September 24 / 14.05 Listowel

14.05

Yielding To Soft

McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6095.04
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • 18 runners
TG4
View Course
McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.10
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 7112- D

Last run: 156 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper winner after a modest run on debut in a Cork maiden hurdle; off since a 12l second in a Fairyhouse bumper in April; easy ground fine; market should reveal expectations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:20 Cheltenham

Ill Sort That

11st 7lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

100-1 and borderline tailed off in a Cork maiden hurdle in December 2024 but he subsequently turned into a quality bumper performer and has taken it up a notch since resuming career over hurdles, unbeaten in four including Navan Grade 3 (2m, soft to heavy) in November and when repeating forcing tactics in Naas Grade 1 (2m4f, soft; Sortudo second, Saint Baco behind) two months ago; won't find it easy to dominate this field but his gritty attitude was admirable last time and he likely won't go down without a fight.

20/1

2

26th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 156y

15:05 Galway

Ill Sort That

11st 10lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

Good form in winning two of his three bumpers, posting an RPR of 121 on the second occasion; surpassed that figure in a maiden hurdle at Listowel (2m, yielding), hammering a subsequent winner in the process; has further to go here but looks a smart prospect.

4/5

1st

5

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Ill Sort That

11st 12lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

Dual bumper winner after a modest run on debut in a Cork maiden hurdle; off since a 12l second in a Fairyhouse bumper in April; easy ground fine; market should reveal expectations.

6/1

Form: /26432 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Rated 112 after seven starts over hurdles; narrowly denied in a maiden at Killarney (16.5f, good) on latest under Jack Kennedy who keeps the faith; however, has run poorly both starts on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:57 Listowel

Wholelotofbusiness

11st 8lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Won a novice at Killarney in October (2m1f, yielding) and probably posted a similar effort when third in a handicap there last month; solid chance off an untouched mark.

4/1

3rd

5

9th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:00 Killarney

Wholelotofbusiness

10st 11lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

One of two for trainer; in decent form in the second half of last year, placing three times before gaining a C&D novice hurdle win (yielding); another positive effort when placed at Down Royal next time (2m1f, yielding) off 1lb lower; may come on for moderate return at Cork last time (2m3f, yielding).

10/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 325-

Last run: 272 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in a bumper at this meeting last year on debut (2m, soft) and again on hurdles debut at Cork a week later; off since 19l defeat at Limerick in December; may need this run after 272 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

18th Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:05 Limerick

Torps

11st 12lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

Third on sole bumper run; the best of four maiden hurdle runs came when second over C&D last time and a repeat of that should see this consistent sort go close for a local yard that does well here.

7/4

9

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

14:37 Limerick

Torps

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Has been consistent in defeat in a bumper and three maiden hurdles, the latest on comeback at Listowel; however, was beaten 22l then and has to improve a fair bit on that.

9/1

3rd

15

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Torps

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Placed in a bumper at this meeting last year on debut (2m, soft) and again on hurdles debut at Cork a week later; off since 19l defeat at Limerick in December; may need this run after 272 days off.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 160-

Last run: 196 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Limerick bumper winner subsequently not disgraced in a Grade 2 bumper at Leopardstown and when mid-field in the Champion bumper at Cheltenham; lacks a recent run and hurdling experience but worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 190y

16:15 Punchestown

I Started A Joke

11st 10lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Won 2m maiden here in January (soft-to-heavy) and excellent run following month when favourite in very competitive 19-runner 2m Leopardstown handicap, going clear with winner from last; took another step forward when third to a top-class novice in 2m4f Grade 2 Fairyhouse novice on latest (Generous Risk second) in first-time cheekpieces, despite slipped saddle; good chance he'll improve again at 3m and don't rule out.

12/1

3rd

6

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

I Started A Joke

11st 3lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Won 2m Punchestown maiden hurdle in good style in January (soft-to-heavy) and excellent run following month when favourite in very competitive 19-runner 2m Leopardstown handicap, going clear with winner from last; cheekpieces added and upped in trip on switching to novice company.

7/1

25

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

I Started A Joke

10st 11lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Reserve; 13th at 33-1 in the Champion Bumper here last March; progressing well at 2m in the mud as a hurdler, easily winning a maiden at Punchestown and second of 19 when hot favourite for a top handicap at Leopardstown on latest run; the front two drew clear in the latter, after this one travelled best and launched a strong challenge; not crying out for this longer trip on that display but his stable has made many notable strikes.

9/1

Form: 307

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not a bad effort on debut in a Killarney bumper in May but hasn't matched that in two runs since; can only be watched on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

28th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

19:55 Limerick

Something Simple

10st 10lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Pulled up in opening two handicap runs and well beaten last time at Clonmel; others preferred.

