Down Royal Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Tuesday’s Seven-Race Meeting
National Hunt racing returns to Down Royal on Tuesday 20th January (2026) for a competitive seven-race card, the Molson Coors Race Day, which consists of four races over hurdles and three over fences.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Down Royal card, courtesy of The Sporting News betting section.
We begin with a maiden hurdle run over two miles and a furlong (12.50). Emmet Mullins’ Cock And Bull is the only one of the 20 runners without previous race experience, while the best exposed are the unreliable Whispering Hopes and bumper winner Whinney Hill.
The latter was third to Kopek Des Bordes in a maiden at Leopardstown last term and, after a good return to action when fourth of 16 in a Fairyhouse maiden, he looks a top candidate for the win today.
Star Of The Week should have an each-way chance too after a promising debut, but the winner could be Only For Our Man, whose maiden point-to-point form has been franked on the Graded stage, if the ground is not too soft.
A novice hurdle over the same trip follows (1.20). Jony R, Spinola Bay and Youlita have already won over hurdles, with Spinola Bay looking the most likely of the three to oblige again in first-time cheekpieces under Jack Kennedy.
Zuzukel should be in with a big chance too, having run very well at Punchestown in a handicap hurdle in November on heavy ground, but was beaten just a short head by the handy dual-winner Powerful.
Race three is a handicap hurdle, again over the same 17 furlongs (1.50). Paul Nolan’s Clody Diamond could be of interest on her handicap debut, after some good performances in mares’ maidens. Given five pounds by rider Eoin Staples, she looks able, stepping down in trip today.
Catchabird could be in line for a place, while Jessica Harrington’s Aruntothequeen looks the one to beat. This mare has gone well over two-mile trips previously and could be able to win in this company, despite carrying top weight. Jack Kennedy taking the ride could be a good indicator of confidence.
The fourth race, again over two miles and a furlong, is another handicap hurdle (2.20). Boston Bobby won his latest start at this track, and has ridden in the handicap as a result, so looks unlikely to win again.
Opposite Ends could go well, and Kingdom Calling could be a winnable mark now. Desmond McDonagh’s Verbal Sparring has beaten Boston Bobby over hurdles and – if leaving behind a poor jumping display when unseating last time – could have a real chance if taking a step forward today.
A rated novice chase follows over an extended two miles (2.50). He’s Gorgeous, McLaurey and Sky Lord are equally rated at 130 and it is tricky to separate them; each handles soft ground and is proven over this trip.
It might be, though, that Sky Lord has the edge, given some nicely franked hurdle form and two good jumping displays in his first pair of starts over fences. Splashing Out could be a good each-way play too.
The penultimate race is a two and a half mile handicap chase (3.20). Warm In Gorey is at a tempting mark but his jumping can be unreliable, while Kazbek could be competitive just a pound higher than when performing well at Punchestown last week
Oneforgonzo may prove to be well treated on his current chase mark, but needs to improve on previous performances over the larger obstacles. Sean O’Keeffe taking the ride may help.
Last of all is a three-mile handicap chase (3.50). Diamond Dollar seeks a hat-trick, having won his latest two starts at Limerick and Punchestown, but he is up against better rivals this time.
Al Kalila is down to a very attractive mark now, and ran well on his latest start to finish third at Kelso last month, so could be our winner in the famous Double Green colours.
The action at Down Royal is shown live on Racing TV, where you can also find free bets for Cheltenham.
Down Royal selections – Tuesday:
12.50 – Only For Our Man
1.20 – Zuzukel
1.50 – Aruntothequeen
2.20 – Verbal Sparring
2.50 – Sky Lord
3.20 – Oneforgonzo e/w
3.50 – Al Kalila.
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