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CONTENTS 3.THE COURSE GUIDE 21.LAWN JOCKEYS 4.HARRY RODGERS 22.GARRETT POWER 5.GARY HALPIN 23.ROSS O’SULLIVAN 6.SHAKE THE BUCKET 24.THE HANDICAP SNIP 7.THE GALWAY BANKER 26.COLOSSUS SYNDICATE 8.GALAXY SYNDICATES 27.GB HORSE RACING 9.JOHNNY FEANE 28.THE KEYS TRENDS 10.HURLING FOR CANCER 29.THE LEADER BOARDS 11.JPW SCOOP SIX 30.MONEY RIDER 12.SPORTSWORLD PUB 31.INSPIRE RACING 13.PUNT HUB FEATURE 32.FESTIVAL MEMORIES 14.NICK BRADLEY 33.EQUINE-MEDIRECORD 15.RACING INVESTORS 34.GARY COHENS PREVIEW 16.GALWAY FEATURE 36.COLOSSUS SYNDICATES 18.RACE DISPLAYS 37.EQUI ROLE GLOBEL 19.GALWAY PLATE 38.THE TIPPING EMPIRE 20.RUBY WALSH 39.BRUCE BETTING 40.BET GORILLA HQ 41.PITCH FIVE FEATURE
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THE
TTT TTTTTTTTT GALWAY RACES
Get to grips of the course
2018
The Galway Racecourse is one of the most socially iconic sporting venues in Ireland. Racing first took place there in 1869 and in recent times, the races take place in three individual clusters between July/August, September and October for a total of 12 race days. It is the seven-day Galway Festival in July/August that has developed into one of the most renowned racing festivals anywhere in the world. Well Over 140,000 people flock through the turnstiles over the course of the week and the social characteristic of the meeting is nothing short of legendary status. The Festival is made up of ultra-competitive racing on the Flat and under National Hunt rules, with the Galway Hurdle (now the most valuable National Hunt race in Ireland) and the Galway Plate taking centre stage. Galway racecourse is right-handed track with a circuit of just over a mile and a quarter. There is a steep inclination to the finish, but unless the ground is particularly testing the track is fundamentally very sharp in character. The finishing straight is short, at little more than a furlong. They normally go a good pace, as plenty usually want to be prominent and combined with the very steep finish, you don’t want to have any stamina uncertainties coming to the Galway festival. Luck in running is a massive factor, as there are often big fields there and they tend to race very tight due to the turning nature of the track. Hold-up horses often run into issues for this reason, as those weakening from the front end often fall back into their laps in what is usually a tight field anyway. A low draw is a big help in those seven-furlong/mile handicaps. I would always look for a horse that has shown they like Galway, as it really is a unique track and it very much produces course specialists,.
HARRY RODGERS
“I’m optimistic of further Galway festival glory “
Tell us about yourself?
If you weren’t involved in I'm based in Ardee, Co Louth racing, what job appealed where I have lived all my life. I'm to you?
Who’s your go to jockey at the festival?
Chris Hayes and Rachel married to Mary and have one I just love horses, so it had to be Blackmore. son Christopher. I was a Jockey something that involved them. Any particular races you for 25 years, mostly freelance.
would like to win? What significance does I won a Irish Champion Hurdle in The Galway Hurdle. Connaght Leopardstown, and the Galway Galway races week have in Hotel (QR) Handicap with your calendar? Hurdle in 1988. How did you get involved in racing?
I got involved in racing through spending summers with my uncle Michael McKeever who was Louth Huntsman. I served my time with Michael Cunningham a Galway man and then I progressed to be a jump Jockey, riding out around the country for various trainers.
It’s the highlight of my year.
Benkei.
Most memorable Galway festival winner?
What need’s improved in Irish racing presently?
As a jockey Try A Brandy. As a trainer Fit The Cove.
Owners need to be treated better and more courteously from turnstile to the parade ring What does it take to train a as they are the back bone of winner at the festival? racing. Racing Programme needs addressing with regard to A patient owner and a good horse. lack of and spacing out of mile and six races and two mile races on the flat.
How many do you have in What are your entries and training and what are your chances like this year? Benkei (E/W), Boom or Bush facilities like? I have about fifteen Horses in training. I have a five furlong round sand gallop, sand schooling arena, sixty stables two ten horse walkers.
(E/W) Remarkable Lady (E/W) Big Bad Sal (winning chance). All ground pending, we need rain.
Away from horse racing how do you unwind? Trips in my motorhome with my wife Mary, our two dogs Bob and Honey, and a nice glass of wine. Sheer Peaceful Bliss.
GARY HALPIN “My big build up to the Galway festival” My first memory of horse racing was working in a small point to point yard, I was leading up jockey Paddy Kennedy on Super Kris, shortly after that I started riding out for trainer John Geoghegan, in that time at that yard I led up Cinnin Oir to win at the Galway festival, with Colm O’ Donoghue in the Saddle. it’s hard to believe it’s nearly 10 years ago now. They are always very fond memories of mine. So much has happened between then and now, including plenty of Galway festival success for myself in the saddle. This year I am out targeting even more glory. My general day would be in Kevin Prendergast every day except Wednesday and Friday, the last couple of weeks I have been going into Michael O’ Callaghan’s yard on a Wednesday afternoon, he’s a trainer that could have an exceptional year he has not only a nice bunch of horses , he also has great bunch of staff working for him. Michael’s yard has a great atmosphere around the place, I was lucky enough to ride a winner for him this year, hopefully it won’t be the last.
