Galway Plate Runners 2025 - Strong Line-up Set For Galway Festival Highlight

A strong field of 22 horses will line up for the 2025 Galway Plate, which is the feature race of the week at the Galway Festival and Wednesday’s contest at 6.40pm has attracted a stellar list of runners. We take a look at those taking their chance in the Ballybrit showpiece.

This year’s edition includes runners for all of the big yards, with Joseph O’Brien’s Nurburgring the clear market leader. The five-year-old took advantage of an opportunity to get off the mark over fences at Killarney earlier in July and had been fourth in the novices’ handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. He likely has more to offer the dual purpose yard.

Gordon Elliott has claimed four of the last nine runnings with Down Memory Lane his primary contender. In the colours of JP McManus, he was an easy winner of his beginners’ chase before being slightly outclassed in Group company. However, he should appreciate drier conditions. Elliott has seven runners in all, including Three Card Brag and last year’s second, Duffle Coat and Zanahiyr.

They were defeated narrowly by Pinkerton 12 months ago, but while he will not defend his title, trainer Noel Meade has Jesse Evans in the mix. He won the Grade Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary earlier this month, but as ever it is Willie Mullins’ name which catches the eye.

The Closutton maestro will unleash three runners in this contest and they are Olympic Man, Zenta and Adamantly Chosen, who will all fancy their chances of landing the coveted prize.

2025 Galway Plate Runners