SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/ Sports News, Live GAA scores, GAA fixtures Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:32:42 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/www.sportsnewsireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sni-icon.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/ 32 32 229439223 King Alexander & Daniel King win Tote Galway Plate https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/uncategorized/king-alexander-daniel-king-win-tote-galway-plate https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/uncategorized/king-alexander-daniel-king-win-tote-galway-plate#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:32:42 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36103 King Alexander (20/1) won the Tote Galway Plate at Ballybrit on Wednesday afternoon, Trained by Willie Mullins, the Daniel King-ridden eight-year-old gave the Closutton trainer his third victory in the Grade 3 feature. In a race where big-priced horses filled the first three spots, Paul Nolan’s Conyers Hill (25/1), the mount of Aldan O’Sullivan, was […]

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King Alexander (20/1) won the Tote Galway Plate at Ballybrit on Wednesday afternoon,

Trained by Willie Mullins, the Daniel King-ridden eight-year-old gave the Closutton trainer his third victory in the Grade 3 feature.

In a race where big-priced horses filled the first three spots, Paul Nolan’s Conyers Hill (25/1), the mount of Aldan O’Sullivan, was second, with Gorgeous Tom (25/1), from the Waterford stable of Henry de Bromhead, third at 25/1.

There was only a half-length and three-quarters-of-a-length respectively between the first three finishers in the €270,000 Wednesday feature.

Willie Mullins treble

The win completed a treble for Mullins this evening, having earlier won the maiden hurdle and the mares’ handicap hurdle.

The champion trainer began the day with the victory of Mr Hollywood (2/1 favourite) in the opening Tote Guaranteed 50k Placepot Maiden Hurdle.

The gelded bay son of Iquitos, last seen when finishing third in the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot last month, came late on the stands’ side under Brian Hayes as the six-year-old beat Emmet Mullins’ Jeroboam Machin (10/1) and Donagh Meyler by half-a-length. Another Willie Mullins-prepared runner, Al Arrivee (3/1), the mount of Patrick Mullins, was two-and-a-half lengths further back to complete a Mullins family trifecta.

Mullins had brought up a double on the evening when the impressive French-bred Venusienne took the Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten by SP Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle for rider Harry Cobden. The daughter of Capital Stud’s Authorized had a two-and-a-half length advantage over the Joseph O’Brien-trained Fratas (2/1f) at the winning line, with Emesteraye (16/1) third.

Berkshire is Mighty in Handicap Hurdle

Mighty Berkshire (15/2) was a popular victor in the Tote.ie Money-Back 2nd Every Race Handicap Hurdle for owner/jockey Declan Queally. The Waterford handler’s runner was only contesting his second handicap, and the addition of new headgear seemed to help the six-year-old bay gelding. Owned by the Man About Dog Syndicate, comprising members from counties in Munster, Mighty Berkshire won by a length-and-a-quarter from Noel Meade’s Golden Temple (5/1), with Macshadow Des Crai third at 14/1 under Jack Kennedy.

Birthday winner for Dermot Weld

Abbotsford (7/4 favourite), owned and bred by Juddmonte Farms, gave Dermot Weld a birthday present when winning the Visit Tote26 On Course (Q.R.) Maiden over one mile four furlongs and 43 yards.

The three-year-old son of Frankel, who was gelded since finishing runner-up at Cork last May, was an easy seven-and-a-half length winner for amateur jockey Finny Maguire, son of former top National Hunt rider, Adrian.

Joey Sheridan and Minella Rockett (10/1) came late in the Tote Every Day Is A Money-Back Day Handicap to get a neck advantage over Johnny Soda (11/2) at the line, to deny Ado McGuinness another winner at Galway this week. Krasimir (15/2) was a head back in a tight finish to the 1 mile 123 yards race.

The final race of Galway Plate Day, the Bet With Tote.ie On Racing & Sports Handicap went the way of Cock And Bull (7/2jf) for Sam Coen and Emmet Mullins.

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Tote Galway Plate Day at Ballybrit https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/tote-galway-plate-day-at-ballybrit https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/tote-galway-plate-day-at-ballybrit#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:52:07 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36098 Wednesday is Tote Galway Plate Day with a seven-race card getting underway at 5.05pm. 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 […]

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Wednesday is Tote Galway Plate Day with a seven-race card getting underway at 5.05pm.

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.