I also ride a lot of work for John Feane, who has supported me since I was claiming five. I was delighted when rode out my claim on a Feane trained winner, it’s a partnership that has been lucky and he is another that is a trainer going place fast. The Galway festival is always an exciting time especially when the entries start to come out. It’s exhilarating because it’s a great week racing and the team at Galway always do a super job on the track, which is an extra huge help to us jockeys. it’s a festival I particularly enjoy, it’s been extremely lucky to me since, I start riding and every year I’ve had a winner there, hopefully this year I can keep up my good festival record. When I am not at the races or riding out the things I love doing are spending precious time with my partner Sarah and young son jack, which is always a great way to unwind from racing and I always enjoying having a bit of banter with the lads great to get a day of every now and again however it’s business most of the time.
Gary Halpin
SHAKE THE BUCKET
The Madden’s set for more Galway festival success!
Will he win or wont he, either way a bold show from the ultra-consistent “Shake the bucket” is very much expected at the upcoming Galway festival.
The now 11-year old started off his career in point -to-points, since then he has been mixing it up it over jumps and on the level. Unquestionably he is most recognised for his record breaking success on the all-weather track at Dundalk Stadium however he has proven he is equally as good on the turf, he is a previous winner at the Galway Shake The Bucket is out of a San Diego mare that festival back in 2016 and goes into this years’ renewal with serious claims once more. Boots Madden trained, which won 5 races and placed 18 times. A very tough mare and Shake Tom “Socks” Madden spoke to us about the the bucket was her second foal, comparably chances of Shake the bucket at the forthcoming Shake the bucket has inherited some of her festival “He’s in good form, working extremely tenacious ability. well. The last time out at Wexford, he ran a cracker, with any luck he should come on further He got his peculiar name when he was a foal from that run”. because when the Madden family used to go to bring him in from the field they could never catch him, so his trainer Boot’s Madden always insisted Tom added “Hopefully the ground stays really quick, I think he’s going for the same race he won to his children, “shake the bucket of feed” and then he’d come galloping over, so from that day two years ago. I’m sure my brother slippers will be coming home to ride him”. on-wards the name has stuck.
MONARCH TO RULE Jamie Lindsey’s Galway festival Banker
Joseph O’Brien is sending up a typically big team of horses to Galway for the festival.
The young trainer from Kilkenny has enjoyed tremendous success as a trainer so far, and is no stranger to success at the Galway Festival. Tigris River gained the biggest success of his career when winning the prestigious Galway Hurdle last year. And onto 2018, where Joseph could have a big say in the Galway Hurdle once again.
Monarch, a son of the great Galileo, has multiple entries during the week. Although I suspect that the Galway Hurdle will be his big target. Monarch had looked a rejuvenated horse of late. Picking up nice pots at Down Royal and Bellewstown. His handicap rating has risen due to those wins, but I don’t see it being a problem for him here at Galway. If the ground is good, which is should be. He has to have major claims, all his best form is at least on good ground and progressive horses always go well in these big handicaps. Monarch has got a little experience of Galway from last year. Soft ground didn’t help his cause as he finished fifth in the Guinness Handicap Hurdle. Keep an eye out for this stunning looking gelding. He is sure to go well, giving his young trainer further success at this festival.
Exciting times, headed for the Galway races It is a great sense of anticipation for us all as we head into the Galway Festival. I don't think myself and John Maher when we founded the syndicate in September 2017 could have imagined having a runner at Galway, never mind two. The intention for The Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate is to run both Alfirak and Mokhalad. The two horses at the moment will run on Tuesday. It will be a very proud moment for myself, John Maher and the rest of the syndicate. There will be a mixture of excitement and terror. Alfirak will go for the mile race (second last race on the card) and it looks like it will really suit him. Alfirak has had
two runs recently, both good runs. We think the track at Galway will suit Alfirak well. It has just been a case that Alfirak has been carrying a lot of weight compared to his rivals in recent races. The weights band should be tight at Galway, so it should be a very even contest. We need luck with the draw. Mokhalad has had a little break and will go for the seven-furlong race on Tuesday (last race on the card) he has had no real luck since winning at Navan in April. His trainer Damian English has changed a few things around with Mokhalad and he seems to be in good form. Hopefully, the ground does not have the word firm in the description as we think it’s not his ideal conditions.
