Take Heart, a six-year-classic grey gelding, is favored to win the View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Handicap at Dundalk racecourse today, February 11, 2026, despite recent setbacks. The horse, previously trained by Johnny Murtagh and then David Menusier, is now under the care of Stephen Thorne.
Purchased by Thorne for 29,000 Guineas on behalf of Shamrock Thoroughbreds last October at Newmarket, Take Heart has shown promise in two starts for his new connections. He finished fourth in his stable debut at Dundalk before Christmas, beaten two lengths by Genoah. Twelve days ago, he placed third in a mile-and-a-half handicap, again at Dundalk, finishing a head and a half-length behind Genoah and San Andreas.
According to racecards, Jack Kearney is listed as the jockey for Take Heart, carrying a weight of 63. Other contenders include Penzance, ridden by Seamie Heffernan and Walhaan, with Patrick McGettigan as the jockey. The Real Screamer, a three-time course and distance winner trained by Paul Flynn, was initially in the race but has been scratched.
Thorne is hoping Take Heart can “recoup recent losses,” as the horse previously achieved success under Murtagh, notably winning the Chesterfield Cup at Goodwood in the summer of 2024. However, his form dipped during his time with Menusier in England. The drop back to an extended 10 furlongs is expected to suit Take Heart in today’s race.
Betting odds as of 01:34 UTC on February 11, 2026, show Take Heart as the 4/9 favorite. Walhaan is at 10/3, Penzance at 9/1, and Loyal Touch at 14/1. Odds are subject to change.
Tipsters have offered varied predictions, with Daily Post – Mercury suggesting The Real Screamer would win, Irish Daily Star – Brian Flanagan backing Gotta Catch’Em All, and Morning Star – Farringdon favoring Take Heart.
