August 29 / 17.53 Down Royal

17.53

Good

Dale Farm Dromona Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5607.44
  • 2m 1f 87y
  • 14 runners
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Dale Farm Dromona Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather:

Form: 4-3014 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Dual Flat winner in Denmark in 2023; creditable efforts in maiden hurdles before finishing third in a novice event at Downpatrick; moderate display at Tipperary on handicap debut before winning an ordinary maiden at Ballinrobe; didn't see out the finish when fourth in a Cork handicap last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:00 Newton Abbot

Dunkerque

12st 7lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

Completed a hat-trick when winning at Kelso (extended 2m5f) ten days ago, making it 2-2 over fences, with all victories coming on good ground (handles soft); had a hard enough race there and shoulders a penalty here, so the booking of 5lb claimer William Shanahan looks a positive and another bold showing can be expected if this run doesn't come too soon.

4/6

1st

1

24th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

16:12 Kelso

Dunkerque

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Comes into this in good form having won a novice hurdle over 2m4f on good ground at Newcastle in April and on chase debut at Southwell 13 days ago; still feasibly treated; contender.

9/4

1st

3

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:12 Southwell

Dunkerque

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Dual Flat winner in Denmark and now a dual winner over hurdles after narrowly taking a small-field novice at Newcastle last month (2m4f, good); could be on a fair mark for this chasing debut but he'll need to take to fences.

5/2

OUR TIP

Form: 7-8162

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Wexford maiden winner in May (2m4f, good) and reported to have pulled a shoe when putting in a moderate run at Clonmel on handicap bow; better at Cork last time (2m1f, good) when dropped in trip and stayed on for second; shapes like he wants further but is an interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

23

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

19:10 Punchestown

Avalo

11st 4lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

Placed five times in a row last summer/autumn on goodish ground up to 2m4f, including in big fields; sequence ended when tailed off at Cheltenham in November (2m5f, soft); place chance if her consistent form returns.

16/1

12

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 45y

15:05 Punchestown

Avalo

10st 11lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

Wexford maiden hurdle winner in May (2m4f, good) has been running consistently in handicaps since, hitting the frame in his last four starts; remains competitive off just 2lb higher.

5/1

2nd

19

25th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:35 Listowel

Avalo

11st 0lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

First reserve; maiden winner at this trip and has been knocking on the door in handicaps over shorter, latterly at Navan five days ago; each-way claims if getting a run.

Form: 12-203

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Cork handicap hurdle winner in November off 100 (2m4f, good); has been chasing for new stable and put in some decent efforts in two starts at Roscommon when hitting the frame; back over hurdles now and not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

14

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Burru

10st 6lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Bernard Martin Crowley

After a layoff and on first start since rejoining stable, was back to winning ways, despite not jumping fluently, in 2m4f handicap hurdle at Killarney (gd-yld); raised 6lb and now steps up in grade; will need a career best to follow up.

11/2

1st

14

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 50y

18:07 Killarney

Burru

10st 5lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Bernard Martin Crowley

Only 1-13 over hurdles and absent since pulling up in a Cork handicap in November; others preferred on yard debut.

20/1

7

2nd Nov 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:55 Cork

Burru

11st 8lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Liam Kenny

Winner of this race last year off 6lb lower; placed in three of his six starts since joining this stable this year; fair third in a 17-runner contest at Listowel; mid-division at Punchestown last time.

7/1

Form: 351-36

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner over hurdles with the most recent of those coming at Wexford in March (2m, good to yielding) off 104; not too many noteworthy efforts since then, both on Flat and over hurdles, but not bad at the same time; others preferred
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

13:58 Listowel

Duke Otto

11st 10lb

J: Miss Georgie Benson

T: Patrick J Flynn

Got third hurdles win at Wexford in March off 104 (2m, good to yielding); some reasonable runs since then on the Flat and over hurdles; didn't jump fluently at Down Royal but still managed a 5l eighth (2m1f, good to firm); has won on soft and heavy, so ground of no concern.

10/1

4

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 87y

17:53 Down Royal

Duke Otto

11st 9lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Patrick J Flynn

Three-time winner over hurdles with the most recent of those coming at Wexford in March (2m, good to yielding) off 104; not too many noteworthy efforts since then, both on Flat and over hurdles, but not bad at the same time; others preferred

15/1

3rd

10

(7)

16th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

20:10 Tramore

Duke Otto

8st 12lb

J: Alan Persse

T: Patrick J Flynn

Three-time hurdles winner (including here); recent Flat efforts leave him with plenty to find, first-time cheekpieces may help.

