Down Royal Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Seven-Race Meeting
Fans of the summer jumps have seven races to look forward to at Down Royal this Friday, with six hurdles races and one bumper across the early evening card.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Down Royal card, brought to you by BetBrothers.
The meeting kicks off with a juvenile hurdle run over two and a quarter miles (16.30). Point Star is a new starter here and will be interesting to watch, while No Bother Aoife and Nicky Larson have both displayed some ability over hurdles already, the latter having won last time. Now carrying a penalty for that result, the filly might be the one to side with.
A mares’ maiden hurdle follows, run over the same trip (17.05). That’s It Girl makes a first start here for Gavin Cromwell, while Tanga Mugi could be good on her hurdle debut having won a point-to-point and run okay in a bumper.
Rare Times was only narrowly beaten in a handicap hurdle last time and should have a chance, while Jo’s Secret should come on from jumping poorly last time.
Race three is a handicap hurdle run over the same trip (17.37). Gordon Elliott’s Dairy Force is on what could be a winnable mark now and Jack Kennedy is an asset. Only For Our Man should be able to keep up his usual level of consistency and can get to at least a place, while Kilt is competitive at this mark and might have an each-way chance.
A two and a half mile four-year-olds’ maiden hurdle follows (18.12). Santa Domingo is a new recruit for John McConnell who showed some ability in two starts on the Flat.
The sire, King Of Change, has had a handful of progeny run over jumps quite well, so this gelding could be worth thinking about. The opposition have all been well-beaten so far, so he might be the only one.
Race five is a three-mile hurdle (18.47). There are some smart horses in here, including the Grade One performer Rocky’s Diamond, who was fourth in the 2025 Cheltenham Festival Stayers’ Hurdle.
His most recent three starts have been good and he should outclass the others here, and has first-time cheekpieces to help his case. Thecompanysergeant has ability and class but does need to get back into better form, while Ambitious Fellow just might spring a surprise for a place under a seven-pound claimer.
Second to last is a three-mile handicap hurdle (19.22). This is a warm race with 20 runners, but Jonny Carrol looks handy here. He was fourth of 14 last time at Wexford and can stay this trip, so might be suitable here. He is also given seven pounds by his rider. Moonshine Girl has been consistent lately and might pick up a place here, while Fire Coral might get involved.
Last of all is a mares’ bumper (19.56). With plenty of debutants in this race, it could go any direction. Missouri Snow has won both a point-to-point and a bumper, so could be a player again here. Bredas Pearl has shown some ability and has no reason not to get involved again here, while Molly Des Bruyeres has some good relations and could be worth thinking about for this.
Down Royal selections – Friday:
16.30 – No Bother Aoife
17.05 – Jo’s Secret
17.37 – Dairy Force
18.12 – Santa Domingo
18.47 – Rocky’s Diamond
19.22 – Jonny Carrol.
