1/1/24 Tramore & Fairyhouse

 The final winner of 2023 came on Sunday at Punchestown where Sir Gerhard tracked the leaders sitting 3rd three out. The 10/11 favourite challenged soon after leading entering the straight. He stayed on well on the run-in beating Thedevilscoachman by 2 3/4 lengths. The other pick Extrapolation was 3rd in a race won by Catch The Beast who beat Dancing Jeremy by 10 lengths. 

 A new year begins on Monday with 7 races at both Tramore and Fairyhouse with 2 standing out. 

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

1: Classic Getaway: A high-class horse who picked up his career best win in a listed race at Thurles on reappearance 32 days ago. He made all the running going 4 lengths clear approaching the straight, he kept on well comfortably coming home by 5 1/2 lengths. In a eye-catching race he looks like the one to beat. 

Fairyhouse 2.25: John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase (Grade 3)

1: Allegorie De Vassy: A smart chaser who didn't need to be at her best to win at Clonmel on her return 53 days ago. She moved into the lead approaching the last beating her stablemate the reopposing Instit by 2 1/4 lengths. She is one of the best in this division on her day and is hard to look past here.

As this is my last post of 2023 just a quick thank you for all your support in what was an exciting racing year let's hope for more of the same in 2024.

31/12/23 Punchestown

 After Saturday off Irish racing returns for the last day of 2023 which sees 7 races at Punchestown with 2 main events. 

2.15: Tote Guaranteed Available On Course & Tote.ie Hurdle. 

5: Sir Gerhard: An excellent horse who had a decent novice chase season last term. He was challenging in 2nd when falling 2 out in a Grade 3 at Naas on his reappearance last month but if recovered well from that then he is the one to beat here now back hurdling. 

2.45: Tote Fantasy Handicap Hurdle. 

4: Extrapolation: Has 3 wins from 7 runs this season his career best coming at Listowel when last seen 104 days ago. He was 4th at halfway and despite a slight mistake 2 out he was disputing the lead when left clear at the last, he kept on well to easily come home by 9 1/2 lengths. He gets the vote here to follow up on his return. 

29/12/23 Results

 Friday's best came in the Matheson at Leopardstown where State Man won, the 4/7 favourite was 2nd early travelling well to lead from two out. He went clear on the run-in comfortably beating Impaire Et Passe by 3 1/4 lengths. At Limerick Luminous Light was 2nd, the 5/1 shot was 5th at halfway but didn't get a clear run approaching the straight. He recovered to go 2nd two out but couldn't reach the winner Your Honor who easily came home by 5 1/2 lengths. In the days other Grade 1 Favori De Champdou was 5th in a race won by Grangeclare West who beat Corbetts Cross by 6 lengths. 

 After a busy week Irish racing takes a break on Saturday, there are meetings at Newbury, Haydock, Taunton and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve tips for the highlights will be up on Saturday night. 

29/12/23 Limerick & Leopardstown

 On Thursday two of my picks won, at Leopardstown Irish Point was 4th approaching halfway making headway to challenge 2 out. He led early in the straight stretching clear on the run-in easily coming home by 11 lengths. Over at Limerick Gaelic Warrior led from the start but had his lead reduced from the 6th. He travelled well asserting himself 2 out going clear from the last impressively winning by 5 1/2 lengths. The only tip who didn't win was Gerri Colombe who was 2nd, the 7/4 shot was 3rd at halfway but made no impression in 2nd before the last. He had nothing extra on the run-in allowing Galopin Des Champs to pull away and easily win by 23 lengths. 

 The festivals at Limerick and Leopardstown reach their conclusions on Friday with 7 races at both and 3 final features. 

Limerick 1.30: QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle. 

4: Luminous Light: A decent horse who was a good third in a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse when last seen 27 days ago. He tracked the leaders making headway from 3 out and despite making no impression on the winner he took 3rd after the last. He has a good chance here back in handicap company and just gets the vote.

