Thurles Racecourse played host to the Grade Three BOYLE Sports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with Timeless Treaty ultimately prevailing in a closely contested finish. The race, featuring a field of just four runners, saw the Gordon Elliott-trained Timeless Treaty narrowly defeat stablemate Open Secret, continuing a strong run of form for the yard. The victory came after Timeless Treaty secured a 24-length win over the same course and distance just two weeks prior, though carrying a 6lb penalty this time around.
The outcome of the hurdle race was anticipated to be a battle between the two Elliott contenders, and the race lived up to expectations. Jack Kennedy, opting to ride Timeless Treaty, made what proved to be the decisive call, guiding the six-year-old to victory. The Grade 3 race attracted significant attention within Irish racing circles, highlighting the quality of novice hurdlers currently under Elliott’s care. The soft to heavy turf conditions at Thurles added another layer of challenge for both horses, and jockeys.
Race Recap: Timeless Treaty’s Narrow Victory
Timeless Treaty led for much of the race, facing a strong challenge from Open Secret in the final stages. According to the racecard from Sky Sports, Timeless Treaty finished with a time of 6m 3.80s over the 2m 4f 175y distance. The full racecard details the performance of all four runners, including Bon Viveur and Parnell Street.
Open Secret, having impressed with a win at Naas in December and a fourth-place finish in Grade Two company at Cheltenham last month, pushed Timeless Treaty all the way to the line. The Irish Examiner reported that Kennedy’s decision to partner Timeless Treaty proved pivotal, suggesting his judgment in these tight calls is often accurate. The article highlighted the close nature of the contest and the significance of Kennedy’s choice.
Other Thurles Results and Notable Performances
Beyond the main hurdle, other races on the Thurles card saw Rusty Harkness secure victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle. The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding, sporting a first-time hood, finally broke his maiden status after finishing fourth on debut and third at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting. The step up in distance to a trip just shy of three miles appeared to suit Rusty Harkness well. De Bromhead as well saw promising signs from Mary O’G in the mares’ bumper, suggesting a potentially successful day for the trainer.
Bon Viveur won the first race of the day, finishing ahead of Open Secret and Timeless Treaty. Sporting Life provided a detailed breakdown of the race results, including finishing positions and trainer/jockey information.
The BOYLE Sports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle showcased the emerging talent in Irish National Hunt racing. The victory for Timeless Treaty, coupled with the strong performance of Open Secret, underscores the depth of quality within the Gordon Elliott stable. The race provided a compelling spectacle for racing fans and highlighted the competitive nature of the sport.
Looking ahead, both Timeless Treaty and Open Secret are expected to continue their progression through the novice hurdle ranks. Their performances at Thurles will undoubtedly influence their future race assignments, with potential targets including higher-grade hurdles and even entries in upcoming festivals. The continued development of these horses will be closely watched by racing enthusiasts throughout the season.
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