Our Down Royal racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Friday 28th August 2026. The action gets underway at 16:30 and runs through to 19:56, with going reported as GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Mo Ghille Mar boasts a 33.33% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Joshua Halford has been in fine form here with 3 wins from 5 rides, Emmet Mullins’s yard sends out runners with a 21.21% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.
Tipster Performance at Down Royal
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Down Royal over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Irish Sun | The Irish Sun | 18 | 4 | 22.22% | 61.11% |
| Adrian Wall | myracing.com | 10 | 0 | 0% | 50% |
| Brian Flanagan | Irish Daily Star | 11 | 0 | 0% | 63.64% |
16:30 – Coca-Cola HBC Ireland And Northern Ireland 3-Y-O Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 1f | | Going: GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering) | | jumps
This looks a fairly tight little 3-y-o hurdle on paper, but the shape of it is obvious enough: Nicky Larson and No Bother Aoife bring the standout form and may well dominate the finish. Nicky Larson sets the standard on official figures after winning last time and his rating of 111 is the best on offer, though he does have to concede weight all round. No Bother Aoife gets in with just 145lb and already has a couple of solid efforts in the book, so the allowance could make this much more competitive than the market first suggests. Behind them, Nod Of Approval is the one who could step forward, while the rest need to improve sharply or show something completely new. Not the deepest race, but not a gimme for the favourite either.
Top Selections
1. Nicky Larson – 5/6 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean Flanagan | Trainer: Paul Nolan | Form: 31 | Rating: 111 | Topspeed: 92
He is the one with the clearest piece of winning hurdle form in the field and, in a race where several rivals are either unproven or still learning, that counts for plenty. The latest win backed up his debut promise nicely and his figures of 111 and 92 set the bar. Sean Flanagan is an assured rider for this type of job and Paul Nolan’s runner simply looks the most professional option in the line-up. The slight niggle is the 158lb on good to firm ground against some lighter-weighted rivals, so at odds-on he is no giveaway, but he still looks the likeliest winner. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Nod Of Approval – 8/1 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Simon Torrens | Trainer: Mrs John Harrington | Form: 7 | Rating: 88 | Topspeed: 68
The bare form of that debut seventh will not scare anyone, but this is exactly the sort who could leave that effort well behind for a top yard that knows how to bring juveniles along steadily. Mrs John Harrington’s 3-y-o hurdlers often improve sharply from first to second start, and this one now drops into a race where the depth falls away quickly after the front two in the market. Simon Torrens is a positive booking and the 8/1 on offer makes more appeal than some of the shorter alternatives for place purposes. He does not need to be a world-beater to hit the frame here and makes plenty of each-way sense. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Nicky Larson is the sensible win play because he brings the strongest completed hurdle form and the best figures in the field. For an each-way punt, Nod Of Approval appeals as the one most likely to improve enough to nick a place at a decent price. No Bother Aoife is the obvious danger, especially with that low weight, and is the one to fear most if the favourite underperforms.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicky Larson | 5/6 | 4/6 | 4/6 | 4/6 | 8/11 | 5/6 (Bet365) |
| Camp Verde | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Fay Og | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Nod Of Approval | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Point Star | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Moon Aura | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| No Bother Aoife | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Sands Castle | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Swift Charm | 20/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
17:05 – Dale Farm Dromona Mares Maiden Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 1f | | Going: GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering) | | jumps
This looks a fairly informative mares’ maiden rather than a deep one, with the market understandably revolving around Willie Mullins newcomer Cosmic Front and the solid-looking Rare Times. The Mullins runner could easily be a class above these on debut, but she is asked to concede weight all round and there are at least a couple with proper hurdle form in the book. Rare Times brings the strongest recent profile after a good second and sets a useful standard for the 4yos, while Jo’s Secret has bits of form that entitle her to a mention if forgiving her latest blip. On quick ground over this sharp enough trip, a slick jumper with tactical speed should be favoured, and that may be what decides it.
