15:55 Thurles

Thursday 29 January 2026

All13:2513:5514:2514:5515:2515:5516:25

Holycross Maiden Hurdle

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 6m 26.30s

Albus¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Jordan Gainford| T: G Elliott

12/1

Too free on debut and took a step backwards when 50/1, eighth of 14 in novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.3f, heavy) 17 days ago. Upped in trip but could be a longer-term project for top yard.

Form: 98

Blow Wind Blow²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Mark Walsh| T: E Bolger| OR: 104

3/1

Has shown some promise in 2m maidens (well held 50/1 at Naas latest) but appeals as the type to do better now upped markedly in trip (brother stayed 3m). One for the shortlist.

Form: 650

Danalii¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Gilligan⁽⁵⁾| T: P J Gilligan

50/1

Well held in a pair of bumpers and made an inauspicious start to his hurdling career in first-time tongue strap (retained) at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy), behind when fell last. Will need to improve markedly for the significantly longer trip.

Form: 90/F

Eliodam⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| BF

4/9

€125,000 3-y-o. Fell short of market expectations in valuable bumper on debut and still looked green (wandered approaching flights) before falling fifth in maiden at Thurles (16.1f) on hurdling debut. In excellent hands and may do better upped markedly in distance.

Form: 0/F

Private Policy^t1⁶⁵⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Paddy Cleary⁽⁷⁾| T: N Slevin

33/1

Went backwards from promising bumper debut when fifth of 6 in bumper (18/1) at Limerick (19f, heavy) on final start for P. O'Rourke. Tongue strap on for stable/hurdle debut and entitled to need this following 650 days off.

Form: P55/

Sacramental^t1¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Thomas O'Connor⁽⁷⁾| T: J R Finn

80/1

Thrice-raced maiden again finished well held when twelfth of 15 in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (20f, heavy, 25/1) 14 days ago. Plenty to prove with tongue strap on for first time.

Form: 0P/0

Ballingurteen²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: John Shinnick⁽³⁾| T: T O'Brien

18/1

Thrice-raced maiden looks to be being brought along steadily, 150/1, ninth of 17 in novice hurdle at Clonmel (16.9f, heavy) 21 days ago. Likely one for handicaps but worth a second look in betting now significantly up in trip.

Form: 2/609

Matilauna³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Phillip Enright| T: G Scott| OR: 83

18/1

Lightly-raced maiden. Creditable sixth of 15 in novice hurdle (100/1) at Limerick (19f, heavy) 31 days ago. Will be better off when handicapping but this longer trip could be in her favour.

Form: 0666

Not Leaving Yet¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Dylan Whelan⁽⁷⁾| T: R Murphy

33/1

Yet to better poor form. Unseated rider in novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (20f, heavy, 300/1) 14 days ago.

Form: 60607U

Shuil Swift³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Mr A D Bustin⁽⁷⁾| T: C Byrnes| OR: 92

18/1

Has shaped like a handicap project in maidens to date. Found race coming too soon when pulled up at Limerick (19f, heavy) 31 days ago. Tries longer trip here but only considered if backed.

Form: 00/00P

Non-Runners

Supreme Axel³³

Weight: 11-5| Age: 7

T: J Fahey J: Josh Younge

Forecasts

Eliodam (4/9), Blow Wind Blow (3/1), Albus (12/1), Matilauna (18/1), Shuil Swift (18/1), Ballingurteen (18/1), Not Leaving Yet (33/1), Private Policy (33/1), Danalii (50/1), Supreme Axel (66/1), Sacramental (80/1)

ELIODAM hasn't lived up to expectations on either start to date (still green when falling on hurdles bow latest) but this looks a winnable maiden and he may prove a different proposition over a markedly longer trip. Blow Wind Blow is bred to stay well and he's another likely improver now faced with a greater test of stamina.