1/1/23 Tramore & Fairyhouse

 The best on a poor Saturday came from Run For Oscar who finished 3rd. The 11/4 shot tracked the leaders and sat 2nd before the 7th. He wasn't fluent from 2 out and made no impression before the last he had no extra dropping to 3rd close to home, Saint Sam won the race by 6 1/2 lengths. In the big race Riaan was disappointing coming 16th, San Salvador won the contest beating Captain Conby by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 A new year begins on Sunday with 7 races at both Tramore and Fairyhouse and 2 main events. 

Tramore 2.15: Savills New Year’s Day Chase (Grade 3)

1: Stattler: A smart chaser who achieved a career best win in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen back in March. That made it 3 from 3 over fences and despite being off 9 months and with improvement expected he can make it 4 here.

Fairyhouse 2.35: John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase (Grade 3)

2: Scarlet And Dove: A good horse who was an easy winner of a Grade 2 at Punchestown on her final start of last season, she returned to finish 3rd behind another in this field Dolcita in a listed race at Clonmel 45 days ago. That run was definitely needed and with her stable in good form she can go well again and reverse the placings. 

As this is my final post of 2022 I just wanted to say thank you for reading this blog over the past 12 months and if I've pointed you in the direction of any winners I hope you won just a little bit of money,fingers crossed for more in 2023 and happy new year. 

31/12/22 Punchestown

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Saturday for the final card of the year with 7 races at Punchestown and 2 standing out. 

1.57: Tote Proudly Sponsoring At Punchestown Hurdle. 

7: Run For Oscar: A decent horse on the flat who was a good third on his hurdles return at Haydock 6 weeks ago. He can definitely do better in this sphere and has a good chance to show it here giving him the nod. 

2.32: Tote.ie Never Beaten By SP Tara Handicap Hurdle (Grade B)

8: Riaan: A promising individual who picked up a career best win on handicap debut at Cork 41 days ago. He beat the reposing San Salvador by a comfortable 2 3/4 lengths and despite a 9lb rise further progress is likely and he should follow up here. 

29/12/22 Results

 The final day of the Christmas festival's saw just one winner State Man, the 4/6 favourite travelled well to lead before the last. He asserted himself inside the final furlong keeping on well to comfortably beat Vauban by 4 1/4 lengths. Over at Limerick Brazil was 2nd, the 2/9 favourite led from halfway building a 2 length advantage from 2 out. He was passed before the last making no impression on the run-in, the only other horse No Looking Back won the race by 2 3/4 lengths. In the other race Three Stripe Life failed to finish, the 7/4 shot fell 2 out and unfortunately suffered a fatal injury. 

 After 4 days of top-class action Irish racing takes a break on Friday, there are meetings at Haydock, Taunton and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Punchestown on Saturday tips for features will be up on Friday night. 

29/12/22 Limerick + Leopardstown

 The best performance on Wednesday came at Limerick where Allegorie De Vassy won, the 1/2 favourite led from the 2nd and was clear 2 out. Despite not being fluent at the last she kept on well on the run-in easily beating Malina Girl by 19 lengths. In the races at Leopardstown Flooring Porter was 4th while in the day’s highlight A Plus Tard was a non-runner in a race won by Conflated.

 The Christmas festival's at Limerick and Leopardstown reach they're conclusions on Thursday with 7 races at both and 3 highlights. 

Limerick 1.30: Coolmore NH Sires Kew Gardens Hurdle (Grade 2)

1: Brazil: Took the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival in March and after a couple of poor runs got back to winning ways in the Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas 47 days ago. He came home 3 1/2 lengths in front of Fil Dor and in a 2 runner race he is the one to beat.

Leopardstown 1.45: Neville Hotels Novice Chase (Grade 1)

7: Three Stripe Life: A smart hurdler who made a winning start over fences at Naas last month. He was sent off as favourite in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse 3 weeks ago but he was pulled up before the 10th so is well worth another chance here. 

Leopardstown 2.20: Matheson Hurdle (Grade 1)

3: State Man: A promising horse who put in a career best performance to win the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown 39 days ago. He beat stablemate Sharjah by 4 lengths and can do so again here as he looks for a 5-timer. 

