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Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Step up in trip can provide Lady Kai with perfect opportunity
Two meetings this evening, with the best of the fare in Leopardstown, which hosts a seven-race card. The nap comes in the finale, the Tote Fegentri World Championship Qualified Riders' Race, in which Lady Kai can make a return to winning ways. Ross O'Sullivan's mare won twice last year and made a promising return to action when a close fourth in a Gowran handicap. Off for almost two months after that outing, she was sent off favourite for a 13-furlong handicap last month at Down Royal but was never able to land a meaningful blow on her way to a third-place finish. Returning less than three weeks after that run and with the step up in trip sure to suit and the booking of Josh Williamson a distinct positive, she can use this opportunity to record a third career victory. Veteran Walking On Glass is capable of a bold showing, as is Friary Road, who was placed on three of his last four runs and also far from disgraced when eighth to A Dream To Share in a maiden over this course and distance. The Bahran Turf Club Desmond Stakes is one of two Group 3 races on the card and Alakazi can land the spoils for Johnny Murtagh and Ben Coen. The only three-year-old in this race, his most recent outing was in a similar race at the Curragh and he posted a fine effort to finish runner-up to Skukuza. On that occasion, he finished a place in front of Currawood, who is a great yardstick at this level, and two in front of Fiery Lucy, who subsequently finished runner-up in a listed race in Killarney. Lord Massusus, who re-opposes, was further behind, and Alakazi can confirm that form, even if Lord Massusus can get closer this time. Last year's winner, Mutasarref, hasn't managed to put his head in front thus far this term but remains a consistent sort, still capable at this level. Miqdaad was an unlucky loser last time, when a leather broke, and can make amends in the Tote Handicap, while Sinbad My Dad has strong each-way claims in the BoyleSports Lengthen The Odds Handicap. In Sligo. Eye Of A Tiger can end a run of three placed efforts with victory in the Martin Reilly Hyundai Mares' Maiden Hurdle. Trained by John Ryan, who does well at this track, she has shown more than enough to suggest she can win races, and this looks like her best opportunity to date. Tommy Lyons' picks: Leopardstown 5:20 Res Ipsa 5:53 Spodo Komodo 6:23 Alakazi 6:53 Crystal Black (nb) 7:23 Miqdaad 7:53 Sinbad My Dad 8:25 Lady Kai (nap) Next best 5:20 Montreal 5:53 Wild Sapphire 6:23 Lord Massusus 6:53 Sons And Lovers 7:23 Lorr's Girl 7:53 Zabeir 8:25 Walking On Glass Sligo 5:05 Mount Sinai 5:35 Eye Of A Tiger 6:05 Spy 6:35 Miss Gitana 7:05 Vroomvroomboo 7:35 Brave Soldier 8:05 Shadows Of My Mind Next best 5:05 Must Meet Cecil 5:35 Backwithyourown 6:05 Huntsgrove 6:35 Torquay Road 7:05 Luck Between Us 7:35 Cornmarket 8:05 Barra Rua
The Irish Sun
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Galway Festival day five: Betting tips, odds, and race rundown
THE RUNNERS who missed out on the Galway Plate get their chance to shine in the Galway Blazers today. That is followed by the lucrative Guinness Premier Handicap, which is shaping up to be a cracking renewal. Later in the card, at 8:10 the Rockshore Refreshing Irish Race gives us something to really look forward to as former Cheltenham Festival bumper winner A Dream To Share looks to back up his breakthrough success on the flat. 🏇 Quick Galway Festival day five tips Win singles and each way bets with odds from the 5:00 James's Gate Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden: Nod Of Approval 5:30 Guinness Beginners Chase: Jarrive De Mee 6:00 Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase: Native Speaker 6:35 Guinness Handicap: Extensio 7:10 Guinness Irish EBF Fillies Maiden: Jannah Star 7:40 Arthur Guinness Handicap: Vega's Muse 8:10 Rockshore Refreshing Irish Race: A Dream To Share 8:40 Hop House 13 Handicap: Kool One 5:00 James's Gate Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden (3yo+) - 1m6f Any support for the newcomers needs to