February 05 / 16.02 Thurles

16.02

Soft

William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5130.43
  • 2m 6f 195y
  • 18 runners
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William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

15/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.30
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 790-02

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
No wins in 13 but it was his second run back from an absence when runner-up at Punchestown (2m7f, heavy); proved no match for the easy winner but a repeat of that shouldn't see him far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

9th Jun 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

19:30 Sligo

Aines Lad

12st 0lb

J: Mr J Dunne

T: Matthew J Smith

Won well over hurdles at Thurles in February and a fair chase debut next time at Fairyhouse, both on winter ground; however, has handled better ground in the past and run well here before too; chance.

6/1

25/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: 08316P

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
The Punchestown win in December (3m, heavy) is her sole success in 28 runs under rules; didn't run too badly behind DRF winner Cousin Kate at Limerick over Christmas but Gowran was another backward step; hard to trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

9

26th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 7f 122y

15:42 Clonmel

Milanaway

10st 5lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Punchestown handicap hurdle win in December (3m, heavy) is her sole success in 30 runs; not the most consistent mare but she stays well and has a definite chance on her best form.

10/1

9th

2

4th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 20y

16:22 Naas

Milanaway

11st 8lb

J: D G Hogan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Punchestown win in December (3m, heavy) is her sole success in 29 runs under rules; put a blot on her record at Gowran in January; much more like it when second at Thurles (2m7f, soft) last month; shortlisted.

5/2

33/1

  • Place: £9.30

Form: -59090

Last run: 123 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Six defeats include three handicaps (2m6f-3m) in which his closest finish was 22l; new trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 50y

17:07 Down Royal

Cordal Boy

10st 10lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Good effort on stable debut for this yard at Thurles in February over hurdles (2m7f, soft) when third of 17; pulled up next time at Clonmel (3m, heavy); made chasing debut back at that venue last time in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when ninth of 14 (3m, soft); more needed.

15/1

9th

10

26th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 7f 122y

15:42 Clonmel

Cordal Boy

10st 0lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

0-8 over hurdles, no chasing experience; pulled up here four weeks in a handicap hurdle won by Brown Boots; that came after a good effort at Thurles; first time with cheekpieces.

12/1

25/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 9-7PP6

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Ran a little better in a first-time hood at Punchestown but that headgear is left off now; unconvincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

13:34 Limerick

Fortunate Outcome

10st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Brian M McMahon

Not a bad run at Thurles three starts back; remote eighth at Punchestown; pulled up in a Clonmel race in which Mullanour was second; unlikely to feature.

25/1

16

26th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

15:44 Clonmel

Fortunate Outcome

10st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Brian M McMahon

Not a bad run at Thurles on penultimate start but plenty to find with Milanaway and Cordal Boy on that evidence; remote eighth at Punchestown last week.

16/1

Form: 0-P043

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who has hung around for minor honours in 2m3f handicaps at Limerick and Punchestown the last twice (both on slow ground); running style casts some doubts over her staying this longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 60y

16:30 Limerick

Rebel Cowgirl

11st 1lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: M A Cahill

Off the mark at the 15th attempt at Punchestown last month (2m4f, soft), making all and scoring by 0.5l; the runner-up, third and fifth have all won since; 8lb higher but should still make another bold bid.

4/1

Form: 366676

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner but stuck on a losing run and hasn't shaped like a winner waiting to happen returned to hurdles the last twice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

15

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 195y

16:02 Thurles

He Fitz In

10st 7lb

J: Dylan O’Connor

T: D E Fitzgerald

Three-time winner but stuck on a losing run and hasn't shaped like a winner waiting to happen returned to hurdles the last twice.

25/1

6th

9

24th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 1f 80y

17:30 Sligo

He Fitz In

10st 6lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: D E Fitzgerald

The last of his two hurdle wins came just over two years ago off 5lb higher; close third over fences here two starts ago but below that level since; has to rebound back hurdling.

11/1

Form: 0987

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 6-F79P

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won a handicap chase off this mark at Tramore last April but little to show for his subsequent efforts that include a handicap hurdle; others are more obvious.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 180y

20:17 Kilbeggan

Island McCoo

11st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Donncha Duggan

Built on a promising second at Limerick when winning over C&D last month, his first hurdles win to add to a Tramore chase success; had a talented 7lb claimer aboard at Limerick, talented 5lb claimer this time.

