July 30 / 17.05 Galway

17.05

Good

Tote #50,000 Guaranteed Placepot Today Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £8289.26
  • 2m 6f 0y
  • 16 runners
RTE2
View Course
Tote #50,000 Guaranteed Placepot Today Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

13/8 (Won)

  • Win: £1.45
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 2-

Last run: 361 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Listed winner on the level in Germany; sole effort over jumps came on yard debut at this meeting last year when only beaten roughly 1l; didn't get a clear run when fifth in the Ebor and may have needed his return at Roscommon earlier this month; stamina for this sort of test is the main question but stayed on well in his defeat here last year and he's the yard's first-string; the one to beat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Hipop De Loire

9st 4lb

J: George Wood

T: Nick Scholfield

Has some back-class on the Flat but the wheels came off big-time over hurdles for Willie Mullins and, after moving on for 15,000gns, he was tailed off at 50-1 on yard debut at Goodwood (1m6f; blinkers returned).

66/1

7th

1

(3)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Hipop De Loire

9st 12lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Nick Scholfield

Sixth off 1lb higher in last year's 1m6f Ebor at York and third in the 2m2f Doncaster Cup; however, ended last season on a low note and pulled up in hot races for all three starts over hurdles this spring; left Willie Mullins for 15,000gns 16 days ago and blinkers (last worn in Germany in 2023) replace recent cheekpieces; which side he shows today remains to be seen.

66/1

7

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 190y

16:15 Punchestown

Hipop De Loire

11st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Classy sort on the Flat, third in last year's Doncaster Cup; 9yo has had just four runs over hurdles, winning Galway maiden last summer, but pulled up on both starts since last month's return, never featuring in Albert Bartlett and again in Grade 2 Fairyhouse novice (Generous Risk second); cheekpieces tried last time persisted with.

33/1

15/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 22/26-

Last run: 192 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won four on the Flat in France; has hit the crossbar in three of his runs over timber, all in Britain; arrives on the back of respectable effort on the level in the Nortumberland Plate; handles this ground and capable of having a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

12

(1)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

16:10 York

Zanndabad

9st 1lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: A J Martin

Two hurdle wins last autumn seem a pretty meagre return for his respected yard but he was unlucky when a strong-finishing third in the 2024 Chester Cup (2m2f) and much the same can be argued for his fourth in this race last year when denied a clear run at crucial stage (3lb lower today); usually makes inroads far too late, as in the Chester Cup and Northumberland Plate last two outings, and stall 1 demands some luck here, but a sound pace up front could bring him into the equation.

14/1

8th

18

(18)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Zanndabad

8st 13lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: A J Martin

Two novice hurdles last autumn seem a pretty meagre return for respected yard but he was an unlucky, strong-finishing third in the 2024 Chester Cup; glimpses of that Flat ability on occasions since, but he made inroads far too late from out the back in this last year (11th at 13-2) and it was a similar story in last month's Chester Cup (8th at 11-1); something needs to change and such a wide draw probably means he tries to come from the back again.

14/1

8th

11

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Zanndabad

8st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: A J Martin

An unlucky, strong-finishing third in this race in 2024 (good to firm; his only run here) and has a 1lb lower mark today; flickers of that ability on occasions since, though had to have his sights lowered for two hurdle wins last autumn; tailed off at 40-1 in a Grade 1 novice hurdle four weeks ago, after a winter break, and could be more interesting this time.

12/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: O32

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ran out when in the process of running a big race in a bumper on rules debut and has hit the frame in two subsequent maiden hurdles; stayed on well when runner-up at Tipperary earlier this month, shaping like the step back up in trip would suit and no surprise if he made the frame again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:22 Downpatrick

Coded Welder

11st 4lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Cian Collins

0-9 over hurdles but placed on several occasions; runner-up off 105 in a Cork handicap hurdle in May on stable debut (2m3f, good); didn't match that in two subsequent hurdle outings; okay chasing debut at Tramore last time; this looks like a good opportunity given his top-rating of 108.

7/4

5th

2

13th Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:46 Tramore

Coded Welder

11st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

Placed in a point before falling in his second; 0-9 over hurdles but some okay runs in defeat; runner-up in a Cork handicap hurdle off 105 on stable debut in May; didn't match that in two subsequent outings; could do better over fences; not dismissed.

7/1

8th

8

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:35 Galway

Coded Welder

11st 10lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

Case can be made off this mark on best of his form and has run quite well in a pair of 2m3f handicaps for current yard; possibilities back up to a trip that he does stay.

7/1

Form: 4674-2

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Improved when runner-up (beaten roughly 1l) in a Punchestown maiden hurdle last month; jumping needs to improve but the step up in trip could help on that front and his pedigree suggests it may suit too (dam 3m chase winner); big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 7f 131y

18:42 Clonmel

Son Of Anarchy

11st 12lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

Point-to-point winner; rated 130 over timber; got to within 1.75l of progressive Zanoosh on penultimate start in a handicap hurdle at Navan (2m4f, sft-hvy); bred for this game (dam a chase winner); this trip might be on the sharp side but can't dismiss.