28/12/22 Limerick + Leopardstown

 Out of Tuesday's three tips there was only one winner Facile Vega. The 2/9 favourite led after the 1st and was 4 lengths clear 3 out. He travelled well and despite a slight mistake at the last he kept on to beat Il Etait Temps by 4 lengths. In the other Leopardstown race Chacun Pour Soi was 3rd while over at Limerick Jungle Prose finished 4th.

 The top-class action continues on Wednesday with 7 races at both Limerick and Leopardstown where there are three features.

Limerick 1.30: McMahons Builders Providers Irish EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2)

1: Allegorie De Vassy: A good horse who made it 2 from 2 for Willie Mullins when winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse when last seen in January. She came home by a comfortable 3 1/2 lengths and despite being off 11 months she should be taken seriously on her chase debut giving her the nod. 

Leopardstown 1.45: Jack De Bromhead Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: Flooring Porter: A high-class hurdler who has been a course and distance winner in his career. Was a bit below form when 4th behind 3 others in this field including Home By The Lee in the Lismullen at Navan on his reappearance 45 days ago. That run was needed and he can come out on top here.

Leopardstown 2.20: Savills Chase (Grade 1)

1: A Plus Tard: An excellent horse who clearly wasn’t right when pulled up 3 out in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on his return 39 days ago. He is the stand out on form and given how well he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup he is definitely worth another chance here to get back on track.

27/12/22 Leopardstown + Limerick

 An excellent Boxing day saw all three of my picks win, At Leopardstown Lossiemouth led at the last keeping on strongly towards the finish. The 4/5 favourite comfortably beat Gala Marceau by 7 1/2 lengths. In the 2.20 Saint Roi was travelling well entering the straight disputing the lead at the last. He led on the run-in beating Visionarian by 2 1/4 lengths. Over at Limerick Gerri Colombe challenged from 4 out leading entering the straight. He pulled away keeping on close to home beating Adamantly Chosen by 4 1/4 lengths. 

 The Christmas festival's at Leopardstown and Limerick continue on Tuesday with 3 main events.

Leopardstown 1.10: Paddy's Rewards Club Chase (Grade 1)

4: Chacun Pour Soi: Has won this race in his career and despite being nearly 11 he was still in top-class form last season which included winning the grade one Ladbrokes Dublin chase on this course. If anywhere near that then he is the one to beat on this his reappearance. 

Limerick 1.29: Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

6: Jungle Prose: A promising horse who picked up his career best win in a handicap hurdle at Navan 30 days ago. He came home by a comfortable 1 1/2 lengths and is the pick to complete a 5-timer here extending his unbeaten record. 

Leopardstown 1.45: Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

1: Facile Vega: A horse who arrives in outstanding form after picking up his career best win on hurdles debut at Fairyhouse 24 days ago. That impressive 14 length victory already puts him in contention for the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival and he is hard to oppose here. 

26/12/22 Leopardstown, Limerick + Down Royal

 After a short Christmas break Irish racing returns on Boxing day with 3 meetings 21 races in total and 3 contests standing out. 

Leopardstown 1.10: Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

8: Lossiemouth: A promising horse who impressed on debut for Willie Mullins when winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse earlier this month. That performance saw her jump to the top of the betting for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and with better to come she can follow up here. 

Leopardstown 2.20: Brand New Racing Post App Novice Chase (Grade 1)

3: Saint Roi: A smart hurdler who was second behind another rival in this field Fil Dor on his fences debut at Navan 29 days ago. He is 2lb better off here and can reverse the placings for a yard which has won this race 7 times since 2011.

Limerick 2.40: Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade 1)

4: Gerri Colombe: Picked up his career best win on his fences debut at Fairyhouse 41 days ago. That maintained his unbeaten record and he should take this step up in class in his stride. His yard is in good form and he can make it 6 in a row here with another bold show.

There is also a card at Down Royal where the big race comes at 12.13 the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle which should go to number 6 Mel Monroe.

21/12/22 Results

 On a poor Wednesday the best came at Dundalk where Cyber Attack finished 5th, the 11/2 shot was up with the leaders early but she had dropped to 5th 2 out. She soon made no impression while upfront Diamondsareforever beat Blue News by 1 3/4 lengths. In the other Dundalk race Walhaan was 9th and over at Fairyhouse Hallowed Star failed to finish being pulled up before 2 out.

