July 31 / 16.30 Galway

16.30

Good

Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap (Grade 3)

  • Prize money: £131652.89
  • 2m 0f 11y
  • 22 runners
RTE2
View Course
Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap (Grade 3)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 2334-5 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Set some tough assignments since finishing fourth to Nurburgring in this race 12 months ago, notably when third in the Champion Hurdle; most recent of his five hurdle wins was gained in a Grade 3 event at Tipperary last summer, fifth in the same race this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Winter Fog

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable.

8/1

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Winter Fog

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable.

8/1

14

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Winter Fog

8st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: W P Mullins

Aged 11 but he's a seriously unexposed, dark horse on Flat; smart hurdles form in Grade 1s in August 2024-May 2025; three Irish maiden races are all he's contested on Flat, when runner-up twice last year (2m/1m6f) and winning by a short head this August (2m) but he's not been hit hard with this opening Flat mark and having Willie Mullins as his trainer demands respect.

12/1

Form: 4144-4 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Grade 3 winner at Naas in March before fourth behind stablemate Irancy in Fairyhouse Grade 2; made a lot of the running before fading into fourth in a Listed handicap hurdle at the Punchestown festival; was trying to concede 9lb to the winner Jesse Evans when fourth in a Grade 3 event at Tipperary four weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

3rd Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 60y

13:20 Gowran Park

Gaucher

11st 9lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

His last race over hurdles was winning this last year when staged at Tipperary, since when he's produced some notable performances on the Flat, including competitive shows in recent 1m4f Group 3s; as 12 months ago, when favourite, he looks the one to beat.

3/1

4th

5

(3)

12th Sep 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

15:15 Leopardstown

Gaucher

9st 9lb

J: David Egan

T: W P Mullins

Smart dual-purpose sort has won four races apiece over hurdles and on the level; was a close third to stablemate Ethical Diamond in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes over C&D last time, 1l behind Green Impact; can run well again but needs more to win.

20/1

3rd

4

(2)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

18:35 Leopardstown

Gaucher

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: W P Mullins

150-rated hurdler; has done well on AW, notching two emphatic wins at Dundalk before excellent second in 1m2f Newcastle handicap on Good Friday; never threatened in Royal Ascot's Wolferton Stakes; not in the same league as stablemate Ethical Diamond.

12/1

Form: /621-2 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Grade 3 winner over fences, rated 150 in that sphere; won a handicap hurdle from a mark of 134 at Leopardstown last Christmas; now promoted to 145 after a fine second to Jesse Evans at Tipperary with Sunchart, Gaucher and Winter Fog among those behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

25th Sep 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:40 Listowel

Enniskerry

11st 0lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

Useful NH horse has five wins between hurdles and fences; has also won two of his six Flat starts including a QR race here in 2024; his absence for almost a year is a concern but could run well if near his best.

12/1

3rd

2

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 180y

20:15 Killarney

Enniskerry

11st 7lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

An 11yo who remains capable of running well on the Flat and he's been in good form over jumps, going close in the Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary before a respectable run in the Galway Hurdle; others are preferred but he can give his running.

8/1

4

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Enniskerry

11st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Barry Connell

Grade 3 winner over fences, rated 150 in that sphere; won a handicap hurdle from a mark of 134 at Leopardstown last Christmas; now promoted to 145 after a fine second to Jesse Evans at Tipperary with Sunchart, Gaucher and Winter Fog among those behind.

12/1

Form: 36/22- D

Last run: 139 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Creditable third to Lark In The Mornin in the Fred Winter the season before last; chased home 7l winner Nurburgring in this race last season; flopped in the Cesarewitch in October; produced in fine shape after a break to finish second to Kargese in the County Hurdle; 11lb higher than 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 54y

18:41 Galway

Ndaawi

11st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Very high class handicap hurdler; second in the County Hurdle and was awarded the Galway Hurdle in 2025; warmed up for this by winning a charity Flat race at the Curragh; the one to beat on his chase debut.

7/4

1st

2

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Ndaawi

12st 9lb

J: Ms N Carberry

T: Gordon Elliott

The 2025 Galway hurdle winner but was poor this time around and has questions to answer; won on the Flat in May; Nina Carberry back.

2/1

12th

3

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Ndaawi

11st 11lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Promoted winner of this race last year after receiving critical interference; has been mixing hurdling and Flat action since then, down the field in the County Hurdle; beat the very useful Absurde in a conditions' hurdle at Cork in April; kept ticking over with an odds-on Flat win in a 1m6f Listowel contest two months ago; 7lb higher than last year.

