Ballinrobe - Tuesday 21st July 2026
BELLS GROVE, who has been placed in three bumpers, ran more than creditably in third on hurdling debut at Listowel. He finished nicely clear of the remainder and drying ground holds no fears for him. There are National Hunt winners in Tiffany Case's pedigree, so she is a newcomer that could show up well for Barry Connell. Henry de Bromhead switches Spanish Rising to hurdling from the Flat and he is sure to be well schooled, while there is likely to be more to come from How's Ellie on her second run over flights.
WHATS NEW could give weight away in this company. This former Flat winner has found it tricky to get his head in front over flights, but posted runner-up berths at Bellewstown and Sligo this month. Sharu has to enter calculations on the back of a second place in a qualified riders' maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan, while Lady Felicia ran fourth at Ballinrobe and the fifth home franked the form on next start at Punchestown. World As One gets a first-time tongue-strap after being a beaten favourite in fifth on jumping bow at Roscommon.
HOUNDSWORTH was a winner of a big-field handicap-hurdle at Cork in April which gives him a fair chance for a stable that is back among the winners. He performs best on better ground which he is due to encounter. Le Diablo is a significant threat as he bounced back to form with a second place at Wexford at the start of the month. Doctor Confusion hasn't been seen for almost a year but is lightly raced and represents a strong stable, while Max Meridius has a shot at prize money.
LUREKA DU NOYER made quite an impression with an emphatic success on his Irish debut at Limerick. He had plenty of experience in France and was well backed to deliver. Although all of his form is on softer going, good ground isn't a negative for progeny of his sire, so he should cope with these conditions. Gordon Elliott fires two darts with Jack Kennedy on Manoir De Mirande, who made all at Sligo this month, while Ardeen Joy enjoyed herself with a wide-margin success at Bellewstown.
WOLF PRINCE returned to success at Sligo last week and this looks an ideal chance for the 10-year-old to follow up, with his front-running style expected to suit here. The Andrew Slattery yard are in good form after a week of success across Leopardstown and Killarney, and it looks like Sir Allen will go well in this contest if able to back up his latest fourth at Roscommon. The Cian Collins-trained Fiveonefive can also be competitive in what looks an open contest.
The John Ryan team arrive here in decent heart and a chance is given to RUN FOR THE BORDER to continue that success. She was a fine third at Limerick on her latest start and this step up in distance looks like it will suit. Barry Connell's Tannery Park may be able to improve on his victory at Ballinrobe towards the end of May and is feared most. Bearami Creek could also feature if reproducing the pick of her efforts from last year.
The vote is given to POURQUOI POI in this contest. Paul Flynn's charge wasn't disgraced in third over an extended 2m4f at Sligo on his most recent outing and it's notable that Jack Kennedy keeps the ride. Yolanda's Star showed more when third at Kilbeggan last month and an opening mark of 90 might not be beyond her. A squeak is also given to Whiskey Serenade, who was second on her first start for Thomas Coyle.
The concluding race of the day looks an open affair and the vote goes to BALLYBOLLEN. Henry De Bromhead has enjoyed numerous bumper successes this season and the booking of John Gleeson is noteworthy. Tommy's Ticket ran well for a long way on his first start at Kilbeggan and may show improvement in a first-time hood. The Peter Fahey-trained Ealu Tapa was well supported on debut and can be competitive if improving on his first appearance when ninth at Punchestown.
BELLS GROVE proved consistent in bumpers and shaped with promise when placing on his hurdling debut in what looks a good contest. He can build on that in this weaker contest and get off the mark at the expense of How's Ellie who was well fancied but slightly disappointing on her hurdles bow. She looked in need of the experience that day and should take a big step forwards here. Whoyougonnacall ran well last time and should be capable of better if settling so can also play a part.
WORLD AS ONE has been a beaten favourite on all 3 of his rules starts to date but he has shaped with promise and should be able to get off the mark here. He has plenty of room for improvement in his jumping and the tongue tie could deliver a stronger finishing effort. First Ascent ran well on the Flat last summer and should be capable of better in this discipline for his top yard. He can fill the places with Minnatrix who is yet to deliver on the promise of his bumper debut.
The steadily progressive HOUNDSWORTH looks well treated returned to handicaps and can gain a second hurdles victory. His sole recent disappointment can be excused by the testing ground and he remains unexposed in handicaps. The consistent Le Diablo will need a stiff test but looks the obvious danger if getting it while at a bigger price Marlpark is of interest. He has dropped a long way in the weights and his latest run is worth marking up as he did plenty early.
LUREKA DU NOYER shed his maiden tag on his stable debut and his French form suggests he'll have much more to offer this new yard. He does need to prove his effectiveness on this quicker surface but if doing so he can defeat the Gordon Elliott pair Manoir De Mirande and Ardeen Joy. The former gained a deserved victory last time and is the stable first string on jockey bookings while the latter had plenty in hand when getting off the mark on her last start.
WOLF PRINCE proved he retained his ability when a game winner in the first time cheekpieces last time. That headgear is retained and he remains thrown in on his old form prior to a lay off so is strongly fancied to follow up. Spinola Bay proved progressive over the winter and arrives fit from the Flat. He looks the biggest threat while Eye Contact could be of interest at a bigger price. He has proven inconsistent in both codes but his best effort by some distance came here and makes his current mark look lenient.
IT'S TIME AGAIN was a winner here last year and was unlucky to gain a first victory since last time after coming down late when in front. The eventual winner that day has boosted the form since so she is entitled to go close off just 2lb higher. Run For The Border has been steadily progressing since a maiden win and is open to further improvement over this longer trip. She can chase the selection home ahead of the frustrating Vroomvroomboo who should come on for her latest run and will also appreciate this extra distance.
GRANLAHAN can shed his maiden tag here. He's been in good form when completing recently and the way he finished off last time suggested this longer trip would be of benefit. The sound surface will suit and can help him see off the largely consistent top weight Pourquoi Poi who was defeated by a well handicapped rival last time. Point winner Whiskey Serenade returned to form when runner up on her stable debut last time and should also be on the premises.
The standard is probably set by Tommy's Ticket who was too free on debut but ran well for a long way. The hood goes on here so he is open to significant improvement but it might be worth taking a chance with BALLYBOLLEN. He represents a top stable which can get them ready first time in this discipline and his useful half-brother was successful in bumpers. Josh's Jury showed minor promise when midfield in a better race first time out and may fill the places if building on that.
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