Our Downpatrick racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Friday 8th May 2026. The action gets underway at 17:00 and runs through to 20:05, with going reported as GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Kalsman boasts a 16.67% strike rate from 6 runs at the track, Miss M O’Sullivan has been in fine form here with 4 wins from 12 rides, S G Carey’s yard sends out runners with a 66.67% 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 Downpatrick
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Downpatrick over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Flanagan | Irish Daily Star | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 72.73% |
17:00 – Randox Maiden Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 5f | | Going: GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered) | | jumps
This doesn’t look the deepest maiden hurdle Downpatrick will stage all year, but it does revolve around a couple with solid, established form. Roc Dino sets the standard on a mark of 125 after a string of near-misses, while Speculateur brings the most reliable recent profile having filled the frame repeatedly and earning a 126 figure. Loch Cuan is the one with a bit of scope to get involved after shaping well enough when second on hurdling debut, but plenty of the rest have shown very little and the market reflects that brutally. Tactics could matter over this 2m5f on a turning track, though in truth this looks more about whether the Mullins favourite finally gets the job done or if one of Gordon Elliott’s pair can make him work harder than odds of 4/9 imply.
Top Selections
1. Roc Dino – 4/9 with Bet365
Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: 3/220- | Rating: 125 | Topspeed: 86
He’s hardly a hidden gem at this stage, but Roc Dino is still the obvious one. The bare form figures say he’s been knocking loudly on the door, and a mark of 125 gives him only the narrowest edge on paper over Speculateur, yet this looks a very suitable spot. Mullins placing one in a race like this at Downpatrick is always worth respecting, and the booking of Paul Townend only underlines the intent. He has enough tactical pace for this sort of track and the step up to 2m5f should hold no fears. At 4/9 you’re not stealing money, but he is the most likely winner and hard to oppose. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Loch Cuan – 17/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Sam Ewing | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: 02- | Rating: 107 | Topspeed: 90
If you want something at a backable price, Loch Cuan makes much more each-way appeal than most of these. He improved markedly from his debut when runner-up last time and that form line at least hints there is more to come now he gets another crack over hurdles. His mark of 107 leaves him with plenty to find on raw figures, but this isn’t a race packed with depth beyond the front two in the market. Elliott can ready one to improve with experience and Sam Ewing is a positive booking around here. Available at 17/2, he looks the sensible each-way punt in a race where many of the outsiders appear up against it. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Roc Dino is the percentage call and should be winning if running to his mark, so he’s the straightforward win bet despite the skinny price. For an each-way alternative, Loch Cuan appeals as the one most likely to improve into the frame. Speculateur is the obvious danger after his sequence of placed efforts and is the chief threat to the Mullins favourite.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brohatna | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 (Bet365) |
| Herecomesmybaby | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 (Bet365) |
| Loch Cuan | 17/2 | 7/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Roc Dino | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 (Bet365) |
| Speculateur | 2/1 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 8/5 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Union Boy | 80/1 | 90/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 66/1 | 100/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Lady Cosmo | NR | 80/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Evangelic | 125/1 | 110/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 100/1 | 150/1 (Paddy Power) |
17:35 – Road Stud Installations Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 5f | | Going: GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered) | | jumps
This is the sort of Downpatrick handicap that can make fools of plenty, with 18 declared and not much between a good chunk of them on the figures. Justicialism sets the standard on recent form after back-to-back seconds and is easy enough to see in the finish again, while Kalsman arrives off a win and still looks on the up for Liam Lennon. King Gris has been productive in handicaps and Stonecarthy is lurking on a tempting mark if getting back to his best. There are also a few lurking dangers from stronger yards, notably Fool Me Once and Lecale’s Diamond for Gavin Cromwell. It is not a deep race in terms of quality, but it is a properly tricky betting heat where well-being and track craft will count for plenty.
