1/1/25 Tramore & Fairyhouse

 The best at Punchestown on Tuesday came from Saint Sam who was 2nd. The 8/13 favourite led early and was 4 lengths clear at the 3rd, he had a reduced advantage from 3 out and was passed in the closing stages by Ballyadam who won by 1/2 a length. In the other race The Nagger Reidy failed to finish unseating his rider 3 out.

 2025 begins with 7 races at both Tramore (Where there is an 8am inspection.) and Fairyhouse including 2 features. 

Tramore 2.15: O'Driscoll's Irish Whisky New Year’s Day Chase (Grade 3)

8: Monty's Star: A decent horse who had an excellent first season over fences culminating in a couple of second place finishes in Grade one Novice Chases behind Fact To File in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham and Spillane's Tower at Punchestown. He has the potential to do even better this season and can make a winning reappearance here.

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

2: Limerick Lace: A smart horse who won 3 times last season the standout being the Grade 2 Mares Chase at the Cheltenham Festival where she beat Dinoblue by 3/4 of a length. She disappointed when 5th in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on her return in November but she can bounce back here and recommence winning ways. 

As this is my last post of 2024 I just wanted to say a quick thank you for all your support and fingers crossed for lot's of winners in 2025.

31/12/24 Punchestown

 After a day off Irish racing returns on New Year’s Eve with 7 contests at Punchestown where 2 stand out.

 2.05: Make The Tote App Your New Year’s Resolution Hurdle. 

1: Saint Sam: A high-class horse who completed a hat-trick when taking the Clonmel Oil Chase on his last outing 54 days ago. He made all the running and was 2 lengths clear at halfway, he asserted himself from 2 out keeping on well and coming home by 6 1/2 lengths. He is also a smart hurdler and can pick up a 4-timer here.

2.35: Tote's Cheers To 2024 Handicap Hurdle. 

10: The Nagger Reidy: Has progressed well since going handicapping winning at Listowel and then finishing an excellent 2nd at Tipperary 39 days ago. He recovered from a mistake at the last to challenge on the run-in only going down by a neck. He should continue his good recent form here and quickly get back to winning ways. 

29/12/24 Results

 The best on Sunday came from State Man who was 3rd. The 4/9 favourite wasn't fluent throughout making no impression from 2 out, he dropped to 3rd in the closing stages while upfront Brighterdaysahead beat Winter Fog by an easy and unchallenged 30 lengths. In the other races Robbies Rock was 4th with the contest going to Balko D'ange who beat Bright Legend by 1 1/2 lengths and in the days Grade 3 Lot Of Joy was 6th in a race won by July Flower who beat Kala Conti by 4 lengths. 

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

29/12/24 Limerick & Leopardstown

 A good Saturday saw two of my picks win. At Limerick Impaire Et Passe was 4th approaching halfway improving to go 2nd two out, the 8/13 favourite led at the last keeping on well to beat Jordans by 4 lengths. Over at Leopardstown Home By The Lee was in midfield early sitting 6th entering the straight, he kept on to challenge at the last leading soon after pulling away to beat Bob Olinger by 6 lengths. In the other race Fact To File was 2nd. The 13/8 shot briefly challenged before the last but had no extra on the run-in allowing Galopin Des Champs to win by 7 1/2 lengths. 

 The festivals at Limerick and Leopardstown reach their conclusions on Sunday with 7 races at each and 3 final highlights. 

Limerick 1.07: QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle. 

9: Robbies Rock: A useful flat winner who tasted victory on his 4th hurdles start at Cork 16 days ago. He disputed the lead at halfway moving to the front 3 out, he went clear before the last comfortably coming home by 3 lengths. A weight rise may not be enough to stop him following up here.

Leopardstown 1.20: Beat The Bank.ie Irish EBF Mares Hurdle (Grade 3)

7: Lot Of Joy: A decent hurdler who picked up a career best win in a listed race at Punchestown 35 days ago. She made all the running going clear coming to the last beating the reopposing Risk Belle by 4 lengths. Another good run is likely and she can complete a hat-trick here.

Leopardstown 2.30: Neville Hotels Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: State Man: A standout horse who has won 3 Grade one's in 2024 including the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. He was 2nd behind Brighterdaysahead who goes again here in the Morgiana at Punchestown on reappearance last month but with that under his belt he can reverse that form here and claim this race for a 3rd successive year. 

