As the crisp autumn air settles over County Kildare, Naas Racecourse is set to host a thrilling day of racing on 12 October 2025. This Naas horse racing preview captures the essence of a card that promises speed, stamina, and spirited competition, with top-class contenders lining up from early afternoon through the evening.
The Maiden Contenders: Early Afternoon Excitement
The card opens with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden over 5 furlongs and 205 yards at 13:25, offering a €18,000 prize. Brave Approach, guided by N. Bennett for trainer Jarlath P. Fahey, looks poised to make an early impact, while Chapelhillhart, ridden by C.T. Keane, will test her mettle under M.D. O’Callaghan’s care. Cluain Peata and Expert Dancer, both under the training of Andrew Slattery, are interesting prospects, with Institute, a W.M. Lordan-trained contender for A.P. O’Brien, completing a competitive line-up.
Shortly after, the Tifrums Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at 14:00 promises similar excitement over the same distance. Chicago Pope, piloted by B.M. Coen for J.P. Murtagh, is expected to show early speed, but Michael’s Well (C.D. Hayes & Eddie & Patrick Harty) and Savile Row (W.M. Lordan & A.P. O’Brien) could disrupt the early favourites. Shadow Run, Strike Zone, and Unidos round out a competitive field, offering spectators a glimpse of the future stars of Irish racing.
Midday Stakes: Auction Final and Garnet Stakes
The Irish EBF Auction Series Race Final at 14:35 draws attention with a hefty €120,000 purse over 7 furlongs. The field is dominated by Joseph Patrick O’Brien-trained horses, including Duke of Cumberland, Giovanni Giorgio, Listentodwindblow, and Green Citation. Pierre Grosse, for Mrs John Harrington, and Redemption Road, trained by David Marnane, provide stiff competition, promising a tactical contest between experienced auction horses and emerging talent.
At 15:10, the Garnet Stakes (Listed) over 1 mile offers €50,000 in prize money and showcases a strong group of fillies. Swelter (C.T. Keane & D.K. Weld) is expected to assert dominance, but Akecheta, Anvika, Duckadilly, Kayhana, and Pink Oxalis are capable of producing a shock result. The race’s tactical nuance and stamina test make it a must-watch for both punters and enthusiasts.
Longer Stakes and Testing Distances
The Bluebell Stakes, another Listed contest at 15:45 over 1 mile 4 furlongs, pits seasoned contenders against rising talent. Beset, Galileo Dame, and Lemsairbat, all trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien, bring pedigree and stamina to the fore. Cheeky Wink (B.M. Coen & J.P. Murtagh) and Fleury de Chine (C.T. Keane & Mrs John Harrington) could upset the odds, while Lady Lunette adds depth to the field. Observing how these fillies navigate the extended distance will be a highlight of this Naas horse racing preview.
Handicaps and the Closing Contests
The Colm White Bookmaker Beggar’s End Handicap at 16:20, stretching 2 miles and 7 yards, offers a €100,000 purse and tests stamina to the extreme. Harbour Wind (C.D. Hayes & D.K. Weld) and Comfort Zone (D. Browne McMonagle & Joseph Patrick O’Brien) are anticipated leaders, while A Dream to Share, Helvic Dream, Falcon Eight, and Sorrentino bring strategic depth and potential surprises.
Apprentices take centre stage in the TRM Calphormin – Strong Foundation, Strong Future Handicap at 16:55 over 1 mile 2 furlongs 125 yards. Calzaghi, Capital Theory, Magna Gee Gee, Positive Energy, Unterberg, and Daonethatgotaway promise a spirited contest that could reveal rising stars in the Naas ranks.
The day concludes with the Flat Finale at 17:30, a Fillies Handicap over 1 mile 2 furlongs 125 yards. Ob La Di (B.M. Coen & J.P. Murtagh) and It’s All Peachy (J.A. Powell & M.D. O’Callaghan) look to finish on a high, with Oriole, Presence, Thatwilldoso, and Kashel Spring adding intrigue. The finale underscores the competitive depth of the Naas card, offering a perfect bookend to a day of racing that blends speed, strategy, and stamina.
From the sprinters in the early maidens to the endurance tests of handicaps and Listed races, Naas on 12 October offers a comprehensive snapshot of Irish racing talent. Key trainers like Joseph Patrick O’Brien, A.P. O’Brien, D.K. Weld, and M.D. O’Callaghan dominate the card, while jockeys such as C.T. Keane, W.M. Lordan, and B.M. Coen consistently provide tactical acumen. For those placing informed bets or simply enjoying the spectacle, understanding race dynamics and trainer-jockey combinations will enhance the experience.
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