Archive›Curragh · 19 April 2026

Curragh

19 April 2026 · 8 races

✓ Historic — full access

Read from the in-running comments·How often this is right →

1:15 — Arizona Blaze Standing At The Irish National Stud Irish EBF Race

5f · Soft · DEFAULT · 6 runners

Pace map not available — insufficient prior race data for this field.

1:50 — SIS Supporting Irish Racing Handicap

5f · Soft · HCAP · 10 runners

Stag Night likeliest to leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Stag Night led, as the map showed.

Stag Night won at 4.00 — led, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

6 of 10 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Stag Night

Prominent · 3

Buddy BattLikedbymikeCuban Grey

Midfield · 3

Ribble EmperorShadow Of The MoonNoble Nation

Hold Up · 3

Gazelle d'OrSommelierSarahmae

Stag Night will likely lead with Cuban Grey, Likedbymike, Buddy Batt and Ribble Emperor pressing from prominent positions early. The soft ground and 5f sprint distance means the pace won't be blistering, allowing the leaders to maintain their advantage. With multiple hold-up horses like Shadow Of The Moon, Sommelier, Gazelle d'Or, Sarahmae and Noble Nation needing to come from behind, the track may not provide enough time for late closers to make up ground. This race shape strongly favours prominent racers and those able to travel well in the first half of the field.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Racers Dominate

55% probability

If the early pace is steady and sustainable on soft ground

The leaders get an easy time of it and kick for home with the hold-up horses unable to make up the ground in time. Stag Night, Cuban Grey, Likedbymike and Buddy Batt are perfectly positioned to capitalize.

Stag NightCuban GreyLikedbymikeBuddy Batt

Early Pace Collapse

25% probability

If the prominent runners go too fast early and tie up

The pace becomes unsustainable and the hold-up horses get their opportunity to strike late. Shadow Of The Moon and Noble Nation can use their fresh finishing kicks.

Shadow Of The MoonNoble NationGazelle d'OrSarahmae

Mid-Division Strike

12% probability

If the race develops into a messy scramble with uneven pace

Horses positioned in mid-division can pick their way through and time their runs perfectly. Those with tactical speed but not committed to the early battle benefit most.

LikedbymikeBuddy BattCuban GreyNoble Nation

Outsider Upset

8% probability

If the market leaders fail to handle the soft conditions or distance

Long-absent runners or those with question marks surprise at bigger odds. The race opens up for horses whose form figures don't tell the full story.

Ribble EmperorGazelle d'OrShadow Of The MoonSarahmae

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Sommelier has been fading badly in recent finishes and may struggle to stay competitive

WATCH

Shadow Of The Moon and Gazelle d'Or both return from lengthy layoffs exceeding 190 days

NOTE

Cuban Grey sports tongue tie for first time which could sharpen up his prominent racing style

WATCH

The hold-up horses face a significant challenge if Stag Night gets an uncontested lead

NOTE

Noble Nation drops significantly in class after his recent soft ground win at 6f

2:25 — Visit The Irish National Stud And Gardens Irish EBF Maiden

6f · Soft · MDN · 7 runners

Pace map not available — insufficient prior race data for this field.

3:00 — Final Furlong Podcast With 1xBet.ie Handicap

6f · Soft · HCAP · 21 runners

Astute Power likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Art Of Unity led; the map had Astute Power in front.

Bint Majestic Roi won at 7.00 — raced midfield, where the map had it raced prominently. One of the race scenarios named it.