 There is now no more Irish racing until Boxing day when we will have action at Down Royal and some big grade 1+2 races at Leopardstown and Limerick. Tips for the highlights will be up on Christmas eve. 

21/12/22 Fairyhouse + Dundalk

 An excellent day at Naas on Tuesday saw both my picks win,in the 12.05 Journey With Me led for a second time 2 out. The 7/4 shot made a mistake at the last but despite that he kept on well under pressure on the run-in pulling away to beat Brides Hill by 13 lengths. In the Grade 2 Inthepocket was 4th early improving to lead from 2 out. He stayed on well in the final furlong just holding on to beat Three Card Brag by a neck.

 The last Irish racing day before Christmas is on Wednesday with 8 races at both Fairyhouse and Dundalk where there are 3 highlights. 

Fairyhouse 12.37: NavanRacecourse.ie Rated Novice Chase. 

2: Hallowed Star: A useful hurdler who impressed when winning by 19 lengths on his chase debut at Galway in October. He was travelling well when falling 4 out in a Grade 2 at Punchestown when last seen 32 days ago however that can be overlooked and he should quickly get back to winning ways here going back up in trip.

Dundalk 5.45: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Race. 

11: Cyber Attack: Produced her career best performance when 3rd in a maiden on this course 12 days ago. She holds the edge on form topping the shortlist and getting the nod to open her account on only her 4th start.

Dundalk 7.15: Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

9: Walhaan: Despite it being 19 runs since his last win he has gone well here on his previous 2 starts,a good second last month was followed up by a creditable 6th 19 days ago. Dropping back to 7 furlongs is in his favour and he is preferred in this one.

20/12/22 Naas

 A good start to the week saw Harmonya Maker finish 3rd, the 8/15 favourite was 2nd after the 3rd improving to lead at the 8th. She was strongly pressed entering the straight being passed before the last. She made no impression sitting 3rd in the final 100 yards allowing Saylavee to win by 2 1/2 lengths. In the big Grade 1 Galopin Des Champs won, the 2/9 favourite was 3rd at halfway challenging entering the straight. He led before 2 out gaining a 5 length advantage before the last, he kept on well easily beating Fakir D’Oudairies by 13 lengths. As he crossed the line he was cut to 7/4 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

 The week continues with 8 races at Naas on Tuesday where there are 2 features. 

12.05: Bar One Racing Guaranteed Odds All Channels Beginners Chase. 

4: Journey With Me: A promising horse who was a good novice hurdler last season. He was travelling well until he fell 2 out on his chase debut at Gowran Park 24 days ago however that can be overlooked and if he has recovered well then he can definitely take this.

1.05: Tote Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

4: Inthepocket: Looked a fine prospect when winning on debut at Wexford 51 days ago, he impressively drew clear on the run-in to win by 6 lengths. With plenty more to come now upped in trip he is the pick here to take a good-looking renewal of this re-sheduled contest for the winning team of Rachael Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead. 

19/12/22 Punchestown

 Following the abandonment at Navan on Sunday due to a frozen track only one of my picks ran, that was in the big race at Thurles where Liberty Dance won. The 6/5 favourite was 2nd at halfway leading from 2 out. She was 2 lengths clear at the last keeping on well to beat Belle The Lioness by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 We begin the week with the rearranged meeting at Punchestown where on a 7 race card 2 stand out.

1.40: Free Entry On NYE Mares Novice Hurdle. 

4: Harmonya Maker: A promising horse who despite being off 8 months made an impressive start over jumps when winning by 18 lengths at Fairyhouse 34 days ago. There should be lots more to come and she looks like one to keep an eye on who can follow up here.

2.10: John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1)

4: Galopin Des Champs: An excellent horse who was unlucky to loose his unbeaten run when falling at the last when 11 lengths in front in the Turners Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He recovered to pick up his career best win in the Boylesports Gold Cup at Fairyhouse when last seen in April. If he gets a clear round of jumping here then this exciting prospect will be very hard to beat. 

