May 22 / 18.29 Downpatrick

18.29

Good To Yielding

Frank And Brian Fitzsimons Memorial Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5130.43
  • 2m 5f 180y
  • 16 runners
RTV
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Frank And Brian Fitzsimons Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.00
  • Place: £3.60

Form: 8649-0

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
A 19-race maiden over hurdles but a player judged on C&D third off 13lb higher in March 2025 and good fourth at Down Royal on return off 8lb higher; sent off 13-2 when well beaten behind Gangster Granny latest but she's becoming well treated now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 185y

16:47 Downpatrick

Joya Del Mar

11st 7lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

In excellent form and has won two of her last three, both over C&D; is now 17lb higher than when winning easily here in May and this is stronger than the race she won last time but clearly loves this place and in the mix again.

5/1

1st

17

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:10 Downpatrick

Joya Del Mar

12st 2lb

J: Mr J P Sutton

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Second reserve; off the mark over hurdles at the 20th attempt over C&D last month; couldn't follow up at Sligo off 10lb higher mark next time

6th

1

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 162y

20:00 Sligo

Joya Del Mar

12st 0lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Got off the mark over hurdles at the 20th attempt at Downpatrick over 2m6f last time; raised 10lb for that wide-margin score but a repeat of that effort can see her go close.

4/1

9/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 5333-4

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Exposed mare; has won one of her 15 points but yet to win in 12 starts over hurdles, although has been placed on six occasions; only gave way late on over 26.5f at Perth nine days ago; should give her running again off lower Irish mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:07 Downpatrick

Bayonetta

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

Point-to-point winner; 0-14 over hurdles but loads of placed efforts to her name, including off 92 in a C&D handicap on penultimate; should go well but rated 95 and likely vulnerable to less exposed rivals; new headgear combination tried.

4/1

2nd

3

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Perth

Bayonetta

11st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

1-15 pointing in Ireland but 0-16 under rules; placed nine times, including on latest start when 14l second in a Downpatrick handicap hurdle (2m6f, good to yielding); ran another creditable race when fourth over 3m2f here on previous start (good to soft).

9/1

2nd

2

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Bayonetta

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Gerald Stephen Quinn

Exposed mare; has won one of her 15 points but yet to win in 12 starts over hurdles, although has been placed on six occasions; only gave way late on over 26.5f at Perth nine days ago; should give her running again off lower Irish mark.

9/1

OUR TIP

40/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 20860-

Last run: 142 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Has shown ability including when runner-up in a course bumper; made a respiratory noise in running when soundly beaten on handicap debut at Fairyhouse; never involved at Punchestown in December.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Scary Askari

11st 7lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: S McParlan

Has shown ability including when runner-up in a course bumper; made a respiratory noise in running when soundly beaten on handicap debut at Fairyhouse; never involved at Punchestown in December.

40/1

9

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Scary Askari

11st 8lb

J: Mr N McParlan

T: S McParlan

Standout effort a 4l second of 5 in a Downpatrick bumper in July (2m3f, good); makes handicap debut after two heavy defeats in maidens at that venue; best watched on this ground (pulled up twice on heavy in France).

33/1

9

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Scary Askari

11st 8lb

J: Mr N McParlan

T: S McParlan

Standout effort a 4l second of 5 in a Downpatrick bumper in July (2m3f, good); makes handicap debut after two heavy defeats in maidens at that venue; best watched on this ground (pulled up twice on heavy in France).

33/1

Form: 6389-2

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Placed in a Sligo maiden for Gavin Cromwell; highly promising stable debut when runner-up to Gangster Granny over C&D on latest, headed close home; effectively 7lb better off with the winner factoring in the rider's claim so should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

15:25 Sligo

Annarubyrose

11st 4lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Third in a C&D maiden last year for Gavin Cromwell; fair recent form for this yard, twice over 2m6f at Downpatrick.

13/2

Form: 8030-1 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Two Flat wins; gained first hurdles win when springing 33-1 surprise over C&D (good) a fortnight ago (prominent throughout); entitled to go well from 5lb higher mark; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 185y

16:12 Downpatrick

Gangster Granny

10st 13lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: C A McBratney

Dual Flat winner who won a C&D handicap off 92 here in May; similar performance when runner-up on last month's return visit; looks vulnerable in a race of this nature.