Leopardstown 1.45: Neville Hotels Novice Chase (Grade 1)

2: Favori De Champdou: Won 3 from 6 over hurdles and made a good start to his fences career when second behind Affordale Fury at Galway in October. He produced some excellent jumping when taking a big step forward to win the Grade 2 Florida Pearl at Punchestown last month and with more improvement expected he can follow up. 

Leopardstown 2.20: Matheson Hurdle (Grade 1)

3: State Man: A horse with an excellent record who's only defeat in his last 9 starts came at the hands of the mighty Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. He won the Morgiana at Punchestown for a second season of his return last month and is the one to beat here. 

28/12//23 Leopardstown & Limerick

 The only winner on Wednesday came at Limerick where Hauturiere sat 2nd at halfway travelling well to lead before 2 out. The 11/10 joint favourite went clear after the last keeping on strongly and very easily beating Sainte Dona by 35 lengths. In the two Grade one’s at Leopardstown both picks failed to finish, Captain Guinness was pulled up 2 out with the race going to Dinoblue who beat Gentleman De Mee by 7 1/2 lengths while Daddy Long Legs was pulled up before the last leaving Caldwell Potter to beat Predators Gold by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 The Christmas festivals at Leopardstown and Limerick enter their 3rd days on Thursday with 7 races at both with three highlights. 

Leopardstown 1.50: Jack De Bromhead Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1)

6: Irish Point: An excellent hurdler who completed a hat-trick on his return at Down Royal 48 days ago. He travelled well to lead from 2 out and despite facing a challenge at the last he rallied keeping on strongly on the run-in and beating Magical Zoe by 1 3/4 lengths. He goes up in trip here and can make it 4 in a row. 

Limerick 2.05: Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade 1)

2: Gaelic Warrior: Won a Grade 1 novice hurdle by 10 lengths at Punchestown on his final start of last season and returned there to make an impressive chase debut 33 days ago coming home by 15 lengths. He should build on that here and looks hard to beat. 

Leopardstown 2.25: Savills Chase (Grade 1)

9: Gerri Colombe: A high-class horse who picked up his 3rd Grade 1 win in the Champion Chase at Down Royal on reappearance last month. He beat another in this field Envoi Allen by a neck and with improvement definitely on the cards he can complete a hat-trick here. 

27/12/23 Leopardstown & Limerick

 The best on Boxing Day came at Limerick where Stellar Story was 2nd, the 3/1 shot sat in midfield early moving into 2nd at halfway. He challenged briefly 2 out but soon had no extra keeping on at one pace from the last allowing Loughglynn to win by a length. Over at Leopardstown in the Grade 2 Mighty Bandit was 9th in a race won by Kala Conti who beat Kargese by 3/4 of a length and in the big Grade 1 Facile Vega was 4th with the contest going to Found A Fifty who beat My Mate Mozzie by 1 1/2 lengths. In the race at Down Royal Purse Price was 3rd.

 The top-class action continues on Wednesday with 7 races at both Leopardstown and Limerick with 3 more standing out. 

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

1: Captain Guinness: An excellent chaser who was second in this race 12 months ago. He arrives for another crack after winning the Fortria Chase at Navan on reappearance last month with two in this field Dysart Dynamo and Saint Roi behind. He can follow up and give his trainer a third win in this race in the last 5 years. 

Limerick 1.27: McMahons Builders Providers Irish EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2)

2: Hauturiere: A useful chaser who was 4th in a Grade 2 at Cork when last seen 17 days ago. She was unsuited by the drop in trip and made no impression from 2 out. Going back up to 2m 6f here will suit and she can give her yard another win in this race.

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

3: Daddy Long Legs: A french recruit who looked a decent prospect when winning on hurdles debut at Thurles last month. He ran well and took the lead 2 out asserting himself to easily come home by 13 lengths. He is the pick of the 4 Willie Mullins horses and can follow up here.

