The New Zealand-bred held off Ardakan, the mount of Martin Kelly and trained by Ciaron Maher, while Embezzler took third behind the British-bred runner-up in the 4,200m race.

Grand National Hurdle | Andy Win

A huge result for @jackson_sw & @tomryan09 in the feature hurdle

Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/stE5TdVUcn

— Racing.com (@Racing) August 2, 2026

Speaking to Racing.com, Rathangan, Co Wicklow-born Jackson admitted:

“It’s unbelievable. We won this race last year (with Highland Blaze) and to win it again this year with Andy Win… he’s been a cracking horse, and he made hard work of it; I don’t think there’s any jockey, except Tom Ryan, that would have won on him today.

“He looked gone up the back, he (Ryan) had to keep him up to his job. Maybe the ground wasn’t quite soft enough for him and the others had a bit more speed, but geez he’s tough. What a thrill.”

County Galway rider, Tom Ryan, then went on to complete a double on the card when winning the Ecycle Solutions Crisp Chase aboard Sing For Peace.

Crisp Steeplechase | Sing For Peace

WHAT A FINISH! It wasn’t to be for Stern Idol today, but Sing For Peace got the better of Mr Lincoln in a thrilling finish!

Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/MAjgiw4gjT

— Racing.com (@Racing) August 2, 2026

Another New Zealand-bred, the Patrick Payne-trained son of Tavistock beat Mr Lincoln and Hit The Road Jack in second and third places respectively.

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Course specialist and winner of the race in 2023, before finishing third in both 2024 and 2025, the Natalia Luipini-trained eight-year-old ran 13th at the course earlier this week, but ran out an impressive victor of the seven-furlong contest on Sunday for Downpatrick owner, Maurice Burns.

Dunum @Galway_Races

Another course-and-distance win for the Natalia Lupini-trained gelding under Billy Lee in the @IrishEBF_ Ahonoora Handicap pic.twitter.com/gk0tlzXbNq

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 2, 2026

Timurshah wins again

Despite an increase of 16 lbs for a course and distance win on Monday, Timurshah (7/2) doubled up at Galway, when taking the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle in fine fashion for four-pound claimer Conor Smithers and Kildare-based handler Aidan Melia.

Willie Mullins final day double

Blood Destiny (5/1) and Paul Townend gave Willie Mullins a second winner today, and his 9th of the week, when claiming the Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase.

Blood Destiny

A comfortable win in the Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase @Galway_Races @WillieMullinsNH | @PTownend pic.twitter.com/LV92exhGO3

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 2, 2026

Owned by the Roaringwater Syndicate, Blood Destiny, runner-up last time to Jesse Evans at Listowel, gave weight all round this afternoon but held off the challenge of Coming Up Easy (4/1) and Darragh O’Keeffe, by three-and-three-quarter lengths.

Caher Roes Den (9/2), in the colours of Simon Brookhouse, won the Kenny Galway Puegeot Handicap Hurdle, the first part of his final day Mullins double. Ridden by his nephew, Danny, the gelding improved on his Downpatrrick fourth-place stable debut run for Closutton, when taking Sunday’s event by three-and-three-quarter lengths from Mr Master Mc (9/1) and seven-pound claimer Thomas O’Connor.

Mullins, with nine winners this week, was named leading trainer at Balllybit for an 11th time.

Henry de Bromhead and his stable jockey, Darragh O’Keeffe, were on the mark in the Kinlay Hostel Handicap Chase, over the Tote Galway Plate distance of 2 miles 6 furlongs and 111 yards, with Jukebox Johnny (9/2). The grey gelding, by Jukebox Judy and bred by Victor Connolly of Burgage Stud, had four lengths in hand on Drop A Threat (6/1) and Danny Mullins at the finishing line.

Jukebox Johnny finishes best of all to win the Kinlay Hostel Handicap Chase under Darragh O’Keeffe for @HenrydeBromhead @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/4GfGWHj1Re

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 2, 2026

Blue Blue Moon (14/1) and Patrick McGettigan gave Johnny Murtagh and Moyglare Stud Farm a win in the Salthill Village Handicap, while the final race of Galway Races Summer Festival 2026 went to Galway-owned Caisleán Gear (13/2) for trainer Andy Slattery and jockey Adam Ryan, beating the Willie Mullins-trained 2/11 favourite, Linford.

