1/4/25 Limerick

 April gets underway on Tuesday with 8 races at Limerick where there are 2 features. 

4.05: Conference & Banqueting Facilities At Limerick Maiden Hurdle. 

4: Icare D'Aubrelle: A lightly-raced horse who was a bit below form when 5th at Navan when last seen 51 days ago. He led early but got passed after a mistake 2 out, he soon moved down the field making no impression. He showed promise on hurdles debut in December and a performance close to that could be enough to pick up a 2nd career win.

6.45: Limerick Races On Facebook Handicap Chase. 

1: Drumgill: A good horse who has 4 wins already this season his last coming in November. He was a decent 3rd in a Grade 3 at Thurles 2 weeks ago disputing the lead 6 out being passed soon after dropping to 3rd entering the straight. He makes his handicap chase debut here and can return to winning ways. 

30/3/25 Results

 Both of Sunday’s winners came at Leopardstown. In the early race Henri Matisse was 4th entering the straight making headway from 1 1/2 out. The 6/4 favourite stayed on well to lead close to home beating Comanche Brave by 1/2 a length. In the other Group 3 Delacroix made all the running going clear from a furlong out. He stayed on strongly easily beating Lambourn by 2 1/4 lengths. Over at Downpatrick Iris Emery failed to finish being pulled up 3 out.

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

30/3/25 Leopardstown & Downpatrick

 The best on Saturday at The Curragh came from Camille Pissarro who was 2nd. The 3/1 shot made headway from a furlong out sitting 3rd 150 yards from the finish. He moved into 2nd in the closing stages but couldn't reach Big Gossey who won by 1/2 a length. The days other pick Keke was 4th in a race won by Two Stars who beat Betsen by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 A busy Sunday sees 7 races at both Leopardstown and Downpatrick with 3 main events. 

Leopardstown 2.35: Ballylinch Stud 'Red Rocks' Stakes (Group 3)

1: Henri Matisse: A smart horse who won 4 times in his juvenile season including 2 Group two's at The Curragh and the Grade 1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar when last seen in November. The drop in trip here shouldn’t be a problem and he can make a winning return. 

Leopardstown 3.45: P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes (Group 3)

1: Delacroix: A progressive horse who improved with each run last season the highlight being a win in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. He ended his campaign with an excellent 2nd at Doncaster in the Futurity and with more to come he can resume winning ways here. 

Downpatrick 4.05: Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase. 

12: Iris Emery: A decent horse who returned to form when 3rd in the Dublin National at Leopardstown a month ago. She made good headway to sit 2nd two out and had every chance approaching the last making no impression on the run-in keeping on at one pace. She is a major player here and can open her chase account. 

29/3/25 The Curragh

 Friday's best at Dundalk came from Signor Ferrari who was 4th. The 5/2 favourite was 7th a furlong out keeping on without threatening taking 4th close to home, Notforalongtime took the contest beating Roman Harry by 4 3/4 lengths. The other pick Army Leave was 7th in a race won by Lady Iman who beat Stop The Nation by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 The Curragh stages 8 races on Saturday where 2 stand out. 

2.15: Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap. 

5: Keke: An improving horse who made it 4 wins from his last 5 starts over course and distance in September. He made good headway a furlong out leading in the final 150 yards comfortably coming home by 3 3/4 lengths. That performance showed there is still plenty more to come and he can follow up here on his return. 

4.00: Lester Piggott Gladness Stakes.

10: Camille Pissarro: A smart horse who picked up a career best win in the Group 1 Prix Jean- Luc Lagardere over at Longchamp when last seen in October beating Rashabar by a neck. Despite having a penalty to contend with he can defy that and win again here on his season debut. 

28/3/25 Dundalk

 The best on a poor Thursday at Clonmel came from Doonbeg Don who was 7th in a race won by Ik's Man who beat Emily In Paris by 9 lengths while in the other contest Rath Gaul Boy was a non-runner. 