18/12/22 Navan & Thurles

 After the second abandonment of the week on Saturday a top-class Sunday sees 8 races at Navan and 7 at Thurles. If both pass early morning inspections then there will be 3 highlights.

Navan 1.00: Tote Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

4: Inthepocket: A good looking prospect who impressed when winning on debut at Wexford 49 days ago. He eased clear to come home by 6 lengths and with more to offer now going up in trip he should follow up here.

Navan 1.30: Bective Stud, Tea Rooms & Apartments Handicap Hurdle (Grade B)

4: Jungle Prose: A progressive horse who picked up her fourth successive win on this course 3 weeks ago. She beat another in this field Lord Erskine by 1 1/2 lengths and should go well again as she looks for a 5-timer giving her trainer victory in this race for a 2nd season. 

Thurles 2.14: Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle. 

4: Liberty Dance: Was impressive when winning over course and distance 2 weeks ago. She kept on well on the run-in to come home by 4 1/2 lengths and with plenty more still to come she looks hard to beat here. 

16/12/22 Results

 The best on Friday at Dundalk came from Cyclamen who finished 2nd. The 7/2 shot was 3rd entering the straight challenging  2 out. She kept on well in the final 150 yards grabbing 2nd in the closing stages but she couldn't reach the winner Cristal Clere who came home by a neck.  In the other contest Fascinating Shadow was 6th. The 15/2 chance was always towards the rear making no impression from 1 1/2 furlongs out. He kept on at one pace and was never a factor, Freescape won the race beating Vina Sena by 3 3/4 lengths. 

 Unfortunately the weather has won again with Saturday's card at Fairyhouse abandoned due to a frozen track, the card is now scheduled to happen next Wednesday December 21st. At the moment racing for Sunday isn't looking good with both Navan and Thurles currently unraceable. Both tracks are still optimistic that the action can take place with Navan inspecting at 3pm on Saturday. 

With Ascot, Haydock and Newcastle also gone the only racing in Britain on Saturday should come at Lingfield and Chelmsford so fingers crossed they both pass early morning inspections. If Sunday gets the go-ahead then tips for the Irish cards will be up on Saturday night.

16/12/22 Dundalk

 After the loss of Thursday's meeting at Naas Irish racing returns to Dundalk on Friday night for 8 contests and 2 main events. 

6.00: Botanica International Ltd Maiden. 

5: Cyclamen: A useful filly who was a creditable 6th in a handicap on this course when last seen just 9 days ago. She goes back down in trip here and holds the edge on form so can finally open her account. 

7.00: irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap. 

7: Fascinating Shadow: A course winner who already has two victory’s this year his last coming at Cork in May, he was fifth in a hurdle at Punchestown on his last outing just over 2 weeks ago. A return to this sphere is definitely in his favour and he tops the shortlist off a handy-looking mark as he attempts to pick up his 4th career win.

14/12/22 Results

 An excellent day at Dundalk on Wednesday saw both my picks win, in the 1.40 Dabirann tracked the leaders sitting 3rd a furlong out. He improved to lead in the closing stages staying on well to beat Cherokee Run by 2 lengths. In the other race King Of Scotia ran well to lead a furlong from the finish. The 4/7 favourite stayed on to beat Shanadar by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 After the midweek card the next meeting should have come at Naas on Thursday but that was called off after an inspection on Wednesday morning, it will now take place next Tuesday. Racing does happen at Southwell with both Chelmsford and Ffos Las inspecting at 7.30am. The next Irish card is due to take place at Dundalk on Friday tips will be up on Thursday night. 

14/12/22 Dundalk

 After a day off we return to the All-weather on Wednesday with 8 races at Dundalk with two stand out's. 

 1.40: Irish Stallion Farms (C&G) Maiden.

3: Dabirann: Performed much better than his debut when 4th here 3 weeks ago. He goes up in trip and should improve further for a trainer in good form, giving him the vote to open his account on only his 3rd start in a good-looking contest.

3.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

2: King Of Scotia: An interesting horse who after finishing 2nd here in October went on to be 7th to Cairo in the group 3 Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown when last seen 60 days ago. He has the clear edge on form making him the one to beat and he can open his account now back in calmer waters. 

