17:05 Downpatrick

Friday 9 October 2026

All14:1314:4815:2315:5816:3017:0517:37

McGrady Financial Services Beginners Chase

Off time: 17:06 | Winning time: 4m 50.40s

Astley^p⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Jordan Gainford| T: Paul Traynor| OR: 108

11/2

Maiden who ran to a fairly useful level on first 2 chase starts during the spring. Bettered previous hurdles exploits (tongue tied) when fourth on handicap debut at Down Royal (3m) in August but not in same form back over fences at Gowran (2½m, good to soft) 6 days ago. Cheekpieces return.

Form: 535-543

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Down Around^b⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Sam Ewing| T: G Elliott| OR: 110

9/2

Quick to make his mark for new yard, justifying good support when resuming winning ways in handicap hurdle at Perth (3m) 2 starts back. Held every chance when falling 3 out on chase debut at Sligo (3¼m, good) 9 days ago and whilst he didn't look a natural, he still commands respect.

Form: 6-7141F

Iamagetaway^h1¹⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Mullins| T: W R Crawford| OR: 102| BF

3/1

Well backed and shaped best for a long way starting out for Gordon Elliott when third over fences at Kilbeggan in April, albeit not convincing with finishing effort. Excuses at Killarney 2 weeks later and he's interesting returning for new yard boasting 4 wins from last 15 NH runners. Hood on.

Form: 65073-0

Kalsman^h⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Kieren Buckley| T: L Lennon| OR: 100| C

14/1

Made all over hurdles at Down Royal in April. Good efforts when placed on 2 of last 3 starts over fences (including over C&D) and excuses when pulled up at Sligo 9 days ago, hampered start/bad mistake first. Does have a bit to find on these terms back in this company, though.

Form: 03324P

Ring Of Kerry^t³²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Gilligan| T: C Collins

7/2

£120,000 point winner who quickly surpassed bumper exploits with a tongue strap added, landing a Wexford maiden hurdle (16.5f) 12 months ago. Bettered that form under a penalty when third at Catterick (19f) a month later and no surprise to see him improve further now chasing this season.

Form: 1/9013-

Oh Janey^t⁶¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: J J Slevin| T: S R B Crawford| OR: 103| C

5/1

Won extended 17f novice handicap at this course last season and stepped up from reappearance when fifth here (2¾m, good) in July. Struggled in a stronger affair over same C&D a month later and market can likely prove a useful guide now chasing.

Form: 416-658

River Tara^t⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Brian Hayes| T: Colm Murphy| C

18/1

Bumper winner/fair form in maiden hurdles for Willie Mullins. Mixed record for present stable but in process of getting back on track (would have won) when falling on chase debut at Tramore in April. Stepped up on return when third at Sligo (3¼m, good) 9 days ago.

Form: 2/PPF-93

Rockstown Girl^p,t²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: James Smith⁽³⁾| T: A McCann| OR: 100| D

9/1

Fair hurdler/chaser who got back to winning ways in handicap hurdle at Down Royal in March. Placed on next 3 outings but disappointed over hurdles/fences running on consecutive days last month. Refitting of cheekpieces needs to have positive effect now.

Form: 2-33674

Non-Runners

Parkgarve⁴⁹

Weight: 11-12| Age: 6

T: Ian Donoghue J: P J O'Hanlon

Forecasts

Iamagetaway (3/1), Ring Of Kerry (7/2), Down Around (9/2), Oh Janey (5/1), Astley (11/2), Rockstown Girl (9/1), Kalsman (14/1), River Tara (18/1), Parkgarve (20/1)

IAMAGETAWAY hasn't been seen since disappointing at Killarney in May, yet he'd previously gone close (shaped best for a long way) when third at Kilbeggan previously and returning for a new yard boasting a healthy recent strike rate with their jumpers, he could well be worth chancing to get back on track. Chase debutant Ring of Kerry and Down Around are others fancied to be thereabouts in what is a tricky affair.