July 29 / 18.40 Galway

18.40

Good

Tote Galway Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade 3)

  • Prize money: £138286.96
  • 2m 6f 111y
  • 22 runners
RTE2
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Tote Galway Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade 3)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £28.10
  • Place: £5.30

Form: 23146- BF

Last run: 91 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
4-13 over hurdles and 1-5 as a chaser; unlikely that he gave his true running when a beaten favourite behind Nouvotic last time and his previous fourth over 2m4f at the Cheltenham Festival raises optimism; Townend has turned elsewhere, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

16

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

King Alexander

10st 13lb

J: Daniel King

T: W P Mullins

4-13 over hurdles and 1-5 as a chaser; unlikely that he gave his true running when a beaten favourite behind Nouvotic last time and his previous fourth over 2m4f at the Cheltenham Festival raises optimism; Townend has turned elsewhere, however.

16/1

6th

5

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:25 Punchestown

King Alexander

11st 2lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Lightly-raced novice landed odds in 2m4f Gowran beginners' in February and fine effort for one so inexperienced when fourth of 18 in 2m5f Jack Richards Novices' Handicap at Cheltenham on much better ground; more scope for improvement than most of these.

7/2

4th

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

King Alexander

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Came up well short in the 2m5f handicap hurdle at this meeting last year but may fare better in this return visit as he's still unexposed over fences and has a solid record since switched to this sphere; comfortably justified favouritism at Gowran Park (2m3f) most recently, producing a career-best RPR; peaking at the right time.

28/1

20/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 4F52-2

Last run: 65 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Career best form when fourth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November (2m4f, soft); back from a break with two seconds, though was no match for the winner on either occasion (including Nouvotic); travels well but doesn't always find much for pressure.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

22

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Conyers Hill

10st 8lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: Paul Nolan

Career best form when fourth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November (2m4f, soft); back from a break with two seconds, though was no match for the winner on either occasion (including Nouvotic); travels well but doesn't always find much for pressure.

20/1

2nd

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Conyers Hill

11st 0lb

J: Alan O’Sullivan

T: Paul Nolan

Basically a bridle horse who doesn't find much when let down, but plenty of strong form and couldn't knock his latest second to an improver at Punchestown where he pulled clear of the rest (2m4f, yielding); doubt he wants this far, but easy track will help and valuable 7lb claimed.

8/1

2nd

8

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:25 Punchestown

Conyers Hill

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul Nolan

Novice win came at Down Royal last season and pick of this season's handicap form when fourth in 2m4f Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and held narrow lead when faller two out in 2m4f Tim Duggan Memorial at Limerick over Christmas; didn't stay 3m1f in Thyestes following month and has had time off since; could go well.

13/2

16/1

  • Place: £5.70

Form: /2450-

Last run: 109 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Lacks course form over fences; smart novice who ran creditably in two strong handicaps (3m2f/2m5f) last season before finishing tailed off in the Grand National at Aintree where not a lot went right (twice badly hampered; 20-1); enters the reckoning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Gorgeous Tom

11st 8lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Henry De Bromhead

Lacks course form over fences; smart novice who ran creditably in two strong handicaps (3m2f/2m5f) last season before finishing tailed off in the Grand National at Aintree where not a lot went right (twice badly hampered; 20-1); enters the reckoning.

16/1

12th

24

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Gorgeous Tom

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Henry De Bromhead

Fourth behind two of these in 3m Grade 1 novice event at Cheltenham last March; ran creditably all three starts this winter, notably 11l fourth of 24 off this mark to Panic Attack at Newbury (3m2f) in November when he stuck to his task very well having been left at the shambolic start; improvement is needed but that race gave encouragement for longer trips and his dam is half-sister to Cappa Bleu who was placed in this race in 2012 and 2013.

22/1

5th

2

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Gorgeous Tom

11st 11lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Novice wins came at up to 2m4f but some good runs over further, including latest when fourth of 24 in 3m2f Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November on handicap debut; has form on heavy; should go well.