We need luck with the draw. Mokhalad deserves to take his chance and could really enjoy Galway with a good pace on. Mokhalad has helped us to build this project. It was the success of him that led to Alfirak. We are currently looking at a third horse. It all stems from Mokhalad and our ambition to build on his success. For the syndicate itself between the two horses, there are plenty of people involved. There is anticipation and excitement as you can imagine. There has been a scramble for accommodation. The syndicate itself is full of racing enthusiasts who love the Galway festival. As all racing fans know Galway is one of the highlights of the
racing calendar. The nerves will really start to kick in after the entry stage. The comradery of the syndicate is brilliant a real team spirit. There will be lots of our friends and family going along. Of course, to win at Galway would be a dream come through. As John Maher says, "Let's hope for a good run and to get the horses back in one piece" It looks like it will be a busy week for Damian English and the team. We are grateful to Damian and all the team at Grougha stables for getting our horses to this point. The occasion is there to be enjoyed win lose or draw we will enjoy the occasion together. Great things can be achieved as long as you do it together.
Contact us to get involved Derek McGeehan at galaxyhorseracing@outlook.com or John Maher johnny21879@icloud.com
JOHNNY FEANE
Inform and ready to strike at the Galway festival
Everyone's like, “overnight sensation for Johnny Feane.” It's not overnight. It's years of hard work, that has got him in the situation he is in today.
known to his friends as Johnny. Feane is the only son of Jimmy Feane, a licensed trainer in the late 1970s, perhaps best known for being head groom for over 30 years at Moyglare Stud. Feane also is a nephew of Declan Gillespie, who was first jockey for Jim Bolger for Trainer John James Feane first numerous years, as well as exploded onto the scene in being part of the Vincent January 2014, with Prince O’Brien’s team in Ballydoyle in Connoisseur winning at the late 1980s prior to being a Dundalk Stadium, giving him successful trainer in his own his first taste of success. right. From there on-wards, there has The Pollardstown stables is been countless successes for this go-getting handler, better where his uncle Declan trained
for many successful years, that is where Feane is based today, overlooking the six furlongs start at the picturesque Curragh racecourse. Feane’s bloodline proposed he would be an outstanding trainer, he certainly hasn’t let his side down. The young hardworking trainer visibly has an ability of improving horses that other trainers have failed in doing so. It’s difficult to overlook any of his thoroughbreds, even at bigger prices, they still can’t be underestimated.
FEANE’S FIVE TO FOLLOW We have complied a list of Five horses trained by Feane, that we think will go close at the upcoming Galway festival. 1. Just Sherry 2. Ahundrednotout 3. Spruce Meadow 4. Litecoin 5. Almontaser
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Nick Bradley
was a successful professional gambler for many years, who has taken what he has learned about the world of gambling to the bloodstock and racing industries. To date, horses bought by Nick have won twice at Group 1 level and he is most well known for buying G Force for £25,000 from the HIT Sale and winning the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup within 12 months. Nick started buying horses in 2009 and has amassed hundreds on victories on the track and has had huge success with Nick Bradley Racing. Despite the company being in just it’s third season on the track. Royal Ascot winners are very hard to come by but it took Nick just one season to get into the winner’s enclosure with Commissioned, trained by Gordon Elliott who won the Queen Alexandra in 2016. Commissioned was bought less than 2 months before Royal Ascot and landed a substantial gamble by Nick and the owners on the day. Commissioned wasn’t only significant success in the early years of Nick Bradley Racing with the likes of Vona winning the Marygate Listed race at York having been bought for just 15,000 Euros. Melesina won at Group and Listed level again having been bought for 22,000 a fraction of what she would be sold for at the end of 2017 when she made 400,000 in the ring. Doctor Phoenix epitomises what Nick Bradley Racing is all about, picked up for just £10,000 rated 140, he won on three occasions, picking up over £100,000 in prize money and looked like he was going to get the better of the 9 times Grade 1 winner Un de Sceaux before falling with the winning post in sight. Nick is keen to let the figures speak for themselves and as you can see from the numbers shown below, the results are impressive: In 2015 Nick Bradley spent £315,000 on Yearlings to race in 2016-17. They won 21 races, and have been sold/independently valued at £1,386,000 as of Jan 1st 2018. In 2016 Nick Bradley spent £832,000 on Yearlings to race in 2017-18. To date they have won 14 races, and have been sold/independently valued at £1,803,000 as of Jan 1st 2018.
NICK BRADLEY RACING RECORD TO DATE: 2016 18 Winners, £520,000 returned to owners in sales and prize money. •
2017 41 winners, 14% win strike rate, 51% runners finish in the first 4, £640,294 in prize money and sale proceeds of £2,117,500! •
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THE ROYAL HUNT CUP RACE PREVIEW BY DARYL CARTER
CAMILA SHARPLES Exclusive with Gordon Elliott's travelling lass
How much does your daily routine change for a big festival? Our horses keep to the same routine whether it’s a big race or a smaller race – they don’t know whether they are running in a Grade 1 or a Class 4, so we try to keep everything the same for them. Gordon likes to get his horses that are running the following week away from home for a gallop, it’s nice for the horses to get a change of scenery and I’d say it’s helps them out on race days as they relax more as they are used to getting away from the yard. As for myself, as long as I have enough Racing gear for the intended runners for the big festivals, there’s not really much more I can do until final declarations are out, at which time I can sort my Racing plans out.
