Under the crisp October light of County Tipperary, Horse Racing Ireland Clonmel 2025 brings a fine blend of emerging talent and seasoned contenders to the storied Clonmel Racecourse on 23 October. From the opening maiden hurdle at 14:22 to the closing steeplechase at 17:25, the card is crafted for those who love the quiet drama and stamina of Irish National Hunt racing. The atmosphere is pure autumn — lively, local, and layered with anticipation for what’s ahead in the winter calendar.
Early Challenges: Maiden and Handicap Hurdles
The afternoon begins at 14:22 with the Crottys Lake Maiden Hurdle, a €10,000 opener over 2 miles and 205 yards that offers an early test of nerve and balance. Ballyredinkingston, guided by jockey D. King for trainer John Patrick Ryan, looks ready to assert authority. He faces promising rivals like Come Home Sonny, In The Trenches, and Irish Panther, all of whom have shown glimpses of ability that could translate well to Clonmel’s testing climb to the finish.
At 14:52, the Kilclooney Woods Handicap Hurdle deepens the intrigue. Trainer Noel C. Kelly holds a strong hand with Jessie’s Dreamgirl and Flashtgelights, each carrying consistent recent form. Charles O’Brien’s No Big Deal and A.P. Ryan’s Wayside Lady bring valuable experience, while Sheriffhill, under E.T. Mellerick, could sneak into the places if conditions turn demanding.
Mares on the March: Promise in the EBF Hurdle
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at 15:22, worth €15,000, marks the middle point of the day — and possibly the most elegant contest. Gordon Elliott’s Clarnagh Maid, partnered by Jack Kennedy, enters with strong schooling reports and a touch of class. She will need every ounce of that talent against Bar Nonie, Carry On Heidi, and Changeyourstars, all from stables that thrive with progressive mares. There’s also interest in Hilltop Duchess, who may stay on powerfully if the ground softens later in the afternoon.
That momentum rolls into the Mahon Falls Handicap Hurdle at 15:52, another €15,000 prize over 2 miles and 4 furlongs 51 yards. It’s a deep and evenly matched field, featuring Arion Soldier for Eamon Courtney, Portnacoo from John Joseph Hanlon’s team, and the ever-improving Elusive Ogie under D.J. O’Keeffe. Behind them, names like Faceman and Ballycashin carry local hopes — and the unpredictability that Clonmel often delivers.
Over the Fences: The Steeplechase Section
As the hurdles give way to fences, the tone of the day shifts from rhythm to endurance. The Suir Blueway Mares Steeplechase, going to post at 16:22, brings a field rich with potential. Nara, trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by M.P. Walsh, commands respect after a series of polished schooling runs. Her biggest challenger may be Gordon Elliott’s Speculatrix, with Enjoy The Dream and Littlebiggie hoping to test their stamina over 2 miles and 2 furlongs. John Patrick Ryan’s Ad Caelum could spring a late surprise if the pace breaks down.
At 16:55, the Botanica International Handicap Steeplechase keeps the momentum rolling. Paul Nolan’s Jasmin De Cotte, ridden by S.F. O’Keeffe, tops the betting sheets, but Ceroc, trained by Andrew Slattery, is a dangerous rival. The Dara Man, also from the Ryan stable, and Jouster from Paul W. Flynn’s yard, make up a compact yet tricky lineup. This race, above all, looks tailor-made for notebook watchers ahead of the coming Limerick and Thurles fixtures.
Final Act: Clonmel Oil Chase Day Warm-Up
As the shadows lengthen, the Clonmel Oil Chase Day Handicap Steeplechase closes the day at 17:25, offering a €10,000 prize over 2 miles and 4 furlongs 219 yards. Gavin Cromwell’s Due Course, with K.M. Donoghue aboard, carries strong credentials, having shaped well in recent starts. Sharetheknowledge, trained by Paul Tobin, could press hard, while Walk In The Dark, Nakassama, and Kilbrin Rocco all bring enough form to challenge for a top-three finish.
The Autumn Soul of Clonmel
Beyond the race names and odds, Horse Racing Ireland Clonmel 2025 captures the essence of Irish National Hunt racing in its purest form — a community event layered with ambition, grit, and respect for tradition. Trainers like John Patrick Ryan and Gordon Elliott bring not just horses but hope, while Clonmel’s undulating layout ensures no easy victories. It’s an afternoon where young talent meets experience, and where every fence jumped is a reminder that the National Hunt season has well and truly arrived.
For readers following the form cycles, check RaceBuzz’s latest previews.