26/12/23 Leopardstown & Limerick

 A busy Boxing Day sees 7 races at both Leopardstown and Limerick on day 1 of there Christmas festivals with 3 main events. 

Leopardstown 1.10: Mercedes-Benz South Dublin Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

7: Mighty Bandit: A promising horse who was an easy winner on debut at Punchestown 31 days ago. He was 3rd entering the straight leading before the last, he stayed on strongly to come home by 9 1/2 lengths. He looks a decent prospect who can follow up here. 

Limerick 1.33: Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

7: Stellar Story: Has one win from two runs this season and was a good third behind Slade Steel in a Grade 2 at Navan when last seen 2 weeks ago. He should improve further here and can add to his trainers good recent record in this race.

Leopardstown 2.20: Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1)

1: Facile Vega: An excellent novice hurdler last season winning two Grade one’s his last by 7 1/2 lengths at Punchestown in April. He made a decent chase debut at Navan last month jumping well and winning by 3 3/4 lengths. He has a lot more to come in this sphere and is the one to beat here. 

There are also 7 races at Down Royal with the highlight coming at 12.13 where the pick is number 8 Purse Price.

22/12/23 Results

 The best on a very poor Friday at Dundalk came from Sailor's Warning who was 6th, the 5/1 shot led early but after edging to the left 2 out she was passed having no extra in the final 150 yards, upfront Nahori beat Gioiella by 2 1/4 lengths. The days other pick Not Forgotten was 9th in a race won by Cheers Again who beat Barbapapa by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 3 day break, there are meetings at Lingfield, Haydock, Newcastle and Ascot on Saturday with no racing on Sunday or Monday. The next Irish cards are at Down Royal, Leopardstown and Limerick on Boxing Day tips for the features will be up on Christmas Eve night.

22/12/23 Dundalk

 After no action on Thursday Irish racing returns on Friday with 8 races at Dundalk where 2 stand out. 

5.00: Gateway Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Maiden. 

13: Sailer's Warning: A horse who has run twice here catching the eye when fifth on debut in November 2022 and returning after a year off to finish 6th 3 weeks ago. That run was needed and she should progress further here so is worth another chance to confirm the earlier promise shown.

6.00: irishinjuredjockeys.com Apprentice Rated Race.

2: Not Forgotten: A useful horse who picked up his career best win over course and distance when last seen 37 days ago. He made headway to lead 1 1/2 furlongs out keeping on well to come home by 3 lengths. His trainer is having a good spell so he can take a step forward here and follow up. 

20/12/23 Results

 Wednesday's best at Dundalk came from Serious Notions who was 3rd, the 6/4 favourite disputed the lead early moving to the front 2 out. She was passed in the final 110 yards having no extra close to home, upfront Big Dynasty beat Barnso by a length. In the other race Marsa was 7th with the contest going to Apache Outlaw who beat Pier Pressure by a head.

 After today's action Irish racing takes another break on Thursday, there are meetings at Exeter, Southwell and Chelmsford. The next Irish card is back at Dundalk on Friday tips for the highlights will be up on Thursday night. 

20/12/23 Dundalk

 After two days off a very short Irish racing week begins with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where there are 2 main events. 

5.15: Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

9: Marsa: A three-time course and distance winner who was a creditable 3rd at The Curragh when last seen back in July. She was in midfield moving into third a furlong out keeping on at the same pace inside the closing stages. Despite being off 171 days she enjoys running here and she can continue her excellent record. 

6.45: irishinjuredjockeys.com Race.

11: Serious Notions: A useful horse who was a below form 4th on her last outing here 2 weeks ago. That can be overlooked and she sets a high standard based on a 3rd placed finish in a listed race at Leopardstown in September. This looks like an easier contest and she should be too strong for the rest of the field finally opening her account. 

17/12/23 Results

 On Sunday at Thurles Fun Fun Fun was 2nd, the 2/5 favourite led early and despite being pressed from 2 out she was 3 lengths clear before the last where she made a bad mistake. She was passed soon after and kept on at the same pace on the run-in allowing Birdie Or Bust to win by 3 1/4 lengths. Over at Navan Shannon Royale was 8th in a race won by Harvard Guy who beat Lord Erskine by 2 lengths. 