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

5.30: Dundalk Stadium Group Deals Available Apprentice Optional Claiming Race. 

6: Signor Ferrari: A fair horse who has been a course winner his latest was in February. He was 3rd at halfway leading from 2 out, he kept on well inside the final furlong coming home by 3/4 of a length. He wasn't seen at his best when 7th here 2 weeks ago but going significantly back down in trip will suit and he can return to winning ways. 

7.00: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

8: Army Leave: A well-bred horse who showed ability when 3rd on debut at The Curragh 12 days ago. She travelled well going 2nd 1 1/2 furlongs out, she dropped to 3rd close to home having no extra. Improvement is expected and she can open her account here. 

27/3/25 Clonmel

 After a 3 day break Irish racing returns on Thursday with 8 contests at Clonmel where there are 2 features. 

3.12: Ballymacarbry Beginners Chase. 

8: Rath Gaul Boy: A promising horse who's last win came over hurdles at Ffos Las. He was a creditable 3rd on fences debut at Punchestown 35 days ago where he disputed the lead early sitting 2nd two out, he dropped to 3rd inside the final furlong having no extra. He goes up in trip here and with progress expected he can pick up a 4th career win.

3.42: Careys Castle Handicap Chase. 

9: Doonbeg Don: A decent horse who was a very good 2nd at Down Royal when last seen 65 days ago. He was 2nd at halfway challenging entering the straight, he was passed two out making no impression from the last. Despite a 2lb weight rise he has an excellent chance and he can win again here.

23/3/25 Results

 Sunday's only winner was Sunchart. The 6/1 shot was at the rear early making headway to lead from 1 1/2 furlongs out, he kept on well in the closing stages beating Enfranchise by 2 3/4 lengths. In the other races Monbeg Park was 4th with the contest going to Fun Fun Fun who beat Harry Des Ongrais by an easy 13 lengths and Serengeti was 8th.

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 3 day break. There are meetings at Lingfield, Wincanton and Wolverhampton on Monday with Hexham, Taunton and Newcastle on Tuesday and Market Rasen, Hereford and Kempton on Wednesday. The next Irish card is at Clonmel on Thursday tips for the highlights will be up on Wednesday night.

23/3/25 Naas & Limerick

 The best on a poor Saturday at Navan came from C'est Ta Chance who was 4th. The 11/4 shot was in midfield early sitting 4th after the 6th, he made no impression at the last keeping on at one pace. Upfront Cardcounter won beating Blue Mosque by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other race Hillsdale failed to finish falling 2 out. 

 A busy Sunday sees 8 races at Naas and 7 at Limerick with 3 standing out. 

Naas 3.48: Irish Racing Writers Association Ron McKnight Memorial Madrid Handicap. 

2: Serengeti: A promising horse who caught the eye when opening his account at Dundalk back in October. He travelled well to lead from 2 out staying on under pressure in the final furlong winning by 1 1/4 lengths. There is definitely more to come on handicap debut and he can follow up here. 

Limerick 4.03: Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

3: Monbeg Park: A smart chaser who picked up a career best win at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago. He made headway from 2 out leading before the last, he asserted himself on the run-in coming home by 2 1/2 lengths. He has an excellent chance on form and he can win again here.

Naas 4.23: Tote Irish EBF Devoy Stakes. 

6: Sunchart: A useful horse who won this by 6 1/2 lengths last year. He has tasted success at Wexford since but ran a rare poor race finishing 7th at Leopardstown when last seen in October. Despite being off 154 days he tops the shortlist here and can retain his crown.

22/3/25 Navan

 Friday's best at Dundalk came from Sporting Hero who was 2nd. The 4/1 shot travelled well to lead from two out, he was strongly pressed being passed inside the final furlong by Jered Maddox who won by 1/2 a length. The days other pick Tam Lin was 5th in a race won by Sunriseontheboyne who beat Scarlet Widow by 1 1/4 lengths.

