May 23 / 17.35 Downpatrick

17.35

Good

Frank And Brian Fitzsimons Memorial Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5607.44
  • 2m 2f 185y
  • 10 runners
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Frank And Brian Fitzsimons Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 8158P- C

Last run: 208 days

W: 12st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Soft ground was an excuse on final run (October) but he was hit hard by the handicapper for bolting up in a 2m handicap hurdle at last year's Galway Festival; others might be better in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

13th Oct 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

15:30 Hereford

Son Of Hypnos

10st 10lb

J: Jack Stenhouse

T: Ryan Chapman

Initially disappointing for this stable this year but exploited a much-reduced mark when making all to beat a next-time-out winner at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good to firm) in August; possibly went too hard when attempting to follow up next time; remains on a workable mark and one to consider.

10/1

6th

2

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:30 Newton Abbot

Son Of Hypnos

11st 11lb

J: Jack Stenhouse

T: Ryan Chapman

Initially disappointing for new stable this year but exploited much-reduced mark when making all to beat a next-time-out winner by 8l here (2m2f, good to firm) last month; back up 8lb for that but remains well handicapped on old form.

10/1

1st

4

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

15:40 Newton Abbot

Son Of Hypnos

11st 10lb

J: Jack Stenhouse

T: Ryan Chapman

Galway festival winner in 2024 but hasn't matched that level since and has been well beaten on four of his five starts for this yard this year, latest when a 16l fourth to Mi Sueno over C&D last month; remains with plenty to find with that rival despite better terms.

40/1

Form: 84/51/ C

Last run: 1076 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
With Gordon Elliott when the 2-5 winner of a 2m5f maiden hurdle here nearly three years ago and has been off since; changed hands for 22,000euros and would need to see some confidence behind him after so long on the sidelines; tries a tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 2f 185y

17:35 Downpatrick

Roaring Potter

11st 10lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: R K Watson

With Gordon Elliott when the 2-5 winner of a 2m5f maiden hurdle here nearly three years ago and has been off since; changed hands for 22,000euros and would need to see some confidence behind him after so long on the sidelines; tries a tongue-tie.

10/1

2

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 2f 185y

17:35 Downpatrick

Roaring Potter

11st 10lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: R K Watson

With Gordon Elliott when the 2-5 winner of a 2m5f maiden hurdle here nearly three years ago and has been off since; changed hands for 22,000euros and would need to see some confidence behind him after so long on the sidelines; tries a tongue-tie.

10/1

3

19th Aug 2022

Good

2m 3f 0y

17:00 Kilbeggan

Roaring Potter

11st 12lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Relished the step up in trip when getting off the mark in good style at Downpatrick 68 days ago; needs to improve again but going the right way; chance.

7/2

Form: 15FFP- C

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Dual winner and had every chance when taking a heavy late fall at Leopardstown (2m4f, yielding) two runs ago; that was her second tumble on the trot and was perhaps thinking of those when below par a month ago; however, the ability is there to go close.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(15)

8th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 4f 0y

19:30 Galway

Goodie Girl

9st 11lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Three-time hurdles winner, rated 110; has struggled in two Flat maidens this season.

100/1

8th

5

13th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

20:18 Tramore

Goodie Girl

10st 9lb

J: Miss C O O’Brien

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Three-time hurdle winner stays 2m6f in that sphere and rated 110; beaten a long way on sole Flat start at Ballinrobe on return this year but can do better today.

16/1

Form: 1246/4

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Wasn't in bad form on the AW through the winter and was under 7l away on her belated return to hurdling over C&D two weeks ago; must have some sort of chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

16:25 Kelso

Rockview Consort

11st 1lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Irish challenger is on a long losing run but she posted a good second of nine in 2m5f Downpatrick handicap hurdle 23 days ago; up 4lb but very much one to consider.

11/4

4

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:43 Downpatrick

Rockview Consort

11st 10lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John C McConnell

AW/hurdle winner; remote second on her latest Flat run (1m4f) but she went close here in May over 2m3f and she's worth a go over this far.

8/1

2

(2)

8th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

18:50 Tramore

Rockview Consort

10st 3lb

J: James Ryan

T: John C McConnell

Dual-purpose mare; without a win since August 2023; made the frame twice over hurdles in May; fair record on AW (1-13, placed six times), not as effective on turf though she has had few opportunities.

9/1

Form: /8344-

Last run: 261 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
1-22 on the Flat and 0-13 over hurdles; has threatened off this sort of mark in the past and joining Gavin Cromwell has to heighten interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

11th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 208y

16:34 Ballinrobe

Arcland

11st 8lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won over hurdles at Killarney (20.5f, good) in July when seeing off Jupiter Du Gite by a nose before creditable midfield finish in valuable Galway festival handicap; never a factor on the Flat 15 days ago; handicapper may be in control for now.

12/1

13th

12

(22)

27th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

17:24 Navan

Arcland

9st 10lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Gavin Cromwell

Second runner for in-form yard; won over hurdles at Killarney last month and was beaten a short head in this race last year off 3lb lower; difficult task in hot handicap hurdle at Galway latest and not discounted returned to the Flat.