 After yet another busy weekend Irish racing takes a two day break, there are meetings at Musselburgh, Plumpton and Wolverhampton on Monday with Catterick, Fakenham, Wincanton and Wolverhampton staging Tuesday's action. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Wednesday tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night. 

17/12/23 Navan & Thurles

 The best on Saturday at Fairyhouse came from Positive Thinker who was 2nd, the 11/4 favourite pressed the leader early and despite dropping to 3rd at the 5th he was still in touch. He ran on well to challenge towards the finish but he just failed to reach the winner Emancipator who just came home by a short head. In the other race Hunters Yarn didn't finish, the 1/3 favourite was 5 lengths in front when he fell at the last, the contest went to Sa Fureur who was left clear and beat Byker by 40 lengths. 

 A busy Sunday sees seven races at both Navan and Thurles with two standing out. 

Navan 1.10: Download The Betvictor App Tara Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Shannon Royale: A lightly-raced horse who put in his career best performance when winning at Punchestown 3 weeks ago. He made all the running going clear after the last keeping on well and coming home by a very easy 24 lengths. He makes his handicap hurdle debut here and can follow up. 

Thurles 2.00: Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle. 

6: Fun Fun Fun: An exciting prospect who made a winning hurdles debut on this course 17 days ago. She led all the way and despite having a reduced advantage from the 5th she travelled well asserting herself on the run-in beating Sansrisk by 7 1/2 lengths. Improvement is expected and she is the one to beat here.

16/12/23 Fairyhouse

 Friday's best at Dundalk came from Moral Turpitude who was 3rd, the 10/11 favourite led for most of the way until she was passed in the final 150 yards. She had no extra on the run-in allowing Francis Meynell to win by 1/2 a length. The other pick Sweet Delta Dawn was 4th in a race won by Clarita who beat Go Girl Go by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 Saturday sees 7 races at Fairyhouse where there are 2 highlights. 

12.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. 

2: Hunters Yarn: A useful hurdler who was a creditable 2nd behind Hercule Du Seuil in a Grade 2 novice hurdle on this course when last seen in April. Despite being off 8 months he goes for a yard who have won this race in the last 2 seasons including with El Fabiolo 12 months ago so he is a big player here on chase debut. 

12.30: Tote Always SP Or Better At Fairyhouse Handicap Chase. 

9: Positive Thinker: A decent horse who has 2 wins from 5 runs this season his last was at Limerick in October. He was a good 3rd in a handicap hurdle at Cork 20 days ago leading from 2 out but a mistake at the last saw him drop to 3rd. He switches to chasing and goes back up in trip so this good-looking prospect can continue his excellent record here.

15/12/23 Dundalk

 The best at Naas on Thursday came from Heart Wood who was 2nd, the 11/8 shot sat 2nd early pressing the leader from 2 out. He had no extra on the run-in being no match for the winner Blood Destiny who came home by 9 lengths. The other pick Cut The Rope was 9th in a race won by Quai De Bourbon who beat Fenway Park by 4 1/2 lengths. 

 We end the week with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday where there are 2 features. 

4.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

4: Moral Turpitude: A useful filly who put in her career best performance when winning over course and distance on her last outing 42 days ago. She made all the running going clear from a furlong out staying on strongly to come home by an easy 6 lengths. She has the best form on show and can follow up here.

5.15: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. 

9: Sweet Delta Dawn: A promising horse who ran well to finish second in a big field race on debut at The Curragh back in August. She was 4th at halfway challenging from 2 1/2 out keeping on at the same pace inside the final furlong. Despite being off 117 days improvement is expected and she can go one better. 