be noted here. However, given the test that Galway presents, sticking with an experienced runner c be the way to go. Nazario finished ahead of World Tour at Down Royal on his racecourse debut, and the latter has since gone on to be turned over as the odds-on favourite at Bellewstown, finishing a disappointing fifth. The form of those two is questionable, but Natalia Lupini have tasted success this week at Galway, so Nazario could take a big step. NOD OD APPROVAL wasn't beaten far in sixth behind Amadeus Mozart and Dorset on debut, and with normal improvement to come, that form gives him a standout chance here. 2024 Winner: Bessie Abott J : Wesley Joyce T : Michael Mulvany Odds : 50/1 Our pick: NOD OF APPROVAL Trainer: Jessica Harrington Jockey: Scott McCullagh Form: 6 Age: 7 Weight: 9st 6lb ➡️ 5:30 Guinness Beginners Chase (5yo+) - 2m6½f A decent beginner's chase for this time of year, and a lot of interesting runners line up. Former Grade 1 novice placed hurdler Sandor Clegane would have a massive chance here if he were to put his best foot forward. He was last seen over fences in 2024 when finishing fourth behind Spillane's Tower in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival, and if he can reach those heights here, he has the class to play a big part. The Henry de Bromhead-trained Shantreusse has valuable chasing experience, and even though he is 0/13 over fences, most of his starts have come in good company. Given the form of the de Bromhead stable, he has a live each-way chance. Willie Mullins saddles three here, and even though Paul Townend has chosen to ride Uncle Pat, JARRIVE DE MEE may be the best of the three. Uncle Pat was well backed on his chase debut, but he will need to drop his head if he is to go one place better here today. The selection Jarrive De Mee won three of his four starts over hurdles, with his only defeat coming in Grade 1 company at the Punchestown Festival, finishing nine lengths behind the Cheltenham Festival winner Jasmin De Vaux. He has the build to make a chaser, and he can make a winning start over fences under Patrick Mullins. 2024 Winner: No corresponding race Our pick: JARRIVE DE MEE Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Patrick Mullins Form: /1114- Age: 6 Weight: 11st 2lb ➡️ 6:00 Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase (4yo+) - 2m6½f The Goffer would be interesting under seven-pound claimer Josh Williamson if he can rediscover the form that saw him win a handicap chase at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival. If he were to bounce back to his best, then he is well handicapped off 135. Riaan, who is also trained by Gordon Elliott, needs to leave two bad runs behind him, but you only have to go a few months to see him finish fourth, sixth, and second in three top handicap chases at the Dublin Racing Festival, the Cheltenham Festival, and the Punchestown Festival. He is a big play if he can recapture that form. Henry de Bromhead has won two of the last three runnings of this race, and he is represented with Marv Michael and NATIVE SPEAKER . The choice of Darragh O'Keeffe, Native Speaker, has won one of his four starts over fences, and he can be forgiven his latest run at the Punchestown Festival. He got the better of Will Do when getting off the mark over fences, and this unexposed chaser looks sure to go well here. Neveradullmoment was a good winner over course and distance in September, and he can come back to life at a track where he acts well. 2024 Winner: Battleoverdoyen J: Danny Gilligan T: Gordon Elliott Odds: 20/1 Our pick: NATIVE SPEAKER Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe Form: 13139- Age: 7 Weight: 11st 6lb ➡️ 6:35 Guinness Handicap (Premier Handicap) (3yo+) - 1m4f As always, the Guinness Handicap is as competitive as they come. A race that was won by the now Group 1 winner Princess Zoe, it's always a race to follow going forward. The Willie Mullins-trained Lope De Lilas had no luck at the Curragh on her latest start for the Closutton powerhouse, and she still has time on her side to show herself in a better light. Fleetfoot was a last-gasp winner at the Curragh in a Premier Handicap in June, and the Jim