3/1

8th

7

2nd Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 19y

14:25 Leopardstown

Son Of Anarchy

10st 9lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Quite lightly-raced 7yo with an upward profile, landing 2m4f Punchestown handicap on soft-to-heavy in November and fine run off 10lb higher over same trip at Navan a fortnight ago, finishing strongly to take third; step up in trip looks a wise move and likely improver.

8/1

Form: 5

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
His debut earlier this month was a promising fifth of 14 (beaten 14l) in a maiden hurdle at Wexford (2m5f, good); form boosted by the winner and he should improve so has to be on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

14th Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

19:55 Tramore

Mighty Berkshire

11st 13lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

Much improved in first-time cheekpieces to land 2m6f handicap at recent Galway festival, coming off the pace to assert late on (good); 7lb rise seems fair and quite likely has more to offer.

7/2

1st

18

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:35 Galway

Mighty Berkshire

11st 6lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

Positively ridden when fourth in a 2m3f maiden at Kilbeggan latest; lightly raced 6yo contesting only his second handicap and has new headgear; not entirely dismissed.

10/1

Form: 6

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held 100-1 shot on debut in a Roscommon maiden hurdle earlier this month; was green and the run wasn't without promise but would need to take giant strides to have an impact here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

10

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 130y

17:40 Galway

Westoftignes

11st 8lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Got off the mark on his only start for John McConnell in a handicap hurdle at Wexford in March; sold for £29,000 at Goffs UK since and makes his stable debut here; has shown preference for cut in the ground but is clearly of interest.

7/1

1st

5

17th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:47 Wexford

Westoftignes

11st 0lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Maiden was just denied in a Gowran handicap last time when finishing 14l in front of Harty Cup, though that one has improved since; should run well off 4lb higher for a new yard.

4/1

Form: 00-

Last run: 99 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Improvement from first run to second when 10th of 24 in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle last time but this looks tough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Jampot Lane

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Gearoid O’Loughlin

Hinted at some ability in three maiden hurdles; no time wasted in sending her chasing but doesn't look like an obvious winner.

40/1

7th

16

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:05 Galway

Jampot Lane

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Gearoid O’Loughlin

Improvement from first run to second when 10th of 24 in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle last time but this looks tough.

150/1

Form: 21

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held in points but much more promise in two bumper starts, finishing runner-up in a Listowel bumper before going one better at Wexford last time, making all in first-time visor (discarded); should be more to come back up in trip and warrants respect on hurdle bow.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

13:45 Cheltenham

Soldiers World

11st 0lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Declan Queally

Two attempts in visor comprise a Wexford bumper win (good) in July and clear second over hurdles at Listowel (2m6f, yielding to soft) last month; may have more to offer in the retained headgear; enters calculations.

8/1

5

21st Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 6f 0y

15:58 Listowel

Soldiers World

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Declan Queally

Second to today's rival Themanintheanorak in a good-ground bumper at this venue in June; went one better in good style at Wexford win; mid-field on hurdling debut at Galway; less depth in this race, could feature.

7/1

8th

11

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:05 Galway

Soldiers World

11st 12lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

Well held in points but much more promise in two bumper starts, finishing runner-up in a Listowel bumper before going one better at Wexford last time, making all in first-time visor (discarded); should be more to come back up in trip and warrants respect on hurdle bow.

17/2

Form: 43580-

Last run: 143 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some promising runs in bumpers but not as good on slower ground earlier this year and has been off 143 days; may do better back on a quicker surface here but has plenty to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

3m 0f 0y

19:22 Down Royal

Matter Of Opinion

11st 6lb

J: Ms L A Byrne

T: William Harvey

McManus-bred maiden has yet to place in 10 hurdle runs, but money for her last twice when shaping a little better at Wexford.

20/1

5th

4

7th Aug 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:26 Wexford

Matter Of Opinion

11st 8lb

J: Ms L A Byrne

T: William Harvey

One of his better efforts came over 2m4f (good) here two weeks ago when a 10l seventh of 14; back up in trip now and down 2lb.

14/1

7th

10

23rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

17:10 Wexford

Matter Of Opinion

11st 0lb

J: Ms L A Byrne

T: William Harvey

Showed a bit more when seventh in handicap (2m4f, hvy) at Fairyhouse but failed to progress upped to 3m2f next time; dropped another 3lb; bumper form on better ground gives hope conditions can bring improvement down in trip.

18/1

Form: 9

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at 125s on her debut at Listowel 60 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

18th Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Limerick

Willuhaveamineral

10st 3lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Michael Winters

Pulled-up at 66/1 on handicap debut at Listowel and isn't easy to fancy on that form; hood added.

50/1

17

21st Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 2f 0y

15:28 Listowel

Willuhaveamineral

10st 0lb

J: Kevin A Murphy

T: Michael Winters

Tailed off twice since remote ninth on debut at this venue in May, 7lb out of the handicap; can be ruled out.