14/12/23 Naas

 A good Wednesday at Dundalk saw both my picks finish 2nd, in the 4.15 Cross Border tracked the leaders early making headway 1 1/2 furlongs out moving into 2nd soon after. The 7/4 shot travelled well but kept on at the same pace in the closing stages allowing Billboa to win by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other race Perretti sat 5th two out improving into 3rd a furlong from the finish. The 11/10 favourite went 2nd entering the final furlong but couldn't get to McVay who won by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Naas on Thursday with 2 main events. 

11.30am: Bar One Racing 'Bet 10 Get 50 Sign Up Offer' Beginners Chase. 

1: Heart Wood: A promising horse who was a good second behind Grangclare West on this course when last seen 32 days ago. He moved well making progress after the last taking 2nd two out. That was his return after a year off and with that run in the bag another bold bid is expected and he can get back to winning ways. 

12.35: ALTO Equine Building Solutions Maiden Hurdle. 

3: Cut The Rope: Looked promising on hurdles debut when 2nd at Limerick in October and was on course to back that up when falling at the last at Gowran Park 33 days ago. He is a big player who just gets the nod here in a good-looking contest. 

13/12/23 Dundalk

 A very poor Tuesday at Punchestown saw Hgranca De Thaix finish 5th in a race won by Spillane's Tower who beat Firm Footings by a head while in the 2.00 Mayor's Walk failed to finish being pulled up before the last with the contest going to Jetara who beat A Penny A Hundred by 6 lengths. 

 Dundalk stages the midweek meeting when on a 8 race card 2 stand out. 

4.15: Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers Available Online Maiden. 

2: Cross Border: A useful horse who has been second on his last two outings including over course and distance 3 weeks ago. He was 3rd at halfway and despite being slightly hampered a furlong out he took 2nd in the closing stages keeping on at one pace. He has a visor on for the 1st time here and is worth another chance to achieve his 1st career win.

4.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

9: Perretti: Showed promise when 3rd on this course on debut 19 days ago. He travelled well making headway from a furlong out staying on strongly close to home. He drops back to 7f here but with improvement expected he should have enough to open his account. 

12/12/23 Punchestown

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 8 races at Punchestown on Tuesday with 2 highlights. 

12.00: William Hill Ireland Rated Novice Chase. 

4: Hgranca De Thaix: A useful hurdler who made an encouraging debut over fences when 3rd at Fairyhouse 66 days ago. He was in touch all the way sitting 4th two out, he improved to be 3rd at the last but made no impression on the run-in. With that run under his belt and improvement expected he can take this.

2.00: William Hill Epic Value Mares Novice Hurdle. 

4: Mayor's Walk: A lightly-raced horse who won on debut at Listowel and followed up with a good second at Naas when last seen 30 days ago. She led until a slight mistake at the last dropped her to 3rd, she kept on well and grabbed 2nd in the final strides. She goes back up in trip and this promising filly can return to winning ways here. 

10/12/23 Results

 Sunday's winner at Cork was El Fabiolo, the 1/5 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. He travelled well making headway to lead 4 out asserting himself soon after. Despite a slight mistake at the last he kept on strongly on the run-in to beat Fil Dor by 4 3/4 lengths. In the earlier Grade 2 Zenta was 3rd with the contest going to Silent Approach who beat Harmonya Maker by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 After an excellent weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Ayr, Lingfield and Chelmsford. The next Irish card is at Punchestown on Tuesday tips for the features will be up on Monday night. 

10/12/23 Cork

 Saturday's best at Navan came from Stellar Story who was 3rd, the 11/8 shot led early but made a mistake and was passed 2 out. He was 4th approaching the last taking 3rd inside the final furlong keeping on without threatening, upfront Slade Steel beat Lecky Watson by 1/2 a length. The days other pick Will Do was 6th in a race won by We'llhavewan who beat Summerville Boy by an easy 7 lengths.

 An exciting 7 race card takes place at Cork on Sunday with 2 taking centre stage. 

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

5: Zenta: Made it 3 from 4 over hurdles last season with victory in the grade one Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree in April. She travelled well to lead at the last and despite being passed she railed to come home by a short head. She goes for a trainer who has an excellent record in this race and she can make her chase debut a winning one. 