14/1

2nd

3

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:10 Downpatrick

Gangster Granny

12st 0lb

J: Mr L P Shanahan

T: C A McBratney

Dual Flat winner added a first hurdling success when successful over C&D in May (good, 33-1) off 4lb lower; couldn't follow up in a similar contest here (good to yielding) last time when a 20l fifth.

12/1

Form: 52006-

Last run: 178 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Maiden chased home a clear winner over 3m at Wexford last summer; rounded off last year with okay sixth of 16 at Tramore (2m5f) in November; off the track 178 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 120y

19:33 Limerick

Phildante

10st 4lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Eoin Doyle

Runner-up in a 3m handicap at Wexford last summer (good); struggled after that, but her 9l fourth of 15 at Sligo (2m5f, good) last time was more promising; place chance if building on that.

11/1

4th

14

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 162y

20:00 Sligo

Phildante

10st 7lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Eoin Doyle

Runner-up in a 3m handicap at Wexford last summer but hasn't been at that level since; has to improve from Downpatrick return.

22/1

6th

12

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Phildante

10st 7lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Eoin Doyle

Maiden chased home a clear winner over 3m at Wexford last summer; rounded off last year with okay sixth of 16 at Tramore (2m5f) in November; off the track 178 days.

16/1

Form: P8P0-3

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Had shown nothing prior to excellent third behind Gangster Granny over C&D on latest, and possibly might have won but hung badly left entering the straight (beaten 1.25l); front-runner has a place chance again from 2lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

13

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

14:35 Downpatrick

Artic Chief

11st 0lb

J: Mr E P Powell

T: Liam Lennon

0-8 but best effort came on third handicap start here in May when a 1.25l third over C&D (good); not at same level in a similar contest last time.

14/1

7th

10

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Artic Chief

10st 9lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Liam Lennon

Had shown nothing prior to excellent third behind Gangster Granny over C&D on latest, and possibly might have won but hung badly left entering the straight (beaten 1.25l); front-runner has a place chance again from 2lb higher.

4/1

3rd

14

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

17:35 Downpatrick

Artic Chief

10st 6lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Liam Lennon

Pulled up at Naas on handicap debut and tailed off at Down Royal; makes no appeal

33/1

Form: 0P86-2

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Fair form in bumpers early last season; best effort over hurdles yet when runner-up of 12 in course handicap (2m2f, good) two weeks ago, making most of the running; stamina not certain to hold out over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:07 Downpatrick

Mercurial Sea

11st 7lb

J: Paddy Cleary

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

0-8 over hurdles but has ability and was a good second in a mares' maiden hurdle over C&D (good) on penultimate; not as good upped to 2m6f on latest; the drop back in trip is a plus here but rated 88 so probably place claims at best.

10/1

8th

5

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Mercurial Sea

11st 4lb

J: Paddy Cleary

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

Fair form in bumpers early last season; best effort over hurdles yet when runner-up of 12 in course handicap (2m2f, good) two weeks ago, making most of the running; stamina not certain to hold out over this trip.

7/1

2nd

12

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 165y

18:35 Downpatrick

Mercurial Sea

10st 4lb

J: Paddy Cleary

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

Fair form in bumpers early last season; limited encouragement from a Navan handicap hurdle run; not disgraced in a maiden last time.

14/1

Form: 332P7-

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Showed next to nothing in maidens; placed on her first three handicaps before pulled up at Fairyhouse; found less than what looked likely when seventh of 16 at Tramore (2m5f) last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Yoursimplythebest

10st 5lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Gerard Keane

Showed next to nothing in maidens; placed on her first three handicaps before pulled up at Fairyhouse; found less than what looked likely when seventh of 16 at Tramore (2m5f) last month.

14/1

7th

16

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 0y

18:12 Tramore

Yoursimplythebest

10st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gerard Keane

Showed next to nothing in maidens; found the right level in handicaps; placed on her first three starts; second over 3m at Punchestown seemed very encouraging, but she failed to do herself justice when joint-favourite at Fairyhouse in January.

13/2

20/1

Form: 4837-0

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Longstanding maiden has plenty of placed efforts to his name over fences and hurdles, including a C&D third in March from 2lb higher; below best in two starts since; place shout but hard to fancy for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 150y

16:55 Downpatrick

Toor Moon

10st 7lb

J: Danny Power

T: Ms M Flynn

Longstanding maiden has been poor on recent starts over hurdles and fences so isn't easy to fancy.