Top Selections
1. Rare Times – 9/2 with Paddy Power
Jockey: J J Slevin | Trainer: Ms Margaret Mullins | Form: 57-532 | Rating: 113 | Topspeed: 79
Rare Times is the percentage call because she brings the best recent hurdle form and has been edging towards a breakthrough. That latest second reads well in the context of this race, and an official mark of 113 with a Topspeed of 79 tells you she has already achieved a level most of these have not. As a 4yo she also receives weight from the older fillies, which matters plenty in a maiden like this. J J Slevin is a positive booking and, at 9/2, she appeals as the value alternative to the short-priced favourite. If she handles this quicker surface as well as expected, she holds strong claims. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Jo’s Secret
Jockey: Kevin Sexton | Trainer: A J Martin | Form: /23-4P | Rating: 119 | Topspeed:
Jo’s Secret is not the easiest mare to trust after that pulled-up effort last time, but the earlier pieces of form give her a live each-way squeak in a race where plenty have something to prove. Her mark of 119 is the best published rating in the field, and the 2 and 3 in her profile show she has been competitive in similar company before. A J Martin’s runners are often at their best when allowed to get on with things, and if Kevin Sexton can keep her jumping and travelling on this sounder ground, she is capable of outrunning any market neglect. She is risky, yes, but not without substance. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Rare Times is the win play at the prices because she sets the clearest form standard and gets weight from the older mares. Jo’s Secret is the each-way punt in a field where proven hurdle ability could count for plenty. Cosmic Front is the obvious danger on debut for Willie Mullins, while Tanga Mugi is one to keep an eye on if stepping forward from her first run.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmic Front | 11/10 | 10/11 | 10/11 | 10/11 | 10/11 | 11/10 (Bet365) |
| Howaya Codge | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Loughdoo | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Messonghi | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Saoirses Choice | 66/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Clanokre Lass | 16/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Rare Times | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Tanga Mugi | 9/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Adrian Wall | Jo’s Secret |
17:37 – Golden Cow Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 1f | | Going: GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering) | | jumps
This is a proper competitive handicap hurdle rather than a race to get carried away with, and the market leaders all come with a small question attached. Only For Our Man brings the most reliable recent profile after a string of solid efforts, while Bruant looks the unexposed one with more to come after chasing home a useful type last time. Small Bucks arrives on the back of a win and is another progressive 5yo, whereas Hopeful Hero and Dairy Force have the figures to get involved if bouncing back quickly enough. On this sound surface over 2m1f, I’d want a horse who can travel and quicken rather than a grinder, and that makes this a race where tactical pace and clean jumping should count for plenty. Tricky enough, but not impossible.
Top Selections
1. Bruant – 13/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Kevin Sexton | Trainer: A J Martin | Form: P0-102 | Rating: 115 | Topspeed: 106
Bruant looks the percentage call. He is a 5yo with only a handful of runs behind him, and that latest second suggested this mark of 115 may not have him in a stranglehold just yet. The topspeed figure of 106 says he has the raw ability for a race like this, and the return to a sharp enough 2m1f on good to firm ground could suit a horse who shapes as though he wants the emphasis on speed rather than a slog. A J Martin’s runners are rarely over-fancied for nothing, and at 13/2 he makes plenty of appeal in a race where some of the obvious ones look more exposed. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Kilt – 14/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Simon Torrens | Trainer: P J Rothwell | Form: 0-1454 | Rating: 114 | Topspeed: 107
Kilt is the each-way play at the prices because he has enough ability to outrun odds of 14/1 and this sort of race may suit better than his recent finishing positions suggest. His topspeed figure of 107 stacks up very well in this field, and there have been bits and pieces in his last two runs that hint he’s not far off putting it all together again. Off 114, he’s weighted to be competitive if Simon Torrens can get him into a smooth rhythm early. In a 16-runner handicap with five places on offer, he’s exactly the type I’d want on side as an each-way punt rather than a short-priced favourite with no margin for error. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Bruant is the win bet because he still looks capable of better and arrives with the right blend of current form and upside. Kilt is the each-way option at a double-figure price, especially with five places softening the risk. The obvious dangers are Only For Our Man, who keeps knocking on the door, and Small Bucks, who has momentum after his latest win.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lips Freedom | 7/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Betfair) |
| Bannow Blaze | 20/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Bruant | 13/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Hopeful Hero | 15/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Only For Our Man | 9/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Small Bucks | 9/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Betfair) |
| Dairy Force | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Betfair) |
| Mo Ghille Mar | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Certamen | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Golden Wings | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Viceregent | 66/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Betfair) |
| Home By The Sea | 16/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 14/1 | 20/1 (Betfair) |