Bolger-trained five-year-old can take the four-pound rise in his stride if he can back up that run. One horse it may be worth taking a chance on is last season's Sky Bet Stayers Handicap winner EXTENSIO . He was an impressive winner at York when easily getting the better of the well-punted Samui, and followed that with a handicap hurdle win off 128. He made his comeback at Kilarney, where he was sent off as an unfancied 40/1 shot. Now, with that run under his belt, the son of Xtension should be capable of being more than competitive off just seven pounds higher than when bolting up at York. Others who look set to run well are Mashhoor, top-weight Layfayette, and Mo Ghille Mar. 2024 Winner: Eagle's Way J: Chris Hayes T: William Durkan Odds: 8/1 Our pick: EXTENSIO Trainer: P F O'Donnell Jockey: Joey Sheridan Form: /611-8 Age: 8 Weight: 9st 5lb ➡️ 7:10 Guinness Irish EBF Fillies Maiden (3yo+) - 1m4f Natalia Lupini has had a good week with her stable star Dunum winning the COLM QUINN BMW Mile Handicap, and has a good chance of adding to that win with Colpe Cross. The daughter of Le Harve has had two starts to date and went close to getting off the mark when beaten a neck at Rosscommon by Sky Captain. Her experience will be valuable here and looks sure to be primed to go well. However, the three-time raced JANNAH STAR looks the one to beat here. She has been sent off as the favourite for all three of her starts, and even though her supporters' patience may be wearing thin at this stage, she has a good chance to repay them here. Paddy Twomey's newcomers are always respected, and a close eye is to be kept on Ledecky, especially considering who owns her. 2024 Winner: Andromeda J: Wayne Lordan T: Aidan O'Brien Odds: 13/8Fav Our pick: JANNAH STAR Trainer: Joseph O'Brien Jockey: Dylan Brown McMonagle Form: 322 Age: 3 Weight: 9st 3lb ➡️ 7:40 Arthur Guinness Handicap (3yo) - 1m½f Dance For Chester is seeking a hat trick of wins, with both wins coming from different trainers. He hasn't been seen since April, but this may have been a long-term plan for this improving gelding. Ribee and Mother Mara are a host of other potential winners, but the consistent VEGA'S MUSE may be worth siding with here. The daughter of Lope De Vega has filled the runner-up spot on her last two runs and was only beaten by a half-length into third the time before. She hung to her left on her latest start, and it can be argued that it cost her the win. That isn't ideal racing around Galway, but she will get first-time blinkers here with the hope that they will keep her mind on the job. A four-pound rise for not winning seems harsh, but with the step back up in trip and the new headgear, she looks set to go close to getting off the mark at the ninth time of asking. 2024 Winner: Victor's Choice J: Robert Whearty T: Adrian Murray Odds: 16/1 Our pick: VEGA'S MUSE Trainer: Jessica Harrington Jockey: Keithen Kennedy (5lb) Form: 077322 Age: 3 Weight: 9st 13lb ➡️ 8:10 Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Race (4yo+) - 1m6f For all that Willie Mullins runs two decent level hurdlers in Charlus and Bunting, this should revolve around A DREAM TO SHARE . The former Champion Bumper winner has had three starts on the flat, and it is fair to say that connection were merely chancing their arm by running this Grade 1 bumper winner over seven furlongs and one mile. However, on his third start on the flat, A Dream To Share was stepped up to one mile seven furlongs, and as expected, got the job done comfortably. The slight drop in distance will not be a problem here, given Galway's stiff finish. If all is well with the son of Muhaarar, this can be straightforward for the classy bumper performer. 