9 of 21 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Astute Power

Prominent · 7

Royal ImpactBint Majestic RoiEichan SanReposadoFontaine KhaledWilliam F BrowneArt Of Unity

Midfield · 7

OppenheimerAngel Of PromiseApothic RedAndoskyRosatoAlnofoorAboveheronlysky

Hold Up · 6

Carrigans GroveGo OutRappellBlue AnthemThe Love MachineNouvel Espoir

Astute Power is the only confirmed front-runner and will dictate a measured tempo over 6f on soft ground with 21 runners providing natural cover. Art Of Unity and Royal Impact can press from prominent positions but lack the speed to create genuine pressure early doors. The large field creates inevitable traffic problems in the straight, while the soft conditions will blunt finishing kicks. This setup strongly favours prominent racers and early movers who can secure good positions without relying on a devastating turn of foot through the pack.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Controlled Tempo Benefits Prominents

55% probability

If Astute Power sets uncontested fractions and the field remains bunched turning for home

The patient pace allows prominent runners to travel sweetly before quickening, while hold-up horses struggle to make ground through traffic on testing ground. Early positioning proves crucial as the soft turf saps late momentum.

Royal ImpactBint Majestic RoiReposadoArt Of Unity

Traffic Chaos Favours Rails

25% probability

If the large field creates a wall of horses in the straight with limited room for manoeuvre

Runners drawn low or tracking the pace on the inside secure clear runs while those coming from midfield and wide get shuffled back. Patient tactics backfire as gaps fail to materialise.

Astute PowerEichan SanRoyal ImpactArt Of Unity

Soft Ground Levels Field

12% probability

If the testing conditions significantly reduce the effectiveness of class horses and create an open handicap

Lower-rated runners with proven soft ground form can outbattle their superiors as stamina becomes more important than raw speed. The pace collapse favours those who stay on strongest.

AlnofoorThe Love MachineRosatoAndosky

Late Surge Through Gaps

8% probability

If gaps appear in the straight and the soft ground doesn't completely kill finishing speed

A patient hold-up horse with the right pilot threads through to land the spoils as others tire from their earlier efforts. Class tells in the final furlong despite tactical disadvantages.

RappellCarrigans GroveBlue AnthemGo Out

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Astute Power must handle fitness concerns after 130 days off as the sole pace-setter with tactical responsibility

WATCH

Royal Impact and Bint Majestic Roi represent the key prominent threats if they can secure good early positions

WATCH

Traffic problems will be severe in the straight with 21 runners - watch for clear runs developing on the inside

NOTE

Alnofoor's recent soft ground wins make him dangerous if finding gaps from hold-up position

NOTE

Three-year-olds The Love Machine, Andosky and Fontaine Khaled receive significant weight allowances from older horses

3:35 — Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Alleged Stakes (Group 3)

1m2f · Soft · G3 · 12 runners

4 vying for the leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Green Impact and Royal Rhyme led, as the map showed.

Starford won at 10.00 — was held up, as the map had it.

3 of 12 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 4

Green ImpactTwainTrustyourinstinctEdward Hamilton

Prominent · 5

Royal RhymeRed LetterBubble GumEastwatchCarolina Jetstream

Midfield · 0

None

Hold Up · 3

BesetOmni ManStarford

Green Impact, Twain, Trustyourinstinct and Edward Hamilton will ensure a strong gallop from the off, with Royal Rhyme, Red Letter, Eastwatch, Bubble Gum and Carolina Jetstream creating significant congestion in prominent positions. The soft ground will sap stamina as the field spreads out approaching the straight, with those positioned prominently likely to face traffic problems 2-3 furlongs out. This pace setup and ground conditions clearly favour the hold-up horses - Omni Man, Beset and Starford - who can avoid the early scrimmaging and deliver late challenges when the pace collapses.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Dominate

55% probability

If the strong early pace is maintained throughout and the prominent brigade weakens significantly

The genuine stamina test exposes those who have raced keenly early, allowing the patient hold-up runners to sweep past tired leaders. Beset and Omni Man are perfectly positioned to capitalize with their proven ability to quicken late.

BesetOmni ManStarfordTrustyourinstinct

Prominent Survivors Prevail

25% probability

If one or two horses from the crowded prominent group can secure clean runs and avoid interference

Red Letter or Royal Rhyme could benefit from their class advantage if they navigate the traffic successfully in the straight. Their superior ratings give them the edge over hold-up horses if they avoid pace complications.

