding) in the autumn but was pulled up when reappearing for new stable at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) ten days ago and needs to turn things around quickly. |
16/1 |
|
6 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 3m 1f 125y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
Absent since October when he signed off for Gavin Cromwell with a 2m6f win at Galway (yielding); stays 3m and should get this far, but would need to see some confidence behind him. |
10/1 |
|
1st 2 |
26th Oct 2025 Yielding 2m 6f 111y |
11st 1lb |
Won two of his six starts over hurdles; latest second at Fairyhouse his most encouraging run yet over fences but only four ran and his jumping was a bit scruffy; will need to be sharper all round in his first handicap but the ability is there. |
6/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 354549
Last run: 37 days
W: 11st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 5 |
6th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 0f 120y |
11st 9lb |
Bumper and maiden hurdle winner is 0-6 over fences; ran well in a beginners' here in November but beaten 21l and pulled up in first two handicap chases at Punchestown and Cheltenham; others have more appealing profiles. |
18/1 |
|
18 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1 |
10st 5lb |
7yo who is lightly raced over fences and represents top Irish yard; went close at Fairyhouse in November on second chase start but his form has gone the wrong way since and he was soundly beaten at Punchestown last month in his first handicap chase; ninth in the Pertemps Final here last March. |
33/1 |
|
11th 2 |
15th Feb 2026 3m 3f 60y |
11st 10lb |
Bumper winner; failed to add to a maiden hurdle win; remote third behind top-class stablemate Romeo Coolio on chase debut at Down Royal; went close in less demanding company over 2m4f at Fairyhouse; has failed to build on that in races at Leopardstown and Navan; cheekpieces fitted for handicap debut. |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 337124
Last run: 35 days
W: 11st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
12st 0lb |
Off the mark over fences in good style at Cheltenham (extended 3m2f, good to soft) in December and that's the furthest he's been; worked his way into contention at the Festival there (3m1f Ultima) on latest outing until some bumping on the home turn and running out of steam; not disgraced there but 4m has to be something of a guess; cheekpieces are added. |
25/1 |
|
7th 5 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1 |
11st 3lb |
Off the mark over fences at fifth attempt in good style here (3m2f, good to soft) in December, when back up in trip; well beaten in Grade 3 novice at Naas since but the heavy ground provides an excuse; a mark 8lb higher than for his course win may not be insurmountable for this unexposed 8yo. |
14/1 |
|
5th 3 |
25th Jan 2026 Heavy 3m 0f 125y |
11st 0lb |
Fairly useful hurdler and stepped up a to another level on most recent of five attempts chasing when landing valuable 3m2f Cheltenham handicap (2lb wrong) last month, relishing the return to an extended trip (good-to-soft); out-and-out stayer who has winning form on heavy so has to be considered a major player. |
11/4 |
Abandoned
Form: -15222
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 7lb
5 yo Filly
OR: 127
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 16 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 7f 110y |
10st 5lb |
Won a bumper and Cork maiden hurdle in 2024 but no win since; however, she has run well in defeat several times up to 2m7f including at this track; up 2lb from last time and one to consider. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 16 |
6th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 5f 110y |
10st 8lb |
Cork maiden hurdle winner in November 2024 (2m4f, good); struggled in first two runs this season at Leopardstown but signs of life when a 13l fourth at Naas (2m3f, sft-hvy) 29 days ago; the return to better ground here will suit and yard had a double at the Curragh on Good Friday; could go well. |
16/1 |
|
4th 7 |
8th Mar 2026 Heavy 2m 3f 10y |
11st 6lb |
Bumper winner here and maiden hurdle winner at Cork in 2024 (2m4f, good); good effort when runner-up behind Kaid d'Authie at the Punchestown festival in a conditions hurdle (2m4f, yielding); needs to return to form following two poor runs this season, finished last of 18 at Leopardstown last time (2m2f, heavy). |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: -116P6
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 5lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 125
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 16 |
3rd May 2025 Yielding 2m 4f 118y |
10st 1lb |
midfield |
40/1 |
|
9th 16 |
3rd May 2025 Yielding 2m 4f 118y |
10st 1lb |
midfield |
40/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 50-31P C
Last run: 36 days
W: 11st 5lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 125