| Kilt | 11/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Betfair) |
| Whispering Willow | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Your Call | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
18:12 – Pepsico (Walkers Snacks) Maiden Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 4f | | Going: GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering) | | jumps
This looks a fairly tight little maiden rather than a deep one, with the market understandably centred on Wackestone and newcomer Santa Domingo. Wackestone brings the standout hurdle form and a mark of 124, which sets the standard in this field, though he did need the run when sixth on his return and isn’t bombproof after five defeats in maidens. Santa Domingo is the fascinating unknown for John McConnell and J J Slevin, and the strength of support suggests he’s expected to know his job first time up. Behind those two, it doesn’t take much to make the frame, which gives something like Hidden Empire at a price a bit of appeal. The rest have shown very little so far, so this feels more about whether the principals deliver than a wide-open puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Wackestone – 6/5 with Betfair
Jockey: Joshua Halford | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: 3260-6 | Rating: 124 | Topspeed: 98
Wackestone sets the form standard and, in truth, that alone may be enough in a race of this quality. His earlier hurdle efforts gave him a solid platform, and an official mark of 124 leaves him clear of these on known ability. The comeback sixth can be marked up a shade if he was entitled to need it, and Gordon Elliott’s four-year-old should strip fitter for that outing. He’s not one to take a cramped price about in a stronger maiden because he has had chances, but this is a more forgiving assignment and 6/5 is perfectly fair if you think normal progress is coming. He looks the one they all have to beat. Bet type: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Hidden Empire – 14/1 with Bet365
Jockey: James Smith | Trainer: W R Crawford | Form: 8 | Rating: | Topspeed:
For an each-way play, Hidden Empire makes more appeal than most of the rags because he has at least shown up once and could easily take a step forward from that initial run. The bare form figure of 8 doesn’t scream promise, but in a race where several rivals have either achieved very little or arrive completely unproven under Rules, it won’t take a dramatic leap to get involved for a place. James Smith takes over for a yard capable of readying one to improve from first to second start, and 14/1 looks the sort of price worth chancing in an eight-runner race with three places on offer. He’s the each-way value if the favourite underwhelms. Bet type: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it straightforward: Wackestone is the win bet on established hurdle form and should be sharper for his recent return. Hidden Empire is the each-way punt at a much bigger price in a race that falls away quickly after the front two in the market. Santa Domingo is the obvious danger if the market confidence proves justified on debut.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Empire | 14/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Santa Domingo | 11/10 | 10/11 | 10/11 | 10/11 | 1/1 | 11/10 (Bet365) |
| Seamy Appletart | 28/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Teddy Jones | 18/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Wackestone | 11/10 | 6/5 | 6/5 | 6/5 | 6/5 | 6/5 (Betfair) |
| Wee Fallon | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Lisnadill | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
| Oops A Daisy | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
18:47 – Denny Hurdle
Race Details: 3m | | Going: GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering) | | jumps
This is a fascinating little staying hurdle rather than a deep one, and the market has understandably centred on a handful with either class or upside. Reverend Hubert brings the standout rating and obvious back-class, but he concedes weight all round on ground that may not play entirely to every stayer’s strengths. Clay Pigeons is the intriguing one after maintaining an unbeaten hurdles record, while Samui is the lurking danger if Gordon Elliott has him anywhere near concert pitch after an absence. Loch Cuan and Gangster Granny are progressive but this is a much sharper examination of their claims. In truth, it looks a race where proven quality should tell, but there is just enough uncertainty over fitness and conditions to make it a proper punting puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Clay Pigeons – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Brian Hayes | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: 1/12-1 | Rating: 131 | Topspeed: 102
He is impossible to dismiss given he is unbeaten over hurdles and comes here off another winning return. Willie Mullins doesn’t waste many bullets in races like this, and Clay Pigeons looks the sort still climbing through the ranks rather than one who has already shown his full hand. The official mark of 131 leaves him with plenty to find on paper against Reverend Hubert, but that misses the point slightly: he is progressive, unexposed at the trip and carries a handy 155. At 3/1 with Bet365, he appeals as the one most likely to improve past these older, more exposed stayers. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Loch Cuan – 14/1 with Bet365
Jockey: James Smith | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: 02-211 | Rating: 124 | Topspeed: 92
Loch Cuan is the each-way play because he arrives in proper nick and looks like a horse who is still learning his job. Two wins on the bounce tell their own story, and while a mark of 124 leaves him some way shy of the principals on figures, he gets in here with just 160 and is open to more progress as a 5yo. Gordon Elliott’s runners in staying hurdles always command respect, and this fellow could be the one to pick up the pieces if the classier names underperform or need the run. At 14/1 with Bet365, he looks overpriced for place purposes in a nine-runner race. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Clay Pigeons is the win bet. He has the profile of a progressive staying hurdler who may not have reached his ceiling yet, and 3/1 is fair enough. Loch Cuan makes more appeal than most for an each-way punt at 14/1, especially with three places on offer. Reverend Hubert is the obvious danger on class, while Samui is the wild card if fully tuned up.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reverend Hubert | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Loch Cuan | 14/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Thecompanysergeant | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Clay Pigeons | 3/1 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Ambitious Fellow | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Betfair) |