Is the excitement starting to build around the yard with the festival looming? There’s a lot of excitement during Galway Race Week more so than the build up to it for us. We all still go through our usual day to day duties during the build up to Galway and there’s so much racing beforehand elsewhere. However, during the week the staff love taking the horses racing there and some even find holiday time to go on a social there! It’s a fantastic week of racing. Do you have one horse; in particular, you are looking forward to seeing run? I look forwards to seeing all of the horses run in Galway. We all take great pride in leading them up in front of such big crowds. There are 2 horses that I am very fond of though and should they make it to
and run at Galway (fingers crossed) Cecil Corbett and Lord Scoundrel would be two I am really excited about leading up – two gents of the Racing world! What makes Galway so special? Galway race week is one of the big meetings of the yearly Racing calendar. With a mixture of National Hunt and Flat races, there’s something for everyone. The weather is usually amazing, the crowd is always in great form and there is always a lot of top class horses running throughout the week. I’ve also heard that the night life after the races is quite good. If you had to pick only one, what has been your most memorable moment with Gordon Elliot Racing? As a child I always used to go and watch the Grand National at Aintree with my family. We would stand on the bank between the first
and second fences and I’d always say how much I’d love to experience being involved with a horse running in the race. My first experience of such thing was when working for Donald McCain – in 2014 I got to lead up my favourite horse in McCains, Kruzhlinin, who went on to finish 10th – This made me proud. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be involved with the Grand National Winner in 2018, Tiger Roll. The Grand National is a race that stops the world. My favourite horse in Gordons, Bless The Wings, finished 3rd in the race behind Tiger. We won and finished 3rd in the greatest jumps race in the world,
INTERVIEW BY @DarylCarter7
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THE GALWAY PLATE Early preview by Breandán Ó hUallacháin
Henry De Bromhead goes in search of his third TheTote.com Galway Plate in four years next week He has put together a formidable team of seven horses for the summer’s chasing highlight, now an evening card at Ballybrit on Wednesday, 1st August. A winner with Shanahan’s Turn three years ago, and subsequent Cheltenham Festival Ryanair Chase hero Balko Des Flos last year, the Co. Waterford trainer’s entry is headed by early top-weights Sub Lieutenant on 11st 10lbs and Valseur Lido which has been allotted an early weight of 11st 5lbs. Calino D’airy, twice a winner at Galway in October of last year, has 10st 11lbs while Conrad Hastings
has 10st 7lbs. Among the total entry of 58 horses for the race, Gordon Elliott has his 2016 winner Lord Scoundrel on 10st 10lbs among his eight, double his entry of last year. With 11st 1lb, Jury Duty has the most weight of the Elliott horses. With a 10lbs rise in the ratings for his success in the Midlands National Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan last Friday night, Timiyan is on 9st 12lbs. Champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins has 13 horses among the entries with Alelchi Inios and Ballycasey, second and third to Lord Scoundrel two years ago, on 11st 1lb and 10st 13lbs respectively. Patricks Park, a winner at the inaugural Dublin Racing Festival and at the Punchestown Festival,
has 10st 7lbs, 2lbs higher than stablemate Blazer. Jessica Harrington and Noel Meade have made five entries each. Neverushacon was a winner on the final day of last year’s Galway Festival for Harrington and will carry 10st 11lbs after his runaway victory at Limerick earlier this month. Road To Riches gave Meade his sole success in the race when winning in 2014 and has 10st 6lbs while the class Snow Falcon is on 11st. Last year’s third, Slowmotion (10st 8lbs), is one of four entries for recent Irish Derby winning trainer Joseph O’Brien while Supreme Vinnie (9st 13lbs) could represent trainer Denise O’Shea after his success in the Galway Plate Trial Handicap Chase earlier in the month.
RUBY WALSH
Returns to the saddle at the Galway Festival
Twelve time Irish champion jockey Ruby Walsh is nearing his return to the saddle at Galway races after several months on the side-lines, Walsh has had immeasurable success in the saddle to-date, his finest moment in the saddle was back in 2000, when he won the Aintree Grand National on Papillon, adding even more magic to that moment, Papillon was trained by his father. Steering Papillon to success was Walsh’s first attempt at the national race, he just took it all in his stride, navigating his family trained horse to success, some accomplishment by anyone’s standards. From Galway to Down Royal, Walsh has won over every distance and almost every track, his stature in the saddle is equivalent to a popstar, people
often still gaze in admiration at seeing him at the race-track. As the old saying goes “With great power comes great responsibility” that is very comparable to the way punters react to Walsh’s defeats, they assume when Walsh is booked it’s almost inevitable that this thoroughbred will win however that is far from the truth. Walsh is the retained rider for champion trainer Willie Mullins, therefor Mullins has first preference on him however when Walsh does happen to have an outside ride for another trainer the devious bookmakers price up his rides not on their ability, more on the whim that Walsh is booked, meaning the punters are hoodwinked into assuming it has more of a chance than it actually does. It is notable that certain trainers use Walsh as their go to man, when they think one is ready to strike, including Peter Fahey,
James Nash and Tony Martin but other than that I have the belief it’s not that significant that Walsh is booked, who wouldn’t want the champion jockey to ride their horse if he has no obligation to ride one of his bosses’ horses? Some punters are seriously clinical of Walsh’s ability in the saddle however taking into consideration he is a twelve time Irish champion jockey, as well as attainting the most successes at the Cheltenham festival, I strongly have the understanding that they are talking through their pockets. When Walsh chooses to retire it’s almost certain he will go down as one of the most exceptional rider to ever grace our racecourses, so when he is still race-riding why not relish the occasion in enjoying his success, instead of looking for negatives that clearly aren’t there.