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Orandi gives Tony Martin & Robbie Colgan Mile Handicap https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/orandi-gives-tony-martin-robbie-colgan-mile-handicap https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/orandi-gives-tony-martin-robbie-colgan-mile-handicap#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:25:10 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36095 Tony Martin, who has enjoyed much success at Galway Races, landed the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap with Orandi (16/1) on Tuesday evening before a crowd of 13,059. 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 […]

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Tony Martin, who has enjoyed much success at Galway Races, landed the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap with Orandi (16/1) on Tuesday evening before a crowd of 13,059.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap is Galway Tuesday feature https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/colm-quinn-bmw-mile-handicap-is-galway-tuesday-feature https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/colm-quinn-bmw-mile-handicap-is-galway-tuesday-feature#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:37:19 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36092 Day two of Galway Races 2026 is Tribes Tuesday evening, with the first of an eight-race card going to post at 4.40pm. 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’ […]

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Day two of Galway Races 2026 is Tribes Tuesday evening, with the first of an eight-race card going to post at 4.40pm.

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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Comfort Zone wins €110,000 Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/comfort-zone-wins-e110000-connacht-hotel-q-r-handicap https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/comfort-zone-wins-e110000-connacht-hotel-q-r-handicap#respond Mon, 27 Jul 2026 18:39:15 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36085 Joseph O’Brien landed the day one feature at the Galway Races, the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap with Comfort Zone (18/1). 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 […]

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Joseph O’Brien landed the day one feature at the Galway Races, the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap with Comfort Zone (18/1).

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.

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.

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.

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Opening Day of Galway Races Summer Festival 2026 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/opening-day-of-galway-races-summer-festival-2026 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/opening-day-of-galway-races-summer-festival-2026#respond Sun, 26 Jul 2026 23:05:25 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36062 The Galmont Hotel & The Galway Bay Hotel Novice Hurdle at 5.10pm is the first of seven races on the opening evening card. 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 […]

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The Galmont Hotel & The Galway Bay Hotel Novice Hurdle at 5.10pm is the first of seven races on the opening evening card.

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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Galway Races begin on Monday at 5.10pm https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/galway-races-begin-on-monday-at-5-10pm https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/galway-races-begin-on-monday-at-5-10pm#respond Sun, 26 Jul 2026 23:01:01 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36059 Galway Races begin on Monday evening as the 53-race seven-day festival, worth €2.2 million in prize money, gets underway at Ballybrit. 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 […]

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Galway Races begin on Monday evening as the 53-race seven-day festival, worth €2.2 million in prize money, gets underway at Ballybrit.

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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National Senior Track & Field Championships – Sunday Round-Up https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/national-senior-track-field-championships-sunday-round-up https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/national-senior-track-field-championships-sunday-round-up#respond Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:46:48 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36082 On the second and final day of the 123.ie National Senior Track & Field Championships concluded in memorable fashion at Morton Stadium, Sophie O’Sullivan (Ballymore Cobh AC) and Benjamin Richardson (Waterford AC) both rewrote Championship Records with impressive victories, while Cian McPhillips (UCD AC) claimed his first outdoor senior title in the men’s 800m. O’Sullivan […]

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On the second and final day of the 123.ie National Senior Track & Field Championships concluded in memorable fashion at Morton Stadium, Sophie O’Sullivan (Ballymore Cobh AC) and Benjamin Richardson (Waterford AC) both rewrote Championship Records with impressive victories, while Cian McPhillips (UCD AC) claimed his first outdoor senior title in the men’s 800m.

O’Sullivan breaks mother’s record

Ballymore Cobh AC’s Sophie O’Sullivan produced one of the performances of the weekend in winning the women’s 1500m title. She stormed to victory in a Championship Record of 4:05.62, breaking the previous mark of 4:07.09, set by her mother, Sonia O’Sullivan, in 1995. Laura Nicholson (Bandon AC) clocked 4:08.27 to take silver, while Jodie McCann (Dublin City Harriers AC) completed the podium with bronze in 4:09.54.

“I’m excited for the European Championships,” said Sophie O’Sullivan. “I’ll get back to training over the next couple of weeks and hopefully do something special.”