Top Selections
1. Kalsman – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Josh Williamson | Trainer: Liam Lennon | Form: 14/61- | Rating: 105 | Topspeed: 80
Kalsman appeals most as a horse still capable of defying this sort of mark. He signed off last season with a win, and while that form does not tower over the race, it came at a time when plenty of these were treading water. An 8yo with only four recent form figures to work from is not exposed in handicap terms, and the fact he shoulders 167 suggests he has done enough to earn respect without looking harshly treated. In a race full of unreliable types, he makes plenty of appeal at 5/1 with Bet365 as the one most likely to run his race again. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Stonecarthy – 9/1 with Bet365
Jockey: P J O’Hanlon | Trainer: Ian Patrick Donoghue | Form: /2P06- | Rating: 102 | Topspeed: 101
Stonecarthy is not straightforward, but this is exactly the kind of race where a slightly risky each-way play can pay. His recent form figures are uninspiring on paper, yet that Topspeed mark of 101 jumps off the page in the context of this field and he has slipped to a workable racing weight of 148. If he can be produced late and travel with a bit more fluency than he managed on his final starts last term, he has the raw ability to hit the frame at least. At 9/1 with Bet365, he looks the value each-way against shorter, more obvious rivals. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Kalsman is the win play because he comes here with the cleanest profile and fewer questions than most. Stonecarthy is the each-way punt in a race where four places offer a bit of cover and his old figures give him a real squeak. Justicialism is the obvious danger if repeating his recent seconds, while King Gris is another who should not be underestimated.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roxboro River | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Kalsman | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Fool Me Once | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| King Gris | 13/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Justicialism | 10/3 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Joya Del Mar | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Annarubyrose | 12/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Loup De Tallane | 18/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Whatafoolbelieves | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Lady Iseult | 66/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Stonecarthy | 9/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Artic Chief | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Gangster Granny | 22/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Bearami Creek | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Westin Pimpernel | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
18:05 – SIS, Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 2f | | Going: GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered) | | jumps
This looks a maiden hurdle with a very obvious shape to it. Endless Talking sets the standard on what he has already achieved, his 123 rating and that latest third reading notably better than anything most of these have managed. The question is whether you want to take cramped odds in an 18-runner race around Downpatrick, where traffic and jumping can still make life awkward. Gordon Elliott has a strong second string in Flying Ace and Lemmy Caution, while Echinacea is respected on debut for a yard that can ready one. Rare Times gets a handy pull at the weights as a four-year-old and could easily outrun her price. Strong race? Not especially. Tricky betting heat? Definitely, because the favourite is solid but far from bombproof at the prices.
Top Selections
1. Endless Talking – 1/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Keith Donoghue | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Form: 7843- | Rating: 123 | Topspeed: 101
He is the one they all have to beat, simple as that. Endless Talking has already shown a level of hurdle form this field largely lacks, and that mark of 123 absolutely towers over most of these exposed rivals. His latest third was a step forward and suggested he is getting the hang of the job, while the Topspeed figure of 101 backs up the substance of the run. Keith Donoghue is a major positive in a race where efficiency matters, and Cromwell’s runner should be able to travel strongly off this pace. At 1/2 he is no gift, but on form he is hard to oppose. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Rare Times – 17/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe | Trainer: Ms Margaret Mullins | Form: 57- | Rating: 107 | Topspeed: 64
For an each-way angle, Rare Times makes plenty of appeal at the prices. She is a four-year-old getting weight from the older horses and her opening two hurdle runs were not devoid of promise at all, particularly in the context of this ordinary enough maiden. A mark of 107 gives her something to build on and she does not need to improve dramatically to get involved for the places. Sean O’Keeffe is a sensible booking for a race likely to get messy late on, and 17/2 looks fair in a field where plenty have shown very little. She is the type to travel better than her odds imply and nick a place, if not more. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Endless Talking is the percentage call and the win bet, because his established hurdle form is comfortably the best on offer. For a bit of value, Rare Times is the each-way play with the four-year-old allowance a useful asset in this company. The main dangers are Flying Ace, who could improve sharply from his debut, and Lemmy Caution, whose Elliott form gives him place claims.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bootscootinboogie | 66/1 | 110/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 100/1 | 150/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Dancing Fruits | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Dorie Miller | 66/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Endless Talking | 1/2 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 1/2 (Bet365) |
| Flying Ace | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Nevermindestranger | 80/1 | 90/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Free Vango | 125/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Me Wee Nanny Fran | 50/1 | 90/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 66/1 | 100/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Mirfaq | 80/1 | 66/1 | 80/1 | 80/1 | 66/1 | 80/1 (Bet365) |
| Aboras Mahler | 125/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Layenda | 100/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Shanliss Tricks | 66/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Betfair) |
| Echinacea | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Rare Times | 17/2 | 7/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Lemmy Caution | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 (Betfair) |
| Al What | 80/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 100/1 | 150/1 (Betfair) |
| Messire Des Bordes | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
18:35 – Angie Orr Still Celebrating Her 70th Birthday Mares Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 1f | | Going: GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered) | | jumps
This is the sort of mares’ handicap that looks straightforward at first glance and then gets messy the longer you stare at it. A few arrive with patchy recent form, but there are enough hints of revival and unexposed profiles to make it interesting. Sea Of Doubt is lurking on a dangerous mark with a handy racing weight, while A Snow White Park and Doing It In Style represent powerful enough yards and should be competitive if bouncing back. Small Bucks has a bit of ability but comes with risk attached, and Lagoon Nebula is another who could have more to offer if putting it all together. In truth, this is not a deep race in quality terms, but it is a tricky little betting puzzle where the right handicap mark could easily decide it.