Red LetterRoyal RhymeTrustyourinstinctGreen Impact

Front Runner Stays Clear

12% probability

If Green Impact or Trustyourinstinct can dictate terms and avoid being overtaken by the field

An uncontested leader could exploit the soft ground by setting honest fractions that others cannot match late. Green Impact's recent win and Trustyourinstinct's course experience make them capable of staying clear.

Green ImpactTrustyourinstinctTwainRoyal Rhyme

Pace Collapses Early

8% probability

If the multiple front runners go too fast early and burn out before halfway

The race becomes a sprint from the 3-furlong pole, suiting horses with turn of foot rather than pure stamina. This unlikely scenario would favor those with tactical speed who avoided the early burn-up.

Royal RhymeRed LetterBesetOmni Man

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Green Impact and Twain could clash for the early lead, creating an unsustainable pace that compromises both runners

WATCH

Royal Rhyme and Red Letter face serious traffic problems in the straight with five horses wanting prominent positions early

NOTE

Beset's fitness edge from recent 28-day gap could prove decisive in the closing stages on energy-sapping soft ground

WATCH

Trustyourinstinct must avoid getting drawn into a speed duel with multiple front runners despite his natural leading style

NOTE

Edward Hamilton's poor recent form suggests he may not contribute meaningfully to the expected strong early pace

4:10 — Bermingham Cameras Irish EBF Maiden

6f · Soft · MDN · 24 runners

Cantilever to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Cool Azul and Grande Cuvee led; the map had Cantilever in front.

Thenandnow won at 8.00 — raced prominently, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

10 of 24 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Cantilever

Prominent · 5

Starman TomThenandnowCactusDreaminthejungleLar Na Coille

Midfield · 11

Tide Of FortuneRagaireMiss Moore CenGrande CuveeGiltsCool AzulA Good YarnConcaireSpiritofthedawnNew DivideChanging Direction

Hold Up · 7

Classical SymphonyGlen And TonicMagna KotchaSweet Baby ZouOchtar AgainnBartolitoThreebiggulps

Cantilever is the sole confirmed front runner in this 24-runner maiden and will likely get an easy lead on soft ground that typically produces steady early fractions. With prominent runners like Starman Tom, Thenandnow, Cactus, and Dreaminthejungle likely to track but not pressure early, the pace will be moderate rather than strong. The large field suggests scrimmaging in midfield with hold-up horses like Classical Symphony, Glen And Tonic, and Magna Kotcha getting cover but potentially finding traffic problems in the straight. This sustainable pace scenario clearly favours prominent runners and those with tactical speed who can avoid the inevitable traffic in such a big field.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Sustainable Pace Suits Prominents

55% probability

If Cantilever gets an uncontested lead and the pace stays steady through halfway

The race becomes a test of class from the 2f pole with prominent runners having the positional advantage to strike. Horses like Starman Tom, Thenandnow and Cactus can use their tactical pace to get first run on the field.

Starman TomThenandnowCactusDreaminthejungle

Traffic Chaos Benefits Leaders

25% probability

If the large field creates significant interference in the straight with runners getting blocked

Early leaders and those in the clear avoid the worst of the scrimmaging behind. Cantilever's front-running tactics prove decisive while a prominent runner like Dreaminthejungle finds racing room.

CantileverDreaminthejungleStarman TomLar Na Coille

Strong Finish By Hold-ups

12% probability

If the pace quickens significantly from the 3f pole creating gaps for back markers

Hold-up horses like Classical Symphony and Glen And Tonic get the strong gallop they need to unleash finishing kicks. The 6f trip becomes a proper test of stamina on the testing ground.