7/1

1st

6

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 100y

18:42 Kilbeggan

Island McCoo

11st 3lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: Donncha Duggan

Sole win in 19 starts came in handicap chase at Tramore (2m6f, yld) last year; shaped well when staying-on fourth at Sligo last month and backed it up when beaten 2.5l into second by Mickey Hulie at Limerick 18 days ago; shapes as if step up in trip will suit and leading claims off 2lb higher with claimer taking off 7lb.

7/2

2nd

9

28th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

19:55 Limerick

Island McCoo

10st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Donncha Duggan

Chase winner is rated 4lb lower in this sphere; best handicap hurdle effort yet on latest at Sligo (2m4f, good) when never-nearer fourth of 16 (Love Like This second); the step up in trip on a more galloping track should suit.

6/1

Form: 752

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo who finished strongly for second in a 2m3f maiden at Naas in December (soft to heavy); this longer trip for handicap debut should suit when the dam is a half-sister to Many Clouds; shortlisted with Eoin Staples a positive booking.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

26th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 28y

20:00 Ballinrobe

Empire Walk

11st 3lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: J Motherway

Best run in maidens an 8l second of 16 at Naas in December (2m3f, sft-hvy); handled quicker ground when a 4.75l third in second handicap start at Cork (24.5f, good) 16 days ago; this shorter trip will suit on the evidence of that run; in the mix.

6/1

3rd

2

10th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 80y

17:00 Cork

Empire Walk

11st 11lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: J Motherway

Best maiden effort an 8l third at Naas (2m3f, sft-hvy) when shaped as though further would suit; pulled up on handicap debut at Thurles (2m7f, soft) in November; capable of better but good ground a query.

11/1

1

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 195y

16:02 Thurles

Empire Walk

11st 13lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: J Motherway

Lightly raced 5yo who finished strongly for second in a 2m3f maiden at Naas in December (soft to heavy); this longer trip for handicap debut should suit when the dam is a half-sister to Many Clouds; shortlisted with Eoin Staples a positive booking.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 555681 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
An exposed veteran but he recorded an eighth career success on his return to hurdling at Clonmel four weeks ago (2m4f, heavy) and a 5lb rise isn't the end of the world; John Aherne rides again with his 7lb claim.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 180y

20:17 Kilbeggan

The Little Yank

11st 6lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Lost form drastically after a Clonmel win in January on the 101st outing of his career; pulled up on last four starts; Love Like This is yard's main hope.

25/1

4

16th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 60y

16:30 Limerick

The Little Yank

11st 8lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Veteran improved his hurdles strike-rate to 5-60 with Clonmel victory on the 101st outing of his career in January off 93; generally unpredictable; pulled up on his three most recent attempts.

66/1

3

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

13:34 Limerick

The Little Yank

11st 10lb

J: John Aherne

T: John Patrick Ryan

Improved his hurdling strike rate to 5-60 with Clonmel victory over Coffeys Forge on the 101st outing of his career; generally unpredictable in recent seasons; pulled up on his two most recent attempts.

20/1

Form: 30-720 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Trip and ground will be fine as it was 3m on heavy when second of 12 at Limerick two runs back; his following run there wasn't up to the same level but has a big run in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 55y

17:00 Clonmel

Roc My Haarth

10st 10lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Maiden hurdler with uneven form; definite player judged on runner-up finishes at Limerick and Punchestown this season; the form of the latter has worked out well as the third Live To Laugh has won twice since; ran below market expectations at Limerick three weeks ago but big player if he takes to fences.

10/1

6th

4

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 170y

13:34 Limerick

Roc My Haarth

11st 9lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Maiden with uneven form. second here in November (3m, heavy); next run here not at the same level and then unseated at Thurles; confirmed a liking for a stamina test when second over 3m at Naas last week; can pick up a race at some stage.

13/2

4

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 195y

16:02 Thurles

Roc My Haarth

11st 8lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Trip and ground will be fine as it was 3m on heavy when second of 12 at Limerick two runs back; his following run there wasn't up to the same level but has a big run in him.

7/1

Form: F95-32

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Winning pointer; 0-8 as a hurdler and 0-3 chasing, but has hit the frame in his last two runs over fences and he's run well off this hurdle mark before; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 160y

19:48 Limerick

Snow Punt

11st 13lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Point winner; 0-16 under rules but was beaten only a nose over C&D in March off 95 on heavy before going close at both Clonmel and Down Royal; has to be high on the shortlist.

9/2

3rd

3

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 50y

17:07 Down Royal

Snow Punt

12st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Point-to-point winner is 0-15 under rules', but he has been running well in defeat recently; beaten just a nose at Limerick last month (2m7f, heavy); followed that with a runner-up finish at Clonmel last time (2m7f, soft); cheekpieces are added to the tongue tie now, but better ground is a bit concerning.