Sprint double for Richardson

Benjamin Richardson from Waterford AC stormed to the men’s 100m title in a Championship Record of 10.13 seconds to complete the weekend’s sprint double after taking the 100m on Saturday. Defending champion Bori Akinola (UCD AC) ran 10.21 seconds to win silver, while Seán Aigboboh (Tallaght AC) claimed the bronze medal in a time of 10.26 seconds.

2025 runner-up McPhillips takes gold this year

Cian McPhillips (UCD AC) produced a commanding display to win the first senior outdoor 800m title of his career, going one better than his runner-up finish 12 months ago with a classy victory in 1:47.76. Cillian Kirwan (Raheny Shamrock AC), despite a strong effort, had to settle for the silver medal in 1:49.36, while Bobby More (Bray Runners AC) completed the podium with bronze in 1:51.05.

Speaking after the race, McPhillips said:

“I’m getting there, it was a good run. It was a very frustrating start to the year. I had to get surgery on my jaw, had to get a cyst removed and four teeth taken out. I’ve only been back running properly since May and, thankfully, it’s been smooth sailing since. It was a bit depressing for a couple of months, but hopefully this trajectory can continue.”

Coscoran reclaims title

Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC) reclaimed the men’s 1500m title for the first time since 2021. He produced a superb performance to halt Cathal Doyle’s bid for a fifth consecutive outdoor crown. Coscoran crossed the line in 3:44.07 to prevail in one of the highest-quality races of the weekend, with Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers AC) taking silver in 3:44.79 and Nick Griggs (CNDR Track AC) completing a stellar podium in third with 3:45.02.

“It’s never easy in those tactical races; you just make the moves you think are right,” said Coscoran. “I had a really good turn of pace over the last 100 metres, which I’ve been working on. I’m flying in training again, I’ve turned things around and I’m in the perfect spot.”

Ciara Neville (Emerald AC) underlined her dominance in the women’s 100m, successfully defending her national title in 11.44 seconds to claim the third senior outdoor crown of her career. Mollie O’Reilly (Dundrum South Dublin AC) secured the silver medal in 11.63 seconds, while Molly Scott (St. Laurence O’Toole AC) completed the podium with bronze in 11.67 seconds.

Cork pair McElhinney & Allen win titles

Darragh McElhinney (Bantry AC) produced a decisive surge over the closing stages to reclaim the men’s 5,000m title, his first national outdoor crown in the event since 2020. The Bantry athlete clocked 13:31.71 after reeling in long-time leader Jack O’Leary (Mullingar Harriers AC) over the final 1,000 metres to take the Tom O’Riordan Memorial Cup. O’Leary held on bravely for silver in 13:35.54, while Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock AC) claimed the bronze medal in 13:45.29.

Niamh Allen (Leevale AC) successfully defended her women’s 5,000m title in style, producing a personal best of 15:26.54 to retain her national crown. Fiona Everard (Bandon AC) went with her all the way, claiming silver in 15:30.34, while Danielle Donegan (Tullamore Harriers AC) completed the podium with brave bronze in 15:50.68.

Select Day 2 Results

5000m Women

Niamh ALLEN Leevale A.C. 15:26.54
Fiona EVERARD Bandon A.C. 15:30.34
Danielle DONEGAN Tullamore Harriers A.C. 15:50.68

Pole Vault Men

Michael KENT D.M.P. A.C. 4.60
Joshua FITZGERALD Leevale A.C. 4.30
Fionn NAUGHTON Leevale A.C. 4.15

Pole Vault Women

Clodagh WALSH Abbey Striders A.C. 3.65
Una BRICE Leevale A.C. 3.25
Meabh CORKERY Midleton A.C. 3.15

Long Jump Women

Ruby MILLET St. Abbans A.C. 6.47
Lauren CALLAGHAN Finn Valley A.C. 6.45
Elizabeth NDUDI Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 6.42

Hammer Throw Men

Rory Michael DEVANEY Raheny Shamrock A.C. 71.86
Seán MOCKLER Moycarkey Coolcroo A.C. 60.57
Simon GALLIGAN Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 58.36

Hammer Throw Women

Nicola TUTHILL U.C.D. A.C. 70.16
Margaret HAYDEN Tallaght A.C. 63.61
Kotryna PACERINSKAITE Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. 57.22

400mh Men

Fintan DEWHIRST Tír Chonaill A.C. 51.76
Jason O’REILLY Killarney Valley A.C. 53.52
Adam COURTNEY Ballymena and Antrim A.C.     53.75

