15:17 Downpatrick
Sunday 29 March 2026
All14:0714:4215:1715:5216:2717:0017:30
Billie And Bertie FitzGerald Memorial Handicap Hurdle
- 4YO plus  |  2m 1f 165y  |  Yielding to Soft (Soft in places)  |  10 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 15:17Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 4m 40.30s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Fairly useful over hurdles at best and while disappointing since making a winning return over fences here, she cannot be totally discounted back over the smaller obstacles.
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Improved when fourth of 18 in soundly-run race on handicap debut at Leopardstown 4 weeks ago. While still early days for one from a capable yard, the pace set-up looks less favourable this time.
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Better than ever when hitting the frame in pair of 2½m handicaps earlier in the season for Liam O'Brien but failed to justify support when fourth of 12 on debut for top yard at Fairyhouse last time. Likely to be capable of better.
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Gambled on when second in 16-runner C&D handicap in January (for Gary McGill) but friendless in the betting/ran too badly to be true on first run since rejoining current yard at Ayr. Worth a market check.
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Yet to fire in 3 starts for new yard, though at least returns to calmer waters following a 10-week break.
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Maiden was in the process of running respectably before unseating at the last on return at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day but has been off since and doesn't look obviously well treated.
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One-time useful Flat performer has finished well held in maiden/handicap hurdles, doing plenty wrong over C&D in January. Hopes pinned on first-time tongue strap sparking big improvement.
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Positively ridden when in good form in summer/autumn handicaps and with a comeback run at Naas under his belt, he's one to consider in a race lacking obvious pace.
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Fair winner on the Flat (stays 1m) for Noel Meade, though didn't progress in juvenile hurdles for new yard last year and opening mark looks harsh.
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Long-standing maiden has finished second on 4 occasions (including off 1 lb higher at Punchestown in December) and while again below form at Clonmel last time, he looks interesting off a career-low mark with a fully-fledged jockey on board for the first time this season.
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Forecasts
Dairy Force (7/4), Lips Freedom (7/2), Coolboy Christy (4/1), Blue Reed (11/2), Gamigin (14/1), Dunany Point (16/1), Brave Soldier (18/1), Metamorpheus (20/1), Splashing Out (28/1), Your Call (66/1)
This may be the time to catch BLUE REED, and he's narrowly preferred to Gordon Elliott's Dairy Force. Dunany Point could be the fly in the ointment if allowed to dictate.
- Blue Reed11/2
- Dairy Force7/4
- Dunany Point16/1
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: €7,200.002nd: €2,399.003rd: €1,200.004th: €600.005th: €361.006th: €240.00
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