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While the sport still follows long established rules and celebrates historic races, digital technology has changed how fans watch, follow, and engage with it. From live streaming and mobile betting to advanced performance data, technology has made racing more accessible and more informed for casual viewers and experienced followers alike.

Many of these changes have happened over the past two decades as internet access, smartphones, and data analysis have become part of everyday life. Today, fans can watch races from different countries, compare statistics within seconds, and place bets from almost anywhere that local regulations allow. The horse racing at NetBet Sport is just one example.

Live streaming has expanded access

Watching horse racing once depended on attending the track or following television broadcasts. Live streaming has changed that by making races available on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Many racecourses, broadcasters, and licensed betting operators now provide live coverage of domestic and international events. This wider access allows fans to follow races from multiple jurisdictions without needing dedicated television channels.

Streaming has made it easier to watch replays. Viewers can review races to examine how horses performed, how races developed, and how different track conditions affected the outcome.

Data plays a bigger role

Digital platforms provide much more information than printed racecards once could. Form guides now include detailed records covering previous performances, distances, track surfaces, jockey statistics, trainer records, and recent results.

Some services present sectional timing, speed figures, and historical comparisons where available. These statistics help racing enthusiasts evaluate races using objective information rather than opinion alone.

Professional racing teams have adopted technology to support training and performance analysis. GPS tracking, fitness monitoring, and video review help trainers assess conditioning and identify areas for improvement while keeping horse welfare in focus.

Mobile betting has changed fan habits

The growth of smartphones has transformed how many people place bets. Licensed betting apps and websites allow users to browse racecards, compare odds, and manage their accounts without visiting betting shops.

Many platforms include live odds updates, race notifications, and integrated streaming where permitted. These services make it easier for users to follow racing throughout the day.

Regulated operators are also expected to provide responsible gambling tools. Deposit limits, spending summaries, time reminders, and self exclusion options are commonly available to help customers manage their betting activity.

Social media keeps racing connected

Social media has become an important communication channel for racecourses, trainers, jockeys, and racing organizations. Fans can receive updates about declarations, race results, weather conditions, and major announcements in real time.

Behind the scenes content has also become more common. Training videos, interviews, and stable updates give followers a closer look at the preparation involved before race day.

For racing organizations, social media provides a direct way to promote events and engage with audiences without relying solely on traditional media coverage.

Technology supports integrity and welfare

HD race footage, electronic timing systems, and improved data collection help racing officials review races accurately and apply regulations consistently.

Horse welfare has benefited from advances in veterinary technology, diagnostic imaging, and health monitoring. These developments allow medical teams to identify certain health issues earlier and make more informed decisions about treatment and recovery.

Many racing authorities have also introduced digital record keeping for veterinary checks, registrations, and compliance processes, helping improve transparency across the industry.

What the future may bring

Traditional race meetings remain at the heart of the sport, but digital services have changed how people experience them. Whether someone is watching a live stream, reviewing performance statistics, or following updates on their phone, technology has become a practical part of modern horse racing while preserving the competition that has attracted audiences for generations.

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Twenty-one-year-old King, who won the Tote Galway Plate aboard King Alexander yesterday, today took the richest handicap hurdle race run in Ireland in the season, the Guinness Galway Hurdle, for County Meath-based Martin.

It is a fifth win in the race for Martin, who previously collected the Grade 3 prize with Thomas Edison (2014), Quick Jack (2015), and twice with Tudor City in 2019 and 2022.

”It’s nearly as good as the Mayo winning last week!”

Galway Hurdle-winning owner and trainer reaction pic.twitter.com/H0CZnz0ltq

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 30, 2026

Similar to Wednesday’s featured Tote Galway Plate, big-priced horses filled the main placings in the Guinness Galway Hurdle, as runner-up Thisistheway, from the Yvonne Latta yard, returned at 22/1, three-and-a-quarter lengths behind the winner.

Gameball (14/1) from the combination of Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe, was third, a head adrift of the Michael Kenneally-ridden runner-up.

Fourth place went to 22/1 chance, Ragmans Corner, representing trainer Gerry Keane, and ridden by Eoghan Finegan.

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The evening’s featured race, the Tote Galway Plate, worth €270,000, goes to post at 6.40pm.

