Last year's impressive race performance of the horse has placed it squarely in contention once more for the Galway handicap, given the stellar track record of its trainer.
Mares' Handicap Hurdle at Galway Meeting: A Closer Look at the Top Contenders
The upcoming Galway meeting will see the running of the highly anticipated Mares' Handicap Hurdle, with a strong field of contenders set to compete. Here's a closer look at some of the top contenders based on recent form and trainer comments.
Dysart Enos (Fergal O'Brien)
Dysart Enos, trained by Fergal O'Brien, is a mare that showed great promise earlier in her career. She won her first three hurdle starts comfortably and even beat the 2025 Champion Hurdle winner by nine lengths in a 2023 Grade 2 race at Aintree. Although she failed to win in four starts over hurdles last season due to injury interruptions, her stable remains hopeful of a return to form. She is regarded as a strong each-way contender at 16/1, with connections making a bold decision to send her for this race, indicating confidence in her potential to perform well despite some recent setbacks.
Carried With Love (Joseph O’Brien)
Another contender that has caught the eye is Carried With Love, trained by Joseph O’Brien. This filly impressed when winning a Cork maiden hurdle in March and has demonstrated improvement in hurdles. Trainer comments suggest that more progress is expected from her, making her a promising contender in the mares’ handicap hurdle.
Belle The Tigress
Listed among the entries and considered one of the main betting favorites at 4/1 according to the racecard, Belle The Tigress looks set to put up a strong performance. Detailed form notes weren't provided, but her market status implies solid recent performances.
Other contenders like Enfranchise (16/5 favorite), Farfromnowhere (11/2), and Radar Ahead (short odds) also feature in betting markets, suggesting competitive fields. However, the available detailed commentary mainly highlights Dysart Enos and Carried With Love in terms of recent performances and trainer confidence.
Redwood Queen, Radar Ahead, and Others
Redwood Queen, who won three times last year before losing her way, was claimed by Cian Collins afterwards. She looks set to make a strong return, especially considering her past success. Radar Ahead, who powered clear of Spick And Span, who has since won a maiden hurdle with ease, should have plenty more to come over hurdles. Another contender with all-important course form is Enfranchise, who was well beaten in this race last year but won a maiden hurdle at the meeting the year before. Farfromnowhere, one of the lesser-exposed contenders on her handicap debut, ran a big race at Wexford in May to chase home the useful Sunchart. Fratas, who scored on the Flat here two years ago and will likely race prominently under Jordan Gainford, is another horse to watch.
Jolie Jewel and Miss Fourie
Jolie Jewel looks well treated off 115, while Miss Fourie, who finished second in the race last year and has climbed nearly a stone in the ratings since, could be a dark horse in the race. However, Miss Fourie was beaten ten lengths into seventh on her seasonal return at Bellewstown this month.
Redwood Queen's Stable Debut
Redwood Queen, who was claimed by Cian Collins afterwards, looked set to win before Philip Byrnes was unseated in a claiming hurdle at Wexford last time. This will be her stable debut, and she could be capable of a decent run.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board's Investigation
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board stated that its ongoing investigation into the affair is nearing a conclusion. The specifics of the investigation were not disclosed.
In summary, the Mares' Handicap Hurdle at the Galway meeting promises to be a thrilling race. With experienced contenders like Dysart Enos and Carried With Love, promising newcomers like Belle The Tigress, and all-important course form contenders like Enfranchise, the race is set to be a competitive one. Redwood Queen, Radar Ahead, and others could also make their presence felt, making for an exciting day of racing.
- Dysart Enos and Carried With Love are top contenders in the upcoming Mares' Handicap Hurdle race at Galway Meeting, with Dysart Enos showing great promise earlier in her career and making a strong each-way contender at 16/1, while Carried With Love, trained by Joseph O’Brien, has demonstrated improvement and is considered a promising contender.
- Belle The Tigress, a main betting favorite at 4/1, is another strong contender in the Mares' Handicap Hurdle, having shown solid recent performances to secure her status as one of the race's top horses.