8/1

Form: 212-13 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat performer who produced a career-best hurdling performance when third at Tipperary four weeks ago, splitting Enniskerry and Gaucher, with Winter Fog in fifth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(7)

18th Oct 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:42 Leopardstown

Sunchart

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Seasoned dual-purpose sort; 3-36 on the Flat, all on soft/heavy including successive runnings of 1m2f Naas Listed; only third in same race this year and both runs since over longer trips have proved beyond him; absent since June and ground probably plenty lively for him.

10/1

7th

7

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 70y

19:02 Limerick

Sunchart

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Useful dual-purpose sort, 3-35 on Flat and second on 10 occasions; his only two stakes race wins from 29 attempts have been in the 1m2f Naas event in which he was third of eight on return; well beaten in the Vintage Crop on latest but will be more suited by testing conditions.

12/1

7th

7

(2)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 6f 0y

15:05 Navan

Sunchart

9st 5lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Andrew Slattery

Useful dual-purpose sort, 3-34 on Flat (and second on ten occasions); his only two stakes race wins from 28 attempts have been in the 1m2f Naas event in which he was third of eight last month; suited by testing conditions, drying ground against him.

12/1

Form: U1201- D

Last run: 116 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Won a 1m6f Gowran maiden by 7l last September and scored again in a 1m6f handicap at the Curragh in June; hurdling in between, won a 2m4f Grade 2 Novice at Fairyhouse in April; might prefer further, but a strong-run 2m could suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(23)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Mr Percy

9st 6lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of seven for yard; won the Ebor Trial here in June (1m6f, good) off 87; raised 8lb and came up short in the Ebor at York on latest; handicapper might just have him where he wants him for now.

20/1

16th

22

(23)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Mr Percy

9st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Unraced on firmer than good; wore cheekpieces on last three starts; won a 1m6f maiden at Gowran Park last September, two hurdle races last jumps season (including a 2m4f Grade 2 novice in April) and 1m6f handicap at the Curragh this June; well beaten in two major handicap hurdles, including at Galway three weeks ago, but he's on an upward curve with those other results.

16/1

7

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Mr Percy

11st 2lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won a 1m6f Gowran maiden by 7l last September and scored again in a 1m6f handicap at the Curragh in June; hurdling in between, won a 2m4f Grade 2 Novice at Fairyhouse in April; might prefer further, but a strong-run 2m could suit.

8/1

Form: F08-18 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Put a poor run of form behind him when winning a handicap at Killarney in May; let down by his jumping in a Grade 3 at Tipperary four weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Batman Girac

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Put a poor run of form behind him when winning a handicap at Killarney in May; let down by his jumping in a Grade 3 at Tipperary four weeks ago.

20/1

8th

6

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:10 Tipperary

Batman Girac

11st 1lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

Put a poor run of form behind him when dropped in grade to handicap company at Killarney, recording personal best; much tougher task now switching to Grade 3 company and would need another career best.

8/1

1st

1

11th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:05 Killarney

Batman Girac

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

Had made eyecatching headway before falling at the DRF and bounced back from his nothing run in the Imperial Cup with a respectable effort in the Scottish Champion Hurdle; that was a better race than this and, if coping with the ground (all his form is with some give underfoot), he should be a major player.

5/1

Form: 1521- D

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Flat winner for Andrew Kinirons; made a winning start over hurdles for this stable in a 2m maiden at Gowran, despite making a couple of jumping errors; next run at Navan was a major disappointment; much better when second at Naas, and did well to make all to beat the British-trained Krishma in a novice event at Punchestown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Casheldale Lad

11st 11lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Highly creditable third behind Ndaawi here 12 months ago before winning a big 2m handicap at Listowel; faced a straightforward task in a three-runner contest at Down Royal before running well up to the point of his fall at the last in the 2m4f Hatton's Grace; fair third behind Lossiemouth at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting; 14lb higher than last year.

14/1

3

31st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

14:37 Down Royal

Casheldale Lad

11st 6lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Good bit of experience for a 5yo, including Galway Hurdle third and on last month's return from a break when scoring for third time over timber with career-best in valuable 2m Listowel handicap under a positive ride; likely major threat to same owner's The Yellow Clay with possible race-fitness edge and getting 8lb.

