Check out the latest BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle Tips as we preview the feature on the penultimate day of the 2024 Galway Races.
The Galway Races Summer Festival is the crown jewel of the summer racing calendar in Ireland and this Saturday at 2:30 pm, the spotlight will be on the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle.
There is a €66,000 prize on offer for the winner in this Class 1 Listed Handicap Hurdle which has attracted a stellar lineup of horses, each hoping to make their mark on the hallowed grounds of Ballybrit.
BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle Preview
The BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle features a diverse field of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. They are all set to battle it out over hurdles this Saturday in Ballybrit in what promises to be a fascinating contest. First, we’ll take a look at key trends and then give you a runner-by-runner breakdown of the race.
Tips & Key Trends for the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle
Here are some key trends from this race in recent years that could be predictive ahead of Saturday’s BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle.
Willie Mullins Dominance
Willie Mullins has an impressive record in this race, having secured 5 victories in the last 10 years. Mullins's track record of success in this race is no surprise considering he has dominated National Hunt racing in recent years. His most recent victory in the race came in 2021 courtesy of Jazzaway.
Mullins has one entry in this race, No. 15 Billericay Dickie who will have star jockey Paul Townend in the saddle.
The Age Factor
Every winner of this race since 2015 has been between the ages of 5 and 7. That suggests that this is a race that suits the younger horses and is worth keeping in mind when putting on your bets for Saturday’s feature.
5 Year Olds
No. 13 Comfort Zone
No. 15 Billericay Dickie
No. 17 Baltic Bird
6 Year Olds
No. 4 The Wallpark
No. 5 Whatcouldhavebeen
No. 12 Born Braver
No. 23 West Away
7 Year Olds
No. 3 Dartan
No. 8 Zeeband
No. 10 Toto Too
No. 14 So Scottish
No. 16 Moonovercloon
No. 19 Teed Up
Weight Considerations
Six out of the last ten winners of the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle carried less than 11 stone.
Obviously, in a handicap race, the weights are going to be a crucial part of the equation when it comes to picking out potential winners. Recent race history suggests that it is the horses carrying lighter weights that have fared best so there may be an edge in opting for those horses with handicap weights of less than 11-stone.
Favourites’ Form
Only one favourite has won the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle in the last decade. That stat indicates that you may be better off overlooking the favourite in this race and opting for a horse further out in the betting.
BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle Betting Odds
Horse | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Toto Too | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Billericay Dickie | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Zeeband | 7/1 | 12.5% |
So Scottish | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Baltic Bird | 9/1 | 10% |
The Wallpark | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Moonovercloon | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Dartan | 11/1 | 8.3% |
Whatcouldhavebeen | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Teed Up | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Happy Jacky | 14/1 | 6.7% |
Beacon Edge | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Anna Bunina | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Building Bridges | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Gabbys Cross | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Bar | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Runner-By-Runner Guide
Here's a closer look at the 2024 BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle contenders:
No. 1 Beacon Edge (IRE)
Wearing maroon silks with a white star and armlet, Beacon Edge enters the race with a respectable form of 2962-12. At 10 years old, he carries the top weight of 11-12 and has an official rating of 142.
This Gordon Elliott-trained horse boasts significant experience and past successes with 6 wins to his credit over hurdles in 25 outings. However, his age and top weight will surely be a disadvantage against younger, lighter competitors.
No. 2 Happy Jacky (IRE)
In red and yellow diamonds, Happy Jacky comes into this one with a form line of 244-511. This 10-year-old carries 11-10 and has an official rating of 140, showing consistent performance recently.
Trained by M Fahey and with P T Smithers in the saddle, Happy Jacky has the experience and current form to be a serious contender. His age is a potential drawback, but his performance in winning his last two outings by virtually leading for the entirety of both races suggests this is a horse in peak condition.
No. 3 Dartan
Dartan, donning yellow with red cross sashes, has a form of 0/1719-2, indicating a mix of performances but notable potential. At 7 years old and carrying 11-8, his official rating is 138, making him competitive in this field.
It has been a case of feast or famine for Dartan of late and with Danny Mullins on board plus age on his side, it would be no surprise to see him first past the post on Saturday afternoon. He will have to overcome carrying a heavier weight, however.
No. 4 The Wallpark (IRE)
The Wallpark, in yellow silks with a white chevron, boasts an interesting form of 1130-91. At 6 years old, he carries a weight of 11-7 and holds an official rating of 137.
Trained by G Elliott and ridden by Sam Ewing, The Wallpark's recent victory at Kilbeggan is a mark in the plus column but does mean that he carries a heavy weight here.
No. 5 Whatcouldhavebeen (IRE)
Sporting royal blue with a red disc, Whatcouldhavebeen has a form of 43515-4, showcasing his ability to be in the mix and win on occasion.
This 6-year-old, with a weight of 11-7 and an official rating of 137, is trained by J P Fahey and will be ridden by A P Kelly.