400mh Women

Elle – Kate MCRAE Midleton A.C. 58.35 NU18R NU20R
Arlene CROSSAN Finn Valley A.C. 58.39
Cara MURPHY U.C.D. A.C. 58.98

Long Jump Men

Sam HEALY Leevale A.C. 7.61
Ryan ONOH Cork City A.C. 7.57
Shane HOWARD Bridevale A.C. 7.43

Discus Women

Anna GAVIGAN LSA A.C. 54.51
Tara LAVERTY Carrick Aces A.C. 48.16
Holly WRIGHT Crookstown Millview A.C. 42.64

100mh Women

Sarah LAVIN Emerald A.C. 13.34
Amy TIMONEY Finn Valley A.C. 14.11
Abigail FARRELL Donore Harriers A.C. 14.13

110mh Men

Adam NOLAN St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 15.01
Reuben MCCARTHY St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 15.95

5000m Men

Darragh MCELHINNEY Bantry A.C. 13:31.71
Jack O’LEARY Mullingar Harriers A.C. 13:35.54
Brian FAY Raheny Shamrock A.C. 13:45.29

100m Women

Ciara NEVILLE Emerald A.C. 11.44
Mollie O’REILLY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 11.63
Molly SCOTT St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 11.67

100m Men

Benjamin RICHARDSON Waterford A.C. 10.13 CR
Bori AKINOLA U.C.D. A.C. 10.21
Seán AIGBOBOH Tallaght A.C. 10.26

800m Women

Madison MOONEY Tullamore Harriers A.C. 2:04.38
Emma MOORE Galway City Harriers A.C. 2:04.59
Alex O’NEILL Limerick Track A.C. 2:05.50

800m Men

Cian MC PHILLIPS U.C.D. A.C. 1:47.76
Cillian KIRWAN Raheny Shamrock A.C. 1:49.36
Bobby MORE Bray Runners A.C. 1:51.05

400 Women

Rachel MCCANN North Down A.C. 52.93
Sophie BECKER Raheny Shamrock A.C. 53.23
Michelle DUGGAN U.C.D. A.C. 53.72

400m Men

Jack RAFTERY Donore Harriers A.C. 46.12
Andrew EGAN Galway City Harriers A.C.46.16
Seán DOGGETT Athenry A.C. 46.89

1500m Women

Sophie O’SULLIVAN Ballymore Cobh A.C. 4:05.62 CR
Laura NICHOLSON Bandon A.C. 4:08.27
Jodie MC CANN Dublin City Harriers A.C. 4:09.54

1500m Men

Andrew COSCORAN Star of the Sea A.C. 3:44.07
Cathal DOYLE Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 3:44.79
Nick GRIGGS CNDR Track A.C. 3:45.02

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Orla O’Dwyer named Ireland captain for AFLW match v Australia https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/orla-odwyer-named-ireland-captain-for-aflw-match-v-australia https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/orla-odwyer-named-ireland-captain-for-aflw-match-v-australia#respond Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:30:14 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36072 Tipperary’s Orla O’Dwyer has been named Ireland captain for the upcoming NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match at North Sydney Oval in Sydney on 1 August. O’Dwyer, the first Irish player to earn AFLW All-Australian honours, is one of six Brisbane Lions players selected for the inaugural match between the two nations. The Brisbane Lions’ dual premiership […]

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Tipperary’s Orla O’Dwyer has been named Ireland captain for the upcoming NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match at North Sydney Oval in Sydney on 1 August.

O’Dwyer, the first Irish player to earn AFLW All-Australian honours, is one of six Brisbane Lions players selected for the inaugural match between the two nations.

The Brisbane Lions’ dual premiership star’s elevation to the captaincy recognises her outstanding contribution to AFLW, where she has become one of the most influential Irish players in the competition and is a respected figure among Ireland’s growing AFLW contingent.

The historic contest will showcase the best Irish and Australian talent in AFLW, with Ireland coached by Sydney Swans AFLW senior coach Colin O’Riordan and supported by Brisbane Lions AFLW premiership coach Craig Starcevich as senior assistant coach.

O’Dwyer said she is excited to run out with the other Irish girls and play with them in the spectacle.

“It is an incredible honour to captain Ireland and represent my country in such a historic game,” O’Dwyer said.