 Saturday sees 8 races at Navan where there are 2 main events. 

3.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle. 

5: C'est Ta Chance: A useful hurdler who was a creditable 4th behind William Munny in a listed race at Punchestown when last seen 30 days ago. He was 3rd three out dropping to 4th at the last and having no extra. He goes significantly up in trip here which will definitely suit making him the one to beat.

4.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final.

10: Hillsdale: An interesting horse who picked up a career best win at Clonmel 66 days ago. He was 4th at halfway making progress from 4 out, he recovered from a mistake to lead entering the straight keeping on and easily coming home by 7 1/2 lengths. Despite going up in trip he can complete a hat-trick here. 

21/3/25 Dundalk

 Thursday's winner at Cork was Luminous Light. The 7/1 shot was slightly hampered 4 out but soon made headway into 4th entering the straight, he went 2nd soon after and was left clear after a faller at the last keeping on well to beat Cafe Con Leche by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other race Nelson County was 4th in a contest won by Hitak who beat Getaway Charlie by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Dundalk on Friday with 2 highlights. 

4.45: Dundalk Stadium Winter Series Awards Day Handicap. 

1: Sporting Hero: A horse in excellent form who has won back-to-back over course and distance. His last victory came at the end of February where he was prominent challenging entering the straight. He led narrowly from 2 out and was strongly pressed close to home just winning by a head. Another good run is likely and he can complete a hat-trick here. 

6.15: Dundalk Stadium Winter Series Champion Trainer Handicap. 

7: Tam Lin: A good horse who runs well over course and distance winning in February and finishing a creditable 3rd three weeks ago. He tracked the leaders moving into 3rd a furlong out keeping on at the same pace. He can build on that here and quickly return to winning ways. 

20/3/25 Cork

 After a two day break Irish racing returns on Thursday with 7 contests at Cork where there are 2 features. 

3.37: Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series At Punchestown Festival 2025 Qualifier Handicap Hurdle. 

8: Luminous Light: A decent horse who has been a course winner in his career. He didn't need to show improvement to taste victory at Clonmel 35 days ago where he was 4th entering the straight challenging on the run-in leading close to home and winning by a neck. He switches to hurdles here and has a good chance to follow up. 

4.12: Social Packs For The Easter Festival Handicap Hurdle. 

11: Nelson County: A lightly-raced horse who was an excellent 3rd on handicap debut at Fairyhouse 26 days ago. He was 7th two out improving into 3rd at the last and despite a mistake he kept on well without reaching the winner. This longer trip should suit and with his stable having a good spell he can open his account here.

17/3/25 Results

 Monday's winner came at Down Royal where Favori De Champdou disputed the lead early moving to the front 3 out, he asserted himself before the last keeping on well and comfortably beating Jumping Jet by 7 lengths. Over at Wexford Walnut Beach was 9th in a race won by Duke Otto who beat Addragoole by a short head. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 2 day break. There are meetings at Wetherby, Exeter and Wolverhampton on Tuesday with Haydock, Huntingdon and Southwell on Wednesday. The next Irish card is at Cork on Thursday tips for the highlights will be up on Wednesday night.

17/3/25 Wexford & Down Royal

 A very poor Sunday at The Curragh saw Go Athletico finish 9th in a race won by Laugh A Minute who beat Love Billy Boy by a neck while in the Irish Lincolnshire Raadobarg was 18th with Orandi taking the contest beating Kortez Bay by 3/4 of a length. 

 A busy Monday sees seven races at both Wexford and Down Royal with 2 standing out. 

Wexford 3.20: Michael O'Murchadha Handicap Hurdle. 

8: Walnut Beach: A good-looking horse who has 2 wins from 6 runs this season the last being at Killarney back in August. He was a respectable 6th at Punchestown on his final outing in November and despite being off 114 days and going back down in trip he has a good chance on form and can return to winning ways here. 

