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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Bookies avoid back-to-back bashings at Galway Races as ‘dream winner' helps swing momentum & top trainer ‘delighted'
BOOKIES breathed a sigh of relief on day two of the Galway Festival — after taking a bashing on day one. Brian O'Keeffe, spokesperson for 7 King Of Kingsfield ridden by Jack Kennedy won the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase Credit: PA 7 Racegoer Savannah Bergin stepped out in style for Day 2 Credit: Sportsfile 'Sticktotheplan was a dream winner in the opener at 22/1 and then Dunum winning really swung momentum our way as we look to day three.' In the big Under the guidance of 53-year-old jockey Seamie Heffernan, the Natalia Lupini trained seven-year-old was recording its third career victory at Ballybrit. Lupini said afterwards: 'He did well today and Seamie is a great asset for a small yard like ours. READ MORE IN HORSE RACING "Having a jockey of his calibre is a massive help.' Earlier on in the day, King Of Kingsfield ridden by Jack Kennedy won the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase at 7/2, fending off 6/4 favourite My Great Mate. Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said he was 'delighted' with the win and Kennedy 'gave him a beautiful ride'. Elliott added: 'The plan was to sit second or third, just keep it simple. Most read in Horse Racing "To have a lead, there wasn't much pace. Just go as steady as you could in front. "But I thought he gave him a beautiful ride. The horse was a bit careful early. Top trainers, jockeys and truckloads of Guinness arrive at Ballybrit as Galway Races 2025 changes revealed 'Look, when you've used them good lads like Paul and Jack and the rest of them, they are great lads, they know exactly what they're doing.' Punters filled the The Conquerors' keyboard player Tony Maher said the band is delighted to be back at He said: 'With it being one of the best racing festivals in the country, we are really enjoying playing and keeping the crowd dancing. 'SO SPECIAL' "And celebrating everything that makes the Galway Races so special.' Punters were again in good spirits today with the odd few still nursing a hangover from the previous day. A large group from Kilreekill, Galway were celebrating a big birthday. Sylvia Lowry said: 'We only live an hour outside of Galway, so we come here for one day every year. 'WE LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE' "It's usually my husband's birthday during race week. So he's 50 this year. 'We love the atmosphere and we 100 per cent bet every race. 'We might not be big bettors, but we're probably big losers.' Belclare locals Tommy O'Brien, Bernie O'Brien and Gerard O'Brien rolled into the racecourse straight from Canavan's ANNUAL TRADITION Tommy said: 'We come to Galway every year, every Tuesday evening. "We will have a bet on every race and hope for the best. 'Sometimes it's the name of the horse or something will catch your eye in the programme. "It's all about the favourite in Galway, but then again anything can win in Galway. MAIN PRIORITY 'The atmosphere is brilliant so far.' Racing fanatics Barbara Mangan and her sister Dolores turned heads in their stunning outfits. Galwegian Barbara said: 'We have been coming here for the last 15 or 20 years. We take a 'sister day' because she lives in 'We don't like to go for the favourites really because you kind of have to put big 'GOOD CROWD' 'And then we might throw a few quid on a 50/1. Now we've been lucky a few years, but it's just the fun. It's all about the fun.' Dolores chuckled: 'I like to go up and look the horses in the eyes. Honestly, I've been quite lucky with that.' Eimear Kelly from She said: 'It's a good crowd here. We have got three different tips for today. RAISING THE STYLE STAKES "I pick my horses based on what everyone else tells me. Because if I pick them, they will lose.' In Galway city, racegoers and fashion fans raised the style stakes at the Racing for Rosabel evening in aid of Rosabel's Rooms, a child loss project in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation, at the Connacht Hotel. Kiera Williams scooped Best Dressed Lady and Colin Quigley bagged the Best Dressed Man prize. Organiser Caroline Downey said: 'The style was better than ever, and a huge thanks to all our sponsors and supporters. 'ONE OF THE BEST' "It's always a fantastic day, but today has to be one of the best.' All eyes today will be on the Galway Plate with a prize pot of €270,000. Former Aidan said: 'You do really need a horse that likes the hustle and bustle because they are rough enough races and that can also handle the track. 'BIG PLUS' 'A horse that's been to the meeting before is a big plus. Or has a run at a track similar like Cheltenham. "A horse with experience is a big help. 'If they have ran well at this meeting before, that's a big plus. 