The Personalised Jockey Company
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Tell us about yourself. I was born in mid wales. My father was a policeman and mother a teacher. I have always had a passion for horses from an early age. My first pony was one on loan from a trekking centre. I spent my childhood competing, show jumping and eventing. Along came my three lovely children and I took a break from horses.
How did the business start? I then owned point to pointers, had horses in training and one day decided to take out my own licence to train. I trained for twelve years from my home in Carmarthen, South Wales. During that period, I enjoyed much success as a trainer. Some of the horses include Maidstone Monument, Do it on Dani, Cleymor House,Il Penseroso, Rushneey River, Treaty Flyer, Dishdasha and Nortonthorpe Lad. I retired in 2012 but my interest in racing continued and to this day the racing post is visited daily. In my spare time I took a course in ceramics and thoroughly enjoyed working with clay. The majority of my pieces were horses and racing. It was a trip to the 21 Club in New York that gave me the idea of creating the modern-day lawn jockey. And here I am today turning them out like a Terracotta Army.
What price are your lawn jockeys ? There is only one standard jockey, but another will be produced in the next few weeks. The price is £495, and delivery can be discussed depending where you live. What makes your business, different to other’s? Whilst owning and training horses I frequently searched for personalised racing gifts. These would have looked great in my yard.
when Tomo placed the microphone in front of me I went weak! After that I took an awful lot of ‘stick’ about my welsh accent and I remained camera shy for quite some time! What is your favourite horse? My favourite horse of all time has to be Maidstone Monument my father’s horse. Bought for 500gns he went on to win 11 races and 19 placings. He loved the good to firm ground hence he spent a lot of time in the swimming pool!
How do you relax? Time to unwind is modelling with clay at the kitchen table. Sometimes I get carried away.
What is your ultimate aim? My aim is to produce a variety of personalised racing figures. Commissions are always considered.
What are your favourite silks? My favourite silks are those of my fathers who sadly passed away last year from prostate cancer. He was a true gentleman and was great company on many a journey to the races.
Most memorable moment in racing? My most memorable racing memory was not too long after I started training and Do it on Dani won a decent race in Market Rasen that was televised on Channel 4. Bearing in mind I had never been interviewed before
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GARRETT POWER “I’d relish a another Galway festival winner”
Tell us about yourself? I’m Garrett Power,39. Married to Amy - two kids Olivia 5 and Charlie 2. I come from a farming background, but we always had a pony growing up. How did you get involved in racing? I started riding over the road with Aidan O’Brien on the Hill in Owning at than early age and I guess this is where I caught the bug. I Rode as an amateur jockey for Francis Crowley and her dad Joseph Crowley, Your memorable Galway winner? my most memorable winner was riding a winner at the festival back in 1999 , on Whatchowwillie, this is was my first bite of the magic of Galway. If you weren’t involved in racing, what job appealed to you? For me there was never
going to be any other job it’s always been horses. How many do you have in training and what are your facilities like? I’m busy at the moment with plenty of young horses in the yard. Location wise we’re very central in south Kilkenny. Our gallop is 4 furlong wood chip up hill and everyone is always struck by the view at the top of the hill you can see at least 5 counties. It’s a quiet area too which allows us to do plenty of roadwork. I’m a firm believer in getting the horses out in paddocks by day after exercise. Always on the lookout for new owners & horses. What significance does Galway races week have in your calendar? Luckily Galway has been good to me. Lilly the lioness won the
mares hurdle 3 years ago and that’s was fantastic after being runner up the previous year. As a young kid the Galway festival was our family holiday and to have my mum and dad lead in the winner that day is unforgettable The following year Garrai Rua won on the Sunday. My horses had been running close all week and to get a winner on the board on the last day was sweet. What does it take to train a winner at the festival? Winning in Galway is not easy. It’s the Cheltenham of summer racing. A winner in Galway is worth so much to any trainer big or small. The publicity it generates is great especially for the smaller trainers. The track has done so much for its racehorse owners / trainers and stable staff/ jockeys with
excellent vacillates and food provided. They set a great example and many other tracks could do with taking a leaf or two out of their book. What entries are you likely to have this year? And what are their chances like? I have a few entries for the week. Balinaboola Steel and Russellstown Monday in the handicap hurdle. O’Foalains Cailin maiden hurdle Wednesday. Possibly have a runner in the bumper Thursday Arcadette. Pass Hymn run Saturday in a maiden hurdle. Balinaboola Steel and Russellstown will be entered again on Sunday. I hope all will run well & hopefully even one can make the magic happen. How do you unwind away from racing? I don’t, If I’m not in the yard or going racing I’m spending time with my family.