28/12/24 Limerick & Leopardstown

 Friday's only winner came at Limerick where Bioluminescence was 2nd early leading from the 8th, the 4/5 favourite was challenged approaching the straight but stayed on well to beat Paggane by 3 lengths. Over at Leopardstown Gaelic Warrior was 2nd, the 13/8 favourite was comfortably beaten by Solness who came home by 3 3/4 lengths. In the other race Karniquet was 5th with the contest going to Romeo Coolio who beat Bleu De Vassy by 9 lengths. 

 On Saturday there are 7 races at both Limerick and Leopardstown with another 3 main events. 

Limerick 1.40: Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade 1)

2: Impaire Et Passe: A high-class horse over hurdles who's standout performance this year was a win in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle in April. He led from 2 out and despite being strongly challenged close to home he held on coming home by a nose. He won by an easy 12 lengths on chase debut at Fairyhouse a month ago and is the one to beat here.

Leopardstown 2.00: Savills Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: Home By The Lee: A smart hurdler who has been a course winner in his career. He was last seen at Navan 42 days ago where he won the Lismullen Hurdle leading entering the straight soon going clear beating the reopposing Bob Olinger by 3 1/2 lengths. With blinkers back on he can win this race again. 

Leopardstown 2.35: Savills Chase (Grade 1)

2: Fact To File: An excellent chaser who extended his winning run when taking the John Durkan at Punchestown on reappearance last month. He tracked the leaders improving to lead at the last, he kept on well beating Spillane's Tower by 1/2 a length with another in this field Galopin Des Champs in 3rd. He has more to come and can complete a 5-timer here.

27/12/24 Leopardstown & Limerick

 A decent Boxing day saw two of my picks win. At Limerick The Big Westerner travelled well leading from 2 out, he asserted himself before the last staying on and beating Mozzies Sister by 4 1/4 lengths. The other winner came at Down Royal where Downmexicoway made all the running travelling strongly and easily coming home by 10 lengths. At Leopardstown Willy De Houelle was 6th in a race won by Hello Neighbour who beat Lady Vega Allen by a short head while in the Grade 1 Better Days Ahead was 2nd only losing to Croke Park by a head.

 The Christmas festivals at Leopardstown and Limerick continue on Friday with 7 races at both and 3 features. 

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

4: Gaelic Warrior: A top-class horse who was 2nd behind Il Etait Temps in the Barberstown Castle Novices Chase at Punchestown when last seen in May. He beat the reopposing Found A Fifty by 8 1/2 lengths in the Arkle at Cheltenham the start before and if reproducing anything near that he will be difficult to beat here.

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

2: Bioluminescence: A decent horse who's last win came in the Grade 3 Shannon Spray Novice Hurdle here in March. She was pulled up at Fairyhouse on her last outing but that can be overlooked and despite being off 9 months she should go well over fences and can make her debut over them a winning one.

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

5: Karniquet: A useful hurdler who made a winning start for Willie Mullins at Tramore 31 days ago.  He travelled well leading at the last, he kept on strongly easily coming home by 11 lengths. He should improve further and can win again here.

26/12/24 Leopardstown, Limerick & Down Royal

 On Boxing day there are 7 races at Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal with 3 standing out. 

Leopardstown 1.10: O'Driscolls Irish Whisky Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

6: Willy De Houelle: A good winner in France who impressed when 2nd behind the reopposing Naturally Nimble in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse 25 days ago. He travelled well from 4 out leading narrowly soon after, he was passed in the closing stages going down by 1 1/2 lengths. He is 3lb better off here and can take this.

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

6: The Big Westerner: A decent horse who looked a useful prospect when winning on rules debut at Punchestown 32 days ago. She was 2nd two out challenging entering the straight, she led at the last and despite being strongly pressed she asserted herself coming home by a length. That performance showed she's well worth her place here and she can follow up. 

Leopardstown 2.20: Racing Post Long Distance Novice Chase (Grade 1)

1: Better Days Ahead: An excellent hurdler who's highlight last season was winning the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham in March. He made a winning chase debut at Navan last month beating Slade Steel in the process and can win again here before moving onto bigger things in this division. 

The big contest at Down Royal is the 12.13 where my pick is number 2 Downmexicoway.

