The recent form tells an interesting story. After a couple of quiet efforts — finishing seventh and a run that doesn't show a placing at all — Ballingurteen has come back to form sharply, recording back-to-back second-place finishes in its last two races. That kind of late-career revival is worth paying attention to. Whatever Terence O'Brien's yard has been doing at Carrigtoohill, it appears to be working.
O'Brien is a Cork-based trainer who has sent out 10 winners already this season, which suggests a stable in decent health and capable of getting a horse ready to perform. John Shinnick has been the regular partner throughout, riding Ballingurteen in 6 of its 8 races without managing a win between them — but given the horse's current upward curve, that combination could yet have its day. The fact that Ballingurteen raced just yesterday and is clearly being kept busy points to a team that believes a breakthrough is coming.
A horse that has finished second twice in a row, trained by someone in form, and raced as recently as yesterday — if there's a moment for Ballingurteen to finally cross the line first, it may not be far away.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limerick Galloping |
3 | 1 second, 2 other | 16 Apr | 0% |
| Clonmel Sharp |
2 | 1 third, 1 other | 14 May | 0% |
| Thurles Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 29 Jan | 0% |
| Roscommon Sharp |
1 | 1 second | 8 Jun | 0% |
| Cork Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 7 Dec | 0% |