16/1

Form: 00P5P- D

Last run: 290 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Point-to-point winner and maiden hurdle scorer for Gavin Cromwell at Downpatrick two years ago; not great in runs since and returned from break/made stable debut at Galway on the Flat last month when tailed off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 87y

17:53 Down Royal

Fathom Two

11st 9lb

J: Thomas O’Connor

T: Mark Fahey

Point-to-point winner and maiden hurdle scorer for Gavin Cromwell at Downpatrick two years ago; not great in runs since and returned from break/made stable debut at Galway on the Flat last month when tailed off.

28/1

16th

1

(7)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 43y

19:15 Galway

Fathom Two

11st 12lb

J: Mr C J White

T: Mark Fahey

Point-to-point winner; maiden hurdle scorer for Gavin Cromwell; no Flat racing experience; lacks a recent run and makes seasonal debut.

66/1

5

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 110y

13:07 Fairyhouse

Fathom Two

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Downpatrick maiden winner last September but form afterwards largely disappointing until encouraging comeback run at Listowel, staying on well over 2m4f; step up in trip could suit.

9/1

Form: 07-513

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner over hurdles; latest win came at Killarney last month (2m4f, yielding to soft); 12.5l behind at Kilbeggan following that off 7lb higher mark and was well beaten on the Flat at Tramore most recently (2m, good to yielding); can get involved on best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

18:50 Limerick

Swelltime

11st 4lb

J: G B Noonan

T: W J O’Doherty

Dual-purpose; 4-33 over hurdles; last won at Killarney off 4lb lower last July (20.5f, yld-sft); good ground is fine but lacks a run and overall record when fresh suggests he'll come on for this run.

14/1

9th

11

26th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 2f 0y

13:58 Listowel

Swelltime

11st 8lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: W J O’Doherty

Four-time winner over hurdles, with his latest win coming at Killarney in July (2m4f, yielding to soft) in a comfortable fashion; three starts since then have been middling; chance on best form.

20/1

Form: F3-40U

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Has hit the frame a couple of times in maiden hurdles without looking dangerous; well behind on handicap debut at Clonmel (2m4f, good to yielding) and unseated at the fourth at Cork latest (2m2f, good); can do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

4th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 2f 180y

16:52 Naas

Cathryns Ruby

11st 4lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Patrick T Foley

Off the mark in an ordinary Wexford handicap (2m4f, yielding) in October off 97; consistent since including in her two runs at Fairyhouse last month over 2m4f on heavy ground in which she finished third both times; tired in the closing stages last time, slightly shorter trip may help.

6/1

3rd

7

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 50y

14:38 Fairyhouse

Cathryns Ruby

11st 5lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Patrick T Foley

Off the mark in an ordinary Wexford handicap (2m4f, yielding) in October off 97; consistent since; still in contention when fell last at Thurles next time; 2m6f looked beyond her when fourth at Punchestown; solid third over C&D last time (heavy); place chance.

13/1

3rd

5

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 55y

15:30 Fairyhouse

Cathryns Ruby

11st 4lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Patrick T Foley

Off the mark in an ordinary Wexford handicap (2m4f, yielding) in October off 97; still in contention when fell last at Thurles next time, most recently 2m6f looked beyond her when fourth to Lough Nigara at Punchestown; return to 2m4f to suit.

14/1

Form: 000-23

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Has been mixing Flat and hurdles recently and is a two-time winner on the level; no wins over timber from seven attempts but some promising runs nonetheless, including latest at Ballinrobe (2m, good) when a 3.5l third; best hurdle runs have come at that track so needs to show he can do it here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 110y

16:50 Kilbeggan

Desert Haven

11st 4lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Two respectable Flat runs last month; 0-11 over hurdles; comes into the reckoning following an improved display that saw him finish fifth of 21 in a stronger race than this at Fairyhouse.

7/2

5th

19

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Fairyhouse

Desert Haven

10st 8lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Noel Meade

Two respectable Flat runs last month but 0-10 over hurdles and has come up shy in less competitive races than this.

33/1

Form: 07-U52

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Unseated early on handicap debut at Kilbeggan when fancied; unplaced favourite in maiden back there on penultimate; wore first-time tongue tie (retained) for good second at Cork last time (2m1f, good); raised just 1lb now and one for the shortlist
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

29th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 110y

17:20 Tramore

Bannow Blaze

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Jonathan Fogarty

Consistent hurdler who was in good form for the most part of last year, winning a 2m handicap at Wexford in October; there are successful chasers in the family.