15/8

Form: 19709- D

Last run: 102 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Beat top-class novice Romeo Coolio in a 2m Grade 2 in December; struggled in valuable handicaps, including the Martin Pipe and the Sussex Champion hurdle, after his promotion to the mid 140s; down to 138 but hard to be confident.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

7

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Tounsivator

10st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Did well to win a conditions event on the Flat at Fairyhouse this month on his first 2026 outing; fair fifth in Monday's big amateur race (one place in front of stablemate Too Bossy For Us); first hurdles run since fourth in this last year; could go well if recovered from Monday's race.

12/1

5th

20

(19)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Tounsivator

11st 4lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Talented hurdler, though inferior to stablemate Daddy Long Legs (first reserve); did well to win a recent Fairyhouse conditions event on his first 2026 outing; Patrick Mullins rides, but worth noting he has partnered only one of the stable's five winners of this since 2017.

11/2

1st

4

(4)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Tounsivator

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: W P Mullins

Talented hurdler whose three Flat wins include 1m4f Tramore handicap last summer; not seen since midfield in 2m Naas premier handicap in October; another likely Galway-bound, jockey booking encouraging.

9/2

Form: /3784- D

Last run: 110 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in three bumpers, including the Grade 2 at Aintree in 2023; third in the Greatwood last November and beaten less than 2l in the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April; FLAT
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(3)

3rd Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Dysart Enos

9st 10lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Fergal O’Brien

Grade 2 bumper winner and useful hurdler, albeit underperformed in major Irish handicap most recently; made the frame at Kempton earlier in July (behind Whatamoon; Flat debut) and has potential under this code.

5/2

Form: 1213-6 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Fred Winter winner who ran to a similar level when third in juvenile Grade 1 at Aintree; should be sharper as a result of his Tipperary run
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

6

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Puturhandstogether

10st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and had a massive payday in last season's Irish Cesarewitch; down the field in three big handicap hurdles between late November and April; not much luck when unplaced favourite for the Chester Cup; flopped when well-fancied for the Ascot Stakes; questions to answer but could not be ruled out.

7/1

16th

16

(5)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Puturhandstogether

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and took a huge prize for Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding) last September, in the latter bursting clear 1f out and scoring with considerably more authority than the margin suggests; underwhelming over hurdles before last month's Chester Cup, in which he also had the widest draw, but he started favourite nevertheless and made some headway from the back to finish seventh of 15; he didn't have the rub of the green that day and is shortlisted even though connections also now resort to headgear.

6/1

7th

10

(17)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Puturhandstogether

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of three for Joseph O'Brien; won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and also took a huge prize for last September's Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding); underwhelming in his three handicap hurdles in November-April, which is a concern, as is today's widest stall, but his Curragh win (bursting clear 1f out) was delivered with considerably more authority than the winning margin suggests; respected.

9/1

Form: /2414- D

Last run: 89 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced mare who won twice in France on heavy ground; well held on stable debut at Limerick; faced only two rivals when making all to win mares' hurdle at that course (2m, soft) in March; fair fourth in a Punchestown festival handicap over an extended 2m4f
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

20th Sep 2026

Good

2m 1f 150y

16:48 Listowel

Jalila Moriviere

11st 11lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Won a mares' chase at Sligo last October and some good runs in defeat in strong company after; was below form at Galway but rebounded to win at Killarney (2m5f); should cope with this drop in trip and is up 5lb but should still run well.

11/4

1st

3

22nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:55 Killarney

Jalila Moriviere

10st 8lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Sole win was in a mares' chase at Sligo last October; good runs in defeat in two handicaps at Punchestown; didn't quite get up the hill in the Galway Blazers but this trip and track is likely to suit well; contender.

100/30

9th

2

31st Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Jalila Moriviere

11st 7lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: W P Mullins

1-6 over fences, the win coming in a mares' chase at Sligo last October; good runs in defeat the last twice in handicaps at Punchestown, beaten just 1.25l there on latest (2m4f, gd-yld) off 4lb lower; should go well, but has to definitively prove she stays this far.

5/1

Form: 2217P-

Last run: 92 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Point winner who gained compensation for two runner-up finishes in maiden hurdles when landing a Down Royal maiden hurdle last December ; never involved in a Grade 2 since at Fairyhouse; reported clinically abnormal after Punchestown festival flop.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

23rd Sep 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

16:15 Listowel

Downmexicoway

11st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Won two of his first five races over fences; ran a fine race when 10l fourth in the 2m4f Plate at the Cheltenham Festival, form worthy of being upgraded as he was hampered on a couple of occasions; turned the tables on the Cheltenham runner-up Will The Wise when a staying-on fifth in the Galway Plate; made a couple of errors; could be a big player over this longer trip.