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 14 |
2nd May 2026 Yielding 3m 7f 68y |
10st 10lb |
Maiden hurdle win over 2m4f; 0-6 chasing this term, decent handicap debut run at Leopardstown (2m6f), most recently halfway faller in 3m5f Ulster National; others possibly better handicapped and trip remains an unknown. |
16/1 |
|
3 |
29th Mar 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 4f 120y |
11st 6lb |
Maiden hurdle over 2m4f; 0-5 chasing this term, modest placings behind stablemates in two beginners' events; fair effort when fourth at Leopardstown in his first handicap chase; open to improvement, but stablemate Uncle Pat appears more attractively handicapped |
9/1 |
|
4th 10 |
2nd Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 5f 120y |
10st 4lb |
After winning his maiden hurdle over 2m4f (Fairyhouse) he was pulled up twice; 0-4 chasing this term, modest placings behind stablemates the last twice; doesn't exactly seem thrown in on handicap chase debut (5lb higher than hurdles). |
12/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 1O31
Last run: 25 days
W: 11st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 124
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 4 |
25th Apr 2026 Good 3m 4f 146y Class 1 |
10st 13lb |
He was set to be the only Willie Mullins runner in last week's Scottish National but was withdrawn due to the heavy ground; 7yo who was delivered with what seemed a winning challenge under Patrick Mullins in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m2f, good; furthest he's been) six weeks ago only to find that Ask Brewster battled back; up 6lb but has to be in serious calculations. |
7/1 |
|
2nd 17 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
11st 0lb |
Pulled up over hurdles at Leopardstown (3m, heavy) last month and there's a stamina question to answer; however, his best form has come on good to soft ground over fences and the way he kept on for third at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in December hints he may have potential over a staying trip. |
11/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 631315 D
Last run: 55 days
W: 11st 3lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 123
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Irish 7yo whose broadly progressive form switched to chasing this season features a comfortable win at Roscommon (sole attempt over 3m1f; good) in the summer and good second in Thurles handicap (2m5f, yielding) last time; still reasonably unexposed and looks interesting back up in distance. |
6/1 |
|
2nd 2 |
18th Jan 2026 Yielding 2m 4f 198y |
11st 11lb |
Winning pointer and twice successful over hurdles for Pat Doyle; took third behind subsequent Galway Plate winner Western Fold on chasing debut before comfortably justifying favouritism next time at Roscommon (3m1f, good); made stable debut back from a break in a five-runner novice event at Fairyhouse last time when a distant fourth (2m5f, soft); shaped as though he would come on for the run that day. |
8/1 |
|
1 |
9th Jun 2025 Good 3m 1f 24y |
11st 12lb |
Winning pointer who won twice over hurdles, including a 3l defeat of Heroes Rise at Thurles in December; matched that RPR when third on recent chase debut; good chance. |
3/1 |
Abandoned
Form: -23221
Last run: 28 days
W: 11st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 6 |
22nd Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 2m 7f 35y |
11st 4lb |
in touch with leaders, not fluent 2nd |
12/1 |
|
10th 6 |
22nd Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 2m 7f 35y |
11st 4lb |
in touch with leaders, not fluent 2nd |
12/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 753-21 D
Last run: 88 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 7 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 0f 20y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
He can make mistakes and was pulled up at Fairyhouse just 12 days ago in first-time cheekpieces (retained); however, he jumped to the left and returns to a left-handed track for the first time since his promising second on chase debut at Haydock (2m4f, soft); won 3m maiden hurdle here; interesting. |
25/1 |
|
10 |
6th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 0f 120y |
11st 2lb |
Bumper and maiden hurdle winner, both at Ayr; best of three chase efforts came at Haydock in December when 2l behind the 124-rated Lario; has run well here over timber and he can't be fully dismissed in a new headgear combination. |
9/1 |
|
5th 4 |
17th Mar 2026 Yielding 2m 4f 86y |
11st 8lb |
124-rated hurdler was beaten 2l on his chase debut at Haydock (2m4f, soft) and that form has been boosted by the third who has won twice since; beaten 4.5l over 3m in a Carlisle handicap chase on latest; could do better dropped back in trip; chance. |
7/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 132201 D
Last run: 37 days
W: 11st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
4th Oct 2025 Yielding 3m 0f 0y |