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas 🎅 enjoy your festivities and all the Boxing day action.

21/12/24 Results

 Saturday's winner at Thurles was Cottesloe Sunshine. The 3/1 shot was prominent early sitting 7th at halfway, she made headway leading from 2 out being passed on the run-in. Despite that she rallied to lead again close to home beating Beauforts Storm by a short head. The other pick Sequestered was a non-runner. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 4 day break, there are meetings at Lingfield and Fakenham on Sunday with no British races on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The next Irish cards are at Down Royal, Leopardstown and Limerick on Boxing day tips for the features will be up on Christmas eve. 

21/12/24 Thurles

 A poor Friday at Dundalk saw both Lunigiana and Tribal Moon finish 6th. The 4.15 went to Sharkii who beat Happy For Evva by a neck with Perfect Judgement taking the later race beating Proleek Prince by 1/2 a length. 

 The last Irish racing day before Christmas is at Thurles on Saturday where there are 7 contests and 2 highlights. 

12.45: Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase. 

2: Sequestered: A good winner over hurdles who was 4th in a novice chase at Fairyhouse when last seen 46 days ago. He was 2nd early recovering from a slight mistake to challenge again after the 11th, he wasn't fluent from 2 out dropping to 4th before the last. He has a good chance on form here and can make his handicap chase debut a winning one.

1.55: Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle. 

6: Cottesloe Sunshine: A useful horse who's last win came at Limerick in November. She was a good 3rd in a listed race at Punchestown 11 days ago where she led narrowly entering the straight being passed before the last keeping on at one pace. She can build on that and return to winning ways here. 

20/12/24 Dundalk

 After no action on Thursday Irish racing returns on Friday with 8 contests at Dundalk where there are 2 main events. 

 4.15: Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Maiden. 

12: Lunigiana: A decent filly who despite being winless was a respectable 2nd over course and distance when last seen 3 weeks ago. She was 7th at halfway making headway from 2 out, she moved into 2nd in the final 150 yards but made no impression on the winner. She is a consistent horse who can finally open her account here.

5.45: Botanica International Apprentice Rated Race.

9: Tribal Moon: Showed marked improvement when winning over course and distance early last month. He was 4th at halfway challenging from a furlong out, he led approaching the final 100 yards keeping on well and coming home by 1/2 a length. He followed that up by finishing a good 2nd here a week ago and with blinkers on for the first time he can win again. 

18/12/24 Results

 The best at Dundalk on Wednesday came from Current Option who was 2nd. The 15/2 shot was 3rd two out moving into 2nd soon after, he kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong but couldn't reach Apache Outlaw who won by a neck. The days other pick Empress Artemis was 4th in a race won by Cee En Gee who beat Bishopton by 1/2 a length. 

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

18/12/24 Dundalk

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Wednesday with 8 contests at Dundalk where 2 stand out. 

5.25: Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

9: Current Option: A decent horse who was 4th on this course just 5 days ago. He led early and was 2 lengths clear at halfway, he still led when passed early in the final furlong keeping on at one pace. The quick turnaround shouldn't be a problem and he can achieve a 9th career win here.

6.55: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Race.

5: Empress Artemis: A promising horse who impressed when winning over course and distance on debut 26 days ago. She travelled well making headway from 2 out, she led soon after and despite edging to the left in the final 150 yards she stayed on well coming home by 1/2 a length. Progress is expected and this good prospect can follow up here.

16/12/24 Results

 Monday's winner at Naas was Scope To Improve. The 10/3 favourite recovered from a poor start to make good headway 3 out, he led soon after going clear in the final furlong staying on well to beat Ifallgoeswell by 3 1/4 lengths. In the other race Slade Steel was 2nd. The 8/15 favourite led early but was passed after the 3rd, he challenged from 2 out but kept on at the same pace inside the final furlong allowing Lecky Watson to win by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Tuesday. There are meetings at Catterick, Wincanton and Newcastle. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Wednesday tips for the highlights will be up on Tuesday night. 

16/12/24 Naas

 Sunday's winner at Navan was Kalypso'Chance. The 5/4 favourite was 3rd at halfway leading narrowly from a furlong out, he ran on strongly in the final 150 yards comfortably beating Heads Up by 4 1/2 lengths. After his victory he was cut from 8/1 to 7/1 favourite for the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. The days other pick Cheerful Chap was 3rd in a race won by Midnight It Is who beat Folly Master by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 We begin a new week with 7 races at Naas on Monday where there are 2 features. 

