LIMERICK, Ireland – A field of ten horses is set to compete in a bumper race, with several contenders boasting promising pedigrees and recent form. A €30,000 Mahler gelding, having fallen two fences out in its sole point outing in March 2025, is drawing attention as an captivating debutant for a leading stable.
Contenders Vie for top Spot in Upcoming Bumper Race
Several horses with notable breeding and recent performances are poised to challenge in the upcoming race.
- A Crystal Ocean gelding recently finished fifth in a bumper at Naas, showing potential despite a wide run.
- A Malinas gelding, a half-brother to a bumper winner, enters the race with a strong familial background.
- A lightly-raced maiden is coming off a creditable second-place finish in a novice hurdle.
- An Idaho gelding showed ability on debut at Naas, suggesting improvement is likely.
- Affinisea half-brother to modest hurdler Birdman Bob, easy winner sole start in points in November 2024.
The Crystal Ocean gelding matched its debut form when finishing fifth of 15 in a bumper at Naas on February 16, 2026, despite running wide. Connections believe the horse needs to demonstrate further improvement to be competitive.
Another contender is a €23,000 Malinas gelding, a half-brother to Polly’s Fortune, a previous bumper winner. The dam was placed in a bumper and is a half-sister to Simple Assignment, a fair bumper winner.
A lightly-raced maiden has shown promise in its previous starts, securing a creditable second place of nine in a novice hurdle at this course on January 29, 2026. Placed on both prior attempts in this sphere,the horse is expected to be in contention again.
An Idaho gelding, purchased for €20,000, displayed ability on its National Hunt debut, finishing sixth of 15 in a bumper at Naas on February 16, 2026. The horse is thought to have benefited from a longer test of stamina and is expected to improve.
What factors might influence the outcome of the race? The pedigree and recent form of the horses, combined with the conditions of the course, will likely play a meaningful role in determining the winner.
affinisea half-brother to modest hurdler Birdman Bob, stays 21f. The dam, rated at h110, was a winner in bumpers and over 2m hurdles, and is closely related to Monalee, a smart hurdler and top-class chaser who stayed 3m. The gelding achieved an easy victory in its only point start in November 2024,and strong support in the betting could be indicative of its chances.
A twice-raced maiden ran to a similar level on debut when finishing fourth of 16 in a bumper at Navan on November 23, 2025. Returning from a break, the horse will need to show improvement to challenge.
A point-runner up has demonstrated fair form in a pair of Gowran maiden hurdles and secured a solid second place of eight in a bumper at Navan on February 10, 2026, despite being left with ground to make up.A recent yard switch adds intrigue,making the horse one to watch.
A Jukebox Jury mare,prosperous in points races,shaped well when finishing a close-up third of 14 in a bumper at this course on February 12,2026,on its National Hunt debut. the mare is expected to build on that performance and is considered a strong contender.
One horse, at big prices, has performed well held in both starts to date, most recently finishing eighth of nine in a bumper at Cork on February 10, 2026. It is considered unlikely to feature prominently.