40/1

10th

9

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

18:20 Clonmel

Something Simple

11st 0lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Pulled up on opening two handicap runs over further; drops in trip.

25/1

100/30

Form: 2222

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
108-rated mare has filled the runner up spot in all four of her starts in maiden hurdles, including over C&D in June (good); softer ground fine and she should be in the mix again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

26th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Astelia

10st 0lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

Runner-up in five of her seven hurdle starts; may score now after a solid display at Down Royal on her first run since November; suited by good ground.

9/4

2nd

16

4th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 88y

13:35 Down Royal

Astelia

10st 11lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: Peter Fahey

Third runner for yard; Flat maiden ran some fine races in defeat over hurdles last year but was below form last two starts; rated 106 so has a bit to find, but capable of a decent showing on return.

18/1

Form: 64/6-5

Last run: 137 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown a bit of potential in 3m maiden hurdles at Cork on his last two starts; drops in trip; more needed to get off the mark here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:40 Limerick

Rowdy

11st 11lb

J: Mr Alan O’Sullivan

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

Showed some potential in 3m maiden hurdles at Cork in April/May; found 2m too sharp at Listowel after a break; not without a chance back over a staying trip for handicap debut.

10/1

8th

10

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Rowdy

11st 12lb

J: E Walsh

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

Has shown a bit of potential in 3m maiden hurdles at Cork on his last two starts; drops in trip; more needed to get off the mark here.

20/1

5th

11

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 80y

16:35 Cork

Rowdy

11st 12lb

J: E Walsh

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

in touch with leaders

25/1

Form:

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Failed to hit the frame in six point-to-points and similar story on hurdling debut at Killarney; oppose.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

13:34 Limerick

Walkmethroughit

11st 2lb

J: Abbie Murphy

T: J Motherway

Weak form in maiden hurdles and has yet to show potential for handicap success; tongue-tie will need to make a big difference.

33/1

7th

11

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 195y

16:02 Thurles

Walkmethroughit

11st 4lb

J: Abbie Murphy

T: J Motherway

Poor pointer; no surprise that he couldn't get competitive in maidens and now tackles his first handicap over a longer trip; lots of guesswork involved to make a case.

33/1

Form: 92-

Last run: 182 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Order Of St George gelding ran well in a Hereford bumper on final start for Nicky Henderson in March; bought for 18,000GBP at Goffs in May; worth a market check on hurdles debut and first start for Noel Kelly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

29th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 145y

19:00 Tramore

Soldier Saint

11st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Mark Edmund McCrory

Placed in a bumper for Nicky Henderson; best effort yet for this yard an 11l fifth of 15 at Clonmel (19.5f, gd-yld) latest; this trip might suit on that evidence and O'Keefe up now; interesting.

11/1

5th

4

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

18:20 Clonmel

Soldier Saint

11st 7lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Mark Edmund McCrory

Runner-up in good-ground Hereford bumper for Nicky Henderson last year and pick of hurdles form when okay effort in Down Royal maiden on yielding; backed into favouritism on yard debut at same venue on latest in 2m1f handicap but didn't jump well and never figured.

15/2

11th

8

4th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 88y

14:10 Down Royal

Soldier Saint

11st 6lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Mark Edmund McCrory

Was E90,000 store and runner-up in Hereford bumper for Nicky Henderson (beaten 2l by winner who is now a 118-rated hurdler); was picked up for £18,000 by Noel Kelly and had creditable run in C&D maiden; tailed off on handicap debut in December and has changed yards again since.

14/1

Form: 00-

Last run: 145 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in sole point-to-point but heavy defeats first two starts under Rules; 150-1 when beaten 59l in a Punchestown novice when last seen in May; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

19:49 Wexford

Lecales Diamond

11st 1lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Maiden has been mixing hurdling and chasing, well-backed on a few occasions, including recent comeback at Downpatrick when tried tongue-tied, only tiring from the last when fair fourth (2m6f hurdle, good); tries a new trip.

6/1

4th

10

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

17:35 Downpatrick

Lecales Diamond

11st 0lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Unplaced favourite over fences at Cork in January on his latest start; that followed a good Tramore run on his chasing debut; may improve with a tongue-tie fitted.

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; Kessaar gelding is a half-brother to 1m-1m5f Flat/2m4f hurdle winner Sophosc; dam unraced sister to 1m2f winner Deck Walk, out of close relation to 7f Listed winning dam of Cityscape/Bated Breath; bred to have a future but best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 100y

14:57 Wexford

Magnificent Era

11st 12lb

J: Ryan Treacy

T: John F Gleeson

Tailed-off on hurdling debut at Listowel but more encouraging at Punchestown since; this is a drop in class so should get closer.