11st 10lb |
On a hat-trick after wins in a 3m maiden hurdle at Limerick and off 122 in a 2m7f Listed novice handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse; stays well and is suited by plenty of ease in the ground; interesting with an experienced 7lb claimer aboard. |
5/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 36-140 CD
Last run: 36 days
W: 11st 2lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 122
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
22nd Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 2m 7f 35y |
11st 4lb |
midfield |
14/1 |
|
9 |
22nd Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 2m 7f 35y |
11st 4lb |
midfield |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 13U910 D
Last run: 133 days
W: 11st 1lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 121
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
24th Oct 2025 Good 3m 1f 0y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Well beaten on latest hurdling start in April and has performed well in only one of his four subsequent chases, when second in Kilbeggan beginners' event (2m4f, yielding) two starts ago; ought to be suited by today's move back up in trip but has some questions to answer. |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 4736
Last run: 41 days
W: 11st 0lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 120
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 5 |
19th Apr 2026 Soft 2m 4f 110y |
11st 4lb |
0-4 in chases and rated 111; good third off that mark in a handicap chase at Navan on latest; 0-5 over hurdles but ran well when third behind Ethical Diamond and Kainsbourg in a Punchestown maiden in February 2025; big chance if he repeats that. |
7/2 |
|
3rd 6 |
21st Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y |
11st 3lb |
One of two for trainer; poor in opening beginners' chases and just modest improvement for switch to a handicap last time when beaten 21l; trainer's/owner's best chance appears to be Park That. |
15/1 |
Abandoned
Form: F12140 BF
Last run: 30 days
W: 10st 13lb
6 yo Filly
OR: 119
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
25th May 2026 Good 2m 7f 80y |
10st 8lb |
Better chaser than hurdler; couple of wins over 2m6f last summer, but much stiffer task here after a layoff and O'Keeffe prefers yard's other runner. |
14/1 |
|
1st 1 |
29th Sep 2025 Yielding 2m 5f 146y |
11st 12lb |
Dual hurdle winner but this winning pointer was always likely to do better over fences and she jumped well when winning a beginners' for mares at Tramore (2m6f, good); useful RPR suggests this mark will be fine. |
11/4 |
Abandoned
Form: 431 D
Last run: 18 days
W: 10st 12lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 118
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 19 |
18th Apr 2026 Soft 3m 7f 176y Class 1 |
10st 10lb |
9yo who is well related (half-brother to Kildisart and The Big Breakaway) but very lightly raced for his age; remote second of 17 at Navan (3m, heavy) in his first handicap chase, which he followed with much better form to win 13-runner Dublin National at Leopardstown (3m4f, yielding to soft) last time, scooting just over 6l clear on the run-in; has a much higher British mark today but also untapped potential and he's one to consider. |
15/2 |
|
1st 6 |
2nd Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 3m 4f 61y |
11st 10lb |
Not much mileage on the clock for a 9yo; Limerick maiden hurdle winner in April (3m, good); stepped up to 3m for first time over fences for handicap chase debut at Navan last time when keeping on well for second behind 22l winner Rokathir (followed up next time); had So They Tell Me 0.5l behind and Gringo d'Aubrelle a further 8l back that day; player. |
6/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 721473 D
Last run: 15 days
W: 10st 12lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 118
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14th 13 |
22nd Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 2m 7f 35y |
11st 0lb |
midfield |
20/1 |
|
14th 13 |
22nd Apr 2025 Soft To Heavy 2m 7f 35y |
11st 0lb |
midfield |
20/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 5237-1
Last run: 107 days
W: 10st 11lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 117
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 21 |
1st May 2026 Yielding 2m 4f 55y |
10st 8lb |
Maiden hurdle winner built on previous chasing promise with a 2l win at Kelso in February (2m5f, good to soft) in a four-runner field; this is a different challenge altogether and needs to improve again in first-time cheekpieces. |
16/1 |
|
1st 3 |
28th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 133y Class 3 |
10st 10lb |
Ayr maiden hurdle winner (2m4f; made much of running) last winter; shaped well over the extended 2m7f here on his first two starts this season and he wasn't disgraced over 3m at Down Royal last time; this drop in distance should suit him and he could be ready to strike. |