12/12/22 Result

 There was only one race at Dundalk on Monday where my pick Den Of Iniquity was 2nd, the 11/8 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 4th at halfway. She strongly pressed the leader La Tulipe Noire in the closing stages just failing to reach her and losing by a head. The rest of the card was abandoned due to freezing fog and poor visibility reported by the jockeys who took part in that first race.

 After today's abandonment Irish racing takes a break on Tuesday, there are meetings on the All-weather at Southwell and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is scheduled to be back at Dundalk on Wednesday, it it goes ahead then tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night. 

The rest of the week on the turf isn't looking good with the cold weather likely to put pay to fixtures at Naas, Fairyhouse and Thurles with Sunday's card at Navan having the best chance of going ahead although that could yet change. The seven race card that should have happened at Punchestown at the weekend will now hopefully take place on Monday December 19th where the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase will take centre stage. 

12/12/22 Dundalk

 An excellent Sunday at Cork saw Dinoblue finish 2nd,the 5/4 favourite led early and had a good advantage 4 out. She was strongly pressed and passed before the last by Impervious who won by 3 lengths. In the other Grade 2 Energumene won,the 1/9 favourite made all the running pulling clear at the 7th. Despite not being fluent from 2 out he wasn’t troubled easily beating Epson Du Houx by 15 lengths. 

 At the moment we should be kicking off the week with a 7 race card at Dundalk on Monday. If the weather plays ball then there are two highlights. 

2.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden. 

6: Den Of Iniquity: A promising horse who put in an excellent performance to finish 2nd at this track on debut 12 days ago. She was unlucky to only go down by a neck and she can definitely do better. She looks like the one to beat here giving her the vote. 

3.15: Irish Stallion Farms (C &G) Maiden. 

3: Dabirann: A good colt who put his debut run behind him when 4th on this course 3 weeks ago. More improvement is expected as he goes up in trip and he should go well again for a trainer in good form just giving him the nod in a decent looking contest.

11/12/22 Cork

 Unfortunately the weather has played it's part again with Punchestown on Sunday being abandoned. The card should have featured the John Durkan Memorial Chase which would have seen Galopin Des Champs return to action, a date for the rescheduled card will be announced on Monday. At the moment Cork is still on with an inspection due at 8am on Sunday morning. If it passes then on a 7 race card there are 2 features.

 1.45: O'Flynn Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2)

1: Dinoblue: A promising horse who impressed when winning on her fences debut over course and distance 3 weeks ago. She came home by 3 3/4 lengths beating another in this field Roseys Hollow. Further improvement is expected and she can follow up to give her trainer Willie Mullins a 6th win in this race since 2014.

2.20: Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase (Grade 2)

1: Energumene: A top-class chaser who after winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March went on to taste victory in a Grade 1 at Punchestown when last seen in April beating Chacun Pour Soi by 8 1/2 lengths. He is hard to oppose on his return and he should take this for a second successive season. 

912/22 Results

 Friday was another mixed day which saw Catherine Of Siena win, the 4/6 favourite led early making all the running. She was strongly pressed but kept on best in the closing stages beating Maggie Mcgrath by a length. In the other race Sound Of The Night finished 4th, the 4/1 shot was in touch sitting 5th three out. She improved to 4th a furlong out running on well to challenge close to home, Dynamite Katie held on to win by a short head. 

 Sadly the weather has put pay to Saturday's card at Navan with the meeting abandoned on Friday due to a frozen track, a new date has yet to be decided. The top-class action at Cork and Punchestown on Sunday is in the balance with both courses needing to pass midday inspections on Saturday, if they do then tips for the big Group races will be up tomorrow night. 

9/12/22 Dundalk

 A poor Thursday at Clonmel saw Ronald Pump finish 3rd, the 5/2 joint favourite was 6th at halfway improving to dispute the lead 3 out. He was 2nd entering the straight but made no impression before 2 out keeping on at one pace, he lost 2nd close to home with Floueur easily winning the race by 14 lengths. In the 2.45 Happy Dreams was 4th, the 9/4 shot led early but was passed at the 4th. He was 3rd at halfway coming under pressure and dropping to 4th two out. Upfront Womalko beat Carrolls Cottage by 1/2 a length. 