“Playing for Ireland means a great deal to me and to have the opportunity to lead this group against Australia in Sydney is something I will cherish.

“I can’t wait for this match to come around, it will be a special occasion for everyone involved.”

Ireland assistant coach and Lions AFLW senior coach Craig Starcevich said O’Dwyer has been an outstanding ambassador for Irish athletes in the AFLW.

“Orla is everything we want this team to represent. She leads through her actions, sets high standards and has earned enormous respect from her teammates. We could not think of a better person to captain Ireland in such a significant moment for our sport,” Starcevich said.

“Everyone at the Brisbane Lions is incredibly proud of Orla. We’ve seen first-hand the impact she has had on our club, not only through her performances but through her leadership and professionalism.

“To be named captain of Ireland in the first Australia v Ireland AFLW representative match is a fitting recognition of what she has achieved. She is a role model for young Irish athletes and will lead her country with distinction,” Starcevich said.

Ireland’s squad features many of the AFLW’s leading Irish stars, including several All-Australians and premiership players, highlighting the remarkable influence Irish athletes have had on the competition.

The Australia v Ireland match will be played at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 1 August and marks a landmark occasion for women’s Australian Rules football internationally.

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National Senior Track & Field Championships – Day 1 Round-Up https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/national-senior-track-field-championships-day-1-round-up https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/national-senior-track-field-championships-day-1-round-up#respond Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:15:52 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=36068 The main story from day one of the 123.ie National Senior Track and Field Championships at Morton Stadium was Rhasidat Adeleke’s European Championships qualifying time in her winning the 200m title. There will be live coverage on the Athletics Ireland YouTube channel over the weekend. In the men’s 200m, Waterford’s Benjamin Richardson won his first […]

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The main story from day one of the 123.ie National Senior Track and Field Championships at Morton Stadium was Rhasidat Adeleke’s European Championships qualifying time in her winning the 200m title.

There will be live coverage on the Athletics Ireland YouTube channel over the weekend.

In the men’s 200m, Waterford’s Benjamin Richardson won his first senior national outdoor title in 20.64 seconds. Seán Aigboboh (Tallaght A.C.) finished strongly for silver in 20.75 seconds, while Mark Smyth (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) and Ryan Mulholland (Tallaght A.C.) shared the bronze medal after dead-heating for third in 21.16 seconds.

Race Walks

David Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley A.C.) successfully retained his men’s 10,000m Race Walk title in commanding fashion, crossing the line in 38:56.24 to claim a fourth consecutive outdoor national crown.

The women’s 5,000m Race Walk produced one of the best finishes in recent years, ultimately finishing with Kate Veale (West Waterford A.C.) securing her 24th national senior title across indoor and outdoors. Veale clocked 24:18.38 to hold off Aisling Lane (Mullingar Harriers A.C.) in 24:21.03, while Leah O’Gara (Finn Valley A.C.) completed the podium in 24:22.91.

3,000 Steeplechase

Abbie Sheridan (St. Peter’s A.C.) defended her women’s 3,000m steeplechase title with an impressive winning time of 9:55.60. Róisín Treacy (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) finished second in 10:20.53, with Dearbhla Allen (St. Peter’s A.C.) taking bronze in 10:46.02.

Finley Daly (Sligo A.C.) won his third men’s 3,000m steeplechase title in four years with an impressive victory in 8:59.70. Jack Dee (St. Peter’s A.C.) was second in 9:30.93, while Adam Kirk-Smith (Derry City Track Club) earned bronze in 9:44.48.

Field Events

Olympian Eric Favors (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) successfully defended his men’s shot put title with a best throw of 19.47m. Theo Hanlon (Suncroft A.C.) claimed silver with 15.81m, while Callum Keating (North Cork A.C.) took bronze with 14.72m.

Michaela Walsh (Swinford A.C.) won her seventh outdoor national shot put title – and first since 2023 – with a winning throw of 13.11m. Laura Frawley (Nenagh Olympic A.C.) finished second with 11.90m ahead of Alana Frattaroli (Limerick A.C.), who threw 11.53m.

Conor Cusack (Lake District A.C.) successfully retained the men’s javelin title with a best effort of 69.09m. Oisín Joyce (Lake District A.C.) finished second with 64.05m, while Michael Jordan (Naas A.C.) claimed bronze with 61.17m.