Classical SymphonyGlen And TonicMagna KotchaSweet Baby Zou

Debutant Surprise

8% probability

If one of the newcomers shows significantly more ability than expected

The betting market has underestimated the talent of a first-time starter who benefits from the steady pace. Trainers like J A Stack and Joseph O'Brien are capable of producing ready debutants in maidens.

Grande CuveeRagaireA Good YarnCool Azul

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Watch for significant market moves on the nine debutants, particularly Grande Cuvee and Ragaire from powerful yards

WATCH

Monitor early positioning of hold-up horses like Classical Symphony and Glen And Tonic in this large field for traffic issues

NOTE

Check if Cantilever gets the expected easy lead or faces unexpected early pressure from other runners

WATCH

Watch for Starman Tom's position turning in as the likely beneficiary if the pace stays steady

NOTE

Observe which debutants show early speed or professional attitude as indicators for future

4:45 — 1xBet.ie Supports Safe Gambling Handicap

7f · Soft · HCAP · 17 runners

L L Koulsty likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Smoke Them Out led; the map had L L Koulsty in front.

Merisi Diamond won at 8.50 — was held up, where the map had it raced prominently.

6 of 17 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

L L Koulsty

Prominent · 6

Blues EmperorSmoke Them OutSun SoldierRed CharlieMerisi DiamondMickey The Steel

Midfield · 5

Lahore Da KingLoingseoirHexagonalGoal ExceededLady Mary Heath

Hold Up · 5

Real ForceEarlsSan AerLocal LadJon Riggens

L L Koulsty will be the primary pace-setter from stall position, with Sun Soldier, Smoke Them Out, Mickey The Steel, Merisi Diamond and Red Charlie all likely to race prominently in the opening stages. This creates a moderate pace scenario rather than crawling fractions, as six horses have prominent tendencies but none are confirmed tearaway leaders. The large field of 17 runners on soft ground over 7f at the Curragh will see the pace quicken from the 3f marker as the hold-up horses make their moves. This race shape clearly favours the hold-up horses who can produce sustained finishing kicks on the testing ground.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Dominate

65% probability

If the prominent runners maintain honest fractions through the middle stages

The testing soft ground and 7f trip will find out the pace-setters in the final 2f, allowing the patient hold-up brigade to sweep past. Horses like Goal Exceeded, San Aer, Jon Riggens and Local Lad possess the tactical speed and stamina reserves to capitalize.

Goal ExceededSan AerLocal LadJon Riggens

Prominent Runner Survives

20% probability

If L L Koulsty or Sun Soldier can dictate comfortable fractions early

One of the pace-setters will have enough left in the tank to repel the late challengers on ground that may not be as energy-sapping as expected. The key is avoiding a speed duel in the opening 3f.

L L KoulstySun SoldierSmoke Them OutMickey The Steel

Mid-Division Swooper

10% probability

If the pace collapses completely and becomes pedestrian

A horse racing in mid-division with tactical pace like Red Charlie or Lahore Da King can time their run perfectly when the field bunches. The lack of early pace will bring stamina into play over sheer finishing speed.

Red CharlieLahore Da KingHexagonalLoingseoir

Pace Meltdown Chaos

5% probability

If multiple prominent runners engage in an early speed battle

The entire pace-setting group will tie up badly in the final furlong, leaving the door open for a complete outsider from the rear. This scenario requires tactical errors from multiple jockeys.

Lady Mary HeathEarlsHexagonalLoingseoir

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

L L Koulsty must avoid going too fast early as the only natural leader, if pressured by prominent runners will fold badly

WATCH

Multiple 7lb and 10lb claimers aboard prominent runners could create pace chaos through inexperience in large field

NOTE

Goal Exceeded running just 4 days ago suggests connections confident of improvement on quick turnaround

WATCH

Sun Soldier returning from 201-day break faces major fitness test on unfavoured soft ground

NOTE

Real Force and Local Lad both trained by Gerard O'Leary who is 1/9 in last 14 days, stable form questionable

5:20 — Your Game, Your Odds, Your 1xBet.ie Handicap

1m · Soft · HCAP · 14 runners

Gonna Be Golden likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Hambelton and Mo Anam Chara led; the map had Gonna Be Golden in front.