6/1

5th

9

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Downmexicoway

11st 2lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Absent for 141 days but returns with his yard in great form; only had five runs over fences, winning twice and better than ever when a 10l fourth in the 2m4f Plate at the Cheltenham Festival; that form can be upgraded as he was hampered on a couple of occasions and has a useful pull in the weights with runner-up Will The Wise; yet to tackle this far under rules but he won a 3m point; tempting.

10/1

4th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Downmexicoway

11st 5lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Irish point winner; has won two of his four chase starts (at 2m/2m1f on good to yielding and heavy) and had no realistic chance in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month, but he could have made a better impression with some of his jumping; this is a new test for him under rules but he should have the scope to do better back in a handicap; yard runs three.

8/1

Form: 12-131 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin maiden hurdle winner at Limerick in January; bounced back from a disappointing run at Ayr when staying on well to land a Tramore handicap hurdle; beaten at Downpatrick before adding to his tally with a good display at Bellewstown, stepping into a different league now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

3rd Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:40 Gowran Park

Bowensonfire

10st 13lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

The best of these over hurdles with a mark of 147 but has yet to prove himself as effective over fences, as he was no match for Frankie John at Galway and then faded out disappointingly at Killarney, albeit in a good race; has to raise his game.

8/1

Form: 32525- D

Last run: 93 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Five-time Flat winner (including a Group 1), has been in good form over hurdles this year, though his 1-10 record in this sphere is a concern; second to Lord Erskine at Fairyhouse in April, may reverse that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

25th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:25 Listowel

Helvic Dream

11st 6lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Won the Tattersalls Gold Cup in 2021; first-past-the-post in last year's Galway Hurdle, demoted for causing interference; fair sixth in this year's edition on ground plenty quick, below best back on the Flat at Leopardstown recently.

14/1

15th

10

(24)

12th Sep 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

17:35 Leopardstown

Helvic Dream

9st 2lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Noel Meade

Won the Tattersalls Gold Cup in 2021; first-past-the-post in last year's Galway Hurdle, demoted for causing interference; fair sixth in this year's edition; otherwise, no sign of that standard of form in valuable handicaps over hurdles.

33/1

6th

10

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Helvic Dream

10st 9lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Enjoyed a career highlight when winning the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in 2021; very nearly matched that achievement when first-past-the-post in this race last year, demoted for causing interference to Ndaawi; no sign of that standard of form in valuable handicap over hurdles or on the Flat since then; still 5lb higher than 12 months ago.

16/1

Form: 00401- D

Last run: 100 days

W: 10st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Veteran has been in terrific form; has prospered on soft ground in his last two races, a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse at Easter (beat Helvic Dream) and a recent Flat handicap at Killarney; may find this ground too lively.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Lord Erskine

10st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: H Rogers

Admirable dual-purpose veteran is a winner of 14 races; 6-34 over hurdles but time may be catching up with him based on the evidence of his last two runs and was well beaten in this in 2024 off 2lb lower.

40/1

10th

7

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Lord Erskine

10st 11lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: H Rogers

Fine dual-purpose performer won this last year (beating Helvic Dream) off 9lb lower; won twice on Flat afterwards, back from a break when well held back over hurdles at DRF in February; 13yo probably needs a career-best over hurdles to follow up here.

16/1

11th

6

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:52 Leopardstown

Lord Erskine

11st 1lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: H Rogers

Fine dual-purpose performer is a credit to himself and his stable; won this two years ago but disappointing last year; however, was in good form over the summer and has a chance again.

14/1

Form: 2476-2 BF

Last run: 81 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Failed to maintain a good vein of Flat form when down the field in Monday's big amateur handicap; second to Stormalong in a Listed mare's hurdle at Killarney in May; first handicap hurdle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

2nd Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 80y

14:31 Gowran Park

Royal Hollow

10st 11lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Andrew Slattery

Versatile dual-purpose mare who won this race last year (soft); some good runs over the summer although well held in Galway Hurdle; recent Flat efforts just okay but has her favoured ground back hurdling and major chance at the weights; yard continues in top form.

6/4

5th

2

(5)

16th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 174y

18:43 Clonmel

Royal Hollow

9st 12lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Versatile dual-purpose mare who won a beginners' chase here (15.5f) in April; runner-up on the Flat at Ballinrobe (1m5f, yielding) in June off 2lb lower; Galway Hurdle run can be ignored; good effort despite racing too keenly at Killarney on latest; fourth in this race last year; each-way player.