12/1

5th

4

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 100y

14:57 Wexford

Magnificent Era

11st 12lb

J: Ryan Treacy

T: John F Gleeson

Tailed-off on hurdling debut at Listowel but more encouraging at Punchestown since; this is a drop in class so should get closer.

12/1

Form: 7

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
80-1 and tailed off on debut at Ballinrobe last month; easy to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

26th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Blinding Light

11st 4lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Philip M Byrne

Tailed off in three maiden hurdles last year; hard to make a case for.

100/1

9

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:15 Fairyhouse

Blinding Light

11st 4lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Philip M Byrne

Tailed off in maiden hurdle outings at Ballinrobe and Listowel, no apparent chance on that evidence.

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Rates an unlikely winner on hurdling debut on the evidence of his three point-to-point runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

14

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

The Mystery Man

11st 12lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Miss M Harding

Rates an unlikely winner on hurdling debut on the evidence of his three point-to-point runs.

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
6yo son of Jukebox Jury cost 75,000EUR as a 3yo; half-brother to winners Amirite (useful 2m3f-3m1f hurdle/chase) and Cappajune Lady (point); dam unraced half-sister to smart 2m6f-4m hurdle/chase winner Back In Focus; bred for further than this but worth monitoring in the market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 185y

17:12 Clonmel

The Guinness Boys

10st 13lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

Pulled up in a chase last time; handicap hurdle form is unconvincing, pulled up twice and not in the first eight in two completed starts.

16/1

17

17th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

16:32 Wexford

The Guinness Boys

12st 0lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gavin Cromwell

First reserve; mixed fortunes in his four handicaps over hurdles, beaten 11l and 14l on the good days; makes chase debut here.

4

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

16:05 Fairyhouse

The Guinness Boys

11st 6lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Third runner for yard and the market can be revealing; was beaten 11l on second handicap start last time at Punchestown over nearly 2m4f; needs more dropped 2lb and in trip.

12/1

Form: /9/65-

Last run: 478 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten a cumulative distance of 96l in maiden hurdles at Killarney and over this C&D; will qualify for handicaps after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

4

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Ikalimix

11st 12lb

J: Mr C J Shine

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

Beaten a cumulative distance of 96l in maiden hurdles at Killarney and over this C&D; will qualify for handicaps after this.

50/1

5th

5

3rd Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:50 Listowel

Ikalimix

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Eugene M O’Sullivan

towards rear, headway from 3 out, kept on well from 2 out, never near to challenge

50/1

125/1

Form: 800

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Never landed a blow in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle at Roscommon on latest; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

24th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 11y

15:45 Sligo

Keaners Boy

11st 4lb

J: Mr B M Coonan

T: V C Ward

Huge odds and well held in three bumpers and a couple of maiden hurdles.

50/1

4

11th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:15 Fairyhouse

Keaners Boy

12st 0lb

J: Miss S A Carter

T: V C Ward

Huge odds and never figured in two bumpers and two maiden hurdles; impossible to fancy.

50/1

17th

6

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Keaners Boy

11st 12lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: V C Ward

Never landed a blow in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle at Roscommon on latest; hard to fancy.

125/1

Form: 7 BF

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Flat recruit returned from long layoff with a modest effort when a beaten favourite on hurdles debut at the Galway festival (2m1f, good); ground may have been too quick that day so could do better now; hood and tongue tie go on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

5th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

16:55 Kelso

Night Moon

11st 0lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Gary Harrison

Virtually friendless in the market when tailed-off fifth of eight on debut at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) last month; best watched.

66/1

5th

5

13th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 5

16:30 Carlisle

Night Moon

11st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Gary Harrison

in rear, headway on outer 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
7yo Alkaadhem gelding; dam unraced half-sister to winners Jack The Hat (2m4f/2m5f hurdle/chase) and Master Massini (2m4f hurdle/2m6f chase); hooded for belated debut; watch.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:05 Listowel

Paynes Lane

11st 12lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Thomas R Hughes

7yo Alkaadhem gelding; dam unraced half-sister to winners Jack The Hat (2m4f/2m5f hurdle/chase) and Master Massini (2m4f hurdle/2m6f chase); hooded for belated debut; watch.

50/1

Non-runners

Dunany Shore, Gatsby Blue, Amburana

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €9.90
Straight Forecast €10.52
Trifecta €89.50

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Astelia

SPOTLIGHT:

Night Moon

TOPSPEED:

Astelia

POSTDATA:

Astelia

The Irish Sun:

Astelia