Sunday Irish racing tips: Johnny Ward's six best bets
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Sat 8 Aug 2026
Top pundit and tipster Johnny Ward has selections at both Downpatrick and the Curragh on Sunday, with every contest live on Racing TV.
1.45 Curragh: Admired Beauty
Admired Beauty put up a remarkable effort on debut when she travelled like a high-class prospect and she should beat Ibelieveicanfly, who was having her third start then, though she was long odds-on and now has a hood.
It's a cracking contest and Jim Bolger looks to have another very smart filly to go to war with.
1.58 Downpatrick: Lilannbee
Whatever goes off favourite will probably win. Shoda has had a few chances at this stage and, given how badly she jumped, I liked Lilannbee's effort at Wexford.
Another key aspect is the value of the rider's claim. She should jump much better now.
3.08 Downpatrick: Granlahan
I couldn't see the trip working at Ballinrobe and this is much better. He should go well each-way for a yard in cracking form.
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3.43 Downpatrick: Samba Train
It was surprising that this mare was sent off only 6s at Galway over two miles against 19 others, so she cannot be too big here given this trip should be much better and Mark Walsh has been booked. She has a touch of class.
4.00 Curragh: Folsom Blues
I cannot see how Sun Goddess is 5-4 here, a rare Aidan O'Brien-trained favourite who is a filly in that race.
Aidan won the Leopardstown race in which Folsom Blues, who was very well-backed, was second recently. He travels strongly and makes plenty of each-way appeal at 13-2.
4.35 Curragh: Lohoobb
The first three home at Naas dominated both the market and the race, but he was comfortably best of the remainder and it was a fine start to life with this yard.
He makes plenty of appeal with title-seeking Billy Lee staying loyal.
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