'That's what I'm looking for because the Galway Plate is not an easy race.' NEXT YEAR HOPES He added: 'Amirite, Henry De Bromhead's, was a little bit disappointing in this race last year but it is coming here after winning in Kilbeggan last time out. 'He's been here but didn't run as well. 'At the same time he knows what's in store this year and hopefully he can run very well again.' MY VIEW I WOKE up feeling surprisingly fresh after yesterday's antics and raring to go for another day of racing at Ballybrit. Punters were in good form and quickly cured any sore heads. The roar of the crowd as King Of Kingsfield thundered down the final straight was absolutely deafening. I popped into the dedicated zone Beauty Paddock in collaboration with Vision Ireland for a touch-up. Barbara Coakley from Vision Ireland Ballinasloe told me: 'We've over 300 shops nationwide and this is our first time here at the races with a pop-up. And it's so successful. 'We have wonderful hats, fascinators, shawls for when it gets a bit colder in the evening, nice flat shoes if the feet are killing you. So it's going really well.' Highlight of the day was having a chat with Ireland's racecourse commentator Jerry Hannon who had plenty of stories to tell me. As for my luck on bets, that's another story! 7 There were multiple best dressed competitions Credit: Sportsfile 7 Racegoers were kept entertained with music and sights throughout the day Credit: Sportsfile 7 Jockey James Anthony 'Seamie' Heffernan took home the Colm Quinn Bmw Mile Handicap with beloved horse Dunum Credit: PA 7 Delighted punters were in good spirits after an exciting first day Credit: Inpho 7 Heffernan celebrated his huge win alongside trainer Natalia Lupini Credit: PA
Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
In pics - Glamorous race-goers flood Ballybrit for Day Two of the Galway Races
There was a huge buzz around Ballybrit on Tuesday as thousands of punters descended on the world-famous racecourse for Day Two of the 2025 Galway Races. It proved to be another thrilling day of racing, fashion, and entertainment and race-goers certainly dressed to impress for the occasion, with men and women alike putting their best foot forward in terms of style. The event saw an array of unique headpieces, including towering constructions reminiscent of Jane Austen's era, inventive recycled hats and incredible designs enjoyed by keen racing aficionados. Tuesday's racing highlights included Seamie Heffernan racing home on Dunum to win the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap, featuring a generous prize pool of €120,000, with the 12-1 winner making it three career wins at the Ballybrit festival. The Galway Races runs from Monday, July 28 to Sunday, August 3 with Ladies' Day on Thursday, July 31 - combining top-tier racing, fashionable outfits, live music, DJs, and outstanding hospitality Check out our picture gallery below to get a taste of the action A general view of the crowd at Ballybrit on Day Two of the Galway Festival (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 1 of 21 A general view of the runners and riders in the The Latin Quarter Beginners Steeplechase (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 2 of 21 Aoife Shefflin from Kilkenny enjoying Day Two of the Galway Races (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 3 of 21 Aoibheann, Elicia and Mandy Dalton from Fethard at Day Two of the Galway Races (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 4 of 21 Aoife Byrne from Carlow enjoying Day Two of the Galway Festival (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) 5 of 21
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Galway Festival day three: Betting tips, odds, and race rundown
GALWAY Plate day has arrived. A steeplechase steeped in history that every trainer, jockey, and owner wants to win. Away from the flagship race of the day, there's a card full of competitive action up for decision. 🏇 Quick Galway Festival day three tips Win singles and each way bets with odds from the 5:05 Tote #50,000 Guaranteed Placepot Today Maiden Hurdle: Hipop De Loire 5:35 Tote Money-back 2 nd Every Race Today Handicap Hurdle: 6:05 Tote, #5,000 Guaranteed Jackpot Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle: Enfranchise 6:40 Grade 3 Tote Galway Plate: 7:15 Download The Tote App Maiden: Goldinthevallys 7:50 Watch Danny's Diary – 15 Years Of Tote Memories Handicap: Sunjet 8:20 Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap: Feud 5:05 Tote #50,000 Guaranteed Placepot Today Maiden Hurdle (5yo+) - 2m6f Zannadabad is 0-8 over hurdles, but he has run some fine races in defeat that would give him a live chance here. Gordon Elliott's Son Of Anarchy came with a tall reputation after his point-to-point win, but has yet to hit the heights hoped for. He ran his best race to date last time out when following home the Willie Mullins-trained Sysko. If he can back up that run here, he can be in with a chance. However, should the current Ebor favourite HIPOP DE LOIRE jump adequately on his second start over hurdles, he will be tough to beat. He was second to Jackfinbar at this meeting last season, and a reproduction of that run will see him into the winner's enclosure. 