12.30: Bar One Racing 100% Acca Boost On Self Service Terminals Beginners Chase. 

11: Slade Steel: An excellent horse who's highlight last season was winning the Supreme at Cheltenham. He challenged late leading before the last and despite being passed he went to the front again on the run-in coming home by 1 1/2 lengths. He made a good start to his chasing career when 2nd at Navan last month and he can go one better here. 

3.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction (Pro/Am) Flat Race. 

6: Scope To Improve: An interesting newcomer who comes from a decent family. He is a half-brother to Schalke who is a useful hurdler and he is also related to the top-class chaser Monalee. He easily won his only points start back in May and now with a standout yard he can win again here on rules debut. 

15/12/24 Navan

 On Saturday at Fairyhouse our winner was Majborough. The 1/1 favourite made all the running always jumping slightly to the left, he was pressed 2 out but asserted himself on the run-in quickening away and impressively beating Tullyhill by 6 1/2 lengths. In the days other race Native Speaker was 3rd. The 7/2 shot led narrowly in the closing stages being passed approaching the line by Judicieuse Allen who beat Kinturk Kalanisi by a neck.

 There are 7 races at Navan on Sunday with 2 highlights. 

1.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Chase. 

9: Cheerful Chap: A useful winner over hurdles who was a very good second on his return at Clonmel 12 days ago. He disputed the lead for a second time approaching 2 out being passed soon after, he had no extra before the last keeping on at the same pace. He has a good chance on form and can get back to winning ways here. 

3.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Future Champions Flat Race. 

5: Kalypso' Chance: A decent horse who impressed when winning on debut at Punchestown 3 weeks ago. He was 3rd at halfway challenging entering the straight, he led from 2 out asserting himself soon after and comfortably coming home by 15 lengths. He sets the standard and with improvement likely he can follow up here. 

14/12/24 Fairyhouse

 Friday's winner came at Cork where Spindleberry disputed the lead early but a slight mistake 2 out seemed to end her chances. The 8/11 favourite railed challenging in the final 100 yards staying on well to lead close to home beating Majestic Force by 1/2 a length. Over at Dundalk Lady Pagasa was 3rd in a race won by The Bear Trap who beat Prince Of Eyeries by a neck.

 The weekend begins with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Saturday where there are 2 main events. 

11.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

8: Majborough: A smart hurdler who was last seen winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham back in March. He tracked the leaders challenging approaching the last, he led inside the final furlong beating Kargese by 1 1/2 lengths. Despite being off 9 months this exciting prospect is the one to beat here on chase debut. 

12.00: McInerney Properties Rated Novice Chase. 

3: Native Speaker: A good horse who improved from his chase debut when winning on this course 32 days ago. He made all the running keeping on well from the last and comfortably coming home by 4 3/4 lengths. That was over a slightly shorter trip than this race but with improvement expected he can follow up here.

13/12/24 Cork & Dundalk

 After a rest day Irish racing returns on Friday with 7 contests at Cork and 8 at Dundalk with 2 standing out. 

 Cork 2.47: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

8: Spindleberry: A decent horse who put in some useful runs over hurdles last season her best was a 2nd in a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse back in March. A bad mistake ended her chances when 5th in a listed race at Punchestown on her last outing in May but that can be discounted and she can pick up a 2nd career win here on chase debut. 

Dundalk 6.00: Swifty Sports Proud Sponsor Of Irish Racing Maiden. 

10: Lady Pagasa: A good filly who despite not yet winning was a creditable 2nd on this course when last seen 23 days ago. She led early but was strongly pressed inside the final furlong being passed 100 yards from the finish going down by 1 1/2 lengths. Looking at this field she is the one to beat here and can finally open her account. 

11/12/24 Results

 The winner on Wednesday at Dundalk was Spycraft. The 10/11 favourite was 4th early making headway into 2nd a furlong out, she challenged soon after staying on well to lead close to home beating Nepal by 1/2 a length. In the other race Calrissiana was 3rd with the contest going to Sweet Illusions who beat Heather by a neck.