Arctic Assassin won at 13.00 — was held up, where the map had it raced midfield.

2 of 13 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Gonna Be Golden

Prominent · 4

Johnny SodaDown The GlenCloselyHambelton

Midfield · 5

Mo Anam CharaDivine BelieverPass The BuckArctic AssassinDreoilin

Hold Up · 4

HamiyanBoston BenjaminVenetian StarVantage Code

Gonna Be Golden will likely take the field along from the front with minimal pressure, setting a sustainable pace that won't burn out early leaders. The prominent runners Johnny Soda, Hambelton, Down The Glen and Closely should track close behind, while the large contingent of hold-up horses including Hamiyan, Boston Benjamin, and Venetian Star will need to rely on the pace collapsing late. With only one confirmed front runner and multiple hold-up horses needing the leaders to come back to them, this setup creates a tactical advantage for the early-positioned horses who can avoid traffic and kick clear when the soft ground starts to tell. This race shape strongly favours prominent runners who can sit close enough to strike but avoid doing the donkey work.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Sustainable Pace Holds

45% probability

If Gonna Be Golden maintains a steady gallop without folding dramatically in the final furlong

The early-positioned horses can kick clear while the hold-up brigade gets caught flat-footed on the testing ground. Prominent runners with tactical speed edge out both the spent leader and the back-markers who never get into contention.

Johnny SodaDown The GlenCloselyHambelton

Late Surge Succeeds

30% probability

If the pace becomes truly unsustainable and the leaders tie up badly in the soft conditions

The hold-up horses get the perfect setup to unleash telling late runs from off the speed. Quality closers with proven stamina reserves can pick off the early leaders who've done too much work.

HamiyanBoston BenjaminVenetian StarMo Anam Chara

Front Runner Dominates

15% probability

If Gonna Be Golden gets an uncontested lead and maintains stamina reserves for a strong finish

The lack of early pressure allows the leader to control the tempo perfectly and prove too strong for both the stalkers and closers. Prominent runners get caught in no-man's land while hold-up horses leave their runs too late.

Gonna Be GoldenJohnny SodaDown The GlenClosely

Surprise Closer Strikes

10% probability

If the pace becomes moderate early but quickens significantly from the 3f pole onward

A hold-up horse with untapped ability gets the ideal racing scenario to produce a career-best effort. The uneven pace distribution catches out both leaders and prominent runners, creating gaps for a swooper.

DreoilinVantage CodeDivine BelieverArctic Assassin

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Gonna Be Golden could steal this if allowed to coast in front unchallenged, as lone pace-setter often benefits in soft ground sprints

WATCH

Johnny Soda and Down The Glen are the key prominent runners to follow - if either gets first run on the field they'll be hard to peg back

NOTE

Hamiyan needs to show early pace from his hold-up style to avoid getting too far back in what could become a truly-run race

WATCH

The hold-up horses collectively could struggle if Gonna Be Golden sets only a moderate pace, leaving them with too much ground to make up

NOTE

Boston Benjamin's recent Sligo win came in similar conditions and his finishing kick could be potent if getting the right setup

About this analysis

Every race on PaceMap is read from the in-running comments of each runner’s recent form — how a horse actually ran, not only where it finished. Those comments decide the groups above, and the same comments are read back after the race to score what was published. The record is public, including the months it was worse.

Read the method behind this analysis →

This meeting ran on 19 April 2026.

Tonight’s free races, in your inbox

Every free race on the card, mapped in full: how each should be run, who is likely to lead, and where every runner is expected to race. One email a morning. No tips, no selections.

One email a day. Unsubscribe whenever. Every race, every meeting →