Analysis, data, maps, charts - just some of the tools used to predict rainfall across the UK this weekend, and that’s before studying for winners!
With more twists and turns than BBC’s The Traitors, Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival is now subject to an 8 am inspection on Saturday. Sandown inspect 30 minutes earlier.
Considering Leopardstown was under a river of water on Tuesday, the Paddock Report team are happy there’s still a chance the DRF will take place.
If it does go ahead, get ready for some cracking jumps action, with Cheltenham Festival clues aplenty.
Up north, Musselburgh – formerly, Edinburgh – stage their big two-dayer. Tasty.
We’ve cooked the form, the stats are simmering, the umbrellas are back in the closet, and we’re ready - let’s do this.
Word from the Paddock
Dan Skelton continues to farm the weekend races in 2026. His Saturday/Sunday record this year is an impressive 14-51 (+10). Gordon Elliott is just 1-40.
Paul Nicholls sends seven runners 400 miles north to Musselburgh for a meeting he’s done well at in the past. Four run on Saturday, three on Sunday.
Favourites haven’t fared too well at Sandown for this fixture. The last clear favourite to win the fifth race (2.02) was 10 years ago.
Joseph O’Brien thinks Solness is ‘particularly good at Leopardstown’. The eight-year-old runs in Sunday’s Dublin Chase and is 4 from 5 at the track.
Marine Nationale’s odds have drifted for Sunday's Ladbrokes Dublin Chase. Connections feel he is 'not at his best’ on heavy ground. However, former Champion Chase winner, Energumene, hasn’t been on heavy since three wins on it in 2022/21.
Week 3’s Race Meetings
Saturday:
Sunday:
What Happened During the Week
Harry Skelton’s fine form continued with two winners on Tuesday and Thursday, making it 11 winners in 11 days. He’s opted away from Saturday’s big meetings for three rides at Wetherby.
Affordale Fury had his final gallop on Monday ahead of Saturday’s Irish Gold Cup. Connections were ‘very happy’ with his work.
Kopek Des Bordes bypasses Leopardstown this weekend. He goes straight to Cheltenham instead, and is now 4-1 for the Arkle Chase.
Willie Mullins booked J P McManus’s new jockey, Harry Cobden, to ride four of his on Sunday at Leopardstown. The pair teamed up 13 times in 2025, and had four winners.
Numbers that matter
8 - Caoilin Quinn likes Sandown, partnering eight winners in total. A further 11 were placed (45 rides).
7 - Seven-year-old runners did best at Musselburgh’s two-day meeting. In particular, Saturday’s 3.37 race and Sunday’s 3.40.
3 - Willie Mullins sent only three runners to Sandown during January/February - all three lost. Two were favourites at 5-6 & 5-4.
The Big Race
Saturday - Musselburgh, Scottish County Handicap Hurdle,1m7½f
Our Strictly Paddock Report Judges have assessed each horse’s profile for this race…and the scores are now in (out of 10 per category).
The Purist
The Purist likes things pure and simple...
THE SHORT PRICE – Absolutely Doyen (Musselburgh, 3.00)
A big improver. Jumps well and unbeaten since joining Paul Nicholls (4-4).
THE MEDIUM PRICE – Kim Roque (Leopardstown, 2.45, Sunday)
Not the smoothest passage at Cheltenham last time. Won on heavy ground in France.
THE BIG PRICE – O'Faolains Glory (Musselburgh, 2.30, Sunday)
Form-figures of 112 here, including two recent chase wins. Reverts to hurdles, but still improving.
Trainer Form (Last 7 Days)
Jockey Form (Last 7 Days)
Late Paddock Chat
Lossiemouth runs at Leopardstown on Sunday. If successful, her current odds of 3-1 to win Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle may contract.
Talk The Talk needs a confidence-booster after falling at Christmas, but now tackles the mud on Sunday. Connections think he is a ‘better horse’ on a better surface.
Late-Friday forecasts suggest even more rain for Leopardstown, although the following horses all coped on heavy ground in the past…
1.15 - Santo Sospir (2 wins from 2 on heavy), Kazansky (2-2)
2.25 - Hartur Darc (2-3), Staffordshire Knot (2-3)
3.30 - Gaelic Warrior (3-3)
Every big race from Leopardstown, Musselburgh and Sandown will be live on ITV. Grab the remote control, keep the Paddock Report close by, and enjoy.
Next weekend, the spotlight falls on Newbury’s Super Saturday fixture.
In the meantime, we’re praying for sunshine.
Keep ‘em peeled.