2024 Winner: Lightkeeper J : Jack Kennedy T : Gordon Elliott Odds : 11/1 Our Pick: HIPOP DE LOIRE Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Paul Townend Form: 2- Age: 8 Weight: 11st 12lb ➡️ 5:35 Tote Money-back 2nd Every Race Today Handicap Hurdle (4yo+) - 2m6f Ahead Of The Posse may have been let away lightly with a two-pound raise for his win last time out. That form has taken a boost with the second War Correspondent going on to win on his chase debut at Wexford. He has a live chance of following up, and the same can be said for Nitty Gritty. He pulled clear with the runner up when winning his maiden at Killarney, and even though this demands a lot more, he is the type may relish the extra distance here. However, recent chase winner ARCTIC GALE may be worth taking a chance with back over the smaller obstacles. He has yet to win in his eighth tries over hurdles, but he was a second in a maiden hurdle on this card last season, with the third going on to win twice since and finish fourth in a Grade 2 hurdle. He gets a first-time tongue strap here, and if that helps with his finishing effort, his confidence will be sky high from his win and looks set for a bold show. 2024 Winner: Talk In The Park J : Darragh O'Keeffe T : Ross O'Sullivan Odds : 7/1 Our pick: ARCTIC GALE Trainer: Emmet Mullins Jockey: Donagh Meyler Form: 469-41 Age: 6 Weight: 11st 11lb ➡️ 6:05 Tote #5,000 Guaranteed Jackpot Irish EBF Mares Handicap (4yo+) - 2m½f Redwood Queen, the mare at the centre of the controversy over whether Philip Byrnes jumped off at the last at Wexford, returns to the track for the first time since that incident. No longer in the care of Charles Byrnes and now in the care of Cian Collins, it will be interesting to see how she will perform. Carried With Love dons the famous green and gold of JP McManus, and there is a sneaky suspicion that she will be able to take a considerable step forward on anything she has shown yet. Billie Frechette was a good winner over Luker's Tipple at Cork, making it back-to-back wins. Given the ease of her Cork win, a new mark of 117 may well be within reach. The one that can be worth siding with is course and distance winner ENFRANCHISE . She has been running to a good level over hurdles for her new trainer and has hit new heights on the flat, as seen when beaten a head in a Group 2 in Germany and just over two lengths in a Cork Group 3. She gets in here off 123 and, considering her high flat rating, she looks to have wiggle room off that mark. This is a course she runs well, and looks sure to be bang there under Danny Mullins. 2024 Winner: Champella J: Darragh O'Keeffe T: Ross O'Sullivan Odds: 10/1 Our pick: ENFRANCHISE Trainer: Willie McCreery Jockey: Danny Mullins Form: 751/9- Age: 7 Weight: 11st 5lb ➡️ 6:40 Grade 3 Tote Galway Plate (4yo+) - 2m6½f The showpiece event on day three sees a plethora of potential winners lining up in a strong twenty-two-runner field. All eyes will be on Nurburgring as he looks to make history by winning the Galway Plate just twelve months after claiming the Galway Hurdle. He warmed up for this with a win at Killarney, but his jumping leaves a lot to be desired, and he cannot afford any mistakes here. Handicap debutant and the classy Down Memory Lane could be well in here, and looks to have had this race in mind for him for a long time now. He has a lovely profile, but this trip may just stretch his stamina. Cheltenham winner JAZZY MATTY had a low-key end to his season, but he has some strong chase form to call upon from last season. He is a winner over two miles and five furlongs, so this trip should hold no fears. He's uncomplicated, jumps well, and has that bit of class needed to win a handicap like this. Now that he has been freshened up for this, and now off a seven-pound higher mark than when winning the Johnny Henderson at Cheltenham, Jazzy Matty looks set to be a massive player here under top jockey Harry Cobden. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Adamantly Chosen go well at a price, and handicap debutant and dual Galway Hurdle runner-up Jesse Evans makes his handicap chase debut here. If he can replicate his hurdles form over the larger obstacles, then he has every right to run well at what are huge odds. Former Grade 1 novice winner Zenta and Buddy One can also go well if they brush up on their jumping. 