2024 Winner: Taipan J: Shane Foley T: Jessica Harrington Odds: 9/2 Our pick: A DREAM TO SHARE Trainer: John & Thomas Kiely Jockey: Wayne Lordan Form: 441 Age: 7 Weight: 9st 9lb ➡️ 8:40 Hop House 13 Handicap (3yo+) - 1m6f Pralognan was a non-runner on Wednesday, but if he takes his chance here, the Newcastle winner could have a big say. The extra distance shouldn't be a worry as he was a winner over two miles two furlongs at Downpatrick in June. However, one that looks to be lurking on a favourable mark now thrusted back on the level is Conor Maxwell's KOOL ONE . Even though he hasn't gotten off the mark over hurdles in five starts, Kool One has run some fine races. He was placed behind Charlus and Blue Lemons on his first two starts, and then finished second in a Grade 3 4yo hurdle at Naas. He was then running a huge race in the Fred Winter only to unseat his rider two out when still in with a winning chance. You can forgive him his last run of the season, as that may have come too soon after Cheltenham. The last time we saw Kool One on the flat, he was winning a similar contest at Navan off a six-pound lower mark. There is no doubt that he has improved since that run, and given that he is now rated 118 over hurdles, his flat mark of 64 looks very manageable. The only negative aspect of his chances is that he is drawn out wide. But besides that, Kool One has a massive chance to double his flat tally. 2024 Winner: Tool Stone J: Colin Keane T: Emmet Mullins Odds: 11/4 Our pick: KOOL ONE Trainer: Conor Maxwell Jockey: Jack Kearney Form: 99231- Age: 4 Weight: 9st 8lb ➡️ 🕔 Galway Festival day five schedule TIME RACE DISTANCE 5:00 James's Gate Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden 7f 5:30 Guinness Beginners Chase 2m6½f 6:00 Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase 2m6½f 6:35 Guinness Handicap 1m4f 7:10 Guinness Irish EBF Fillies Maiden 1m4f 7:40 Arthur Guinness Handicap 1m½f 8:10 Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Race 1m6f 8:40 Hop House 13 Handicap 1m6f 📺 How to watch day five of the Galway Festival Location : Ballybrit, Galway, Ireland Date/Time : Friday, 1st August 2025. First Race 5:00 TV/Streaming : TG4 & Racing TV About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting
Irish Daily Mirror
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Galway Races Monday tips: Robbie Power's selections for day 1 at Ballybrit
is fancied to land the big one on the opening evening at Galway - one of the great racing weeks of the year. This seven-year-old was a very good winner at Killarney the last time, Andrew Slattery's horses are in flying form and I'd say the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap (6.40) has been the plan for a while. He won well last time out when beating Mont St Michel by two and a half lengths and was second to previous Cheltenham Festival bumper winner A Dream To Share the time before that. He sets a high standard of form, I think this stiff track will suit him and he is my selection for what is always a very competitive race. Meanwhile, it's very interesting that Willie Mullins pitches Davy Crockett straight into a novice hurdle instead of going for a maiden hurdle. He was a very impressive winner of a bumper in Punchestown back in June and he should take plenty of beating in today's opener, the Galway Bay Hotel & The Galmont Hotel Novice at 5.10. But Eternal Echo for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy sets a decent standard. He was a good winner at Cork the last time on his first start over hurdles. It looks like a race between those two, but preference is for Davy Crockett, with Mark Walsh onboard in the JP McManus colours. Willie Mullins and jockey Mark Walsh (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) Willie Mullins is also responsible for the favourite in the second race, the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle at 5.40, with Rakki, but his form leaves a bit to be desired. However, it is interesting that Paul Townend takes the ride. It's not usual that Paul would take a ride in a 0-110 handicap hurdle, so you'd have to take huge note of that. He's obviously showing good signs at home. But the top weight in this, Tell Us This for Gavin Cromwell, is interesting, with jockey Eoin Staples claiming a valuable seven pounds. He was a good winner 14 days ago at Downpatrick and sets a decent standard. A seven-furlong maiden comes next at 6.10 and Constitution River looks like he'll be very hard to beat for Aidan O'Brien and Wayne Lordan. It was a very good run when he finished second on his debut at Newmarket earlier this month. He handled the undulations of Newmarket quite well so I