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Thursday. There are meetings at Newcastle, Warwick, Taunton and Chelmsford. The next Irish cards take place at Cork and Dundalk on Friday tips for the features will be up on Thursday night. 

11/12/24 Dundalk

 Tuesday's winner at Punchestown was Hey Sunshine. The 11/8 favourite was always in touch challenging from 3 out, she made headway to lead before the last keeping on well on the run-in beating Tareze by 3 1/2 lengths. The days other pick Jasko Des Dames was 2nd. The 11/4 shot led for a second time 4 out being passed before the last by Ifiwerearichman who comfortably came home by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 Wednesday sees 8 races at Dundalk with 2 features. 

4.00: Dundalkstadium.com Fillies Maiden. 

3: Calrissiana: A good-looking horse who was below form when 10th over course and distance 19 days ago. She was 5th at halfway but had no extra from 1 1/2 out. That can be overlooked and if she can find the performance that saw her finish 3rd at Leopardstown in October then she has a good chance to open her account here. 

5.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

5: Spycraft: An interesting newcomer who comes from a top-class family. She is related to multiple Group 1 winner Magical and also to Rhododendron who was a very smart horse. She stands out on paper for a leading stable and gets the vote here to win on debut. 

10/12/24 Punchestown

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Tuesday with 8 contests at Punchestown where there are 2 highlights. 

11.50: Punchestown Christmas Gifts Rated Novice Chase. 

1: Jasko Des Dames: A promising horse who picked up a career best win on this course 25 days ago. He was 2nd early improving to lead before the last, he stayed on well coming home by 3 1/4 lengths. He definitely has more to come and can complete a hat-trick here.

1.20: Buy Your Punchestown Christmas Gift Mares Novice Hurdle. 

6: Hey Sunshine: A decent horse who made it 2 from 2 in this sphere at Downpatrick when last seen 60 days ago. She was 3rd at halfway moving into 2nd 100 yards from the finish, she kept on well leading close to home winning by 2 1/4 lengths. She should improve further here and remain unbeaten over hurdles. 

This is post 1,500 so just a quick thank you for all your support even if not all of my tips win 😂😂 🏇🏇

8/12/24 Results

 Sunday's only winner at Cork was Energumene. The 5/4 favourite was prominent early leading from the 2nd, he recovered from a mistake 3 out and was a length in front when left clear at the last. He kept on well on the run-in easily beating Dinoblue by 10 lengths. The days other two picks failed to finish, Luckinthecity fell 3 out while Zenta was pulled up before the last. 

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

8/12/24 Cork

 The winner on Saturday at Navan was The Yellow Clay. The 4/11 favourite was 2nd early challenging inside the final furlong, he stayed on well getting to the front near the line beating Fleur In The Park by a neck. In the other race Oscars Brother was a close 3rd in a contest won by Flicker Of Hope who beat Backmeersackme by a short head. 

There are 7 races at Cork on Sunday with 3 main events. 

1.05: Singletons Supervalu Stayers Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

1: Luckinthecity: An interesting horse who made it 2 from 2 over hurdles when winning over course and distance 8 weeks ago. He recovered after mistakes at the 3rd and the 5th staying on well after the last leading in the final strides coming home by a short head. He should improve further and can get the hat-trick here.

1.40: Coolmore N.H. Sires Order Of St George Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2)

6: Zenta: A useful hurdler who was a respectable 4th in a novice chase at Ballinrobe when last seen back in May. She sat 6th at halfway going into 4th 3 out, she made no impression on the run-in keeping on at one pace. Despite being off since she definitely has more to come in this sphere and she gets the vote here.

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

6: Energumene: A top-class chaser who had an excellent 2023 winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham for a second time and following up in a Punchestown Grade 1 beating Chacun Pour Soi by 3/4 of a length. Despite missing last season with injury he is still the one to beat here. 

7/12/24 Navan

 Friday's winner at Dundalk was Ardagh Red. The 5/4 favourite led early being pressed a furlong out, he kept on well in the closing stages beating Inns Of Fear by a length. In the days other race Hightimeyouwon was 4th with the contest going to Catch The Paddy who beat Exquisite Acclaim by 2 lengths. 

 A top-class weekend begins on Saturday with 8 races at Navan with 2 standing out. 