2024 Winner: Pinkerton J: Donagh Meyler T: Noel Meade Odds: 20/1 Our pick: JAZZY MATTY Trainer: Cian Collins Jockey: Harry Cobden Form: 2216P Age: 6 Weight: 11st 4lb ➡️ 7:15 Download The Tote App (Q.R.) Maiden (3yo+) - 1m4f On the back of setting the pace for Kyprios at Leopardstown in May, Mont St Michel filled the runner-up spot when sent off as the joint favourite for a Killarney maiden. He takes a slight drop in distance here and is one of the leading contenders. Waterford Flow is exposed, but he was unlucky on his latest start when finishing runner-up after being badly hampered by a faller. He will likely find one or two too good here, but he will run his usual solid race, and looks the safe each-way bet. However, a chance is taken with GOLDINTHEVALLEYS . The Martin Brassil-trained gelding was well fancied in what turned out to be a decent bumper at Punchestown, but was beaten over one hundred lengths. Something was clearly amiss on the day, and he hasn't been seen since. You have to take his fitness on trust, but in a wide open race, he can go well under Derek O'Connor. 2024 Winner: Shoda J: Mr T Hamilton – T: Joseph O'Brien – Odds: 9/2 Our pick: GOLDINTHEVALLEYS Trainer: Martin Brassil Jockey: Mr Derek O'Connor Form: Age: 5 Weight: 11st 12lb ➡️ 7:50 Watch Danny's Diary – 15 Years Of Tote Memories Handicap (3yo) - 1m ½f Scott Key has been running well this season and won in good style on deep ground at Gowran Park in April. He will appreciate every drop of rain that falls and can improve on his never-nearer sixth at the Curragh last time out. Iron Fist made the most of a good opportunity after a luckless run when behind SUNJET at the Curragh. However, that was Dermot Weld's gelding's first run after 253 days on the sidelines, and he is entitled to improve for that outing. He pulled away in the closing stages at the Curragh when besting Mississippi River, and the win smacked of a horse that has a lot more to come, and a nine-pound higher mark may not be enough to stop him from following up here. 2024 Winner: Monasterboice J: Colin Keane T: Noel Meade- Odds: 9/2 Our pick: SUNJET Trainer: Dermot Weld Jockey: Chris Hayes Form: 535-1 Age: 3 Weight: 9st 7lb ➡️ 8:20 Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap (3yo+) - 2m½f Last Ammo is now rated one pound lower than when taking this race in 2023, and warmed up for this, not beaten far fourth. That was a telling sign, and he looks set to be in top form to try to win back his crown. Shoda was a winner on this card last season over shorter distances, but she has to prove that she can handle this kind of stamina test. Drop The Ancor, Light Up The Dark, and course winner Sign From Above are all respected. However, FEUD , who was a winner over hurdles at last years festival, has been a bit underwhelming since his return this season. He was well beaten in a Grade 3 on his return, but showed better signs when a staying on fourth to Lord Erskine at Killarney. He is bred to be a high-level performer on the flat, and with those two runs under his belt, you can expect Feud to take another step forward with first-time cheekpieces called upon. 2024 Winner: Busselton J: Declan McDonogh T: Joseph O'Brien Odds: 8/1 Our pick: FEUD Trainer: Richard O'Brien Jockey: Wayne Hassett (3lb) Form: 33/0-4 Age: 5 Weight: 9st 9lb ➡️ 🕔 Galway Festival day three schedule TIME RACE DISTANCE 5:05 Tote #50,000 Guaranteed Placepot Today Maiden Hurdle 2m6f 5:35 Tote Money-back 2 nd Every Race Today Handicap Hurdle 2m6f 6:05 Tote #5,000 Guaranteed Jackpot Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle 2m½f 6:40 Grade 3 Tote Galway Plate 2m 6½f 7:15 Download The Tote App Maiden 1m4f 7:50 Watch Danny's Diary – 15 Years Of Tote Memories Handicap 1m½f 8:20 Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap 2m½f 📺 How to watch day three of the Galway Festival Location: Ballybrit, Galway, Ireland Date/Time: Wednesday, 30th July, 2025. First Race 5:05 TV/Streaming: RTÉ2 & 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
Rhyl Journal
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Davy Crockett collects on hurdling bow at Galway
The Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old is a son of dual Derby hero Camelot out of Champion Hurdle-winning mare Annie Power, making him a half-brother to dual Grade One victor Mystical Power, who landed this Galway Festival curtain-raiser two years ago. Easy winner of a Punchestown bumper on his debut in early June, the 1-2 favourite to make a successful transition to the jumping game raised brief concerns for his supporters two out, but knuckled down well for Mark Walsh in the straight to beat Mick Collins by two and a half lengths. Mullins said: 'I was very happy with how efficient his jumping was except, for the mistake at the second-last. For a horse having his first run over hurdles and just the second run of his career, I was very pleased with him. 'We'll just keep going down the novice hurdle route and hopefully he might make into a Royal Bond horse. He could go to Listowel before then.' Mullins also paid tribute to training great Edward O'Grady, who died on Sunday at the age of 75. He added: 'Edward was someone that back in the day we looked up to. He was the foremost trainer going to Cheltenham – when no one (from Ireland) was having runners or winners in Cheltenham, he was having one or two of them every year. 