| Samui | 4/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| The Friday Man | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Gangster Granny | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Betfair) |
19:22 – Tayto Group Limited Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 3m | | Going: GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering) | | jumps
This is a proper old-fashioned staying handicap hurdle: 22 runners, plenty with chances on paper and very few you could call bombproof. Sneddy Eddie arrives on the back of a win and is an obvious starting point for Gordon Elliott, while Knocknagoran Lady has been admirably progressive and Moonshine Girl is lurking on a dangerous mark with solid recent placed form. Fire Coral has a bit of substance in his figures too, and Bayonetta rarely runs a bad race in this grade. The ground is a big part of the puzzle over 3m here; on this sounder surface, proven stamina combined with the ability to travel matters more than sheer slogging power. It looks a tricky betting heat rather than a strong one, so price sensitivity is essential.
Top Selections
1. Sneddy Eddie – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Kennedy | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: -05541 | Rating: 103 | Topspeed: 92
He is hardly hiding from the handicapper, but Sneddy Eddie still makes plenty of appeal in a race where most of these have holes in their profile. That latest win suggested he is beginning to put things together again, and a topspeed figure of 92 gives him a solid platform in this company. Jack Kennedy is a notable booking in a race full of amateurs, claimers and lesser lights, and that matters in a big-field staying hurdle where positioning and rhythm are everything. At 9/2 he is no giveaway, but he is the most persuasive blend of current form, stable power and reliability among the principals. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Moonshine Girl – 14/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Jack G Gilligan | Trainer: Paul John Gilligan | Form: 8-7224 | Rating: 103 | Topspeed: 96
Moonshine Girl looks overpriced, plain and simple. Her recent form has been far more solid than the market gives her credit for, with two seconds and a fourth in her last four runs, and that 96 topspeed is one of the better numbers in the field. Carrying just 148, she could be the sort to creep into it when others have cried enough turning for home. This is a deeper race than some of the contests she has been contesting, but she does not need to improve much to hit the frame and arguably only needs the race to be run honestly. At 14/1, she makes a lot of each-way sense. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Sneddy Eddie is the win play because he brings the strongest recent form and the most convincing overall profile. For an each-way punt, Moonshine Girl stands out at the prices given her consistency, low weight and strong topspeed figure. Knocknagoran Lady and Fire Coral are the obvious dangers, while Bayonetta also has the sort of profile to get involved if this turns into a war of attrition.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonny Carrol | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Journey So Far | 17/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 13/2 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Knocknagoran Lady | 7/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Midleton Rare | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Astley | 14/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Betfair) |
| Bayonetta | 8/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Betfair) |
| Matter Of Opinion | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Schiehallion | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Brandt | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Georgia Celena | 10/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Grace Faraday | 16/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Sneddy Eddie | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Fire Coral | 8/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Technology | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Moonshine Girl | 15/2 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 (Betfair) |
| Clever Court | 25/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Whatyouwant | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
| Gypsy Poet | 33/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Sekifi | 33/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| My Policy | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Le Grand Vert | 12/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Betfair) |
19:56 – Hovis Ireland Mares INH Flat Race
Race Details: 2m 1f | | Going: GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering) | | jumps
This looks a fairly interesting mares’ bumper rather than a penalty kick for the favourite. Hilly Filly brings the standout single piece of bare form on figures after scoring on debut and she is perfectly entitled to head the market, but this is not a weak little contest and there are a couple lurking with enough substance to make her earn it. Clovelly Charm has already won under rules and arrives with a solid rating, while Bredas Pearl has been knocking loudly on the door and sets the standard for consistency. Missouri Snow is another unbeaten mare, though her numbers leave a bit more to prove. In a 12-runner field on quick summer ground, track position and a turn of foot late on could easily prove decisive, so this feels competitive rather than straightforward.
