October 15 / 13.55 Punchestown

13.55

Good

BetVictor Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5851.24
  • 2m 0f 95y
  • 13 runners
RTV
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BetVictor Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

5/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.70
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 1 D

Last run: 85 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Supremely comfortable winner of a Ballinrobe bumper for Andrew Slattery, who has been flying in bumpers; makes stable debut now and his former trainer felt he was one of his best bumper horses; big chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Gameball

10st 6lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Impressive winner of a Ballinrobe bumper for Andrew Slattery a year ago; won a Punchestown maiden hurdle last October on stable debut before finishing fourth in a Fairyhouse Grade 2 novice; third in a conditions event at the Punchestown festival; outstayed by an emphatic winner on handicap debut in a 2m4f contest at Kilbeggan.

12/1

2nd

2

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

17:57 Kilbeggan

Gameball

11st 9lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Impressive winner of a Ballinrobe bumper for Andrew Slattery and moved to this yard after; won a Punchestown maiden hurdle last October before finishing fourth in a Fairyhouse Grade 2 novice; third in a conditions event at the Punchestown festival; relatively unexposed, plenty of weight for handicap debut.

13/2

3rd

4

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Gameball

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Impressive winner of a Ballinrobe bumper on debut last year for Andrew Slattery and moved to this yard after; won a C&D maiden hurdle in October before finishing fourth to in a Fairyhouse Grade 2 novice; hood added after a break and seems yard's first-string so a contender.

5/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 9/33

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
81-rated Flat horse is 1-10 in that sphere following a Leopardstown maiden win in April 2021 for Jessica Harrington; two recent third placings in maiden hurdles are promising but needs to keep improving.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

13

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:25 Curragh

OReilly

12st 0lb

J: Francis Fagan

T: Peter Fahey

Some respectable hurdle runs in the last year; regressive when last seen on the Flat.

33/1

6th

4

4th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 88y

13:35 Down Royal

OReilly

11st 12lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Peter Fahey

An 80-rated Flat winner ran fine races in his first three hurdle attempts last autumn but was poor in a hood at this track when last seen; however, has a chance if restored to best on return; first-string for a yard that had a Punchestown winner.

10/1

11th

7

1st Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

13:00 Down Royal

OReilly

11st 12lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

81-rated Flat horse has been placed on latest three of four attempts hurdling, most recently chasing home a 6l winner at Punchestown; tried hooded now and place claims again, more needed to play a major role in a stronger maiden.

12/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 16- D

Last run: 177 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin point winner who got off the mark immediately under rules when winning a Leopardstown bumper last Christmas (yielding); likely didn't handle soft-heavy conditions when tailed off in a Fairyhouse bumper in April; can do better now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 110y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Kovanis

11st 1lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Point-to-point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner; highly tried to no avail the last twice in a Grade 2 novice at Navan and in a Grade 1 novice at Naas (both 2m4f on soft and heavy); makes handicap debut now and preferred by Kennedy, but others appeal more.

9/1

3rd

3

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 95y

13:55 Punchestown

Kovanis

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Wide-margin point winner who got off the mark immediately under rules when winning a Leopardstown bumper last Christmas (yielding); likely didn't handle soft-heavy conditions when tailed off in a Fairyhouse bumper in April; can do better now.

7/1

Form:

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sent off at 33-1 on debut at Listowel and completely tailed off; may need more time.
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: /67-57

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dundalk winner in January but couldn't find another win in three subsequent starts at that venue, nor at Leopardstown; switch to hurdles doesn't seem to have brought about improvement on the evidence of his two maiden hurdle starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

20th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 0y

19:00 Leopardstown

Pavilion End

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Charles O’Brien

Just 1m4f AW maiden win to his name but arrives on the back of two fine runs on turf, had the run of the race when pipped over 1m6f at Fairyhouse (rated race) and again made plenty of use of when third in 1m3f Naas handicap early this month; definite claims back up in trip.

15/2

3rd

5

(1)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 184y

16:17 Naas

Pavilion End

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Charles O’Brien

Just 1m4f AW maiden win to his name and best over farther; had the run of the race when pipped over 1m6f at Fairyhouse, and readily opposed over this trip.

12/1

2nd

8

(5)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Pavilion End

9st 1lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Charles O’Brien

Sole win came on AW (1m4f maiden); well beaten both turf outings this term and looks to have a fair bit to find.

14/1

Form: 1- C

Last run: 165 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Looked a smart prospect when winning a festival bumper here on debut when 7-4 favourite; goes hurdling now and is a big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

15:05 Punchestown

Vitorio Piel

11st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Bumper winner at last year's festival on yielding ground; off the mark over hurdles at fourth attempt when dropped back to 2m in a four-runner Leopardstown novice early last month, outpacing odds-on favourite Grey Jude from the last; beat all bar the unconsidered Sept Etoile in a 3m handicap at Fairyhouse; strong chance.

9/4

2nd

4

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 170y

16:25 Fairyhouse

Vitorio Piel

11st 10lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Punchestown festival bumper (yielding) winner last term, got off the mark over hurdles at fourth attempt when dropped back to 2m in 4-runner Leopardstown novice last month, outpacing odds-on favourite from last (heavy); type to keep improving, stays at least 2m5f; one to consider on handicap debut.

