YOUR GUIDE TO THIS WEEK’S GALWAY RACES ACTION
THE Galway Races is one of the highlights of the Irish racing calendar and tomorrow’s start of the festival has been given added intrigue due to the decision by Gigginstown House Stud to remove Bryan Cooper as their No1 jockey. There is plenty of competitive flat action too – though not on the same scale as this week’s Glorious Goodwood which starts on Tuesday. However, don’t expect Dermot Weld to add to his 31 Festival trainers’ titles, with a virus in his yard the cause for a poor 2017. Here’s our brief guide to what’s on in Ballybrit this week.
THE HIGHLIGHTS MONDAY
The feature is the Connacht Hotel Handicap on the level where a number of jumps trainers, including Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have entries. The trainers’ title battle could start here.
TUESDAY
Another flat feature in the mile handicap with over €70,000 to the winner. Ger Lyons could be a man to follow with a number of interesting entries in this.
WEDNESDAY
Galway Plate day and the big talk will be about which horse – if any – Cooper rides, with last year’s winner Lord Scoundrel among their entries. Jessica Harrington could continue her fine 2017 with Sandymount Duke.
THURSDAY
Last year’s winner Clondaw Warrior heads the weights for the Galway Hurdle with €177,000 to the winner.
FRIDAY
The Guinness Handicap could be a family battle. Aidan and Joseph O’Brien have several entries.
SUNDAY
The 7f handicap, or perhaps the €100,000 first prize, has attracted a number of Englishtrained horses, like That Is The Spirit from David O’Meara’s yard.