Galway Plate Runners - Defending Champion Ash Tree Meadow Heads 33 Remaining Entries

While Glorious Goodwood takes the headlines in Britain next week, there are still 33 runners remaining in contention for the Galway Plate, the feature contest of the racecourse’s summer festival on Wednesday, 31st July. They include last year’s winner Ash Tree Meadow for Gordon Elliott, who will be seeking a repeat off top weight this time around. He is also responsible for Tullybeg and former top class hurdler Zanahiyr in the Bective Stud colours.

The race often sparks the beginning for a superstar, with King George hero Hewick winning in 2022, while former Ryanair Chase winner and Grand National runner-up Balko Des Flos claimed it back in 2017. Among those hoping to follow in those footsteps are the JP McManus-owned pair In Excelsis Deo and Perceval Legallois.

The former is trained in Britain by Harry Fry and would be the first travelling raider to claim the race since Oslot did so for Paul Nicholls in 2008. Statuario and Francky Du Berlais are the only others in line to do the same thing, while the latter is handled by Gavin Cromwell and will look to go one better than his second in a strong novice handicap at the Punchestown Festival.

Despite his immense success in recent seasons, Willie Mullins has only ever won this twice, but could send out both Horantzau D’airy and Mister Policeman in Rich Ricci’s silks. Authorized Art was runner-up for him a year ago and may feature again, as may regular summer superstar Easy Game and other McManus entrants in Grade 1 winners Janidil and Saint Roi.

Henry De Bromhead and Noel Meade may sit just below Mullins and Elliott in the current pantheon of Irish trainers, but both look to have significant chances in the race courtesy of Amirite and Lets Go Champ for De Bromhead, and Idas Boy and Pinkerton for Meade.

Galway Plate 2024 Runners