11/2

8/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 31213-

Last run: 92 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner; record of 2-8 over fences and signed off for previous yard on a high, winning a small-field Grade 3 before outrunning his odds behind last year's Galway Plate hero Western Fold in a 3m1f Grade 1 novice chase at Punchestown in April; intriguing runner now with Gordon Elliott, who has won this five times.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Nowwhatdoyouthink

11st 1lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner; record of 2-8 over fences and signed off for previous yard on a high, winning a small-field Grade 3 before outrunning his odds behind last year's Galway Plate hero Western Fold in a 3m1f Grade 1 novice chase at Punchestown in April; intriguing runner now with Gordon Elliott, who has won this five times.

8/1

3rd

5

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

16:50 Punchestown

Nowwhatdoyouthink

11st 10lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner; off the mark over fences at this track (2m5f) in November; better effort when second to C'Est Ta Chance in a Thurles novice event over a similar trip; good effort when winning a three-runner Cork event; takes a big jump in class.

14/1

1st

2

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

16:10 Cork

Nowwhatdoyouthink

10st 10lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: Ray Hackett

Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner got off the mark over fences at this track (2m5f) in November; better effort when second in a Thurles novice last time over a similar trip; can race keenly so not sure will stay 3m but is the most likely to give the top-weight a race.

2/1

Form: 12134-

Last run: 141 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Absent for 141 days but returns with his yard in great form; only had five runs over fences, winning twice and better than ever when a 10l fourth in the 2m4f Plate at the Cheltenham Festival; that form can be upgraded as he was hampered on a couple of occasions and has a useful pull in the weights with runner-up Will The Wise; yet to tackle this far under rules but he won a 3m point; tempting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Downmexicoway

11st 2lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Absent for 141 days but returns with his yard in great form; only had five runs over fences, winning twice and better than ever when a 10l fourth in the 2m4f Plate at the Cheltenham Festival; that form can be upgraded as he was hampered on a couple of occasions and has a useful pull in the weights with runner-up Will The Wise; yet to tackle this far under rules but he won a 3m point; tempting.

10/1

4th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Downmexicoway

11st 5lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Irish point winner; has won two of his four chase starts (at 2m/2m1f on good to yielding and heavy) and had no realistic chance in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month, but he could have made a better impression with some of his jumping; this is a new test for him under rules but he should have the scope to do better back in a handicap; yard runs three.

8/1

3rd

1

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 1f 0y

14:55 Leopardstown

Downmexicoway

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Maiden hurdle winner last season but then lost his form; has done well in three starts over fences; won a Killarney beginners' last August, 8l second in a Tipperary Grade 3 in October; handled heavy ground when beating subsequent winner Drumgill in a handicap at Gowran in November; useful sort but hardly in the same league as his two rivals.

20/1

Form: 1611-2 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Progressive chaser but went up 10lb for winning a 2m4f Grade 3 in April and he came up short back in a handicap at Wexford, though still ran well and probably found the 2m3f trip sharp enough; each-way possibilities, though regular partner Darragh O'Keeffe has deserted him this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Nouvotic

11st 0lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Progressive chaser but went up 10lb for winning a 2m4f Grade 3 in April and he came up short back in a handicap at Wexford, though still ran well and probably found the 2m3f trip sharp enough; each-way possibilities, though regular partner Darragh O'Keeffe has deserted him this time.

16/1

2nd

2

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 3f 110y

19:25 Wexford

Nouvotic

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Has won three of his last four chases, two of them coming over C&D, and was impressive when making all in Grade 3 handicap at the Punchestown festival last time; ground to suit again and little to dislike, apart from rising mark.

7/4

1st

10

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:25 Punchestown

Nouvotic

10st 6lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Lightly raced but already a better chaser than hurdler, two wins coming over 2m4f at Wexford, most recently showing good attitude back in October on good-to-yielding; absent since but conditions to suit and likely more to offer.