9/1

1st

4

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:25 Leopardstown

Vitorio Piel

11st 7lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Punchestown festival bumper (yielding) winner last term has coped with softer conditions on latest two runs in 2m5f maiden hurdles, hampered by winner run-in when clear second at same venue and at Thurles last month only tired late on when third (conceding 8lb to first two); much better suited at the weights here an drops in trip.

9/4

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
One of two for trainer; 79-rated Flat horse was a two-time winner in that sphere in the UK for Amy Murphy in 2020; unseen since July 2022 and now makes hurdling/stable debut with a first-time tongue tie; likely to need this after such a long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 161y

17:42 Sligo

Urban War

11st 3lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Won twice in Britain early in his career; was off for a long time; weak Irish form on the Flat and over hurdles since his return; in rear on the Flat at Gowran last week; mid-division at Cork on his most recent hurdles start; new headgear combination

20/1

13th

5

(16)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 100y

17:52 Gowran Park

Urban War

9st 12lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Won twice in Britain early in his career; was off for a long time; weak Irish form on the Flat and over hurdles since his return.

33/1

11th

10

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 60y

18:15 Cork

Urban War

11st 4lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Won twice in Britain as a 2yo; had a mammoth absence prior to kicking off for current yard and has struggled to get anything going.

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tenth foal; half-sister to winners Miss Mackie (2m/2m1f chase), Manintheshadows (2m7f-3m1f hurdle) and Imperial Lord (bumper); dam unraced half-sister to high-class bumper and 1m7f-3m hurdle/chase winner Otago Trail; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

8

7th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 180y

17:16 Wexford

Tellmemamema

10st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

Outran 80-1 odds at Down Royal (2m2f, good) on handicap debut in May when fourth of 20; a bit below that next time at Listowel (2m5f, good to yielding); midfield finish at Sligo last time (2m5f, good); cheekpieces go on now; place chance.

15/1

7th

11

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

16:00 Sligo

Tellmemamema

10st 11lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

Outran 80-1 odds at Down Royal (2m2f, good) on handicap debut in May when fourth of 20, staying on well; a bit below that when a 19l fifth of 18 at Listowel (2m5f, good to yielding); place chance.

16/1

5th

13

30th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 80y

15:51 Listowel

Tellmemamema

10st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

Outran 80-1 odds at Down Royal (2m2f, good) on handicap debut earlier this month when fourth of 20, staying on well; this trip could bring further improvement.

9/1

Form:

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
300-1 for debut and finished completely tailed off; left out of calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

14th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 165y

16:30 Downpatrick

Magnificent Era

10st 10lb

T: John F Gleeson

First reserve; 0-4 and heavy defeat on handicap debut at Clonmel just 9 days ago; still early days but others make more appeal.

12th

10

5th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 113y

18:10 Clonmel

Magnificent Era

10st 11lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: John F Gleeson

Best of three maiden runs came at Punchestown (2m1f, good to yielding) when 29l behind in a decent quality contest; decent opening mark if taking the 91 RPR he ran to that day literally; absence to overcome.

20/1

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: 0-5

Last run: 157 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
One of two for trainer; well beaten in four point-to-point starts and similar story when sent off big prices for two maiden hurdle starts; a little better last time, but hard to fancy all the same.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

22nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Back To Cali

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Nine-race maiden but went close when beaten a head at Stratford on stable debut for Dan Skelton, his first attempt at 2m6f; was well backed and saw the trip out strongly, offering encouragement he'll stay this slightly longer distance; up 4lb but remains a leading contender.

6/4

2nd

1

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

15:40 Stratford

Back To Cali

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

0-8 over hurdles in Ireland but he finished third of 20 in a Cork handicap (2m, yielding) in April on his final run; left Shark Hanlon for 24,000euros since; now tries a new trip after a break but he needs a close look on his first run Dan Skelton.

6/4

3rd

9

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:50 Cork

Back To Cali

11st 4lb

J: Adam Leahy

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Maiden's best run in four handicap starts was when third of 20 at Down Royal (2m1f, yielding) at Christmas; twice well held on more testing ground since; might go okay on likely better surface here.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second foal; dam bumper winner, sister to point winner Book Of Love, out of maiden half-sister to smart 2m7f hurdle winner Torboy; likely to need more time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 95y

13:55 Punchestown

On The High Seas

11st 5lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Second foal; dam bumper winner, sister to point winner Book Of Love, out of maiden half-sister to smart 2m7f hurdle winner Torboy; likely to need more time.

28/1

Form: R09

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Refused to race at Galway and tailed off in two subsequent starts; rule him out.
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: 87-

Last run: 220 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made some late progress on her Naas bumper debut, but well beaten all the same; tailed off when last seen in March; makes hurdling debut now but an unlikely winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:20 Punchestown

Something Black

11st 7lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Kieran P Egan

Weak bumper form; unseated rider at the first on hurdling debut at this venue; down the field at Fairyhouse last November

100/1

16

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:15 Fairyhouse

Something Black

10st 11lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Kieran P Egan

Weak bumper form; huge price when unseating rider at the first on hurdling debut at Punchestown last month.

66/1

12th

16

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:15 Fairyhouse

Something Black

10st 11lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Kieran P Egan

Weak bumper form; huge price when unseating rider at the first on hurdling debut at Punchestown last month.

66/1

Non-runners

Minella Hollow

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €27.90
Straight Forecast €24.80
Trifecta €95.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gameball

POSTDATA:

Vitorio Piel

The Irish Sun:

Gameball