Gilligan going for third Plate win

Gordon Elliott has won the race twice in the last three years – with Ash Tree Meadow in 2023 and Western Fold in 2025 – with both winners ridden by local jockey Danny Gilligan.

This afternoon the Cullentra House handler will saddle four runners – Three Card Brag (Kevin Healy), Nowhatdoyouthink (Jack Kennedy), Maxxum (Danny Gilligan) and King Of Kingsfield (Josh Halford).

Four runners for Mullins

Champion trainer Willie Mullins, who last won the Tote Galway Plate with Royal Rendezvous, is responsible for four horses in the Grade 3 contest, namely Funiculi Funicula, the choice of Paul Townend, King Alexander (Daniel King), Spread Boss Ted (Brian Hayes) and Ballygunner Castle (Danny Mullins).

County Waterford handler Henry de Bromhead has three runners in the race – Downmexicoway, who will be ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, the French-bred Nouvotic (Mike O’Connor), and Gorgeous Tom, from whose weight Patrick O’Brien will take five pounds.

2025 runner-up Jesse Evans contests Galway Plate

Noel Meade, who won the main prize with Pinkerton in 2024, returns to Ballybrit with last season’s runner-up Jesse Evans, the mount of Sam Ewing.

J.P. McManus, often mob handed in the race, relies on the Gavin Cromwell-trained Perceval Legallois, who will be the mount of McManus’ retained rider, Harry Cobden.

Course winners Rocky’s Diamond, from the Declan Queally yard, and Ol Man Dingle, from Eoin Griffin’s Kilkenny barn, are other interesting runners in the 2 mile 6 furlongs and 111 yards highlight.

The post Tote Galway Plate Day at Ballybrit appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Orandi, an eight-year-old son of Morandi, was third in the same contest last season, but went two places better tonight as he and rider Robbie Colgan saw off the Ado McGuinness-trained favourite, Pierre Royal (7/2) and Adam Caffrey by one-and-three-quarter lengths.

A neck behind the Lusk handler’s bay son of Blue Point was Jagged Edge (15/2), from the Stephen Thorne yard, in third in the hands of three-pound claimer Jack Kearney. Hardy Warrior (9/2), who had pattern race experience prior to this Premier Handicap finished fourth for Dylan Browne McMonagle and Joseph O’Brien, a further length-and-a-half back.

Lizzie Twigg takes Listed Novice Hurdle

Lizzie Twigg (5/2) gave Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy the opening Listed Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle. The five-year-old bumper winner, who is now unbeaten in three starts over obstacles, carried Elliott’s own colours to victory, coming home two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Fastnet Crystal (4/1), with the other Elliott-trained runner, Porcupine Bank (9/2) in third, one-and-a-quarter lengths in arrears of the Joseph O’Brien-handled runner-up.

White-hot 𝐋𝐢𝐳𝐳𝐢𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐠𝐠 brings up the hat-trick for @gelliott_racing and @jackkennedy15 in the Listed @ColmQuinn_bmw Novice Hurdle @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/UX5QO92c96

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 28, 2026

Frankie John takes beginners’ chase

Frankie John (15/8), winner of a bumper at Galway last summer, returned successfully to Ballybrit on Tuesday when taking the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase over 2 miles 2 furlongs and 54 yards. The six-year-old grey son of Walk In The Park tracked the race leader Eclipse Chaser (28/1) and Danny Mullins for much of the race before coming to the stands’ side on entering the straight. The Denis Hogan inmate battled up the hill as he held off challenges from eventual second Bowensonfire (9/2), third-place finisher My Great Mate (7/1), and race favourite Love Me Tender (6/4f), who eventually finished in fourth.

𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 hangs tough in the Latin Quarter Beginners’ Chase @Galway_Races for @d_g_hogan and Dan King pic.twitter.com/UPd9HAhyir

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 28, 2026

Samnina wins for Harrington & Foley

Samnina (4/1), who ran fourth at odds of 50/1 to the Aidan O’Brien-trained Alpha at The Curragh last month, broke her maiden this evening when claiming the Colm Quinn BMW Irish EBF Maiden over seven furlongs. Ridden by Shane Foley, for Jessica Harrington, the juvenile Sea The Moon filly held off joint-favourite, Madam Secretary (3/1jf), by three-quarters-of-a-length, with Silver Kiss (9/2) the same distance further back in third place for Dermot Weld and Chris Hayes.