He has been there or thereabouts in recent outings which bodes well for him ahead of this race.
6. Bardenstown Lad
With recent form of P46-611, Bardenstown Lad has shown strong performances. At 9 years old and carrying 11-4 with an official rating of 134, he’s in excellent form under trainer G P Cromwell and jockey C Stone-Walsh. His recent victories make him a solid contender despite his age.
7. Mt Leinster (IRE)
Mt Leinster’s form of 237/43P- reflects potential but some inconsistency. At 10 years old, carrying 11-3 and rated 133, he has experience but limited recent racing. Trainer J C McConnell and jockey B W Harvey will hope his experience outweighs his uneven form.
8. Zeeband (IRE)
Zeeband’s impressive recent form of 110-411 positions him as a strong contender. At 7 years old, carrying 11-3 with an official rating of 133, his current form and age give him a significant edge.
Trained by P J Gilligan and ridden by J G Gilligan, he’s in top shape.
9. Cash Back (FR)
Cash Back has struggled recently, with a form of 721PP-P. At 12 years old and carrying 11-2 with a rating of 132, his experience is notable but recent performances are concerning, to say the least.
Trainer J C McConnell and jockey M J M O'Sullivan face a challenge with this veteran horse.
10. Toto Too (IRE)
With a mixed form of 11510-B, Toto Too shows both potential and inconsistency. At 7 years old, carrying 11-2 and rated 132, he has flashes of brilliance.
Trained by G P Cromwell and ridden by K M Donoghue, this is a horse that looks to have what it takes to come out on top in this race.
11. Anna Bunina (FR)
With form of 40470-3, Anna Bunina has had a mix of mid-field finishes and a recent third place.
At 8 years old and carrying 11-0 with a rating of 130, she will need to step up her performance level to win.
12. Born Braver (IRE)
Born Braver’s form of 1221-15 shows strong recent performances with multiple wins.
At 6 years old, carrying 11-0 and rated 130, his form suggests he can be a real player in Saturday’s feature in Galway.
13. Comfort Zone (IRE)
Comfort Zone has a form of 11/07-76, with strong early results but less impressive recent form.
At 5 years old and carrying 10-13 with a rating of 129, will need to recapture previous form to contend here.
14. So Scottish (FR)
With form of 400-245, So Scottish has shown some struggles in recent times.
At 7 years old and carrying 10-13 with a rating of 129, he does fit the bill of recent winners of this big race.
15. Billericay Dickie (IRE)
Billericay Dickie’s holds a form line of 21/-15P. This is the only entry for Willie Mullins in this race and given the trainer’s success and Paul Townend in the saddle, you have to fancy this horse to go close this Saturday afternoon.
The 5-year-old is carrying 10-12 and rated 128.
16. Moonovercloon (IRE)
Moonovercloon’s form of 53-223F shows consistent performances despite a recent fall.
At 7 years old, carrying 10-12 with a rating of 128, he is a reliable contender if he can recover from his fall.
17. Baltic Bird
Baltic Bird has a form of 2507-14, including a recent win and mixed performances.
At 5 years old, carrying 10-11 with a rating of 127, his recent success, light weight and youth make him a notable contender.
18. Building Bridges
Building Bridges has a form of 14/1190-, with a mix of wins and varied results. At 8 years old and carrying 10-11 with a rating of 127, he has shown a nose for the winning line.
Trained by Gary McGill and ridden by Mr O McGill, he could be a strong contender if he can reverse his recent form.
19. Teed Up (IRE)
Teed Up has a form of 77021/1-, reflecting recent wins and promising performances. At 7 years old, carrying 10-11 and rated 127, his recent victories and consistent form make him a potential standout. Trained by E Mullins and ridden by D Meyler, he’s in excellent shape.
20. Golden Temple (IRE)
Golden Temple’s form of 456-P11 shows a strong recent record with two wins. At just 4 years old, carrying 10-6 and rated 126, his recent performances and youth make him an exciting prospect. Trained by N Meade and ridden by D J O'Keeffe, he could be a significant contender.
21. Gabbys Cross (IRE)
With a form of 072208-, Gabbys Cross has had a mixed record and less impressive recent form. At 9 years old and carrying 10-10 with a rating of 126, he has shown potential in the past but struggled recently.
Trained by H De Bromhead and with a reserve jockey, he will need to find his best form to be competitive here.
22. Streets Of Doyen (IRE)
Streets Of Doyen’s form of 5UU-456 indicates recent inconsistencies. At 10 years old, carrying 10-9 with a rating of 125, his recent form and age count against him but backers will be hoping a light weight can make up for it.
Trained by J C McConnell and with a reserve jockey, he may struggle against younger, more consistent rivals.
23. West Away (IRE)
West Away’s form of 6U22-14 shows a solid recent record with mixed results. At 6 years old, carrying 10-8 and rated 124, he fits the profile of recent winners of this event.
Trained by J C McConnell and with a reserve jockey, he could be a competitive factor if his recent improvements continue.
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