can't see Galway posing a problem. But I would be keeping an eye out for any market moves for Dermot Weld's Masaban, who Chris Hayes partners on his debut. Andrew Slattery looks to have another good chance in the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap at 7.15 with Highbury See See, who won at Gowran Park last month. Andrew Slattery (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) Joseph O'Brien holds a strong hand in the GRA Chocolates Handicap at 7.50 with Bear Creek and Starford, but Bear Creek looks to be the one with Dylan Browne McMonagle taking the ride after partnering him to victory at Down Royal 10 days ago. And I'm going to side with Faith Of Empires in the final race of the day, the Monami Construction INH Flat Race at 8.20. Emmet Mullins and the Fee colours are very dangerous connections at this meeting and they run this son of Authorised in his debut here. He was a non-runner back at the Punchestown Festival when he didn't get in a reserve and I'd say this race has been the goal ever since. Tip of the day - Royal Hollow 6.40
Irish Examiner
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Mississippi River blitzs rivals at Leopardstown
Aidan O'Brien built on his spectacular Royal Ascot treble when Mississippi River, in first-time blinkers, blitzed his rivals in the BoyleSports Smart Racecard Rated Race in Leopardstown. Stable apprentice Jack Cleary seized this latest opportunity on the powerfully-built Lope De Vega colt, dictating the pace, with Wizard Of Odds for company. But, when Cleary allowed the 11/8 favourite to stretch clear off the home-turn, the outcome was in in no doubt. And Cleary could afford to ease him down close home and still have four and a quarter lengths to spare over runner-up Joyful Princess. Cleary, who also partnered Mississippi River to his maiden success in Navan, explained 'Just like Navan, I kept it simple. He was nice and relaxed early but picked-up when the other horse eye-balled him. He jumped, travelled and really picked-up. He's comfortable at that trip (a mile), but should stay a mile and a quarter.' And Ballydoyle representative Chris Armstrong added 'We declared him. for the 'Britannia' (at Royal Ascot earlier yesterday), but he was third reserve and not getting in, and this looked a lovely opportunity for him. He's in two handicaps at the Curragh next week and might go there.' Having his third run on the flat, and his first over a realistic trip, A Dream To Share, trained for JP McManus by John and Thomas Kiely, delivered in the concluding Leopardstown Members (Amateur) Race. Re-united with John Gleeson and smashed in the betting into ½, the seven-year-old, a five-time, bumper-winner, brushed aside his rivals under hands and heels riding, beating Royal Hollow, readily, by a length and a half. Gleeson commented 'I'm delighted to get back on him and to get his head back in front – he's been a very good horse for me. We went steady and I was able to pick-up the pieces in the straight.' And Frank Berry stated 'They didn't go quick, but he travelled away nicely and picked up – he couldn't have done it any better. 'We'll see where we go from here – we might go back over hurdles with him, but we'll need to keep an eye on the ground.' Joseph O'Brien provided Declan McDonogh with the first leg of an early double as newcomer Dial Me In overcame a tardy start and had to weave his way thought the field before getting up on the line to pip gambled-on favourite Sound Bite. 'That didn't go to plan,' said O'Brien's assistant Michael Halford. 'He was very slow out and Declan had to be patient. But the colt showed a lot of courage and grit and just got there. He should improve plenty.' McDonogh followed-up when Ciaran Murphy's filly Finsceal Annie, successful over course and distance (in much soft ground) last week, defied a 7lb penalty in the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Handicap, prompting her rider to comment 'She's a versatile filly, on the up. They're talking about going to Galway – she might be good around there.' *Apprentice Dylan O'Connor received an eight-day whip ban following his handling of El Bello in a division of the Jerry Fish Handicap.