 We end the week with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday night where there are two main events.

5.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

1: Catherine Of Siena: A useful filly who put in a career best performance to win on this course when last seen a month ago. She stayed on well to comfortably come home by 5 lengths so the drop to five furlongs here shouldn’t be a problem. She has the best form on show and can follow up. 

5.30: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden.

14: Sound Of The Night: Showed lots of ability when exceeding expectations to finish 2nd over course and distance on debut 35 days ago. She was sent off at 100/1 and led until the final strides showing that this trip of 7 furlongs could suit. She sets the standard here and gets the nod to go one better.

8/12/22 Clonmel

 A decent Wednesday saw Banned finish 2nd, the 9/2 shot was 9th at halfway improving entering the straight. She led from 2 out but was passed approaching the final furlong. She made no further impression allowing Make Us Proud to draw clear and win by 5 lengths. In the earlier contest Skip James finished 3rd, the 5/4 favourite was at the rear making headway from 2 out. He improved to 3rd but kept on at one pace in the final 100 yards, Elusive Tune won the race by 2 lengths. 

 There are seven races at Clonmel on Thursday with two standing out. 

1.45: Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan Hurdle. 

8: Ronald Pump: A useful chaser who was a below form ninth in the Kerry National at Listowel when last seen 78 days ago. He switches from chasing back to hurdles here on his debut for a new yard and is the class act in this field giving him the vote. 

2.45: Next Meeting Thursday January 12th Novice Handicap Chase. 

3: Happy Dreams: A promising horse who has two wins from four runs this season. He didn't need to improve to pick up the second of those victory’s at Naas 26 days ago. He has shown some good improvement lately and is the one to beat here as he looks to complete a late year hat-trick.

7/12/22 Dundalk

 A mixed day at Tramore saw Indie Belle win, the 6/4 favourite was prominent and led after the 2nd. She was passed 3 out but regained the lead at the last. She kept on well to beat Prince Zaltar by 3/4 of a length. In the other race Carrig Carol was 4th. The 13/8 favourite was 7th at halfway making slight progress into 6th from 3 out. She improved further approaching the last keeping on well to take 4th close to home. Upfront Wat Ua Doin beat Fons Vivus by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 Dundalk stages the midweek meeting with 8 races and two highlights. 

2.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race. 

1: Skip James: A lightly-raced horse who opened his account over course and distance when last seen 54 days ago. He has progressed well in recent runs and with further improvement definitely on the cards he should defy a weight penalty and follow up.

5.15: Crowne Plaza Dundalk Race & Stay Package Maiden. 

10: Banned: A useful filly who definitely wasn’t herself at Wolverhampton in August. That run can be overlooked and she had shown some good form in previous maidens for trainer Hughie Morrison. She has since moved yards and is worth a chance to get back on track here on her debut for Joseph O’Brien and she tops the shortlist. 

6/12/22 Tramore

 After a rest day a busy Irish racing week begins with 7 races at Tramore on Tuesday with two features. 

1.45: Book A Table For New Years Day Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

4: Carrig Carol: Ran well to open her account at Fairyhouse 3 weeks ago. She led before the last going clear to come home by 4 1/2 lengths. Despite going off a revised mark here she should go well again and follow up.

2.45: Doneraille Walk Beginners Chase. 

10: Indie Belle: A fair chaser who should find this race easier than the listed contest where she was 5th behind Darasso at Thurles just five days ago. The booking of Davy Russell to take over in the saddle is a major plus making her the pick as she looks to improve her record and pick up her second win of the year.

4/12/22 Results

 The three Grade one’s at Fairyhouse on Sunday didn't quite go according to plan for my picks, in the Royal Bond Champ Kiely was 4th. The 10/11 favourite was 6th at halfway improving to sit 2nd after the 5th. He travelled well to lead from 3 out but he was passed soon after dropping to 3rd on the run-in, he kept on at the same pace losing 3rd close to home. Upfront Marine Nationale beat Irish Point by a head. The Drinmore saw Banbridge finish 3rd, the 11/4 shot was 3rd after the 6th moving up to 2nd at the 10th. He came under pressure in 4th two out making no impression before the last, Mighty Potter won the race beating Gaillard Du Mesnil by 4 1/2 lengths. In the Hatton’s Grace the racing world was shocked as Honeysuckle finished 3rd. The 4/11 favourite moved into the lead 2 out but after jumping slightly left she was passed dropping to 3rd before the last. She had no extra close to home allowing Teahupoo to win by a neck. 