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

1: El Fabiolo: Last season’s leading novice chaser who made it 4 from 4 when taking the grade one Barberstown Castle at Punchestown in April beating Dysart Dynamo by 11 lengths. He also won the Arkle at Cheltenham in his standout campaign and looks very hard to beat here on his return. 

9/12/23 Navan

 The best at Dundalk on Friday came from The Old Nine who was 2nd, the 7/4 favourite tracked the leaders early sitting 2nd at halfway. He challenged briefly 2 out but didn't get a clear run soon after making no impression from a furlong out. He kept on well in the closing stages just failing to reach the winner Raknah who won by a neck. In the other contest Freescape was 8th in a race won by I Am Superman who beat Hodd's Girl by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 The weekend begins with seven races at Navan on Saturday where we have 2 main events. 

1.07: Tote Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

5: Stellar Story: A lightly-raced horse who picked up a career best win over course and distance on hurdles debut 3 weeks ago completing a hat-trick in the process. He led for a second time 2 out travelling well before the last coming home by 4 3/4 lengths. Improvement is likely making him a major player and he can achieve his 4-timer here.

1.42: Bective Stud, Tea Rooms & Apartments Handicap Hurdle. 

9: Will Do: Arrives here with a decent record picking up two wins from two runs this season. He didn't need to be at his best for his last victory at Thurles 16 days ago leading in the closing stages beating Getaway Charlie by 2 3/4 lengths. He makes his handicap hurdle debut here and can continue his winning run.

8/12/23 Dundalk

 An excellent Thursday at Clonmel saw both my picks win, in the 1.47 Cash Back led for a second time 2 out going 3 lengths clear at the last. The 2/5 favourite kept on well on the run-in without being troubled and very easily coming home by 99 lengths. The other race saw Captains Nephew sit 2nd early making headway to lead two out. The 3/1 joint favourite soon asserted himself beating Kilashee by 7 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Dundalk on Friday night with 2 features. 

5.30: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Maiden.

10: The Old Nine: A promising horse who finished a good second over course and distance when last seen 2 weeks ago. He was 4th at halfway improving to take second 150 yards from the finish with only the favourite Taraj too good. Improvement is on the cards and he can go one better here and open his account.

6.00: Bar One Racing 'Bet 10 Euros Get 50 Euros Sign Up Offer' Handicap. 

3: Freescape: A six-time winner here including this race twice who put in his best performance of the season when third over course and distance a month ago. He was 6th early making headway to grab 3rd a furlong out. He should put in another bold show here and can take this for a third time.

7/12/23 Clonmel

 Wednesday's best at Dundalk came from Sorrento Sky who was 2nd, the 3/1 shot was 7th early making headway from 1 1/2 furlongs out. He challenged a furlong from the finish leading soon after. He was passed in the closing stages just losing to Tarsus who won by a head. The other pick Serious Notions was 4th in a race won by Port Augusta who beat Finbar Furey by a neck.

 Seven races take place at Clonmel on Thursday with two standing out. 

1.47: Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan (Peugeot) Hurdle. 

2: Cash Back: A decent horse who has been a course winner. He was a good second at Thurles when last seen 49 days ago leading until being passed on the run-in going down by 1 1/4 lengths. His stable is in excellent form and he sets the clear standard so should go one better here. 

2.57: Thank You Martin O'Gorman M.R.C.V.S. Novice Handicap Chase. 

2: Captains Nephew: Won by an easy 18 lengths on his last visit here back in February leading before 2 out going clear approaching the last and never being troubled. He was a below form 8th on his hurdles return at Down Royal 26 days ago but that can be overlooked and with improvement in this sphere expected he can resume winning ways on handicap chase debut. 

6/12/23 Dundalk

 After two days off Irish racing returns with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where there are 2 highlights. 