Kate Joyce (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) claimed her first senior outdoor national javelin title with a winning throw of 50.21m. Leanne Healy (Marian A.C.) took silver with 46.03m, while Ailbhe Gordon (Greystones and District A.C.) took bronze with 45.33m.

The women’s high jump saw Daena Kealy (St. Abbans A.C.) produce a lifetime best of 1.87m to secure the national title. Siún Quinn (Brothers Pearse A.C.) cleared 1.80m for silver, while Tara O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerards A.C.) claimed bronze with 1.75m.

David Cussen (Old Abbey A.C.) added a sixth outdoor national high jump title to his collection after clearing 2.15m in the men’s high jump.

Daphni Doulaptsi Teeuwen (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) successfully defended her women’s triple jump title with a winning leap of 13.06m. Saragh Buggy (St. Abbans A.C.) claimed silver with 12.47m, while Caoimhe McDonagh (South Sligo A.C.) won bronze for the second successive year with 11.98m.

Joseph Gillespie (Finn Valley A.C.) won the men’s triple jump title with a best leap of 14.19m. Darragh Fahy (Loughrea A.C.) finished second on 13.91m, while Daniel De Antolin-Rodriguez (Ratoath A.C.) took bronze with 13.61m.

Select Day 1 Results

Shot Put Women
1. Michaela WALSH Swinford A.C. 13.11
2. Laura FRAWLEY Nenagh Olympic A.C. 11.90
3. Alana FRATTAROLI Limerick A.C. 11.53

10,000m Walk Men
1. David KENNY Farranfore Maine Valley A.C. 38:56.24
2. Jerome CAPRICE Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 47:35.13
3. Evan WALSH St. Joseph’s A.C. 49:35.34

Shot Put Men
1. Eric FAVORS Raheny Shamrock A.C. 19.47
2. Theo HANLON Suncroft A.C. 15.81
3. Callum KEATING North Cork A.C. 14.72

Triple Jump Men
1. Joseph GILLESPIE Finn Valley A.C. 14.19
2. Darragh FAHY Loughrea A.C. 13.91 13.31
3. Daniel DE ANTOLIN-RODRIGUEZ Ratoath A.C. 13.61

High Jump Women
1. Daena KEALY St. Abbans A.C. 1.87
2. Siún QUINN Brothers Pearse A.C. 1.80
3. Tara O’CONNOR Dundalk St. Gerards A.C. 1.75

5000m Walk Women
1. Kate VEALE West Waterford A.C. 24:18.38
2. Aisling LANE Mullingar Harriers A.C. 24:21.03
3. Leah O GARA Finn Valley A.C. 24:22.91

Triple Jump Women
1. Daphni DOULAPTSI TEEUWEN Raheny Shamrock A.C. 13.06
2. Saragh BUGGY St. Abbans A.C. 12.47
3. Caoimhe MC DONAGH South Sligo A.C. 11.98

Javelin Men
1. Conor CUSACK Lake District A.C. 69.09
2. Oisín JOYCE Lake District A.C. 64.05
3. Michael JORDAN Naas A.C. 61.17

Javelin Women
1. Kate JOYCE Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 50.21
2. Leanne HEALY Marian A.C. 46.03
3. Ailbhe GORDON Greystones and District A.C. 45.33

200m Women Final
1. Rhasidat ADELEKE Tallaght A.C. 22.80 CR
2. Lauren ROY Fast Twitch A.C. 23.49
3. Lorena HARRISON Ratoath A.C. 24.61

200m Men Final
1. Benjamin RICHARDSON Waterford A.C. 20.64
2. Seán AIGBOBOH Tallaght A.C. 20.75
3. Mark SMYTH Raheny Shamrock A.C. 21.16
4. Ryan MULHOLLAND Tallaght A.C. 21.16

3000m SC Women
1. Abbie SHERIDAN St. Peter’s A.C. 9:55.60
2. Róisín TREACY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 10:20.53
3. Dearbhla ALLEN St. Peter’s A.C. 10:46.02

High Jump Men
1. David CUSSEN Old Abbey A.C. 2.15
2. Lorcan MURPHY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 2.00
3. Patryk PUCEK Clongriffin A.C. 1.95

3000m SC Men
1. Finley DALY Sligo A.C. 8:59.70
2. Jack DEE St Peters A.C. 9:30.93
3. Adam KIRK-SMITH Derry City Track Club 9:44.48

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