20/1

10th

15

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Toor Moon

10st 4lb

J: Niall Moore

T: Ms M Flynn

Longstanding maiden has plenty of placed efforts to his name over fences and hurdles, including a C&D third in March from 2lb higher; below best in two starts since; place shout but hard to fancy for win purposes.

20/1

Form: 9P4FP- D

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdles winner but was pulled up on her last visit to the track in a chase and pulled up last time over hurdles at Thurles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Game And Glory

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: P J Rothwell

Dual hurdles winner but was pulled up on her last visit to the track in a chase and pulled up last time over hurdles at Thurles.

33/1

14th

21

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Game And Glory

11st 9lb

J: Christopher Shuker

T: P J Rothwell

Two-time hurdle winner but rated just 87, pulled up latest, up against it here.

40/1

Form: 700P0-

Last run: 160 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Second runner for yard; weak form in maidens; pulled up at Cork on handicap debut; never sighted at Fairyhouse in December; needs a transformation but early days for top stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Milesfromthehonk

10st 4lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Gordon Elliott

Second runner for yard; weak form in maidens; pulled up at Cork on handicap debut; never sighted at Fairyhouse in December; needs a transformation but early days for top stable.

14/1

15

4th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 20y

14:30 Cork

Milesfromthehonk

10st 7lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Gordon Elliott

Sister to a winning chaser; moderate form in maidens, may find her level in handicaps; worth a market check.

10/1

Form: 9960-

Last run: 229 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Beaten a cumulative distance of 131l in trio of maidens at 2m-2m2f on good and yielding ground; jumping issues evident when tailed off on handicap debut at Killarney; top connections and may have benefitted from the break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

16th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 85y

18:10 Killarney

Boston Queen

10st 12lb

J: Paddy Cleary

T: Gordon Elliott

Showed little in maidens and well beaten on handicap debut here over 2m1f last October (2m1f, yielding); brought down two out when near the rear at Downpatrick on return from break; a bit to prove.

18/1

8

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Boston Queen

11st 0lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: Gordon Elliott

Beaten a cumulative distance of 131l in trio of maidens at 2m-2m2f on good and yielding ground; jumping issues evident when tailed off on handicap debut at Killarney; top connections and may have benefitted from the break.

25/1

Form: 0357P-

Last run: 178 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Now 0-16 but hit the frame over C&D twice for Tony Martin off higher marks; pulled up on chase debut at Tramore when last seen in November; betting will guide on yard debut; tongue-tied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

15:07 Downpatrick

Gortmore Lady

10st 8lb

J: Mr J Costello

T: Ciaran Murphy

Maiden was placed on a few occasions when trained by Tony Martin; modest first two runs for this stable; beaten 45l on latest; cheekpieces now reached for.

18/1

9th

7

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 120y

19:33 Limerick

Gortmore Lady

10st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Ciaran Murphy

Now 0-17 but hit the frame a few times off higher marks for Tony Martin; in midfield when brought down at the second last at Downpatrick (2m6f, good top yielding) in a first-time tongue tie (discarded) on stable debut; may come on for that seasonal return, but needs to.

15/1

9

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Gortmore Lady

10st 12lb

J: E Walsh

T: Ciaran Murphy

Now 0-16 but hit the frame over C&D twice for Tony Martin off higher marks; pulled up on chase debut at Tramore when last seen in November; betting will guide on yard debut; tongue-tied.

14/1

Form: 40/P-0

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 7lb

11 yo Mare

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Sole win came over 2m5f at Roscommon in 2022; back from mammoth absence when pulled up at Down Royal last month; well beaten behind Gangster Granny over C&D on latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Lady Iseult

10st 7lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Sole win came over 2m5f at Roscommon in 2022; back from mammoth absence when pulled up at Down Royal last month; well beaten behind Gangster Granny over C&D on latest.

33/1

11th

12

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

17:35 Downpatrick

Lady Iseult

10st 10lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Sole win came over 2m5f at Roscommon in 2022; 100-1 when pulled up at Down Royal last month on first outing since October 2023.

50/1

12

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:35 Down Royal

Lady Iseult

10st 13lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Sole win came over 2m5f at Roscommon over three years ago; absent over two years and can only be watched.

33/1

Form: 0000-

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

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

Non-runners

Jimlis Cave, Jetstream Jeff, Cozone

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €215.20
Straight Forecast €156.24
Tricast €524.67

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Joya Del Mar

The Irish Sun:

Annarubyrose

POSTDATA:

Gangster Granny

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Joya Del Mar