8/1

Form: 507-31 C

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Beat Will The Wise on his chase debut here last October and followed up in a Grade 3; appeared stretched by nearly 3m in the Mayo National before a determined victory back over 2m4f at Kilbeggan (cheekpieces returned); this intermediate trip might be just the ticket.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Ol Man Dingle

11st 4lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Eoin Griffin

Beat Will The Wise on his chase debut here last October and followed up in a Grade 3; appeared stretched by nearly 3m in the Mayo National before a determined victory back over 2m4f at Kilbeggan (cheekpieces returned); this intermediate trip might be just the ticket.

16/1

1st

1

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

17:12 Kilbeggan

Ol Man Dingle

11st 12lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Eoin Griffin

Won first two chase starts in the autumn including a Grade 3 novice at Cork (2m4f, gd-yld); below best next three starts but much more like it when a 10.5l third in the Mayo National last time (25.5f, good), not quite getting home; should go well again down in trip.

15/2

3rd

3

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Ol Man Dingle

11st 6lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Eoin Griffin

Won first two chases in the autumn, including a Grade 3 at Cork; jumping left him down in novice handicap at Cheltenham; faded in the straight when behind He's Gorgeous at Punchestown and question mark over his stamina for this trip.

16/1

Form: 66P40- CD

Last run: 140 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Smart staying hurdler/chaser who made a mistake at the wrong time when beaten about 18l in this 12 months ago when 5lb higher; failed to threaten afterwards in both disciplines, and again in a recent run on the Flat; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 5f 129y

17:09 Galway

Buddy One

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Very talented over hurdles in his pomp but hasn't won over timber since November 2023; not disgraced in the Plate here back in July but needs to rediscover his best now returned to hurdling.

8/1

8th

15

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Buddy One

10st 13lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Smart staying hurdler/chaser who made a mistake at the wrong time when beaten about 18l in this 12 months ago when 5lb higher; failed to threaten afterwards in both disciplines, and again in a recent run on the Flat; others appeal more.

25/1

7th

3

(7)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Buddy One

9st 8lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Paul John Gilligan

Smart staying hurdler/chaser, midfield in BetMGM Handicap at Cheltenham in March when last seen; lightly raced on Flat, winning 1m5f Ballinrobe maiden last season, well held in Leopardstown handicap subsequently; may just need this comeback run with Galway on the horizon.

8/1

Form: 1P66-5 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
One-time smart hurdler; three chase wins in the space of four runs last year included a beginners chase at this meeting and a 2m2f Grade 3 at Punchestown; hasn't kicked on at all from that sequence and he'd be a surprise winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

17

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

King Of Kingsfield

10st 13lb

J: Joshua Halford

T: Gordon Elliott

One-time smart hurdler; three chase wins in the space of four runs last year included a beginners chase at this meeting and a 2m2f Grade 3 at Punchestown; hasn't kicked on at all from that sequence and he'd be a surprise winner.

50/1

5th

4

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

17:20 Limerick

King Of Kingsfield

11st 1lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful chasing campaign last season returned three wins from seven starts; not at his best in a Newbury Grade 2 last November or in Aintree Grade 1 in April; 140 hurdles rating puts him 8lb behind Bowensfire. might be more effective than his stablemate on this ground.

7/1

14/1

Form: 225-31 C

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Course winner; this meeting owes him one having twice finished runner-up in the Galway Hurdle (and fourth) and second in this last year behind Western Fold; returns off a 2lb lower mark despite beating notable opposition at Listowel on final run; solid chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Jesse Evans

11st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Course winner; this meeting owes him one having twice finished runner-up in the Galway Hurdle (and fourth) and second in this last year behind Western Fold; returns off a 2lb lower mark despite beating notable opposition at Listowel on final run; solid chance.