13/2

10th

16

1st Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 175y

14:37 Galway

Arcland

10st 13lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual purpose winner won for the second time over hurdles when narrowly taking a 2m4f Killarney handicap last time; needs more down in trip off 7lb higher.

12/1

Form: 44209-

Last run: 148 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a Wexford maiden and was a 10l ninth of 19 in his third handicap start at Leopardstown last time; has been off since Christmas but he's still lightly raced and not yet exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

17th Oct 2026

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

14:13 Stratford

Depalma

11st 4lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Ex-Irish 7yo; dual point winner who has not been with Dan Skelton for long, and his maiden hurdle win at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) last month is split by two runner-up efforts over fences; turned over at 4-6 in a three-runner race last time but he looked stretched over 3m2f and he's still unexposed in this sphere; big player back in trip.

9/4

2nd

3

28th Sep 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

13:50 Newton Abbot

Depalma

10st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won two points in Ireland; beaten 3l by Limerick Leader on yard debut at Bangor (3m, good) but he's now 13lb better off with the winner and has since won a maiden hurdle here, albeit narrowly; interesting on that Bangor form.

10/11

1st

2

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

14:02 Newton Abbot

Depalma

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Fair maiden hurdler at 2m-2m4f and a dual Irish point winner who was in good form in that sphere in the spring; made a pleasing start for Dan Skelton when a 3l second to a subsequent winner in a handicap chase at Bangor (3m, good) two weeks ago; leading contender back in maiden company over hurdles.

5/4

Form: 40P4P-

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Hasn't taken to fences the last twice but those were after some underwhelming runs on the Flat and over hurdles; bit to prove right now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

1st Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 155y

16:50 Tipperary

Wrecking Ball Paul

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Paul Mulligan

Dual-purpose; 1-15 over hurdles and rated 99; not many positives to glean from two starts over fences; others preferred.

25/1

7

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 2f 185y

17:35 Downpatrick

Wrecking Ball Paul

11st 3lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Paul Mulligan

Hasn't taken to fences the last twice but those were after some underwhelming runs on the Flat and over hurdles; bit to prove right now.

20/1

Form: P064-1

Last run: 6 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Questionable whether he's improving but arrives here after two good efforts, last week battling on well to edge home over 2m1f at Wexford (good); 5lb higher here with Tiernan Power Roche again claiming his 5lb; solid chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

29th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 190y

17:03 Wexford

Splendid Choice

11st 10lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Sole win came over C&D in May off 89 (good); has generally run well since, most recently only caught late under a positive ride when third at Kilbeggan (second won next time); 2lb higher but every chance.

9/2

3rd

7

9th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:00 Kilbeggan

Splendid Choice

11st 7lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: P J Rothwell

Held up to win a Wexford handicap hurdle by a neck off 89 in May (2m1f, good); similar tactics at that venue last twice, fifth of 14 and then a 15l fourth last time, where the winner got loose in the lead (just in front of Slea Head and Surviving Murmansk); can't discount.

7/1

3

24th Jul 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 150y

19:17 Wexford

Splendid Choice

11st 8lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Off the mark over C&D in May off 89 and okay run back here early in the month off this mark but clearly needs to improve to play a major role.

13/2

Form: 00U09- C

Last run: 54 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Only 2-35 overall and last win came here nearly three years ago; hasn't offered much in his three starts this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

20th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

15:45 Navan

Peckham Springs

11st 1lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Without a win since June 2022; no sign of losing run ending in recent starts; new headgear combination needs to have a transformative effect.

25/1

7th

5

(4)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:10 Laytown

Peckham Springs

10st 3lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Dual hurdler winner and better known in that sphere these days; while he's shown a bit of ability on the level down the years, that's been over much longer trips than this.

16/1

9

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:43 Downpatrick

Peckham Springs

10st 5lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Over three years since last successful when winning here; doesn't look in good enough form to end the drought.

20/1

Form: 07667-

Last run: 175 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
0-7; penultimate run was encouraging as she was with the leaders when making a bad mistake three out (2m4f, good); below that level last time but the tongue-tie tried then is now removed; off since November.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

1st Oct 2026

Good

2m 3f 145y

15:34 Clonmel

Demanding Gerry

10st 7lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: James Andrew Fahey

Runner-up over 2m1f at Wexford in May and has kept a fair level of form with one blip; second in a novice handicap on this card last year; each-way chance.

8/1

5th

11

19th Sep 2026

Good

2m 3f 0y

14:52 Navan

Demanding Gerry

10st 12lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: James Andrew Fahey

Runner-up over 2m1f at Wexford in May and has kept up a mostly consistent level of form stepping up to this trip; might find one or two too good again but has each-way possibilities.

12/1

4th

16

3rd Sep 2026

Good

2m 3f 0y

17:15 Kilbeggan

Demanding Gerry

10st 0lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: James Andrew Fahey

Maiden made a promising seasonal reappearance at Wexford but hasn't built on that; beaten 13l when fourth at Downpatrick and then pulled up over C&D latest; has gone well here before but others more convincing.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €20.30
Straight Forecast €18.89
Tricast €81.23
Trifecta €82.30

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Wrecking Ball Paul

POSTDATA:

Splendid Choice

The Irish Sun:

Roaring Potter

SPOTLIGHT:

Arcland

TOPSPEED:

Wrecking Ball Paul