Top Selections
1. Sea Of Doubt – 7/1 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Josh Williamson | Trainer: Ian Patrick Donoghue | Form: 03U45- | Rating: 118 | Topspeed: 107
Sea Of Doubt makes plenty of appeal in a race where too many have questions to answer. She signed off last season with two respectable efforts, and although the bare form figures do not scream certainty, they read better in the context of this modest contest. An official mark of 118 is fair enough, and carrying just 148 should help around a track where that can matter. Her topspeed figure stacks up well against most of these too. At 7/1 with Paddy Power, she looks a solid win play rather than a speculative one, especially if this race turns into a scrap from the home turn. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Lagoon Nebula – 10/1 with Sky Bet
Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe | Trainer: Andrew Kinirons | Form: 61/8R- | Rating: 107 | Topspeed: 100
Lagoon Nebula is not an easy mare to trust completely, but she is exactly the type worth chancing each-way in a race like this. She is only a five-year-old, so there is still room for a bit of progress, and that mark of 107 gives her a definite squeak if she settles and jumps cleanly. The pulled-up and refusal types are elsewhere in this field too, so she is hardly alone in coming with baggage. Sean O’Keeffe is a positive booking, and the 10/1 with Sky Bet looks a fair reward for taking the chance that she can rediscover the level of her better efforts. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Sea Of Doubt is the one to keep simple on the win side, as she looks better treated than plenty of these and has fewer holes in her profile than most. For an each-way punt, Lagoon Nebula makes more appeal than the obvious ones at the head of the market given her age and workable mark. The main dangers are A Snow White Park and Doing It In Style, both from yards capable of landing this if their mares turn up in the mood.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camlin Park | 16/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Lagoon Nebula | 13/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 10/1 | 6/1 | 10/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Splashing Out | 8/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| A Snow White Park | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Doing It In Style | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Katherine | 14/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 7/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Small Bucks | 8/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Baby Fish | 8/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Sea Of Doubt | 9/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 6/1 | 7/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Frontier Rose | 40/1 | 30/1 | 30/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Auntie Ida | 16/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 20/1 | 14/1 | 20/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Mercurial Sea | 14/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Go Avel | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
19:05 – Peter Fitzpatrick & Sons Estate Agents And Chartered Surveyors Handicap Chase
Race Details: 2m 3f | | Going: GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered) | | jumps
This is a competitive little handicap chase rather than a deep one, and it revolves around whether the obvious contenders are ahead of the assessor. Struck Oil makes plenty of appeal after finishing second on his latest outing and looks the one with the most untapped potential in the line-up, especially as a 5yo in a race full of more exposed types. Katzoff and Driveonwill head the dangers from lower weights, with the former arriving off a runner-up effort and the latter at least knocking on the door in his recent starts. Tsavo Park has the highest rating in the field and could easily get involved if sharpening up from his return, but he does give weight away. Overall, it’s a winnable race for something progressive rather than a proper war of attrition.