'People forget how difficult it was for Irish trainers to bring horses across and win and Edward had fantastic horses. He had a great Galway connection of course with Golden Cygnet, owned by Ray Rooney who was chairman here in Galway. 'He'll be sorely missed in Irish racing.' Davy Crockett is owned by JP McManus, who also paid tribute to O'Grady, with whom he had a long association. McManus said: 'No doubt he was an amazing trainer. I went to him in '78. 'I remember Jack Of Trumps won in Punchestown as a five-year-old carrying 12st in the Jameson Gold Cup which was a handicap then. 'We went on to win the Galway Plate that year in '78 (with Shining Flame). 'We had many great days with the likes of Bit Of A Skite, Mucklemeg and Time For A Run. 'Edward was always very good to his staff and very kind to everybody. 'When Edward fancied a horse you didn't need to have money, all you needed to have was credit because they nearly always delivered. His record was second to none at that time. 'He was a great judge of a horse and he will be missed.' Elsewhere, Constitution River confirmed the promise of his debut run to land the Eventus Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden with real authority. Contrary To Law attempted to keep tabs on Aidan O'Brien's runner up front, but he was shrugged off with some ease, as were the rest, as the imposing Wootton Bassett colt powered to a three-and-three-quarter-length triumph under Wayne Lordan, as odds of 1-5 suggested he would. A €400,000 purchase as a yearling, the winner – who is out of a sister to the top-class racemare Wonderful Tonight – just missed out to the Charlie Appleby-trained Distant Storm at the Newmarket July meeting, when the pair were nicely clear of the third. O'Brien's representative Chris Armstrong said: 'He had a very good run in a nice maiden in Newmarket and with normal improvement coming here you'd think he'd put up a good display. 'He was very green and Wayne said he was looking at the camera on his inside, but he went to the line with plenty still left in him. The experience around here will do him the world of good. 'He's a colt with a touch of class and is one to look forward to going into the second half of the season. I suppose he puts himself into the Futurity mix with the rest of them and the lads will divide them up and see where they go.'
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Michael O'Sullivan's brother pays emotional tribute to tragic jockey after big win
Alan O'Sullivan remembered the Cheltenham Festival-winning rider after riding the JP McManus-owned Filey Bay to victory in a valuable Flat handicap at the Galway Festival The brother of Michael O'Sullivan paid an emotional tribute to the tragic jockey after riding a big winner at the famous Galway Festival. Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Michael died in February aged 24 from injuries sustained in a five horse pile-up at the final fence of a chase at Thurles in February. He was the subject of numerous tributes at the Cheltenham Festival where his loved ones, including amateur rider brother Alan, were present to see the jockey's first Festival winner Marine Nationale win the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March, then by an uncanny coincidence Jazzy Matty, O'Sullivan's other Cheltenham Festival winner, scored later on the same day. On Thursday Alan was riding the JP McManus-owned Filey Bay, trained by Emmet Mullins, in the Connact Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap. He had to weave a path to get a run on the 7-1 chance and when he did he fairly shot clear, with the winning jockey looking to the skies as he passed the line four and three-quarter lengths ahead of Mon Coeur. 'It's unbelievable, my goal at the start of the year was to be good enough that someone might want me for this. He was looking down on me, I think,' said O'Sullivan. 'When I wanted the gaps, they came for me, I got a dream run. I probably went the brave man's route, but I thought it's what Mikey would have done. I had loads of horse, if I got any gap at all I had the horse to take it.' Winning trainer Mullins said: 'It was meant to be and I'm a bit lost for words. It's just magic. It was Michael's saddle that Alan was using today. Michael rode a few times for me here and I think we hit the crossbar twice, so Alan steadied the ship. 'It's been a long enough road with the horse. We had him last season and I sent him home twice as I just wasn't happy. Thankfully with JP the patience has paid off. 'Alan was keen to ride him, and I was keen to claim off him as well. For 7lb claimers you don't need to look any further than Alan.' Don't miss a FREE £2 William Hill shop bet inside your Mirror every day of Glorious Goodwood Festival Pick up your Mirror every day of the Goodwood festival to get your hands on 12 page pullouts packed with insight from the punters you trust, plus FREE William Hill shop bets every day of the festival from Tuesday July 29 until Saturday August 2, 2025. Find out more here.