ROSS O’SULLIVAN I’m eager for a first Galway festival winner”
How did you get involved in racing? My involvement in racing is through my parents. Both my parents worked in racing. so from a very young age horses were always part of my life, it started with ponies at an early age and eventually progressed to riding out as a teenager in a racing yard at the weekend s and school holidays to getting an amateur license at sixteen and getting a few spins on the track in bumpers. When I did my leaving cert I went and worked for Peter McCreery for a couple of months and then to Jessica Harrington, which I spent the next five years. I was lucky enough to ride some good horses and also a couple of winners in my time there.
How many do you have in training and what are your facilities like? We currently have 25 in training and are a mixed yard with both national hunt and flat horses. We are based in kill co. Kildare ideally situated on the M7 Just across from Goff sales complex. It is a purpose built yard comprising of a large American barn ,8 horse walker, large sand arena, isolation boxes also there is a four furlong Wexford sand circular gallop and a four furlong straight gallop with a sand a rubber surface. We also have both grass and all weather schooling facilities with hurdles and fences. If you weren’t involved in racing, what job appealed to you? I loved the outdoors and country life so if I was not involved in racing perhaps farming
or something involving like that. Best Galway Memory? I remember going there as a teenager and stroll home winning the plate for jimmy Mangan and the packed crowd cheering as Paul Carberry did a Frankie Dettori dismount, the atmosphere was electric. I had never experienced anything like it. Most memorable Galway festival winner? We have had winners at the September meeting in Galway but none at the festival yet. We are hopeful that will change this year. Wat entries are you likely to have this year? And what are their chances like? We have a couple of runners hopefully; Phoenix lightning will run on either the Monday night or Friday
evening and call it magic who has won at Galway over fences previously will run on the Friday or Sunday meeting. Any particular races you would like to win? Every trainer would love to win a Galway plate or a hurdle but also the big amateur handicap on the Monday would be a race I would love to win, I rode in it plenty of times but never won. it’s always a very competitive race and the prize money isn’t half bad either. Away from horse racing how do you unwind? My job is 24/7, so there is not a lot of time for unwinding however I wouldn’t have it any other way or would I change anything, it is definitely an addiction, but definitely a good one.
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THE BIG POINTERS Key trends and statistics for Galway
GALWAY HURDLE 15/15 – Won over at least 2m (hurdles) before 14/15 – Won between 2-4 times over hurdles before 14/15 – Finished in the top 3 last time out 14/15 – Won by an Irish-based trainer 13/15 – Irish bred 12/15 – Carried 10-12 or less in weight 12/15 – Aged between 5-7 years-old 11/15 – Returned 7/1 or shorter in the betting 11/15 – Came from the top 3 in the betting 10/15 – Raced within the last 4 weeks 9/15 – Favourites that finished in the top 4 7/15 – Rated between 120-130 7/15 – Won last time out
LAST FIVE WINNERS
2017 TIGRIS RIVER 5/1 2016 CLONDAW WARRIOR 9/2 2015 QUICK JACK 9/2 2014 THOMAS EDISON (7/2) 2013 MISSUNITED 7/1
GALWAY PLATE 14/15 – Trained by an Irish-based yard 14/15 – Had won between 1-4 times (chase) before 14/15 – Aged 9 or younger 14/15 – Carried 10-13 or less in weight 13/15 – Won by an Irish bred horse 13/15 – Had won over at least 2m4f (chase) before 10/15 – Returned a double-figure price in the betting 10/15 – Finished in the top 4 last time out 9/15 – Had won just twice over fences before 9/15 – Carried 10-10 or less in weight 8/15 – Came from outside the top 3 in the betting 8/15 – Aged 7 years-old 7/15 – Unplaced favourites 6/15 – Raced within the last 5 weeks 3/15 – Won last time out 3/15 – Winning favourites 2/15 – Trained by Dermot Weld 2/15 – Trained by Henry de Bromhead
LAST FIVE WINNERS
2017 Balko Des Flos 6/1 2016 Lord Scoundrel 10/1 2015 Shanahan’s Turn (16/1) 2014 Road To Riches 14/1 2013 Carlingford Lough 7/2
THE LEADER BOARD The top trainers statistics for the past five years
FLAT TOP TRAINERS - PAST FIVE SEASONS Trainer Runners Wins Places Prize Money Strike-Rate D K Weld 69 15 25 €208,511 21.74% W P Mullins
18
9
3
A P O'Brien
38
6
A J Martin
42
B Ellison
20
P/L -£22.93
€351,777
50%
+£30.23
17
€88,969
15.79%
-£26.25
6
9
€107,644
14.29%
-£19.42
3
7
€178,000
15%
-£3.25
JUMPS TOP TRAINERS (Chase) - PAST FIVE SEASONS Trainer Runners Wins Places Prize Money Strike-Rate De Bromhead 35 10 5 €270,336 28.57%
P/L £32.25
W P Mullins
33
6
14
€109,154
18.18%
-£8.81
G Elliott
41