8/1

1st

10

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 100y

14:22 Wexford

Bannow Blaze

11st 6lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Jonathan Fogarty

Getting the hang of things in handicaps and was a good second at Gowran (16.5f, soft) earlier this month, despite putting in a slow jump at the last; effective on better ground and should be in the mix again off 3lb higher.

5/2

1st

10

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 100y

14:22 Wexford

Bannow Blaze

11st 6lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Jonathan Fogarty

Getting the hang of things in handicaps and was a good second at Gowran (16.5f, soft) earlier this month, despite putting in a slow jump at the last; effective on better ground and should be in the mix again off 3lb higher.

5/2

Form: 77576-

Last run: 214 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
0-9 under rules and unplaced; tailed off in Punchestown handicap hurdle when last seen in January (2m, heavy); switches stable now but he would be an unlikely victor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

24th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 145y

Class 5

15:00 Catterick

Bid Up

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

15-race maiden who needs to produce more than he's managed on his first two chase starts but he didn't run badly here last month on his final outing for Brian Francis Cawley and he starts out for his new stable with Sean Bowen booked; interesting to see how he goes in the betting.

5/1

4th

3

30th Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 145y

Class 5

14:40 Catterick

Bid Up

11st 3lb

J: Mr P J Cawley

T: Brian Francis Cawley

Irish-trained 5yo who is one to watch in the betting; however, this 14-race maiden struggled to get competitive over hurdles last year and didn't jump well when well beaten on last month's chase debut at Down Royal.

15/2

Form: 734-89

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Hard to recommend based on her maiden hurdle form and three handicap runs; finished 19l behind the winner at Wexford latest when not unfancied (2m1f, good to yielding); dropped 3lb now but needs more
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 210y

19:29 Kilbeggan

Stoneyford Lady

11st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Maiden hurdler; second in a Thurles beginners' event before making going one better in a handicap at the same venue (2m2f, yielding); failed to recover from a bad mistake two out at Limerick after Christmas.

8/1

9

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 66y

13:30 Thurles

Stoneyford Lady

11st 5lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

In the frame in her two most recent handicap hurdle outings, fourth at Down Royal and second at Tramore; the latter form franked by the winner; one of the leading contenders and noteworthy a half-sister to Champion Chase winner Captain Guinness.

100/30

Form: 8/06-0

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Point-to-point winner on the sixth attempt; not much encouragement in his races under rules and he failed to beat a rival at Tramore latest (2m, good); hard to see him winning this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

17th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

16:32 Wexford

Agent Tequila

11st 2lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Is 0-9 over hurdles but now goes chasing with a pointing background and this could be more his game; still risky.

25/1

Form: 0-8700

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Neck second in a handicap hurdle over C&D last year off 98 (good) was by a fair margin the best of his 11 hurdle runs; perhaps this track can light him up again but his runs so far this year leave a bit to be desired.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

29th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

19:35 Tramore

Eastmore

10st 9lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Held his form well after winning a Down Royal handicap last August (2m1f, good to firm); back from a break he appeared to get outstayed by the front two over 2m3f at Cork; better expected here.

2/1

3rd

5

10th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 50y

15:15 Cork

Eastmore

11st 6lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Super consistent form in autumn; winner of a Down Royal handicap off 90 (2m2f, good to firm) before following that with three runner-up finishes at Listowel, Punchestown, and here at 2m-2m2f; has risen in handicap for not winning; tries this trip for first time; check market now back from a break.

7/2

2nd

8

2nd Nov 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:10 Cork

Eastmore

10st 9lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

In fine form; won off 10lb lower at Down Royal in August (17.5f, gd-fm) and solid efforts in defeat since at Listowel (2m2f, yielding) and Punchestown (2m, gd-yld); should be in the mix again.

5/2

Form: 7P7-55

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Failed to trouble the judge in 11 starts; some mild encouragement in recent handicap runs, finished 9.75l behind the winner at Ballinrobe latest (2m, good); others more likely and 3lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Rock Ya Boy Ya, Kinbara Hills, Finnicky Filly, Pleasureofpressure

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €46.00
Straight Forecast €38.71
Tricast €129.20
Trifecta €198.40

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Dunkerque

POSTDATA:

Stoneyford Lady

SPOTLIGHT:

Avalo

TOPSPEED:

Eastmore

The Irish Sun:

Desert Haven