Down Royal 3.37: Bluegrass Stamm 30 Chase. 

1: Favori De Champdou: A useful chaser who's latest run was a creditable 3rd in a Grand National trial at Punchestown 25 days ago. He was 7th two out making headway into 3rd before the last keeping on without threatening the winner. He arrives in decent form and can pick up a 7th career win here.

16/3/25 The Curragh

 At Thurles on Saturday both my picks were 2nd. In the opener Theatre Native led briefly being passed before the 2nd, the 5/4 favourite moved into 2nd early in the straight but made no impression allowing A Law Of Her Own to win by 1 1/2 lengths. In the days Grade 3 High Class Hero led for a second time 3 out being challenged before the last, the 2/13 favourite made a mistake and was passed on the run-in by Common Practice who won by 3/4 of a length. 

 The Curragh stages 8 races on Sunday with 2 main events.

2.40: NUA Healthcare Handicap. 

2: Go Athletico: A good horse who did win a Group 3 over course and distance in 2023 but was below that form last season including finishing 8th in a Group race on his only French start. He has since come back to Ireland rejoining the yard of Ado McGuinness and going down in grade gives him an excellent chance here. 

3.45: NUA Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire. 

5: Raadobarg: A decent horse who has been a course and distance winner in his career. He was last seen finishing 6th behind Flying Finn at Haydock back in September where he sat in a good position 3 out dropping down the field soon after and fading in the closing stages. Despite being off 169 days he has a good record fresh finishing 3rd in this race 12 months ago and he can win this.

15/3/25 Thurles

 Friday's best at Cheltenham came from both The Big Westerner and Galopin Des Champs who were 2nd. In the Albert Bartlett The Big Westerner was in midfield chasing the leaders from 2 out, he was hampered soon after but recovered making headway to challenge before the last. He kept on but couldn't reach Jasmin De Vaux who won by 2 1/2 lengths. The Gold Cup saw Galopin Des Champs challenge from 3 out leading soon after, the 8/13 favourite was passed before the last making no impression on Inothewayurthinkin who won by 6 lengths. The other pick East India Dock was 3rd in a race won by Poniros beating Lulamba by a neck. Over at Dundalk Theophilos was 5th with Gracesolution taking the contest beating Pearl Jewel by a nose.

 After a busy week a quieter weekend begins on Saturday with 7 races at Thurles where there are 2 highlights. 

1.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

7: Theatre Native: A useful chaser who was a creditable 2nd at Fairyhouse 58 days ago. She was 4th approaching halfway making headway from two out, she briefly disputed the lead at the last but made no impression on the run-in. She is a big player who can go one better here. 

2.30: Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

4: High Class Hero: A decent horse who showed promise on chase debut building on that when winning at Punchestown 23 days ago. He recovered from a slight mistake 2 out to lead entering the straight, he stayed on well comfortably coming home by 2 3/4 lengths. Improvement is expected and he can follow up here. 

14/3/25 Cheltenham & Dundalk

 Thursday's Cheltenham winner was Fact To File. The 6/4 favourite travelled well taking 2nd at the 12th, he led from 3 out soon going clear beating Heart Wood by an impressive 9 lengths. In the days other Grade 1 Teahupoo was 2nd. The 7/4 favourite made headway from the 7th leading on the final bend, he was passed at the last by Bob Olinger who won by 1 3/4 lengths. At Limerick Mozzies Sister was 4th in a race won by Familiar Dreams who beat Grainne A Chroi by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 Friday is the last day of the Cheltenham Festival with 3 final Grade one’s topping the bill.

1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)

3: East India Dock: A useful horse on the flat who has looked an excellent prospect over hurdles completing a hat-trick when taking a trial for this race over course and distance in January. He made all the running and was clear before the last, he stayed on strongly on the run-in comfortably coming home by 10 lengths. There is more to come and he can pick up a 4-timer here.