16/1

7th

4

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:20 Killarney

Royal Hollow

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Versatile mare who landed a C&D maiden a year ago; good form this year, ran a cracker when second to Deressa off 4lb lower at Ballinrobe in June; Galway Hurdle run can be ignored and holds each-way chance.

10/1

Form: F1230- D

Last run: 89 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Has only a maiden win to his name; runner-up in six of her 11 races; down the field in a valuable Punchestown handicap in which Jalila Moriviere was fourth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

24th Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 55y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Addragoole

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won around Sligo last year and handicap winner over this trip at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting; also ran well when third at DRF; 2m6f was too far in the Galway Blazers, but fitter for that and this looks a good opportunity.

13/8

6th

1

31st Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Addragoole

11st 13lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won twice over fences in 2025, most recently off 9lb lower at Leopardstown in December (2m1f, yielding); has come up short in three starts since, weakening on latest when upped to 2m5f in the Topham at Aintree; stamina a query upped further in trip.

14/1

Form: 21304- D

Last run: 144 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle at Cork in December; followed that with a creditable third behind two Willie Mullins-trained rivals in a 2m1f Grade 2 at Punchestown; disappointing run in a valuable handicap at Leopardstown; absent since fourth to Gaucher at Naas in March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

16:50 Punchestown

Relieved Of Duties

11st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Found things too demanding in the Grand Annual, and has been campaigned ambitiously overall since a Fairyhouse beginners' win last October; will be more at home in this company.

12/1

13th

18

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 199y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Relieved Of Duties

10st 9lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Won on chase debut at Fairyhouse (2m, yielding) in October and very creditable second in quality novice over this C&D (good to soft) 13 days later; well beaten both starts since but they have been on testing ground; could bounce back and play a leading role now he's back on a better surface.

11/1

Form: F4-723 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Twice placed in conditions races this summer; little appeal in this company; first reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Aug 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:53 Down Royal

Prairie Dancer

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Nine wins in all spheres with the last of those coming in a Thurles handicap chase last December; poor the last twice over hurdles including behind Happy Jacky at Cork; has to rebound

14/1

3

21st Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 0y

17:07 Killarney

Prairie Dancer

11st 6lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Flat winner who is now useful over hurdles and fences; runner-up over 2m4f at Clonmel before not staying 3m at Cork; exposed but shouldn't be far away.

7/1

21

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Prairie Dancer

10st 6lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Twice placed in conditions races this summer; little appeal in this company; first reserve.

Form: 771-22 D BF

Last run: 65 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Beaten odds-on favourite in a conditions race at Ballinrobe last time; second to Batman Girac in a Killarney handicap before that; second reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

1st Oct 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:35 Southwell

Last Kingdom

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Faye Bramley

A useful 2m winner for Willie Mullins in 2025; yet to show anything like that form in a handful of runs for his current yard, beating only one in 2m4f Aintreee handicap in May; tumbling in the weights but still needs to step forward.

12/1

9th

5

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:20 Aintree

Last Kingdom

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Both hurdles wins when trained by Willie Mullins; has shown little in four starts for current yard and hard to be at all confident.

25/1

Form: 633-10 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Did well to beat Royal Hollow in Killarney in May; tailed off in Tipperary race won by Jesse Evans; first reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:10 Killarney

Stormalong

11st 7lb

J: John Shinnick

T: David Kenneth Budds

Her three hurdle wins includes a Listed hurdle at this meeting last year; hasn't matched that form in five starts over fences yet but is capable of better and returning to this track may help.

20/1

9

5th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 2f 22y

13:58 Thurles

Stormalong

11st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: David Kenneth Budds

Bumper winner; 128-rated hurdler, three wins including 2m1f Listed mares' event at Killarney last May; highly tried in chases so far; will find this assignment easier than when behind Jade De Grugy in 2m5f course Grade 2 in January; shortlisted.

6/1

4th

5

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 198y

14:15 Thurles

Stormalong

10st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: David Kenneth Budds

Bumper winner; 128-rated hurdler, three wins including a 2m1f Listed mares' event at Killarney last May; highly tried in chases so far, can win one but will need an easier opportunity than this.

16/1

Non-runners

Jesse Evans

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Addragoole

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Jalila Moriviere

POSTDATA:

Royal Hollow

The Irish Sun:

Batman Girac

SPOTLIGHT:

Ndaawi