Today / 19.18 Roscommon

19.18

Good

Sheehy Meares/Team Earley Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5130.43
  • 1m 7f 204y
  • 16 runners
RTV
View Course
Sheehy Meares/Team Earley Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 9880-2

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Low-rated Flat maiden is 0-9 over hurdles but has placed a few times, including in a Sligo claimer last time (2m1f, good); had a stiff task at the weights that day so it was a creditable effort after a break; needs to build on that but 0-27 overall strike rate is off-putting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 2f 0y

17:20 Sligo

Eyeeye

11st 4lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Low-rated Flat maiden with minor placed form over hurdles; lacks a recent run and is not well suited by the race conditions; others much preferred.

20/1

21th

11

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Eyeeye

12st 0lb

J: David Byrne

T: Paul John Gilligan

Maiden, rated 90 over hurdles and 50 on the Flat, off since September, others appeal more.

22/1

Form: 86-133 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Much improved to make a successful stable debut in a 2m handicap at Punchestown in May (2m, good to yielding); back over hurdles off a 10lb higher mark since two respectable runs over fences; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

15:32 Listowel

Whispering Willow

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Much improved to make a successful stable debut in a 2m handicap hurdle at Punchestown and she nearly followed up on chase debut at Downpatrick (2m3f, good to yielding); jumped soundly enough that day and the one to beat here.

4/7

3rd

14

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Whispering Willow

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Left all known form behind when bolting up over hurdles at Punchestown (2m, good to yielding) on stable/handicap debut nine days ago; one place and three non-completions in points but high on the shortlist on chase bow.

5/2

OUR TIP

Form: 670-48

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Maiden's best handicap effort came at Punchestown in May on better ground, making much of the running and finishing fourth of 18; didn't build on that at Wexford later that month (2m1f, good to yielding) when a 17l eighth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

17:47 Wexford

Walk On Annilog

11st 11lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: Riceal Dunne

Maiden's best handicap effort came at Punchestown 11 days ago on better ground, making much of running in finishing fourth of 18 over 2m; bit more needed but could go well.

9/1

4th

1

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:20 Punchestown

Walk On Annilog

11st 12lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: Riceal Dunne

Two of her three handicap runs have been in much stronger races at Leopardstown last Christmas and Fairyhouse at Easter; this is more realistic, each-way prospect at a decent price.

14/1

Form: 0679-2 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Gained her sole win at Listowel last summer (2m, good) off 89; didn't threaten in her runs on softer ground this year but bounced back to her best back at Listowel last time when a close second (2m, yielding); she finished third off 2lb higher in this race last year; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:22 Listowel

Patty OFarrell

10st 12lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Peter Maher

Having finished second at Naas in April, won this off 4lb lower last year and was third at Roscommon next time; hasn't threatened since on softer terrain but decent ground is key to her and she might bounce back to form; usual rider has jumped ship to Shannon Bank, but sub isn't too shabby.

8/1

9th

9

18th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 1f 30y

15:15 Bellewstown

Patty OFarrell

10st 3lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Peter Maher

Best form has come on good ground, including her sole win at Listowel in June off 89 (2m); ran well off 1lb higher at Roscommon next time when third (2m, good); hasn't run to the same level in four runs since (three on softer conditions); questionable as to whether this ground will be good enough but she's capable at her best.

7/1

Form: 625-4

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Flat winner on heavy ground; 0-4 over hurdles but some decent efforts all the same; proved she handles better ground when not too far away in fourth at Downpatrick in a rated novice hurdle last time (2m2f, good); can't be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

14th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 165y

15:55 Downpatrick

Annies Angel

10st 11lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Adrian McGuinness

Flat winner on testing ground; 0-3 over hurdles, all three starts coming on heavy ground; not a bad run on second start in this sphere in a Hereford maiden (2m); rain would increase her chance.

12/1

6th

5

(5)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 1f 133y

18:52 Ballinrobe

Annies Angel

9st 6lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Won a Galway maiden on second start for Joseph O'Brien in October 2024 but no joy since, although second to Flying Fortress in Listowel handicap; three runs over hurdles since joining Ado McGuinness before tame Curragh effort last time; new headgear combination tried and handicapper giving her a chance.

10/1

Form: 8/08

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won on the AW for John McConnell in April last year; no show in three runs over hurdles but may do better now sent handicapping; check market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

5th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 113y

18:45 Clonmel

Slowdownbarney

11st 12lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

AW Flat winner in UK has been well beaten in two hurdle races, the latest at Tramore last week; best wait for handicaps.

40/1

13th

2

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

19:00 Tramore

Slowdownbarney

11st 12lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

With Gavin Cromwell when tailed off in his previous hurdle race in 2024; plenty of competitive Flat form since then for John McConnell but not overly appealing on this return to jumping action.

20/1

Form: 6P-083

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won a Limerick Flat maiden for Joe Murphy last year (1m, soft); didn't show much in opening hurdle runs for new yard, but there was promise in her distant third at Downpatrick on handicap hurdle debut (2m2f, good); shaped like this shorter trip may suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

14th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 165y

16:30 Downpatrick

Victoria Kesia

11st 5lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Flat winner didn't show much in four maiden hurdle runs; best form on the level on testing ground; likely best watched on handicap hurdle debut.