14/1

1

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

17:20 Limerick

Jesse Evans

11st 8lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Five-time hurdle winner; now 2-10 over fences having made all to score readily over 2m4f Listowel a month ago; won this race last year as a prelude to a fine effort in taking second place in the Galway Plate; faces a tough task this time, since he meets Daddy Long Legs on 12lb worse than handicap terms.

7/2

1st

5

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

16:07 Listowel

Jesse Evans

11st 2lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Five-time hurdle winner who is 1-9 over fences, though was runner-up in last summer's Galway Plate; all the sharper for his comeback run when beaten 4l in a 2m4f Grade 3 at Killarney three weeks ago and he's a player on these terms.

5/2

Form: 14021- C

Last run: 110 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Course winner; off for 110 days but proven when fresh; last season ended on a high with his second to a handicap snip in the Plate at Cheltenham in March (2m4f) and then going one better when reversing those placings in the Topham at Aintree (2m5f); straightforward and a good jumper who should be well suited by the demands of this race; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Will The Wise

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Course winner; off for 110 days but proven when fresh; last season ended on a high with his second to a handicap snip in the Plate at Cheltenham in March (2m4f) and then going one better when reversing those placings in the Topham at Aintree (2m5f); straightforward and a good jumper who should be well suited by the demands of this race; player.

8/1

1st

10

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Will The Wise

10st 11lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

Progressive over fences this season and took another step forward in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) when best of the rest behind easy winner Madara in the 23-runner Plate at last month's Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, good to soft); this lightly raced 7yo is open to further improvement; chance.

8/1

2nd

12

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Will The Wise

10st 13lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Improved spell over hurdles last spring included a sixth in the 3m Pertemps here; had a good experience when making all in a Galway chase (about 2m2f, yielding) in October and he's run well in two competitive staying handicaps since; needs improvement off this mark for the return to 2m4f but this test is worth investigating; tongue tied first time; thereabouts.

8/1

Form: /F413-

Last run: 89 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner; beat Ballygunner Castle to get off the mark as a chaser at Naas and for one so inexperienced he did well to finish a 6l third behind Funiculi Funicula in a 22-runner handicap at Punchestown in May (2m4f, yielding); has low mileage for a 9yo and there could be more to come; finished second in a bumper on one previous visit to Galway.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

18

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Spread Boss Ted

10st 13lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Dual hurdle winner; beat Ballygunner Castle to get off the mark as a chaser at Naas and for one so inexperienced he did well to finish a 6l third behind Funiculi Funicula in a 22-runner handicap at Punchestown in May (2m4f, yielding); has low mileage for a 9yo and there could be more to come; finished second in a bumper on one previous visit to Galway.

12/1

3rd

5

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Spread Boss Ted

11st 9lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

One of eight for trainer; bumper and dual winning hurdler had no chance when a faller on chasing debut at Navan in January (3m, soft to heavy) and was a moderate fourth of seven here next time (2m7f, heavy); much better when seeing off better-fancied stablemate Ballygunner Castle at Naas by 0.5l last time (2m4f, soft to heavy); in the mix on handicap chase debut.

13/1

1st

4

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

16:37 Naas

Spread Boss Ted

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; rated 143 over hurdles; dual hurdles winner was beaten 8l in 2024 Albert Bartlett; ran just once last season when 12l behind in a Fairyhouse Grade 2; looked beaten when falling on chasing debut at Navan (3m, soft to heavy); beaten 19l at Punchestown (2m7f, heavy) last time (11l in front of Supersundae).

6/1

Form: 2013-1 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
2-4 over fences, though not seen in this discipline since well held in a Grade 3 at this fixture two years ago; he returns in excellent form, in recent weeks winning on the Flat (2m) and over hurdles at Cork (3m); could have a big run in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

3m 0f 0y

18:47 Down Royal

Reverend Hubert

11st 10lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Talented 8yo was well held when 8-1 (same price as Rocky's Diamond) in Galway Plate; easy winner of 3m conditions hurdle at Cork previously and won 2m handicap at the Curragh on Derby weekend (now rated 95 on the level); only third of five when favourite for this last year, but has improved in the interim. 