66/1

14th

14

8th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 180y

16:18 Wexford

Willuhaveamineral

10st 11lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Michael Winters

Tailed off at 125-1 on debut at Listowel and same story at Galway last week when 200-1.

40/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Harzand gelding; half-brother to bumper winner The Long Point; dam well held in bumpers, half-sister to Australian/NZ 5.5f-1m3f winner Seth's Blessed, is granddaughter of 1m2f winning half-sister to top-class 1m-1m4f performer Pebbles; this looks like a tough ask for a newcomer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:05 Galway

Auroras Bay

11st 12lb

J: Mr O T Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Harzand gelding; half-brother to bumper winner The Long Point; dam well held in bumpers, half-sister to Australian/NZ 5.5f-1m3f winner Seth's Blessed, is granddaughter of 1m2f winning half-sister to top-class 1m-1m4f performer Pebbles; this looks like a tough ask for a newcomer.

66/1

150/1

Form: 067

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point winner but hasn't shown enough in trio of rules starts; now tried with tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

19

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:05 Galway

Winter Orchid

11st 5lb

J: Alan King

T: John Neilan

Point winner but hasn't shown enough in trio of rules starts; now tried with tongue-tie.

150/1

19

11th Jul 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:15 Cork

Winter Orchid

11st 5lb

J: Alan King

T: John Neilan

First reserve; point winner was well beaten in a maiden hurdle but was better in a beginners' chase last time; cheekpieces worn then retained.

6th

11

16th Jun 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 51y

19:18 Kilbeggan

Winter Orchid

11st 5lb

J: Alan King

T: John Neilan

Poor strike rate in point-to-points, well held in maiden hurdle latest; cheekpieces fitted for chasing debut and can only be watched.

100/1

OUR TIP

Form: 96-6P6

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
0-8 under rules; best run when hitting the crossbar in a Cork bumper in October 2024; shown ability since but has a fair bit to find in this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:05 Galway

Coup DEtat

11st 12lb

J: Mr J P O’Rourke

T: P O’Rourke

0-8 under rules; best run when hitting the crossbar in a Cork bumper in October 2024; shown ability since but has a fair bit to find in this.

40/1

2

11th Jul 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:15 Cork

Coup DEtat

11st 12lb

J: Mr J P O’Rourke

T: P O’Rourke

Best run when second in a bumper at this track last October; burst blood vessels when pulled-up in a Listowel maiden hurdle last time, so best watched for now.

10/1

2

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:30 Listowel

Coup DEtat

11st 12lb

J: Mr J P O’Rourke

T: P O’Rourke

Beaten in five bumpers but was runner-up in one of those at Cork and ran okay there on hurdling debut when perhaps stretched by 3m; each-way claims.

7/1

Form: 4

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held sole point start but stayed on well for fourth over 3m on rules debut when beaten roughly 8l in a Cork maiden hurdle, outrunning odds of 25-1; more required but should come on for that first run in 440 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:05 Galway

Plomeur

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Colin Bowe

Well held sole point start but stayed on well for fourth over 3m on rules debut when beaten roughly 8l in a Cork maiden hurdle, outrunning odds of 25-1; more required but should come on for that first run in 440 days.

14/1

7

11th Jul 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:15 Cork

Plomeur

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Colin Bowe

Well beaten on sole point start in 2024 and has to do much better on rules debut but is from a respected source.

18/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Berkshire gelding; dam unraced half-sister to 1m6f Flat and smart 2m-2m5f hurdle/chase winner Starchitect, out of 1m2f Listed winner; likely best watched on rules debut in an above average maiden hurdle here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

25th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 90y

15:03 Galway

Premier Banner

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Refused to race here on debut; heavy defeats at long odds three starts since; seems safe to rule out.

100/1

12th

8

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 95y

13:55 Punchestown

Premier Banner

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Refused to race at Galway and tailed off in two subsequent starts; rule him out.

100/1

8

26th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

13:23 Listowel

Premier Banner

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Refused to race Galway; tailed off at Killarney, can be left out of calculations.

100/1

Form: 0-697

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in four runs at huge odds in bumpers; now tries further and she's hard to make a case for; wears first-time tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

17:05 Galway

Champagne Melanie

11st 5lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: John Neilan

Tailed off in four runs at huge odds in bumpers; now tries further and she's hard to make a case for; wears first-time tongue-tie.

150/1

7th

1

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 2f 59y

17:20 Sligo

Champagne Melanie

11st 11lb

J: Mr M J Kenneally

T: John Neilan

Tailed off in three bumpers at huge odds so far; hard to make a case for her.

200/1

9th

6

29th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 100y

20:12 Limerick

Champagne Melanie

11st 11lb

J: Mr M J Kenneally

T: John Neilan

Tailed off in bumpers here and at Sligo, when 150-1 and 66-1 respectively.

100/1

Non-runners

Gorvitho, Obey The Order, Rutland Rose

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €3.60
Straight Forecast €3.23
Trifecta €18.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Hipop De Loire

TOPSPEED:

Zanndabad

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Hipop De Loire

POSTDATA:

Hipop De Loire

The Irish Sun:

Hipop De Loire