Top Selections
1. Struck Oil – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Keith Donoghue | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Form: 00752- | Rating: | Topspeed:
Struck Oil is the one I want to be with. The bare form figures don’t scream certainty, but that latest second was a clear step in the right direction and suggested the penny is beginning to drop over fences. As a 5yo, he has more upside than most of these battle-hardened handicappers, and Gavin Cromwell’s runners in this sort of race always command respect. Keith Donoghue is a major positive booking too, especially around a track where rhythm matters. At 9/4 he is no giveaway, but he still looks the likeliest winner if building on that most recent effort. Bet: WIN
2. Katzoff – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh | Trainer: Ian Patrick Donoghue | Form: 690P2- | Rating: 93 | Topspeed: 64
Katzoff looks the each-way play in a race where plenty have questions to answer. He bounced back with a much better run when second last time, and that effort gives him a definite chance from a mark of 93 with just 140 to carry. He’s not one to trust blindly, but this is the right sort of grade and his current mark leaves room for manoeuvre if that revival was genuine rather than a flash in the pan. Conor Stone-Walsh takes off no weight here, but the horse is still attractively treated on the face of it. At 9/2, he looks a solid each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Struck Oil is the straight win bet and makes most appeal as the likely improver in the field. For an each-way alternative, Katzoff has enough recent encouragement and a workable mark to make the frame at least. The obvious danger is Tsavo Park on ratings, while Driveonwill is another who could easily run into a place if the race falls right for him.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jouster | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Tsavo Park | 11/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Struck Oil | 9/4 | 9/5 | 15/8 | 7/4 | 15/8 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Finnians Row | 25/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Driveonwill | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Hello Johnjoe | 11/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Silent Dawn | 14/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Just For Yuse | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Betfair) |
| Katzoff | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Mercury | Struck Oil |
19:35 – Remembering Caughoo Handicap Chase
Race Details: 2m 7f | | Going: GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered) | | jumps
This is the sort of Downpatrick handicap chase that can make fools of the market, with a few arriving out of form, a few returning from absences and one or two lurking on tempting marks. Coillte M C G, Hardy Diamond and Mini Getaway dominate the betting for good reason, while My Good Pal has the profile of one who could be very competitive from a light weight despite his rider’s claim not being shown in the card. Mastermind is another with a recent win to his name, though he is a 12-year-old now and not obviously the easiest to trust in deeper company. In truth, this is not a strong race, but it is a trappy one, and proven stamina plus clean jumping around this quirky track should count for plenty.
Top Selections
1. Coillte M C G – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Michael Kenneally | Trainer: S G Carey | Form: 76646- | Rating: 100 | Topspeed: 97
He does not arrive on the sexiest form figures, but this six-year-old has been running in a way that suggests a race like this is well within reach if things drop right. An official mark of 100 looks workable, and the Topspeed figure of 97 says there is enough ability there for this grade. What I like is that he is still relatively unexposed over staying trips compared to some of these battle-hardened handicappers, and this field contains plenty with questions attached. At 9/2 with Bet365, he makes more appeal than some of the shorter-priced, less convincing options and looks the one with the best balance of upside and solidity. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Hardy Diamond – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Josh Williamson | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: P852-3 | Rating: 107 | Topspeed: 106
The Elliott runner is fairly obvious, but obvious is not always a bad thing in a race lacking depth. He shaped well enough when third on his latest start, and his figures stack up strongly here, with a mark of 107 and a Topspeed of 106 both near the top of this field. He does have to shoulder plenty of weight, which is the obvious concern over nearly 3m at Downpatrick, but he is one of the few runners bringing genuinely solid handicap chase form to the table. If the market keeps him around 9/2, that is reasonable enough for an each-way play in a 14-runner race with four places on offer. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Coillte M C G is the win play in a race where a bit of potential counts for plenty, while Hardy Diamond looks the sensible each-way option given his stronger recent form and reliable figures. Mini Getaway is the obvious danger if returning in the same nick after his break, and My Good Pal also has to be respected from a handy racing weight.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardy Diamond | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Shantou Show | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Difficult Decision | 20/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 (William Hill) |
| Dinoland | 11/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 11/1 | 16/1 (Sky Bet) |
| My Cullen | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Person Of Interest | 14/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Coillte M C G | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Harley Street | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| My Good Pal | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Cocoplum | 20/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Mini Getaway | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Mastermind | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Tullabrack Lad | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
20:05 – Joe Rea Memorial Mares INH Flat Race
Race Details: 2m 1f | | Going: GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered) | | jumps
This looks a fairly ordinary mares’ bumper on paper and, for all there are nine declared, the market may not be far wrong in suggesting the answer lies towards the head of it. Culldoo immediately stands out for Willie Mullins, with Paul Townend absent but Patrick Mullins taking over and the yard’s newcomers in this sphere always commanding respect. Kisuton Enki sets the obvious form standard after shaping well when second on her latest start, while Jo’s Secret has bits of placed bumper form that give her a squeak if returning in the same mood. Beyond those, you are into mostly exposed or unproven types such as Double Order and Magical Sal. It is not an especially deep contest, but that does make it a race where class and stable power could prove decisive.
