Racing preview: Hardy Warrior up for the battle at Gowran Park
Hardy Warrior and Declan McDonogh win the TRM Nutrition Best-Turned-Out Series Back For 2026 Race. Pic: Healy Racing Photo
Hardy Warrior, proven in group company, should be capable of conceding weight to his 16 rivals in the €200,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Gowran Classic in Gowran Park.
The Pinatubo colt, one of five runners for Joseph O’Brien, who bagged this prize with Green Triangle last year, boats an official mark of 117 and, undoubtedly, sets a decent standard in this confined event.
The selection’s two-year-old form was rock-solid, including a convincing maiden win at Leopardstrown and a second to current Betfred Derby favourite Benvenuto Cellini in a Group 2 on the same track in September.
And he ended his juvenile campaign with a fourth behind Puerto Rico in the Group 1 Criterium International in Saint-Cloud.
The Carriganog colt has raced twice this season, proving a wide-margin winner of a three-runner conditions event in Naas, beating Take Charge Star, before finishing third, when favourite, behind Pearl Majesty in the Group 3 Prix Noailles at Longchamp last month.
Such credentials make Hardy Warrior a stand-out in the context of today’s race over an extended nine furlongs. And he’s the obvious choice to bag the handsome winner’s prize of €107,800.
Theoretically, Declan McDonogh’s mount is head and shoulders above his rivals. But stable-companion Perisher, successful on this track and Naas already this season, is clearly on the upgrade, although he has 12lb. to find with the selection.
Richard Hannon sends Doncaster winner Bunyola Bay in search of this big ‘pot’ while David Marnane’s Manton Bay, although rated 86, has each-way claims.
Listowel stages the third leg of its Whit weekend meeting, a seven-race jumps card on which Gavin Cromwell’s mare Whispering Willow, in the John B Keane Beginners Chase, looks the best bet.
Winner of a handicap hurdle at Punchestown off 86 and raised 11lb. for her troubles, this mare finished a close third to Driveonwill on her recent chase debut in Downpatrick and, with that experience under her belt, should prove tough to beat.
The John J Galvin Chase is an intriguing six-runner affair, with last year’s winner Blood Destiny, an enigmatic sort, set to concede weight to his five rivals.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding has obvious claims, but might struggle to concede 10lb. to Noel Meadfe’s versatile performer Jesse Evans, whose CV includes runner-up finished in both a Galway Plate and Guinness Galway Hurdle.
And his recent third to Senecia in Killarney proved Jesse Evans in good fettle for this test and, presumably, a return to Ballybrit at the end of next month.
John Ryan
1.47. Salsinha
2.22. Mo Ghille Mar
2.57. Wholelotofbusiness
3.32. Whisperign Willow (n.b.)
4.07. Jesse Evans
4.42. Asphalt Cowboy
5.17. Caman Hill
Next Best
1.47. Wonderful Everyday
2.22. Western Princess
2.57. Putapoundinthejar
3.32. Walk Away Harry
4.07. Blood Destiny
4.42. Solitary Man
5.17. Thelittleballerina
John Ryan
1.29. Elusive Echo
1.59. Royla County Glory
2.34. Sir Callisto
3.09. Thrifty Of Digby
3.44. Hardy Warrior (Nap)
4.19. Listentodwindblow
4.54. Accelereight
5.29. A Pretty Penny
Next Best
1.29. Star Of Beauty
1.59. Brains
2.34. Obscenity
3.09. Pink Oxalis
3.44. Perisher
4.19. Changing Lanes
4.54. Pliny
5.29. Amrum