4/1

2nd

4

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 55y

17:00 Clonmel

Snow Punt

11st 1lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Brendan Maurice Walsh

Point-to-point winner is 0-14 under rules but standout run on latest when beaten a nose at Limerick (2m7f, heavy), running on gamely to the line; 4lb higher now but every chance with a repeat.

4/1

Form: /30-08

Last run: 93 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
His back-to-back hurdle wins came in 2022 and he's struggling to recapture that level of form, with his last two races following a long absence; new trainer and headgear, but has much to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 4

15:18 Cartmel

Justicialism

11st 7lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Fell and tailed off in his two previous chases in late 2023; lightly raced in the meantime but returns to this discipline after three solid runs over hurdles, all handicaps from 2m1f to 2m4f; likely to go well again if he still fancies fences.

100/30

2nd

2

31st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 20y

15:26 Kilbeggan

Justicialism

11st 9lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Over four years since he won back-to-back handicap hurdles for Brian Hamilton; lightly raced in recent seasons; bounced back to form on second start for Noel Kelly when second to Kalsman over 2m4f at Down Royal last month; notched another second behind the improving Bella Union over 2m1f at Down Royal on latest; may go one better now.

7/2

Form: 600553

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Only had six runs under rules and had a wide trip before staying on into a close third behind The Little Yank at Clonmel (2m4f, heavy); up 3lb but good chance that she can improve again now sent further (placed in 3m points).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:05 Downpatrick

Hello Johnjoe

11st 1lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Andrew McNamara

Went closest to winning over hurdles when third at Clonmel in January; poor in two runs since but yard has hit form so can't be ruled out on chasing debut.

10/1

6th

10

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 86y

14:28 Down Royal

Hello Johnjoe

11st 3lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Andrew McNamara

Sound effort on second handicap run at Clonmel (2m4f, heavy) in January but didn't back it up stepped up to 2m7f at Thurles when pulled up; needs to bounce back.

14/1

Form: 90941

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Came up short when heavily backed for his handicap debut but made no mistake at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) three weeks ago with the front two nicely clear; hit with a 10lb rise but he looks on the upgrade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 185y

15:52 Downpatrick

Kanog Bay

10st 6lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Off the mark in his second handicap start at Fairyhouse in January (2m4f, soft); hit with a 10lb rise for that and pulled up when upped to 2m7f at Thurles (signs of delayed recovery post race); needs to bounce back with a tongue tie added but big contender if he does.

13/2

10

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 195y

16:02 Thurles

Kanog Bay

11st 4lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Came up short when heavily backed for his handicap debut but made no mistake at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) three weeks ago with the front two nicely clear; hit with a 10lb rise but he looks on the upgrade.

9/2

Form: 0/0P7

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Finished midfield (beaten about 15l) behind The Little Yank on his handicap debut at Clonmel (2m4f, heavy) and that wasn't too bad a run for one so lightly raced; now goes in cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 195y

16:02 Thurles

Mister Rockefeller

10st 6lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: F Costello

Finished midfield (beaten about 15l) behind The Little Yank on his handicap debut at Clonmel (2m4f, heavy) and that wasn't too bad a run for one so lightly raced; now goes in cheekpieces.

33/1

Form: 4F385P

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Record of 1-22; respectable third over this trip at Listowel in September but hasn't kicked on from there, with last two runs particularly underwhelming.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

19

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 86y

14:28 Down Royal

Blossom De Mai

10st 1lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: P J Rothwell

Won at Tramore in November 2023 and ran okay there three starts ago but has pulled up twice since; revival needed.

28/1

17

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 195y

16:02 Thurles

Blossom De Mai

10st 4lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Record of 1-22; respectable third over this trip at Listowel in September but hasn't kicked on from there, with last two runs particularly underwhelming.

25/1

13

15th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:18 Fairyhouse

Blossom De Mai

10st 7lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

On a losing run since winning over 2m5f at Tramore in November 2023; stayed on over 2m6f at Listowel festival to take third in September; two less inspiring displays since then.

10/1

Form: P000

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Monroes Hollow, Nakassama, Saunton Surf, Anodandawink

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €182.30
Straight Forecast €121.89
Tricast €2923.98
Trifecta €471.90

Selections

The Irish Sun:

Hello Johnjoe

SPOTLIGHT:

Empire Walk

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Aine's Lad

POSTDATA:

Milanaway