1.07: Tote Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

1: The Yellow Clay: A good horse who picked up a career best win in a Grade 3 over course and distance 20 days ago. He was 4th at halfway challenging before the last, he led soon after keeping on strongly and coming home by an impressive 10 lengths. He should take the step up in his stride and complete a hat-trick here. 

1.42: Bective Stud Tea Rooms & Apartments Handicap Hurdle. 

6: Oscars Brother: A horse with a decent record who achieved a career best win at Cork when last seen 34 days ago. He led from 4 out gaining a 2 length advantage soon after, he was pressed at the last but kept on well to beat the reopposing Paggane by 2 lengths. He switches to handicaps here and can follow up. 

6/12/24 Dundalk

 After another day off Irish racing returns on Friday with 8 contests at Dundalk where there are 2 features. 

5.30: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Maiden. 

1: Ardagh Red: A promising looking horse who was 2nd on this course on debut 16 days ago. He was 5th at halfway improving to take 3rd 1 1/2 out, he kept on well in the final furlong going 2nd close to home. With improvement likely he can build on that encouraging performance and open his account here.

6.00: Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers Available Online Handicap. 

3: Hightimeyouwon: A decent horse who has been a course winner in his career. He was last seen finishing a creditable 2nd here 2 weeks ago sitting 7th at halfway making good headway to go 2nd in the closing stages. He makes a return to a mile here and tops the shortlist. 

4/12/24 Results

 The best at Dundalk on Wednesday came from Karazhal who was 3rd. The 1/1 favourite tracked the leaders but was always in 3rd, he kept on at the same pace inside the final furlong while upfront Donna Nook beat Wizard Of Odds by 2 lengths. The days other pick The Duke Mardukas was 8th in a race won by Ohmyviette who beat Sharkii by 1/2 a length. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Thursday, there are meetings at Market Rasen, Leicester, Wincanton and Chelmsford. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Friday tips for the features will be up on Thursday night. 

4/12/24 Dundalk

 Tuesday's winner at Clonmel was Lazer Wolf. The 10/3 favourite was 4th three out challenging soon after, he led from 2 out asserting himself at the last. He kept on strongly comfortably beating Cheerful Chap by 5 1/2 lengths. The other pick Three Card Brag was 3rd in a race won by Franciscan Rock who beat Sandor Clegane by 3 1/2 lengths. 

On Wednesday there are 7 races at Dundalk with 2 highlights. 

3.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

6: The Duke Mardukas: Showed improvement from his debut when 5th on this course 19 days ago. He tracked the leaders early sitting 4th at halfway, he was 3rd a furlong out but had no extra in the final 150 yards. Dropping back down in trip here should suit and with more to offer he can open his account here. 

4.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race.

4: Karazhal: Left his first run behind when winning here in September. He was 5th a furlong out staying on well to lead in the closing stages coming home by 1/2 a length. He showed more improvement when 4th behind the reopposing Nyman over course and distance 47 days ago and with more to come he looks like the one to beat here. 

3/12/24 Clonmel

 After a rest day Irish racing returns on Tuesday with 8 contests at Clonmel and 2 main events. 

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

5: Three Card Brag: A useful hurdler who has run well in all 3 of his fences starts culminating with a 3rd in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown when last seen in April. He led early increasing his advantage after the 4th, that was reduced and he was passed 2 out keeping on at one pace. He goes well fresh and can take this on hurdles return. 

3.05: Next Race Meeting January 9th Novice Handicap Chase. 

1: Lazer Wolf: A decent hurdles winner who was an encouraging 5th at Punchestown 18 days ago. He was 8th three out improving slightly to take 5th close to home. He definitely has more to offer now moving into handicaps so gets the vote to get back to winning ways here. 

1/12/24 Results

 On Sunday at Fairyhouse two of my picks finished 2nd. In the Royal Bond Romeo Coolio sat 4th four out improving to take 2nd before the last, the 1/2 favourite made no impression close to home allowing Tounsivator to win by 2 1/2 lengths. The Hatton’s Grace saw Teahupoo lead narrowly from 2 out being passed soon after by Lossiemouth who went on to come home by a comfortable 3 3/4 lengths. The other pick Firefox was 3rd in a race won by Croke Park who beat Heart Wood by a neck.

 After an exciting weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Plumpton, Ffos Las and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Clonmel on Tuesday tips for the highlights will be up on Monday night.