Top Selections
1. Culldoo – 10/11 with Bet365
Jockey: Mr P W Mullins | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: | Rating: | Topspeed:
You do not need to overthink every mares’ bumper at a track like Downpatrick, and this one has a very obvious focal point. Culldoo comes from the Willie Mullins operation, gets a handy 4yo allowance off older mares, and is the one the market has latched onto for good reason. There is no racecourse evidence to go on, so this is partly trust in the stable, but few yards are better at placing and producing a useful bumper mare first time out. At around 10/11 she is no giveaway, yet in a race lacking depth she still looks the likeliest winner and the one with the most upside. Bet: WIN
2. Kisuton Enki – 10/3 with Bet365
Jockey: Mr H C Swan | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: 0/2- | Rating: | Topspeed:
Kisuton Enki appeals as the each-way alternative because she brings the clearest recent piece of form into the race. After a modest start to her career, she took a big step forward when runner-up on her latest outing, and that is more than can be said for most of these. Gordon Elliott’s mare is entitled to progress again from that effort, and Harry Swan is a rider who tends to get them organised well enough in these tactical bumpers. With the favourite open to being smart but still unraced, 10/3 about a mare with solid placed form makes plenty of sense for those looking beyond the obvious. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Culldoo is the straight win play and looks the percentage call in a race that does not appear deep. For an each-way punt, Kisuton Enki makes far more appeal than the bigger prices because she has already shown she can be competitive in this grade. Jo’s Secret is the danger if back to her best, but the main betting focus should be favourite win, Kisuton Enki each-way.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Order | 22/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Freeway | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 (Bet365) |
| Kisuton Enki | 10/3 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Magical Act | 22/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Magical Sal | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Culldoo | 10/11 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 10/11 (Bet365) |
| Largy Lilly | 18/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
Downpatrick Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalsman | 6 | 1 | 16.67% | 16.67% |
| Finnians Row | 7 | 1 | 14.29% | 42.86% |
| Jimli’s Cave | 9 | 1 | 11.11% | 33.33% |
| Cocoplum | 3 | 0 | 0% | 33.33% |
| Justicialism | 4 | 0 | 0% | 25% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miss M O’Sullivan | 12 | 4 | 33.33% | 58.33% |
| Mr P W Mullins | 90 | 28 | 31.11% | 70% |
| Finn Brickley | 7 | 2 | 28.57% | 71.43% |
| Philip Byrnes | 26 | 7 | 26.92% | 46.15% |
| Alix Balfe | 5 | 1 | 20% | 60% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Downpatrick:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S G Carey | 3 | 2 | 66.67% | 66.67% |
| Andrew Kinirons | 11 | 5 | 45.45% | 72.73% |
| M O Quigley | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 100% |
| W P Mullins | 197 | 54 | 27.41% | 63.96% |
| Noel Meade | 178 | 47 | 26.4% | 60.67% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Downpatrick racing tips for Friday 8th May 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 Downpatrick today?
The first race at Downpatrick on Friday 8th May 2026 goes off at 17:00, with 7 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Downpatrick today?
The going at Downpatrick is reported as GOOD TO YIELDING (Watered).
How many races are at Downpatrick today?
There are 7 races on the card at Downpatrick today, running from 17:00 through to 20:05.
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