The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race is scheduled to take place at Thurles Racecourse on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The race, which is open to 4-year-olds and over, is set to run over a distance of 2 miles and 109 yards on a soft to heavy turf track, according to the official racecard. Irish Racing provides detailed information about the event.
Six runners are currently slated to compete in the race, with an off-time of 4:54 PM. The race is anticipated to be a competitive one, with several horses showing promising form. The event is part of a broader day of racing at Thurles, with the first race beginning at 1:32 PM and subsequent races scheduled throughout the afternoon. Sporting Life offers comprehensive race details and runner analysis.
Key Contenders and Form
Among the horses to watch is C’est Elle, a 5-year-old weighing 11-11, who finished as a runner-up on her second of two starts in points races on December 7th. Trainer G. Elliott will be hoping for a strong performance. Another horse attracting attention is Mary O’G, a 5-year-old likewise carrying 11-11, who secured a third-place finish in a bumper at Cork seven weeks ago, pulling clear of the remainder of the field. Trainer H. De Bromhead appears confident in her chances.
Kiltybo, a 5-year-old with a weight of 11-11, showed some promise with a fifth-place finish in a bumper at Thurles a couple of months ago, despite an unpromising start in points races. Certosa, a 5-year-old weighing 11-11, has had less success, being well beaten in previous maiden hurdle and bumper races. Dlightofdsun, a 6-year-old carrying 11-11, has also struggled in bumpers, while Moyneard, a 6-year-old mare, offered some encouragement with a fourth-place finish in a bumper at Cork in May 2024, but hasn’t been seen since.
Jockey and Trainer Lineup
The jockey lineup includes Miss Sarah Leahy riding Certosa, Mr. H. C. Swan on C’est Elle, Mr. M. J. Walsh aboard Dlightofdsun, Mr. B. T. Stone with Kiltybo, Mr. J. L. Gleeson on Mary O’G, and Mr. D. Doyle riding Moyneard. Trainers involved include W. J. O’Doherty, G. Elliott, Brendan Maurice Walsh, Conor Houlihan, H. De Bromhead, and T. Doyle. The Horses Mouth provides a quick overview of jockey and trainer statistics.
According to data from The Horses Mouth, the average speed for the race is expected to be around 44.10kph, with Kiltybo currently favored with a 3/1 odds. Moyneard is listed at 8/1, while C’Est Elle is at 11/4.
What to Expect
The soft to heavy turf conditions at Thurles will likely play a significant role in the outcome of the race, favoring horses with experience on similar ground. The presence of several runners with recent point-to-point or bumper form suggests a competitive field, and the performance of C’est Elle and Mary O’G will be closely watched. The race is expected to provide a solid indicator of potential future stars in the National Hunt scene.
Following the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race, Thurles Racecourse will continue its card with further races throughout the afternoon. The focus will then shift to upcoming events in the Irish racing calendar, including preparations for the Cheltenham Festival in March 2026.
What are your thoughts on the contenders for this race? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below!