3/1

13th

12

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Reverend Hubert

11st 1lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: C Byrnes

2-4 over fences, though not seen in this discipline since well held in a Grade 3 at this fixture two years ago; he returns in excellent form, in recent weeks winning on the Flat (2m) and over hurdles at Cork (3m); could have a big run in him.

16/1

1st

3

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

20:00 Cork

Reverend Hubert

11st 6lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: C Byrnes

Smart dual-purpose type won a nice Flat prize over 2m a fortnight ago; came off worse in a couple of 3m clashes with Happy Jacky last year, but not by much, including when beaten a head in the corresponding race; relishes good ground.

6/1

25/1

Form: 94-141 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Won a hunter chase in May and last time returned to his best when emerging from off a strong pace to beat Perceval Legallois in the 3m1f Midlands National at Kilbeggan; ideally wants further than this but a solid pace would help in that respect; back up 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

22nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:55 Killarney

Solitary Man

10st 12lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: E Bolger

Looked to have lost his way in points and hunter chases but came back to his very best when landing the Midlands National at Kilbeggan; never competitive in the Galway Plate but has a stellar record at this venue and should run a big race.

7/2

14th

19

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Solitary Man

10st 12lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: E Bolger

Won a hunter chase in May and last time returned to his best when emerging from off a strong pace to beat Perceval Legallois in the 3m1f Midlands National at Kilbeggan; ideally wants further than this but a solid pace would help in that respect; back up 7lb.

25/1

1st

7

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 1f 80y

18:32 Kilbeggan

Solitary Man

11st 2lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: E Bolger

Fair novice chaser before going pointing and hunter chasing; again showed his affinity for Killarney when winning a hunter chase there in May before disappointing at Listowel; more needed.

8/1

Form: /3211-

Last run: 89 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Grade 1-placed over hurdles and already a better chaser, making it 2-4 in this discipline when a well-backed 3l winner of a strong 2m4f novice handicap at Punchestown in May (2m4f, yielding); took an 8lb hit for that but the ceiling of his ability is not yet established and he should stay this far; Townend's pick of the Mullins runners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

3

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Funiculi Funicula

11st 8lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Grade 1-placed over hurdles and already a better chaser, making it 2-4 in this discipline when a well-backed 3l winner of a strong 2m4f novice handicap at Punchestown in May (2m4f, yielding); took an 8lb hit for that but the ceiling of his ability is not yet established and he should stay this far; Townend's pick of the Mullins runners.

4/1

1st

2

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Funiculi Funicula

11st 11lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

The fact Townend picks him from the stable's eight runners is a very big positive; maiden hurdle winner placed in Grade 1 novice company at Aintree last term (2m4f, good); beaten favourite in opening two chase runs before making the breakthrough at Cork (2m1f, yielding) last time, when defeating Wingmen by 0.75l; big player with further improvement plausible.

11/2

1st

1

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 45y

16:45 Cork

Funiculi Funicula

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Classy hurdler won a Clonmel 2m1f maiden before a close third in an Aintree Grade 1 novice over 2m4f last season; was an unlucky loser on second chase start at Gowran last time behind a stablemate; down in trip and a big player.

Evs

Form: 331-40 D

Last run: 65 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
A better hurdler than chaser but rated accordingly; however, he was a disappointing favourite in the Mayo National when last seen two months ago; others are more intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

13

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Maxxum

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

A better hurdler than chaser but rated accordingly; however, he was a disappointing favourite in the Mayo National when last seen two months ago; others are more intriguing.