3.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

4: Sorrento Sky: Made an encouraging debut when second on this course 3 weeks ago. He made headway from a furlong out leading briefly in the final 100 yards only going down by 1/2 a length. There is more to come and dropping to the minimum 5 furlongs here may suit. He should run well again and go one better.

4.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race. 

8: Serious Notions: A decent horse who was a good third behind Kitty Rose in listed company at Leopardstown when last seen 88 days ago. She travelled well from 2 out taking 3rd in the closing stages. That is the best piece of form on show and she can open her account here. 

3/12/23 Results

 The best at Fairyhouse on Sunday came in the Hatton’s Grace where Impaire Et Passe finished 2nd, the 4/5 favourite tracked the leaders disputing the lead from 3 out. He moved to the front entering the straight but was passed after the last. He kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong losing to Teahupoo by a length. In the other two Grade one’s both An Tobar and Letsbeclearaboutit came 3rd, the Royal Bond went to Farren Glory who beat King Of Kingsfield  by 1 1/2 lengths while I Am Maximus took the Drinmore beating Found A Fifty by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 After a top-class weekend at Fairyhouse Irish racing takes a two day break. Weather permitting there will be meetings at Plumpton and Wolverhampton on Monday and Lingfield, Southwell and Wolverhampton on Tuesday. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Wednesday tips for the highlights will be up on Tuesday night.

3/12/23 Fairyhouse

 Saturday's winner at Fairyhouse came in the Grade 3 where Risk Belle was 3rd early and despite being hampered 3 out she disputed the lead entering the straight. The 7/4 shot led from 2 out going clear and staying on strongly on the run-in to easily beat Nusret by 3 1/2 lengths. In the days listed race Fighting Fit was 2nd, the 12/1 shot was 5th early improving to sit 3rd after the last. He grabbed 2nd inside the final furlong keeping on without troubling the winner Solness who came home by 6 lengths. 

 There is a 7.30am inspection at Fairyhouse on Sunday morning to determine whether an 8 race card can go ahead. If it passes then 3 Grade one’s top the bill.

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

1: An Tobar: A highly promising horse who looked an exciting prospect when winning over course and distance on debut 26 days ago. He disputed the lead entering the straight moving to the front 2 out, he kept on well coming home by 4 1/4 lengths. With more improvement to come he can take the step up in class here in his stride and follow up.

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

3: Letsbeclearaboutit: Has two wins from two runs this season his last was a career best in a Grade 3 at Cork 28 days ago. He led for a second time 2 out eventually beating Mighty Tom by an easy 10 lengths. Another impressive performance like that will see him complete a hat-trick here. 

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

2: Impaire Et Passe: Was unbeaten over hurdles last season including victories in the Ballymore at Cheltenham and the Grade 1 Champion Chase at Punchestown. Definitely has more to offer and he can take this ahead of what could be a top-class campaign. 

2/12/23 Fairyhouse

 Friday's winner at Dundalk was A Piece Of Heaven. The 1/1 favourite made all the running and despite drifting to the right 1 1/2 furlongs out he kept on strongly in the closing stages easily beating New Year Honours by 3 1/4 lengths. The earlier contest saw Back Down Under finish 7th in a race won by Anvika who beat Clarita by a nose.

 If an early morning inspection is passed then there are 8 races at Fairyhouse on Saturday with 2 standing out. 

2.00: EasyFix Equine Handicap Chase. 

3: Fighting Fit: A horse with a good recent record who picked up his career best win at Listowel 71 days ago. He led before 2 out and despite being pressed at the last he kept on well coming home by 1 1/2 lengths. He hasn't been seen since having been saved for this and arriving on the up he can complete the hat-trick. 

2.35: WillowWarm Hurdle (Grade 3)

6: Risk Belle: A useful hurdler who was a winner over course and distance in April. She was badly hampered on the run-in being promoted to 1st by the stewards after crossing the line 2nd. She was a creditable 6th at Punchestown later the same month and with her yard having a good spell she can take this on her return.