Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle: Navan Racecards & Tips | Sporting Life

Shabby Hill secured victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle at Navan Racecourse on Saturday, March 21, 2026, finishing strongly to overtake the leading Timesareachanging in the final furlong. The race, contested over 2 miles 6 furlongs 150 yards on soft turf, featured five runners and a prize fund of €18,999, with the winner receiving €11,399.

The race saw Timesareachanging, ridden by Philip Donovan, set the pace, initially leading after jumping right at the seventh fence. However, Shabby Hill, with Philip Byrnes in the saddle, steadily gained ground, being pushed along two fences from the finish and ultimately taking the lead close to the finish line. The final time was recorded at 5 minutes and 16.50 seconds.

Kalypso’chance, trained by G. Elliott and ridden by Josh Williamson, tracked the leader early in the race but faded in the final stages, finishing third. Santo Sospir, also trained by G. Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, struggled to make an impact after being ridden in third two fences out, dropping to a moderate fourth position. Astley, ridden by Alex Harvey, consistently trailed the field and did not pose a challenge.

The result marks a significant win for trainer C. Byrnes and jockey Philip Byrnes, building on Shabby Hill’s previous success in a 14-runner maiden at Punchestown in January. Timesareachanging, despite a strong performance leading for much of the race, was unable to hold off Shabby Hill’s late surge.

Previous winners of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle include Cardcounter in 2025, Chapeau De Soleil in 2024, and Senior Chief in 2023. The race is a key event in the Irish National Hunt calendar, providing a platform for promising novice hurdlers.