Samnina (Sea The Moon) kicks on from an eyecatching Curragh debut to cooly lands the spoils for @Jessica_Racing in the @ColmQuinn_bmw @IrishEBF_ Fillies’ Maiden @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/nTU7fBPxSb

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 28, 2026

McGuinness 1-2-4 in Handicap

Ado McGuinness completed a 1-2-4 in The caulfieldindustrial.com Handicap, race six on the card. Last week’s Naas winner, Eddie G (7/2 favourite) led the McGuinness Team, taking the win under Donegal jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. His stable companion, Go Athletico (15/2) was second in the hands of 2026 Betfred Epsom Derby-winning rider Ronan Whelan, three-quarters-of-a-length behind at the finishing line. Denis Hogan, who earlier in the evening won the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase with Frankie John, took third in this handicap courtesy of Alfred Tennyson (18/1) and Joey Sheridan, while Goal Exceeded (11/2) – another McGuinness horse – was fourth with Adam Caffrey in the saddle.

Tell Us This (12/1), who was 0 from 7 runs over fences prior to today, won the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase for Andrew McNamara and Conor Stone-Walsh. A dual career hurdle winner, the seven-year-old bay Westerner gelding accounted for Herja (16/1) and Leave In Secret (11/1) by two-and-a-half lengths and the same in the 2 miles 2 furlongs and 54 yards race.

The Aga Khan Studs had a 1-2 in The Caulfield Industrial Irish EBF Maiden. The Johnny Murtagh-prepared Sindagan (9/4jf) and Ben Cohen got the better of Almeiyda (6/1) from the Dermot Weld stable, while the finale of Tuesday evening’s meeting, The Caulfield Industrial Handicap, went the way of Lady Arwen (12/1) for Conor O’Dwyer and Billy Lee.

The post Orandi gives Tony Martin & Robbie Colgan Mile Handicap appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Colm Quinn BMW sponsors the night’s feature, the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap at 6.45pm, along with three other races.

Kennedy’s choices

Lizzie Twigg, a former bumper winner and unbeaten in two hurdles’ starts, contests the opening Listed Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle at 4.40pm. The daughter of Poet’s Word is the choice of jockey Jack Kennedy, who could have chosen the other Gordon Elliott chance, Porcupine Bank, who is two wins from three runs over the smaller obstacles. Sam Ewing takes the mount on the bay Order Of St George gelding instead.

Henry de Bromhead’s Gomez Addams, a course winner, and a Listowel hurdles’ victor, is likely to be involved in the business end of the race, as should the Willie Mullins-handled Magico, whose run in Punchestown the last day when finishing last of five, is not a true reflection of the Le Havre gelding’s ability.

My Great Mate, who Patrick Mullins has talked up prior to Galway, runs in the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase at 5.10pm. Despite a somewhat inconsistent record of only two wins from six hurdle starts, Paul Townend sticks with the Jukebox Jury seven-year-old, despite being beaten in this race in 2025. He has been out of action since last September, which might be a slight concern.

The 147-rated hurdler, Bowensonfire, represents Gordon Elliott’s Cullentra House team. A five-time career winner, who is ground versatile, ran most recently over hurdles at Limerick in June. He will be ridden by Jack Kennedy, who had a choice of three horses in the race.

Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap is night’s feature

The day two highlight, the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap (Premier Handicap) sees last year’s winner Dunum return for more. The Natalia Luipini eight-year-old, was also third in another handicap at the Galway Races last season and seems to enjoy the track. Billy Lee, who had an impressive win on Trean for Billy Twomey last night, will be hoping for further success in this €120,000 race.

Mick Mulvaney, whose horses have been in great form recently, trains Ribee, a course and distance winner last year. The four-year-old son of Ribchester last contested a Listed race an Leopardstown, and the drop in standard tonight should be to his liking.

Dylan Browne McMonagle, a winner on Monday night, partners Joseph O’Brien’s Hardy Warrior, who will wear cheekpieces. O’Brien, who competed a double yesterday, had this chestnut colt competing in a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp back in April, meaning the three-year-old is clearly well-thought of.

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Carrying the colours of J.P. McManus, the Derek O’Connor-ridden seven-year-old hadn’t performed in the race last season, but produced a battling display on Monday evening.