40/1

10th

2

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Maxxum

11st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart stayer over hurdles (dual Grade 2 winner); not done much chasing but returned to this discipline to win small-field contest at Clonmel and his Grade 3-fourth at Killarney was perfectly respectable; jumping will be tested here in first handicap; trainer going for four in a row in this.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 1279-2 C

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
For one who stays much further he ran surprisingly well when splitting Senecia and Jess Evans in a 2m4f Grade 3 at Killarney last time, which was his first run over that sort of trip since 2023; he knows what these big-field handicaps are all about and could run well at lengthy odds with a 7lb claimer easing his burden.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

2

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Three Card Brag

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Healy

T: Gordon Elliott

For one who stays much further he ran surprisingly well when splitting Senecia and Jess Evans in a 2m4f Grade 3 at Killarney last time, which was his first run over that sort of trip since 2023; he knows what these big-field handicaps are all about and could run well at lengthy odds with a 7lb claimer easing his burden.

25/1

2nd

7

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

18:37 Killarney

Three Card Brag

11st 0lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Shares the highest official mark with Gentleman De Mee but he's a strong stayer who hasn't raced over this short a trip since 2023; finished ninth in the Grand National last time.

13/2

9th

15

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Three Card Brag

11st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Career-best form in the autumn this season, including a win at Cheltenham (3m1f) and second to Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (3m2f); flopped when favourite in the Grade 3 won by Grangeclare West at Fairyhouse in February, admittedly after 12 weeks off but there's the additional worry of last year's Grand National in which he was 16-1 and raced very prominently but faded steadily from three out.

50/1

Form: /2F24-

Last run: 89 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
The winner of two bumpers and a maiden hurdle; this is a big ask for a maiden over fences (0-4) but his seconds read well (pushed Spread Boss Ted close in one of those) and he looked in need of further than 2m4f when behind that rival and Funiculi Funicula on his handicap debut at Punchestown; could deliver the career best this race demands.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

20

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Ballygunner Castle

10st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

The winner of two bumpers and a maiden hurdle; this is a big ask for a maiden over fences (0-4) but his seconds read well (pushed Spread Boss Ted close in one of those) and he looked in need of further than 2m4f when behind that rival and Funiculi Funicula on his handicap debut at Punchestown; could deliver the career best this race demands.

9/1

4th

7

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Ballygunner Castle

11st 8lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

One of eight for trainer; dual bumper and maiden hurdle winner in 2024; runner-up on chase debut at this venue (2m7f, heavy) before falling four out back here next time; failed to justify 5-6 favouritism at Naas (2m4f, soft to heavy) last time when a 0.5l second behind Spread Boss Ted; now enters handicap chase company.

16/1

2nd

1

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

16:37 Naas

Ballygunner Castle

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; rated 134 over hurdles; completed a hat-trick (two bumpers/maiden hurdle) in 2024; finished second/third in Graded races over 3m/2m4f; good effort on chasing debut at Punchestown (2m7f, heavy) to take the runner-up spot despite market weakness; fell at four out back at that venue last time; Townend sticks with him and this looks easier than his previous starts.

4/6

Form: 2P3P-1

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Rated this high for a reason and was never headed when beating Three Card Brag in a Grade 3 at Killarney when last seen in May; however, he'll do well to repeat those tactics in this race and he was well beaten last year (held up).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

22nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:55 Killarney

Senecia

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Vincent Laurence Halley

High-class performer, and acts well around here having won over hurdles and a Grade 3 chase over this trip in May; found to have burst after unseating in the Galway Plate; back on comfortable territory here and keeps many of these out of the handicap.

10/1

1

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Senecia

11st 12lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: Vincent Laurence Halley

Rated this high for a reason and was never headed when beating Three Card Brag in a Grade 3 at Killarney when last seen in May; however, he'll do well to repeat those tactics in this race and he was well beaten last year (held up).

50/1

1st

1

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

18:37 Killarney

Senecia

11st 8lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Vincent Laurence Halley

Very smart chaser when at his best but he was well beaten in this 12 months ago and last season's placed efforts were remote ones behind class acts; current wellbeing is a bit of an issue.