 After a top-class weekend Irish racing takes another break on Monday, there is action at Musselburgh, Lingfield and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Tramore on Tuesday tips for the 2 highlights will be up on Monday night. 

4/12/22 Fairyhouse

 The best on a poor Saturday came from Cayd Boy who was 4th, the 9/4 favourite was in midfield but a bad mistake 4 out ended any hope. He was 5th two out but made no further impression leaving Sil Ver Klass to take the contest beating Magic Daze by 3/4 of a length. In the 3.02 Explosive Boy failed to finish. The 13/8 favourite was disputing the lead and had every chance when he fell 2 out. Whatsavailable won beating Flying Scotsman by 3 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Fairyhouse on Sunday with three grade ones taking centre stage. 

1.25: Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

1: Champ Kiely: A promising horse who was last seen winning the Grade 3 Woodlands House Hotel Novice Hurdle at Tipperary 63 days ago completing a hat-trick. He was impressive that day and should take the step up here in his stride and remain unbeaten. 

1.55: Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase (Grade 1)

3: Banbridge: Picked up his career best win in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham 22 days ago beating Tommy’s Oscar by 6 lengths. That was only his second start over fences and going back up in trip here should suit. He has already shown he is a better chaser than hurdler and on form he looks like the one to beat here as he goes for a hat-trick. 

2.30: Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (Grade 1)

8: Honeysuckle: A top-class hurdler who won the Champion Hurdle for a second time at Cheltenham before signing off last season with victory in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle. She is unbeaten and will be very hard to beat on her return as she looks to take this for a 4th consecutive season and extend her winning record to 17.

3/12/22 Fairyhouse

 A mixed day at Dundalk on Friday saw Ceallach win, the 1/1 favourite was in midfield challenging from 1 1/2 furlongs out. He led in the final 100 yards keeping on well to beat Seattle Creek by 2 1/2 lengths. In the other race Federal was 7th. The 2/1 favourite didn’t get a clear run inside the final furlong while in a close finish Yerwanthere beat Pierre Lapin by a neck.

 A busy two days at Fairyhouse begins with 8 races on Saturday with two standing out. 

12.42: EasyFix Equine Handicap Chase (Grade B)

7: Cayd Boy: A decent hurdles winner who was a good second behind Impervious in a beginners chase at Wexford when last seen 33 days ago. He makes his handicap chase debut here off a handy-looking mark topping the shortlist in this valuable race.

3.02: Kevin Sheedy Bowel Cancer Raceday 17th December Handicap Hurdle. 

12: Explosive Boy: A lightly-raced horse who was a very good second at Cheltenham 22 days ago. He was only beaten by a head and going up in trip here should suit. That run took his form up significantly also showing some stamina and he gets the nod here to pick up his first career win.

2/12/22 Dundalk

 A decent Thursday at Thurles saw Darasso win, the 11/10 favourite was 3rd four out challenging before the last. He led on the run-in keeping on well to beat Escaria Ten by 2 lengths. In the 2.32 Foxy Girl finished 2nd, the 100/30 shot was 2nd at halfway disputing the lead 4 out. She led before the next but a couple of mistakes saw her passed two out. She had no extra on the run-in allowing Liberty Dance to win by 4 1/2 lengths. 

 Eight races at Dundalk on Friday evening round off the week with two highlights. 

6.00: William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap. 

5: Federal: A promising horse who made a winning handicap debut at The Curragh in August. He stayed on to just win by a neck and definitely has more to offer after only 4 Irish starts. He makes his polytrack debut here and despite a 4lb rise he has leading claims giving him the vote. 

7.30: Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

6: Ceallach: A horse in good recent form who picked up his career best win over course and distance 3 weeks ago. He beat another in this field Dalvey by 1/2 a length staying on well in the closing stages. More improvement is likely and he should take all the beating again and follow up.