Dublin handler Bill Durkan provided both the runner-up Holy See (40/1) and the fourth-place finisher Eagle Fang (13/2). The former, who had won at Gowran on his penultimate outing, was three-quarters-of-a-length behind the winner.

Galway specialist Teed Up (14/1), who has won four flat races and two hurdles contests at the Ballybrit venue was third, a half-length ahead of Eagle Fang in fourth.

O’Brien double

O’Brien quickly doubled up in the following race when Dylan Browne McMonagle guided the 13/8 favourite Dancing Saxon to a four-and-a-quarter length success. The bay daughter of Saxon Warrior, who was 16lbs well in after a Listed win at Naas in June, never looked in danger when heads turned for home in the straight.

Expert Dancer and Sam Coen (11/1) gave trainer Andy Slattery the runner-up spot, while Motta Alta (13/2) was third for yesterday’s German Group 1-winning combination of Shane Foley and Jessica Harrington.

Witches Familiar wins Novice Hurdle

As expected the two powerhouses of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliot were to the fore in the opening Galmont Hotel & Galway Bay Hotel Novice Hurdle – the opener of the 2026 Galway Races Summer Festival.

It was the former, with his French import Witches Familiar (13/8 favourite), who took the 5.10pm race as the Ballinrobe maiden hurdle conqueror in May ran out a ready eight-and-a-half length winner in the hands of Paul Townend.

An impressive victory for Witches Familiar in the @Galway_Races Summer Festival @TheGalmont opener@PTownend | @WillieMullinsNH pic.twitter.com/LW7R2Ms506

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 27, 2026

Another French-bred, Mino Des Mottes (8/1), from the Elliot yard, and ridden by Jack Kennedy, was runner-up, and Arouet (7/1), with Daniel King in the saddle, competed a trifecta for horses bred in France, coming home four-and-three-quarter lengths further back.

Timurshah completes hat-trick

Aidan Melia’s son of Mastercraftsman, Timurshah (12/1), completed a hat-trick of wins when taking the Easyfix Iggy Daly Handicap Hurdle. Ridden by seven-pound claimer Conor Smithers, the five-year-old, who had won this season at Clonmel and Sligo, had six-and-a-half lengths to spare over Whats New (10/1) and Darragh O’Keeffe at the line. Soldante (15/2) and Eoghan Finegan were three-and-three-quarter lengths behind the Andy Slattery-handled Soldier’s Call gelding.

Trean (11/4), in the colours of the Red Lily Racing Syndicate, ran out a four-and-three-quarter length victor in the Eventus Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden for Billy Lee and Paddy Twomey.

A disappointing tenth of 12 runners behind Abraham Lincoln on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Weekend at The Curragh, the juvenile son of Ballylinch Stud’s Bayside Boy was prominent behind the pacesetter, City Of Gold (7/1), throughout, before scooting clear prior to the final bend. The Wayne Lordan-ridden City Of Gold, from Ballydoyle, was second, with another Aidan O’Brien inmate HMAS Perth (12/1) third. The Joseph O’Brien-handled favourite, One Number (5/2), disappointed to finish back in fifth place.

Following in the footsteps of Constitution River…

Trean (Bayside Boy) sheds his maiden tag comfortably under Billy Lee for @ptwomeyracing @IrishEBF_ | @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/LiFb1vBSMz

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 27, 2026

Colin Keane, fresh from his victory aboard Kalpana in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, took the Grá Chocolates Handicap for three-year-olds with Noel Meade’s Madbadanddangerous (11/2). The winner had a neck to spare over the Billy Lee-ridden Sharkeyboy (7/1), with race favourite Vantage Code (100/30) and Wayne Lordan next home.

The finale, the Ray Dooley Monami Construction Flat Race was won by Jim Bolger’s Teofil, who stayed on well under pressure to score by a neck at 7/2 from Which Flannerys (3/1), with Gordon Elliott’s Primer Contender (15/2) taking third.

“By this time next year you might be talking about the Arc…”

Great insight from Jim Bolger on his @Galway_Races bumper winner Teofil and exciting filly Sparan Nua pic.twitter.com/arC4K0wZjV

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 27, 2026

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Trainer Willie Mullins has taken this race three times in the past five years, with Farout (2021), Mystical Power in 2023, and Davy Crockett last year.