5
17
€182,968
12.2%
-£27.97
J Harrington
17
3
4
€54,762
17.65%
+£12.10
M F Morris
13
3
4
€37,520
23.08%
£71.00
JUMPS TOP TRAINERS (Hurdle) - PAST FIVE SEASONS Trainer Runners Wins Places Prize Money Strike-Rate P/L W P Mullins 50 13 13 €391,025 26% -£4.09 JP O'Brien 39 7 13 €242,227 17.95% -£14.97 N Meade 22 5 9 €41,547 22.73% +£6.55 A J Martin 29 4 7 €226,524 13.79% -£4.00 S J Mahon 52 3 18 €29,309 5.77% -£39.50
FESTIVAL MEMORIES Cathal McGovern: The day Ballyholland won the plate The trainer was anxious about the ground but the owner Cathal McGovern insisted “We might never have a runner at Galway races never mind the Galway Plate” Wednesday 29th July 2009 will always go down as a cherished day for local horse racing enthusiasts particularly local gentleman Cathal McGovern as this was when his relativity inexpensive horse ‘Ballyholland’ effortlessly sauntered right away from the field to run out unchallenged winner of the valuable £128,000 William Hill Galway Plate with jockey Andrew McNamara in the saddle to triumph by an astonishing official margin of eight lengths. ‘Ballyholland’ raced in the prominent yellow and white silks of Cathal McGovern, who fittingly named this horse after the village where he was born and raised. The horse was trained in the townland of Crossgar, close to Downpatrick by capable handler Colin McBratney. McGovern’s ‘Ballyholland’ was sent off a 16-1 shot in the betting market despite winning on his previous outing at Down Royal because there were other challengers in the field who bragged further credentials however there was plenty of interest surrounding the horse leading up to the race as local bookmakers stated, “we were bombarded with each-way bets from all angles”. The unforgettable race started at 4.25pm on a warm
mid-summers day with the Paul Nicholls trained ‘Roby De Cimbre’ going off the 11/2 favourite partially because Ruby Walsh was in the saddle but the horse never found his stride and was eventually tailed off however it was Pat Fahey’s horse ‘Washington Lad’ who put up a bold performance and was still in front at the last but he was evidently a sitting duck for ‘Ballyholland’, who was travelling ominously well behind the leader with the jockey Andrew McNamara cheekily having a glance over his shoulder, as he pushed the game ‘Ballyholland’ to the front and quickly settled the race in a matter of strides to win by an uncontested eight lengths from ‘Knock on The Head’ who tried to quicken with him but was only ever chasing in vein as ‘Ballyholland’ was not for stopping, besides if anything he could have went round again if needed, many described this horse’s victory as “poetry in motion”. Shortly after the race the ecstatic winning trainer McBratney stated to us "he made that look so easy, I've always thought he was a very
nice horse but to win like that is something else". After his effortless success in Galway connections thought the next move on the agenda was to try their luck at the Aintree Grand National which is undoubtedly one of the toughest stamina testing races. The horse ticked all the boxes and deserved to be given a chance in the national hunt showpiece. ‘Ballyholland’ went off a well backed punted 4/1 favourite but unfortunately when traveling comfortably within himself he had to be pulled up at the 15th fence due to an injury though even to this day many shrewd judges have often whispered he would have won that race if he didn’t get hurt but at the end of the day the horse’s well-being is paramount over success. ‘Ballyholland’ raced twice after that but then owner Cathal McGovern came to the conclusion “the horse owed him nothing” and was retired to the Moorhill stables close to McGovern’s home where he resides now as a bonny 17 year-old enjoying his welldeserved retirement.
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GARY COHEN Early previews for the Galway festival Galway 19:40 Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap 1m 123y – 31st July With entries in both this race as well as the Irish Stallion Farms Ebf ‘ahonoora’ Handicap, it is fair to say that Aidan O’Brien is keeping his options open for Bond Street. This 3 year old son of Galileo is more than comfortable at both the extended mile and the 7f distance so I expect connections will wait until the last minute to make a decision. Nevertheless, with two wins and four placed finishes from his last 7 starts, this Colt will be there or there abouts come the finish I expect. Rionach is another contender that catches my eye, and like Bond Street, also has the option of running in the Irish Stallion Farms Ebf ‘ahonoora’ Handicap. This 3 year old Filly by Sea The Stars has shown improvement this year since moving to Michael O’Callaghan’s Crotanstown Stud for training with two wins and a 2nd place finishes in her last four outings and I can see her outrunning her official rating of 92.