3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (Grade 1.)

20: The Big Westerner: A smart hurdler who has won both her starts including a Grade 2 at Limerick on Boxing day. She was 3rd five out travelling well to lead soon after, she asserted herself before the last winning by 4 1/4 lengths. Further improvement is expected and she can remain unbeaten here.

4.00: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

4: Galopin Des Champs: Twice a winner of this race who after finishing 3rd on reappearance has comfortably won 2 Grade one’s at Leopardstown including a third Irish Gold Cup last month. He is the one to beat here in his bid to become only the fifth three-time winner of chasing's blue riband event.

There are also 8 races at Dundalk where the feature is the 6.10 and my pick is number 5 Theophilos.

13/3/25 Cheltenham + Limerick

 Wednesday's best at Cheltenham came from Jonbon who was 2nd. The 5/6 favourite was in touch early but a mistake at the 9th saw him drop to the rear, he recovered staying on well on the flat taking 2nd in the closing stages without troubling the winner Marine Nationale who came home by an easy 18 lengths. In the other races Final Demand was 3rd with the contest going to The New Lion who beat The Yellow Clay by 3/4 of a length while Ballyburn finished 5th with Lecky Watson winning beating Stellar Story by 4 lengths. 

 Thursday sees day 3 at Cheltenham with another 2 Grade 1 features. 

3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)

3: Fact To File: A top-class chaser who after beating Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan at Punchestown on his return in November has lost little in defeat behind his star stablemate twice since including a second in the Irish Gold Cup. The drop back in trip here should suit and he can pick up a 2nd festival win.

4.00: Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

14: Teahupoo: An excellent horse who won this race last year and followed up by taking the Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown beating Asterion Forlonge by a comfortable 6 1/2 lengths. He was second in the Hatton’s Grace on return and looks like the one to beat here.

There is also an 8 race card at Limerick where in the days Grade 3 my pick is number 10 Mozzies Sister.

12/3/25 Cheltenham

 Our only winner at Cheltenham on Tuesday was Lossiemouth. The 4/6 favourite tracked the leaders early moving to the front before the last, she soon went clear easily beating Jade De Grugy by 7 1/2 lengths. In the other contests Majborough was 3rd in a race won by Jango Baie who beat Only By Night by 3/4 of a length while in an incident packed Champion Hurdle Constitution Hill failed to finish falling at the 5th.

 Day 2 at Cheltenham sees 3 more Grade 1 main events. 

1.20: Turners Novices Chase (Grade 1)

1: Final Demand: An exciting looking horse who has won both his starts in impressive fashion including a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month. He was fifth approaching halfway leading at the last, he drew clear on the run-in coming home by 12 lengths. This top-class prospect has plenty more to come and can achieve a hat-trick here.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices Chase (Grade 1)

1: Ballyburn: A winner of three Grade one’s last season including the Gallagher Novices Hurdle at this meeting where he beat Jimmy Du Seuil by 13 lengths. Only Sir Gino was too good in the Wayward Lad over Christmas and he returned to winning ways taking the scalp of Croke Park in a Leopardstown Grade 1 38 days ago. With further progress likely now over 3 miles he can follow up here. 

4.00: BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

4: Jonbon: A consistent horse who has looked at his best this season winning the Tingle Creek before beating the reopposing Energumene by 6 1/2 lengths in the Clarence House at Ascot last time. He looks hard to beat here and should pick up his first festival win.

11/3/25 Cheltenham

 It's day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday with 3 Grade one’s taking centre stage.

2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase (Grade 1)

3: Majborough: A standout horse who won the Triumph here last year and has since taken well to fences. He impressed in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown going 3 lengths in front 3 out drawing clear on the run-in easily beating Touch Me Not by 9 lengths. He looks hard to beat here and should complete a 4-timer. 

