Clonmel Racecards: Surehaul Mares Maiden Hurdle – Tips & Preview

Clonmel Racecourse in Ireland hosted the Surehaul Race Day Mares Maiden Hurdle today, Thursday, February 12, 2026. The race, open to four-year-old and upwards mares who are maidens, saw fourteen runners compete for a total prize pool of €9,999, with the winner receiving €6,000.

How’s Hannah Emerges as the Favorite

Early indications point to How’s Hannah, a seven-year-old trained by W.P. Mullins and ridden by P.W. Mullins, as a strong contender. The mare has shown promise, having been successful in points races in March 2025 and impressively winning a Punchestown bumper on her Rules debut last month. Connections believe she is still improving and identified this hurdle race as a favorable opportunity.

Contenders and Form Analysis

While How’s Hannah appears to be the leading prospect, several other horses entered the race with varying degrees of experience. Aboras Mahler, a six-year-old trained by J. Fahey and ridden by Kevin Sexton, has struggled in previous bumpers and maiden hurdles. Ardeen Joy, a five-year-old under the guidance of G. Elliott and jockey Jordan Gainford, has yet to demonstrate significant form in maiden hurdles or bumpers, showing no promise in outings last May.

Ballinaboola Hanna, a five-year-old trained by R. Donohoe and ridden by Danny Mullins, has also faced challenges, performing poorly in a couple of bumpers. Black Rock, a six-year-old trained by E. Seymour and ridden by Calum Hogan, had a disappointing debut in points and a lackluster performance in a bumper at Bellewstown in August.

Jack’s Sister, a five-year-old trained by P.T. Foley and ridden by Simon Torrens, has shown some fair form in maidens, having recently switched stables from J.J. Feane. Lady Aquarelle, a five-year-old trained by T. Cooper and ridden by Daniel King, recently finished down the field in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown.

Lakewood Rose, an eight-year-old trained by Miss N. Hennessy and ridden by Miss N.C. Hennessy, has a winning point-to-point background but has shown only modest form in bumpers. Lucy Jordan, a seven-year-old trained by C. Collins and ridden by Eoin Walsh, has a mixed record with some promising runs but also some weaker performances. Naught But Nice, a five-year-old trained by R. Tyner and ridden by Phillip Enright, has not yet shown significant form.

Not Leaving Yet, a six-year-old trained by R. Murphy and ridden by Dylan Whelan, carries an official rating of 91 and has shown some consistency, while Thecouncillorswife, a seven-year-old trained by D. Deacon and ridden by Ben Kennedy, has struggled in recent outings. Toor Idaho, a six-year-old trained by Ms. M. Flynn and ridden by Liam Quinlan, also holds an official rating of 90.

Race Details and Conditions

The Surehaul Race Day Mares Maiden Hurdle is a 2m 3f race on turf. Weight allowances are in place, with four-year-olds carrying 10st 9lbs and five-year-olds and upwards carrying 11st 7lbs. The race attracted a competitive field, highlighting the growing popularity of mares’ hurdles in Irish racing.

The race is a maiden hurdle, meaning all participating horses have not previously won a hurdle race. This often leads to unpredictable outcomes as horses are testing their abilities over obstacles for the first time. The conditions of the race, specifically the weight allowances, are designed to provide a fair contest between horses of different ages and experience levels.

The outcome of this race will be closely watched by trainers and owners as it provides valuable insight into the potential of these young mares. A win in a maiden hurdle can be a significant stepping stone for a horse’s career, potentially leading to participation in more prestigious races in the future.

Further details regarding the race results, including finishing positions, beaten margins, and odds, will be available following the completion of the event. Sporting Life is providing full results and analysis, while Sky Sports also offers a detailed racecard with form information for each runner.