The racingtv.com Mares Hurdle at Limerick Racecourse on Sunday, March 22, 2026, is set to feature four runners, with Baby Kate currently favored at odds of 8/11, according to live odds provided by Sporting Life.
Trained by W.P. Mullins and ridden by Brian Hayes, Baby Kate, a 7-year-old, carries a weight of 11-7. She recently finished fifth in the Quevega Mares Hurdle at Punchestown, a result described as failing to meet market expectations. Analysts note that her performance may improve away from soft or heavy ground, and she will be racing with cheekpieces applied.
Blue Waters, a 5-year-old trained by G. Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, is the second favorite at 7/4. The mare has shown solid form, including a fifth-place finish in the Monksfield Novices’ Hurdle at Navan in November. However, like Baby Kate, her performance is considered potentially vulnerable given the forecast for heavy ground.
Eye Of A Tiger, a 6-year-old trained by J.P. Ryan and ridden by Michael Kenneally (5), is listed at 9/1. The mare is returning to hurdles after struggling on her chase debut at Tramore on New Year’s Day. Analysts suggest she could perform well, particularly if allowed to set a soft pace, but acknowledges she faces an uphill battle against Baby Kate and Blue Waters.
Miss Corby, a 6-year-old trained by M.F. Morris and ridden by Josh Williamson (5), is the longest shot in the field at 10/1. She secured a hurdles win at Ballinrobe last spring but finished well behind in a handicap hurdle at Gowran 36 days ago.
The race, a turf event over 2 miles and 50 yards, offers a first-place prize of €8,400, with subsequent prizes of €2,800, €1,400, €701, €420, and €280 for the remaining finishers. The winner of the 2025 edition was Jalila Moriviere, ridden by Mark Walsh and also trained by W.P. Mullins.
Analysts at Sporting Life have noted that the heavy ground conditions are not ideal for any of the contenders, but suggest Eye Of A Tiger may represent a value bet given the potential for a soft lead and the benefit of returning to hurdles.