3.20: Close Brothers Mares Hurdle (Grade 1)

9: Lossiemouth: A top-class horse who won this 12 months ago before going onto take a Grade 1 at Punchestown. She picked up where she left off winning the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse on her return in December then putting in a rare poor performance in the Irish Champion Hurdle last time. She can bounce back and defend her crown here.

4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)

2: Constitution Hill: An outstanding horse who is still unbeaten. He missed last year's festival but has shown he is still the one to beat in this division winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and the International Hurdle here last time. He should take this again and make it 11 wins from 11 starts.

9/3/25 Results

 A very poor Sunday at Naas saw Tyre Kicker finish 7th in a race won by Bushmans Pass who beat Hartur D'Arc by 1/2 a length while the days other pick Belloccio was 8th with Gaucher taking the contest beating Goraibhmaithagat by an easy 8 1/2 lengths.

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 3 day break. There are meetings at Stratford, Taunton, Plumpton and Newcastle on Monday with the Cheltenham Festival taking centre stage from Tuesday onwards. Tips for day 1 of the festival will be up on Monday night, the next Irish card is at Limerick on Thursday. 

9/3/25 Naas

 Saturday's winner at Gowran Park was Champagne Mahler. The 7/2 shot was 4th at halfway improving to dispute the lead from 4 out. He led from 2 out asserting himself before the last, he kept on strongly on the run-in easily beating Rebel Gold by 8 lengths. In the other race Big Interest failed to finish being pulled up before the last. 

 We have 7 races at Naas on Sunday where there are 2 highlights. 

2.40: Bar One Racing '100% Acca Boosts On Self-service Betting Terminals' Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

3: Belloccio: A decent horse who impressed on hurdles debut at Punchestown before going on to win a valuable race at Royal Ascot where he led inside the final furlong coming home by 1 1/4 lengths. He wasn't seen at his best when 5th in the Grade 2 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last time but he can bounce back and win here.

4.45: Bar One Racing Leinster National Handicap Chase. 

12: Tyre Kicker: A useful horse who caught the eye when a creditable 2nd at Leopardstown a week ago. He made headway from 3 out and despite being hampered he stayed on taking 2nd in the closing stages. He should challenge again and can go one better here.

8/3/25 Gowran Park

 The winner at Dundalk on Friday was Valiant Force. The 8/11 favourite travelled well to lead for a second time 1 1/2 out, he kept on well in the final furlong comfortably beating Big Gossey by 4 1/4 lengths. The days other pick Pralognan was a non-runner. 

 On Saturday there are 7 races at Gowran Park where 2 top the bill.

4.25: Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase. 

10: Champagne Mahler: A decent horse who got back on track when finishing 2nd at Fairyhouse 6 weeks ago. He led for a second time 2 out keeping on well on the run-in but being passed close to home going down by 1 1/4 lengths. Improvement is expected and he can pick up a 2nd career win here. 

5.00: INHSC Supporting Point-To-Points Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase.

3: Big Interest: A promising horse who impressed when winning on debut at Down Royal on boxing day. He asserted himself from 3 out soon going clear and easily coming home by 4 3/4 lengths. The ground didn't suit when 4th at Naas a month ago but that can be overlooked and if given a decent surface then he can win again here.

7/3/25 Dundalk

 Thursday's winner at Thurles was Rushmount. The 5/6 favourite was 3rd at halfway making headway to lead from 2 out, he recovered from a slight mistake to go clear on the run-in easily beating Machismo by 3 lengths. The days other pick Beggars Rock was 3rd in a race won by Spinning Web who beat Ballybrittas by 1 1/4 lengths.

 There are 8 races at Dundalk on Friday night where we have 2 features. 

6.30: Every Cheltenham Festival Race Live Only On Racing TV (Q.R.) Handicap. 

3: Pralognan: A decent horse who was a creditable 5th at Down Royal when last seen 71 days ago. He was in midfield sitting 6th at halfway, he kept on at one pace from 3 out picking up one place. He goes significantly up in trip here and on form can return to winning ways. 