The Closutton handler, and his main jockey Paul Townend, will be represented by the French-bred Witches Familiar, who won a fillies’ maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe on her last racecourse appearance in May.

The highest-rated runner in the field, at 123, is the Gordon Elliott handled Mino Des Mottes, winner of a Bellewstown Novice Hurdle last time under Josh Williamson.

Three in-a-row for O’Brien & Lordan?

In the seven furlong Eventus Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at 6.10pm, Aidan O’Brien will be represented by Fairyhouse fifth placer City Of Gold, the mount of Wayne Lordan.

The son of Wootton Bassett will try to emulate his half-brother Constitution River in breaking his maiden at Ballybrit, with the  latter subsequently winning the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly as a three-year-old.

O’Brien, who is bidding to win the race for the third year in-a-row, may find his son Joseph’s American-bred One Number as his main challenger, having finished third in the Irish EBF Pat Smullen Stakes at Naas at the start of June.

Recent Mullins domination of Monday feature

The opening night feature race, the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap over 2 miles and 179 yards has 23 runners declared. This race has been won by a Mullins-trained horse eight of the past nine years – Willie 5 times, Emmet twice and Tony once.

Willie Mullins will be represented by Sirius – a 50/1 winner of the race in 2024 – Too Bossy For Us and Tounsivator this year, while Emmet has last year’s winner, Filey Bay, and Teed Up. Only three favourites have won this race in the past 12 years.

Power Of Knowledge to debut

Power Of Knowledge, Annie Power’s third foal, will make his racecourse debut in the Ray Dooley Monami Construction Flat Race at 8.20pm – the final race on Monday’s card.

Carrying the colours of J.P. McManus, the Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old son of Camelot is still a colt, and will be the mount of the handler’s son, Patrick, who won this bumper in 2024 aboard My Great Mate.

Primer Contender, a son of Nathaniel, has changed trainer since his Dromahane Point-to-Point victory in April. Prepared on that occasion by Seán Doyle, the gelding is now handled by Gordon Elliott and will likely provide stiff competition for the race favourite.

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There will be four evening starts this week – Monday (5.10pm), Tuesday (4.40pm), Wednesday (5.05pm) and Friday (5pm).

The cards on Thursday (2.10pm), Saturday (2pm) and Sunday (2pm) will all begin in the early afternoon.

The Tote Galway Plate on Wednesday, worth €270,000, and the Guinness Galway Hurdle on Thursday (Ladies’ Day) are the week’s features. The latter, at €300,000, is the richest hurdle race run in Ireland in the season.

Monday evening’s feature contest is the €110,000 Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap, won last year by Alan O’Sullivan aboard Filey Bay for trainer Emmet Mullins. The 90-rated son of Fame And Glory is among the field again this year.

Colm Quinn BMW is the main sponsor on Tuesday, with the €120,000 Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap, won by Dunum for Natalia Luipini and Séamie Heffernan in 2025, the second day feature on an all-flat card.

The Grade 3 Tote Galway Plate, a race Closutton handler Willie Mullins has won nine times in the past twelve years, will highlight a mixed flat/jumps card on Wednesday.

Thursday is Ladies’ Day

Ladies’ Day on Thursday, one of the busiest racing days in Ireland each year, will feature the €300,000 Guinness Galway Hurdle. Willie Mullins has taken the Grade 3 contest five times in the last dozen years, while Tony Martin has been the winning trainer four times in that period, most recently when Tudor City won for a second time in 2022.

The €110,000 Guinness Handicap over a mile and a half on Friday evening has seen seven different winning trainers in the past seven years.

The Weekender

Boyle Sports sponsor the featured Handicap Hurdle on Saturday afternoon. This Listed race has been claimed by Willie Mullins on four occasions in the past 10 years, and twice by his great rival Gordon Elliott.

On Mad Hatters Fun Day (Sunday) – the final day of the 2026 festival, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap over seven furlongs is the closing-day feature.

Ado McGuinness-trained horses are often worth watching in this as the Lusk handler has been triumphant three times in the last decade – each time with Current Option (2020-’23).

Various ticket options and packages are still available for each of the seven days, with cash accepted at the turnstiles.

Further ticket information is available on the Galway Races website.

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