Top Selections
1. Hilly Filly – 7/4 with Betfair
Jockey: Mr L P Shanahan | Trainer: Ross O’Sullivan | Form: 1 | Rating: 113 | Topspeed: 90
She sets the form standard on what we know so far. A debut winner with a rating of 113 and a Topspeed of 90, Hilly Filly has already shown more raw ability than most of these and, crucially, she did it first time out, which often marks out a useful bumper mare. Being a 4yo against some older mares is no negative given the weight received, and this sharp enough test on good to firm ground should suit a horse with a bit of tactical pace. At 7/4 she is no giveaway, but she is the one they all have to beat and it would be no surprise if Ross O’Sullivan’s mare has a bit more in hand than we’ve seen. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Bredas Pearl – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Mr Finn Buckley | Trainer: John C McConnell | Form: 5-32 | Rating: 108 | Topspeed: 99
Bredas Pearl appeals as the sensible each-way angle in a race where plenty of the outsiders are complete unknowns. Her profile is solid rather than flashy, but bumper form like 5-32 deserves respect and she brings the best Topspeed figure in the field with 99. That suggests she has already been involved in a properly run race and can cope if this turns into a test from some way out. John C McConnell’s mares are often well placed, and this one looks ready to strike if the favourite underperforms or gets trapped in traffic. Available at 9/2, she looks the value play to hit the frame and possibly do better. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Hilly Filly is the win play because her debut success gives her the strongest outright claims in the line-up. For those wanting a bit more insurance in a 12-runner bumper, Bredas Pearl makes plenty of appeal as an each-way punt with her reliable profile. Clovelly Charm is the obvious danger, while Missouri Snow is respected but needs to improve on the clock.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clovelly Charm | 5/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Missouri Snow | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Hilly Filly | 5/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 6/4 | 7/4 (Betfair) |
| Bredas Pearl | 9/2 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Bresil Belle | 16/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Cave Daisy | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Maxdale Prinxess | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Anna Quaintance | 16/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Hutton Star | 12/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Junction Road | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Molly Des Bruyeres | 9/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
Down Royal Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mo Ghille Mar | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
| Schiehallion | 3 | 0 | 0% | 66.67% |
| Viceregent | 3 | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Le Grand Vert | 4 | 0 | 0% | 75% |
| Georgia Celena | 5 | 0 | 0% | 40% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Halford | 5 | 3 | 60% | 100% |
| Jack Kennedy | 100 | 38 | 38% | 60% |
| James Smith | 20 | 5 | 25% | 40% |
| Mr H C Swan | 30 | 6 | 20% | 63.33% |
| Mr L P Shanahan | 5 | 1 | 20% | 40% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Down Royal:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmet Mullins | 33 | 7 | 21.21% | 54.55% |
| Gordon Elliott | 875 | 184 | 21.03% | 50.29% |
| Patrick Rooney | 10 | 2 | 20% | 40% |
| Nigel Thomas Slevin | 30 | 5 | 16.67% | 26.67% |
| W P Mullins | 134 | 22 | 16.42% | 53.73% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Down Royal racing tips for Friday 28th August 2026. We’ve covered all 7 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
What time does racing start at Down Royal today?
The first race at Down Royal on Friday 28th August 2026 goes off at 16:30, with 7 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Down Royal today?
The going at Down Royal is reported as GOOD TO FIRM, Good in places (Watering).
How many races are at Down Royal today?
There are 7 races on the card at Down Royal today, running from 16:30 through to 19:56.
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