her 14 career outings, she has to be taken seriously here. My pick for this race is the 6 Trained by Willie Mullins and year old Gelding by Raven’s Pass trained by Irish Champion with an OR of 140, the only factor stopping me from tipping Trainer, Willie Mullins. With course and distance wins on his for the win is the trip. Having never stepped up to the 2m 6f record, I expect this will give Riven Light the edge over distance previously, I can be the rest of the field, and with an sure she’ll stay. official rating (OR) of 108, he is the highest rated horse in the Jury Duty is likely to play a big race. With three wins from his part in this race, and I expect last four outings, I fully he’ll be in the mix come the expect Riven Light to show the finish. I was seriously contemclass which has earned him that plating Jury Duty as my pick rating over this extended mile here, but he hasn’t produced the trip to pick up the 70,000 Euro sort of form we have come to prize money. expect as of late, and whilst his three starts this season have yielded two placed finishes, the Gaway 19:20 thetote.com current price of 10/1 with Galway Plate 1m 6f 111y – SkyBet (at the time of writing) 1st August seems too short to me in With a course win on the record, comparison to others likely to the Noel Meade-trained Le place a key part in this race. Martalin represents strong Robin Des Foret is another of each-way claims and could be tempted at the current price of Willie Mullins entourage in this 25/1 with SkyBet (at the time of race, and like his stable mate writing). This 7 year old Gelding Listen Dear, has a win ratio of seems to have hit some strong higher than 50% from his 15 career outings to date. Maybe form over the past few months more impressive than that is the with two wins and two second fact that other than his raceplaced finishes for his last four course debut over 2m 2f at runs. However, having Ger Lyons-trained Inscribe campaigned at this distance only Wexford back in July 2016, he hasn’t finished out of the places could be in with a good chance once in the past, I would here as he’s proven that he likes struggle to back him for the win with eight wins, five second the big field handicaps. With 3 against some of the more likely place finishes and one third place. The distance will not be a wins from his last 4 starts all at candidates. concern and I’d say he’ll outrun 1m or 10f, there is no question Listen Dear is another that his current odds of 20/1 with he’ll stay the trip. My only represents strong each-way SkyBet (at the time of writconcern is whether he’ll handle claims in my view. Having the ground which is likely to be previously gone unbeaten over ing). Robin Des Foret it is for me. Good to Firm or quicker. All of six trips from late 2015 to late his three career wins to date 2016, there was once some have come on Soft of Heavy huge potential for this Mare by going, but I expect Inscribe to Robin Des Champs and with a have a good each-way claim. win ratio of well over 50% from
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Early previews for the Galway festival Galway 16:35 Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap 2m 11y – 2nd August
5 year old Whiskey Sour is another with decent each-way claims here and will be hoping to reverse the form against Lagostovegas This is a slight punt following the Ascot from my perspective considering she’s only Stakes. This trip will represent a drop in had two runs to date, but Shanning has won distance and with a both. She’s been out of 33% win ratio of jumps from 6 starts, he has to action since October last year but the entry be respected. However, having not won since here suggests Willie December 2017, I Mullins will have her primed and ready to go, certainly wouldn’t be backing him for the win and with a win over at current prices of 7/1 course and distance, with SkyBet (at the time she’ll be familiar with of writing). the task at hand. Considering the class she’s up against Right now, Stratum however, a place is the certainly isn’t a dead best she can hope for. cert to be given a place We can forgive her run in the Galway Hurdle at Newcastle last time and connections look to out which came just 11 be keeping their options days after winning the open with an entry in Ascot Stakes in June as the shorter Guinness I suspect she wasn’t Handicap over 1m 4f. fully recovered from the Nevertheless, this son previous exertions over of Dansili does have a 2m 3f. Lagostovegas course and distance doesn’t have a terribly win on the record which impressive win ratio was achieved in over jumps, but includ- September 2017 and ing wins, she has was certainly placed a total of 10 impressive last time out times from 17 starts. in the JLT Cup at NewLike Shanning, she is bury earlier in July. also entered in the For that reason, I like Guinness Handicap but Stratums prospects in I would fancy her for a this race and I expect place at current prices he’ll outrun his current of 16/1 with SkyBet (at odds of 12/1 (at the the time of writing) if time of writing) if he she runs here. gets a confirmed place.
However, my pick for this race is course and distance winner Wicklow Brave trained by Willie Mullins. He has looked strong in his last two outings when beaten by 1.5 lengths at Tipperary back at the start of July followed up by a win when ridden under Patrick Mullins two weeks later at Killarney. With a highly impressive win ratio of 30% over jumps from 23 career starts to date, I think he’ll certainly outrun current odds of 16/1 (at the time of writing) and there’s some good profit to be made. Galway 18:50 Guinness Handicap 1m 4f – 3rd August Lord Erskine, a 5 year old Gelding by Fast Company and trained by Harry Rogers, is in the midst of an impressive win record of five from his last seven races. I’d be willing to forgive the run in the middle of that where he finished dead last in a field of 16 back in November 2017 as he’s gone on to show good form since then, winning two of his last three runs. I’m not sure, given the class on offer in this year’s renewal,
that Lord Erskine has the quality to win but a case could be made for solid each-way claims. Another with a chance of claiming a minor place in my opinion is Low Sun. This 5 year old Gelding, son of Champs Elysees, has a fair record in his eight career outings, managing to win three with one second place which he only lost by a head back in December 2017 at Leopardstown. My concerns here are that Low Sun has never experienced the Galway turf, but with his form showing a preference for Good or Good to Soft ground, I expect he’ll be in contention for a place. My pick for this race however is 7 year old Mare, Limini, trained by Willie Mullins. An impressive win ratio of four wins from her seven career outings to date, and the remaining three races picking up placed finishes, Limini shows the way in terms of class in the field. I have no concerns around the trip or the going as she has proven herself to be versatile enough to cope with whatever connections want to throw at her.
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