7.30: William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Race.

5: Valiant Force: A useful colt who's latest win was here in February. He was a decent 3rd behind Clarendon House in a listed race at Southwell 2 weeks ago where he travelled well taking 3rd entering the final furlong keeping on without troubling the winner. He has 2 wins from 3 starts on this course and can add another victory to that record here. 

6/3/25 Thurles

 After a 2 day break Irish racing returns on Thursday with 7 contests at Thurles where 2 stand out. 

2.30: Leugh Beginners Chase. 

2: Beggars Rock: A decent horse who showed promise on chase debut when 3rd at Cork in December. He followed that up with a win over hurdles at Limerick later the same month travelling well from 2 out being left clear at the last coming home by an easy 13 lengths. He is a big player back over fences and can pick up a 2nd career win here. 

5.00: Boylesports Money Back On Every Race At Cheltenham Handicap Hurdle. 

1: Rushmount: A lightly-raced horse who has been a course winner in his career. He was a good 4th at Leopardstown when last seen 33 days ago making headway entering the straight taking 4th at the last. He definitely has more to offer and is the one to beat here.  

3/3/25 Results

Monday's best at Leopardstown came from A Wave Of The Sea who was 3rd. The 11/2 shot was 6th three out going 4th before the last, he moved into 3rd inside the final furlong keeping on without threatening. Upfront Secrecies Of Stone won beating Nephin Beg by an easy 8 1/2 lengths. In the other race Majestic Force was a non-runner. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a two day break. There are meetings at Newcastle, Market Rasen and Southwell on Tuesday with Lingfield, Catterick and Kempton on Wednesday. The next Irish card is at Thurles on Thursday tips for the highlights will be up on Wednesday night.

3/3/25 Leopardstown

 Sunday's winner at Leopardstown was Brandt. The 5/1 shot was at the rear making headway from 4 out, he travelled well staying on to lead close to home beating Union Station by 2 3/4 lengths. The days other pick Broomfield Bijou was 7th in a race won by Monbeg Park who beat Tyre Kicker by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 There is a second day at Leopardstown on Monday where on a 7 race card there are 2 highlights. 

3.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. 

8: Majestic Force: A horse who showed promise when 2nd on chase debut at Cork in December. She had a 3 length lead at the last after recovering from a slight mistake, she was strongly pressed in the final 100 yards being passed close to home. She didn't build on that at Naas last time but is well worth another chance here. 

3.50: John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Chase. 

2: A Wave Of The Sea: A course winner in his career who was a good second at Navan when last seen 78 days ago. He made headway from the 10th and despite a mistake 4 out he improved to go 2nd soon after, he challenged at the last keeping on but just failing to reach the winner. He is the pick on form here and should go one better. 

2/3/25 Leopardstown

 Our winner at Navan on Saturday was Champ Kiely. The 30/100 favourite made all the running being pressed from 2 out, he asserted himself before the last keeping on well and comfortably beating Jeannot Lapin by 8 lengths. In the other race El Fabiolo was 2nd. The 4/11 favourite made good progress challenging from 3 out, he travelled well but made no impression at the last allowing Senecia to win by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Leopardstown on Sunday where we have 2 main events. 

4.02: QuinnBet Handicap Chase. 

9: Broomfield Bijou: A decent horse who was a very good second behind Nara in a Grade 2 at Thurles when last seen 42 days ago. She was 3rd four out soon making headway moving into 2nd two out, she made no impression on the run-in going down by 2 1/4 lengths. That performance makes her a major player here and she can pick up a 4th career win.

4.37: Dublin National Handicap Chase. 

6: Brandt: A horse with a good recent record who was 2nd behind the reopposing One Horse Army at Fairyhouse 36 days ago. He made headway from 5 out leading soon after, he wasn't fluent being pressed at the last and was slightly hampered on the run-in. He can definitely make his presence felt and go one better here.