9/4 |
Abandoned
Form: 4-2411 D
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 11lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 117
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
24th Feb 2024 Heavy 2m 0f 11y Class 5 |
11st 7lb |
midfield, headway 5f out, outpaced 4f out, soon no impression, went third inside final furlong |
4/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 038221
Last run: 6 days
W: 10st 8lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 114
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
10th May 2026 Good 2m 3f 50y |
11st 12lb |
Hurdles win came in a Tramore maiden in August (2m6f, yielding); form tanked after that over fences and hurdles; distant third at Naas when last seen in February (2m, soft to heavy); others of more interest. |
16/1 |
|
3rd 6 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 1m 7f 158y |
11st 2lb |
Beaten only a neck in this race last year during a good spell; a return to that form would see her involved; undistinguished chase form this term, but should not be ruled out. |
5/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 756446
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 114
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 4 |
4th May 2026 Good 3m 2f 50y |
11st 7lb |
Some fair efforts hurdling and ran okay in both beginners' chases; 9-1 for handicap bow over C&D last month, disputing lead when fell 4 out. |
8/1 |
|
5 |
12th Apr 2026 Good 3m 2f 50y |
11st 3lb |
Some decent hurdle runs without winning; not bad efforts both chase starts but will have to find improvement for handicap debut. |
10/1 |
|
5th 3 |
3rd Mar 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 5f 120y |
11st 12lb |
Pick of hurdle form when fourth in 2m6f Navan maiden last March (heavy); from a staying jumping family; prominent for a long way when fourth on chase debut at Thurles in January; likely to need more experience. |
12/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 435016 C
Last run: 13 days
W: 10st 6lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 112
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
16th May 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 4f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Dual hurdles winner was in good form over fences last summer, winning twice; has won after a break before, so she's in the mix on return. |
7/1 |
|
4th 7 |
23rd Aug 2025 Good 2m 7f 80y |
11st 3lb |
Dual hurdle winner has shown improved form chasing lately, winning handicaps at Tipperary and Market Rasen over approx 3m; needs to find more on these terms. |
8/1 |
|
4 |
19th Jul 2025 Good 2m 7f 191y Class 4 |
11st 13lb |
Under pressure a good way out but outstayed her rivals over 2m7f at Tipperary (yielding) on handicap debut over fences; that was on a par with the best of her hurdle form and she rates a likely contender. |
6/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 35215P C
Last run: 30 days
W: 10st 6lb
7 yo Mare
OR: 112
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
26th Oct 2025 Good To Yielding 2m 4f 0y |
11st 1lb |
Off the mark at the seventh attempt over hurdles in a maiden at Fairyhouse in January (2m4f, soft); pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Cork when last seen in March; rated 112 and this looks too big an ask on return. |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 17FU21 CD
Last run: 13 days
W: 10st 1lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 107
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 5 |
12th May 2026 Good 3m 1f 172y |
11st 9lb |
Course winner in October 2024 at 20.5f off 91; added a 3m Fairyhouse handicap hurdle (gd-yld) in April 2025 off 10lb higher; has held form pretty well off revised mark since and return to this venue and better ground both positives; player. |
6/1 |
|
3rd 3 |
8th Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 5f 180y |
11st 9lb |
Two-time winner at 2m4f-3m; has run well on two of last three starts, including a 6.5l second here (3m1f, sft-hvy) in December; should be staying on at the finish at this trip; place shout at least. |
9/2 |
|
3rd 11 |
22nd Jan 2026 Heavy 2m 7f 110y |
11st 0lb |
Dual hurdles winner, the latest at Fairyhouse (3m, good to yielding) last April off 101; back to that level when second at Navan last month (3m1f, soft to heavy); below best when fourth at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day; place claims. |
12/1 |
Verdict
Very competitive. This is a fair step up from winning a lowly Tramore maiden but FAIRYLAND OPERA had been competitive in handicaps over shorter trips before that win, so could be ahead of the handicapper at this longer trip. She gets a tentative vote, with strong claims held by the likes of Andy Amo, Millforce and the unexposed Fishery Lane. The Story So Far is one to watch for market moves. [Alan Hewison]
Selections
RP RATINGS (IRE):
Andy AmoThe Irish Sun:
Dont Tell JackSPOTLIGHT:
Fairyland OperaTOPSPEED:
Andy AmoPOSTDATA:
Andy Amo