14/1

8th

5

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

19:00 Tramore

Victoria Kesia

11st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: John Joseph Hanlon

1m maiden winner for previous yard; nothing positive to report so far over hurdles.

100/1

Form: 69-920

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

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

Form: 950F-0

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
No show in three academy hurdles and was beaten when falling on handicap bow; made an inauspicious start to his life for new yard at Downpatrick last month when tailed off (2m2f, good); others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

14th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 165y

16:30 Downpatrick

Copper Rocker

11st 1lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Ross O’Sullivan

No show in maidens and was beaten when falling on handicap bow at Down Royal when last seen in January; new yard now and probably best watched after break.

28/1

16

20th Jan 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 33y

14:20 Down Royal

Copper Rocker

10st 9lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Edward Buckley

Lightly raced 4yo beaten a long way in a trio of 3yo contests; hard to make a case for on handicap debut on scant evidence.

33/1

Form: 3806-6

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Winless from nine but her best effort came in a maiden hurdle here last August when a 3l third (2m, good to yielding); quiet since, including when beaten 17l on handicap debut at Listowel (2m, yielding); needs more but maybe this track can bring it out of her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:22 Listowel

Cool Summer

10st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

Some useful bumper form and was third in Roscommon maiden on hurdling debut; quiet since, including on first run of the year at Tramore in April, but has top rider on board for the first time on this handicap debut.

8/1

Form: 5039-0

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Best effort came in her third maiden at Tramore when 2.75l behind the quality Cousin Kate; two subsequent handicap runs have been way below that level; the blinkers are new.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

5th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 113y

17:40 Clonmel

Gentle Annie

11st 3lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

Good effort in third maiden at Tramore when finishing within 2.75l of subsequent Listed hurdle winner Cousin Kate; ran disappointingly on handicap debut at Fairyhouse (2m5f, soft to heavy); maybe better ground can bring out her best.

12/1

11

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Gentle Annie

11st 5lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

Best effort to date on latest in a Tramore maiden hurdle (2m, yielding); opening mark looks fair on that evidence but stamina to prove upped in trip; still worth checking in the market for yard that won this in 2022.

8/1

Form: 000-9

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 85

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

Form: 7/751-

Last run: 367 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Gained a first win at Wexford last summer off 4lb lower (2m1f, good); he may improve for this return but market check advised.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

4th Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 55y

14:05 Wexford

Highland Earl

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Liam P Cusack

Hasn't troubled the judge in handicaps but bit more encouraging at Limerick on latest although didn't seem to quite stay 2m3f; drop back in trip to suit and not one to rule out.

10/1

5th

14

29th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 50y

18:42 Limerick

Highland Earl

10st 10lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Liam P Cusack

0-6 over hurdles and yet to trouble the judge; held by Tir Og on Sligo run latest; dropped 3lb but needs much more.

28/1

Form: 00/00-

Last run: 290 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Ended a terrible run of form when a surprise winner on the AW in November (1m4f, 50-1); decent efforts in two runs back there afterwards; his previous efforts over hurdles were dire but he has found some form on the Flat since then.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 0-00

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

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

Form: 773-77 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Veteran bagged a fourth win at Wexford last summer off this mark (2m1f, good); not disgraced in three runs this year, but more needed to win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

16

5th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 113y

17:40 Clonmel

Dontdooddson

10st 0lb

J: Jordan Canavan

T: Darren Collins

Veteran added a fourth win at Wexford in July (2m1f, good) off this mark; creditable efforts last twice but more needed to win.

12/1

7th

14

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

14:40 Wexford

Dontdooddson

10st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Darren Collins

Veteran added a fourth win when landing a C&D handicap in July (good) off this mark; third of 16 at Kilbeggan last time suggests he still retains some level of ability.

22/1

Betting Forcast

10/1 Eyeeye, 7/2 Whispering Willow, 13/1 Walk On Annilog, 4/1 Patty OFarrell, 6/1 Annies Angel, 18/1 Slowdownbarney, 10/1 Victoria Kesia, 14/1 Walk Win, 33/1 Copper Rocker, 14/1 Cool Summer, 33/1 Gentle Annie, 25/1 Del Boys Diva, 15/2 Highland Earl, 14/1 Syosset, 33/1 China Grill, 16/1 Dontdooddson

Non-runners

Gold Gatewood, Urban War, Goin

Verdict

An easy winner on stable debut and with creditable runs over fences twice since, WHISPERING WILLOW (nap is selected to win again off 10lb higher. Patty O’Farrell returned to form when a close runner-up at Listowel last time and she finished third in this race last season. Highland Earl and Victoria Kesia are others in the mix. [Denis Harney]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Whispering Willow

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Eyeeye

POSTDATA:

Walk Win

The Irish Sun:

Whispering Willow

TOPSPEED:

Eyeeye