12/1

Form: 4UP-82 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Some inconsistency has crept in but off a reduced mark and running in just the tongue-tie, he returned to form with a second of 14 behind Solitary Man in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan (3m1f, good); whether he'll repeat that remains to be seen and he probably appreciates further than 2m6f these days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Perceval Legallois

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Gavin Cromwell

Some inconsistency has crept in but off a reduced mark and running in just the tongue-tie, he returned to form with a second of 14 behind Solitary Man in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan (3m1f, good); whether he'll repeat that remains to be seen and he probably appreciates further than 2m6f these days.

20/1

2nd

2

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 1f 80y

18:32 Kilbeggan

Perceval Legallois

11st 11lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

A while now since he was at his very best with two big Leopardstown wins two seasons ago; well beaten in the Mayo National last time and looks best left alone at the present time.

20/1

8th

1

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Perceval Legallois

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Talented sort won Paddy Power at Leopardstown in 2024 and valuable handicap hurdle back there at last year's DRF; only 10-1 for last year's Grand National where he fell early on; well back when unseating 4 out in the National last month and pulled up at Punchestown; has worn a tongue-tie before, cheekpieces now added.

16/1

Form: 2466-0 C

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Fourth in last year's Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham; successful chase debut over 2m2f here last September and two good runs in defeat afterwards, including a Grade 2; after two runs over hurdles he returned to fences in a handicap at Roscommon and excuses came to light afterwards; too talented to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

3m 0f 0y

18:47 Down Royal

Rockys Diamond

11st 5lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Declan Queally

Fourth in last year's Stayers' Hurdle after landing Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle on winter ground; hasn't really taken to fences (pulled up in Galway Plate); handled good ground when winning less competitive conditions hurdle at Kilbeggan; beaten at odds-on in Tramore chase; best in at the weights here.

2/1

3rd

2

14th Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:05 Tramore

Rockys Diamond

11st 10lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Declan Queally

Grade 2 winning hurdler had seemingly lost way over fences and hurdles but regained the winning thread back over timber at Kilbeggan six days ago; that was a weak race but it should have boosted his confidence so leading claims now back over fences.

5/4

1st

3

8th Aug 2026

Good

3m 1f 0y

18:48 Kilbeggan

Rockys Diamond

11st 2lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Declan Queally

Enjoyed a fine hurdles campaign in 24-25, winning a Grade 3 at Gowran and finishing fourth in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham; winning debut over fences at Galway last September before things went a little pear-shaped; reverts back to hurdles here and at his best he would be very hard to oppose; whether he can produce his best is not so certain.

4/7

Form: 15631-

Last run: 88 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Useful three-time winner over hurdles; didn't look that progressive as a chaser until comfortably beating 20 rivals in a 3m Listed handicap at Punchestown in May; a 6lb rise could have been worse and he's now 2-3 under J J Slevin; couldn't put a line through him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Barry Lyndon

10st 11lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Useful three-time winner over hurdles; didn't look that progressive as a chaser until comfortably beating 20 rivals in a 3m Listed handicap at Punchestown in May; a 6lb rise could have been worse and he's now 2-3 under J J Slevin; couldn't put a line through him.

20/1

1st

12

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Barry Lyndon

10st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Three-time hurdles winner made winning chase debut in 2m5f Fairyhouse beginners' in October (yielding) but hasn't really progressed, albeit solid first handicap effort when third over 3m1f at same venue last month; 3m tends to stretch him so stamina concerns.

20/1

3rd

1

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Barry Lyndon

11st 12lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

One of his three hurdles wins came here, as did his only success over fences in a beginners' in October (2m5f, yielding); well beaten in a 2m5f novice here and a Grade 3 at Thurles and stamina to prove in first handicap chase.

16/1

Non-runners

Jalila Moriviere, Boston Rover, Ballybawn Belter

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €613.20
Straight Forecast €434.34
Tricast €11888.84
Trifecta €10910.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Downmexicoway

TOPSPEED:

Will The Wise

The Irish Sun:

Ballygunner Castle

POSTDATA:

Nouvotic

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Downmexicoway