The Galway Plate is the feature race of Ireland’s premier summer racing festival. The handicap was won in fine style by Western Fold a year ago, setting him up for Grade 1 glory later in the season.
Another strong field contests this renewal, as Joe Napier previews the race with his verdict below.
2026 Galway Plate Runners
Gordon Elliott has a fine record in this race, with five wins from the past ten runnings. His main hope looks to be recent purchase Nowwhatdoyouthink, third in Grade 1 company at Punchestown last time out. Given it is his stable debut, he may be best watched for now, but consistent performer Three Card Brag is an each-way hope, while classy hurdler Maxxum may also go well for Cullentra. Only King Of Kingsfield looks an unlikely player for the Elliott team.
Willie Mullins only has won winner in the past ten renewals. However, Funiculi Funicula is of obvious interest among his quartet. He seeks a hat-trick after an impresive Punchestown handicap success and an 8lb rise may not stop him en route to better things. Spread Boss Ted, third behind his aforementioned stablemate at Punchestown, can also go well for the Closutton maestro, while neither Ballygunner Castle nor King Alexander can be safely ruled out.
There are many other runners in with a shout beyond the two big yards though. Last year’s runner-up Jesse Evans particularly stands out. The ten-year-old is showing no signs of stopping and is 2lb lower than when a clear second in this last season. Noel Meade has already trained a winner at the meeting and his charge should go very well again.
Downmexicoway looks a solid candidate for Henry De Bromhead, while Rocky’s Diamond is another who has currently shown better over hurdles, though may be well-handicapped if finding something over fences. Will The Wise won the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences after a storming end to 2025/26, but his stablemate Perceval Legallois looks to be trending back in the right direction and could contend under Harry Cobden in the JP McManus silks.
2026 Galway Plate Racecard
18:40 Galway
GoodTote Galway Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade 3)
- Chase Turf
- Turf
- 2m 6f 111y
- 22 runners
- Win time: 5m 40s
- First Prize: €159,030
- 2nd: €51,030
- 3rd: €24,030
- 4th: €10,530
- 5th: €5,130
- 6th: €2,430
20/1 (Won)
- Win: €28.10
- Place: €5.30
prominent, pressed leader before 2 out, led narrowly last, ridden and faced challenges run-in, kept on
25/1
- Place: €4.20
towards rear, not fluent 2nd, headway before 8th, pressed leaders run-in, went second inside final 110yds, just held
25/1
- Place: €5.70
in touch with leaders, headway after last, went third inside final 110yds, kept on
7/1
- Place: €2.50
in touch with leaders, not fluent 9th, headway before 2 out, switched left and pressed leaders before last, weakened inside final 110yds
9/1
in touch with leaders, not fluent 6th, not fluent 7th, headway after last, never dangerous
33/1
led, faced challenges before 2 out, headed last, weakened run-in
20/1
midfield, hampered 8th, headway before 2 out, pecked on landing last, no extra run-in
22/1
in rear, headway before 9th, weakened run-in
80/1
midfield, headway before 2 out, weakened run-in
12/1
midfield, headway before 2 out, weakened run-in
12/1
midfield, headway before 4th, pressed leaders before last, weakened run-in
12/1
took keen hold, prominent, pressed leader when not fluent 2 out, weakened after last
8/1
in rear, headway before 9th, weakened last
50/1
in rear, weakened before 2 out
9/2
raced wide, in touch with leaders, headway before 4 out, weakened quickly after last (jockey said gelding stopped quickly)
50/1
in rear, hampered 8th, some headway before 2 out, weakened last
28/1
towards rear, weakened before 2 out
10/1
in touch with leaders, not fluent 3 out, weakened before 2 out
50/1
midfield, headway when not fluent 3rd, not fluent and unseated 8th (trainer said gelding was scoped post race and was found to have burst a blood vessel)
20/1
in touch with leaders, lost position before 6th, dropped to rear before 5 out, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
10/1
in touch with leaders, lost position before 8th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
20/1
in rear, hampered 8th, weakened before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
Non-runners
Jalila Moriviere, Boston Rover, Ballybawn Belter
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | €613.20 |
| Straight Forecast | €434.34 |
| Tricast | €11888.84 |
| Trifecta | €10910.80 |
Selections
The Irish Sun:
Ballygunner CastleGalway Plate Trends 2026
- Gordon Elliott has won five of the last ten renewals
- Only three of the last ten renewals have been won by horses carrying 11st or more
- Only one favourite has scored in the past decade
- Willie Mullins only has one winner in the last ten runnings
2026 Galway Plate Tips
A rare renewal of a competitive handicap in which so many plausible contenders arrive in great form. Last year’s runner-up Jesse Evans is one of those, winning convincingly at Listowel and is 2lb lower than 12 months ago. The veteran in the field can deliver for Noel Made, who has already had a winner this week. Funiculi Funicula is a big danger for Willie Mullins and may have more to come this season. Perceval Legallois is third choice having put in his best run for a while last time out, while Nowwhatdoyouthink has to be considered given Gordon Elliott’s record in the Galway Plate.
FAQ
When and where is the Galway Plate?
The Galway Plate will take place at Galway racecourse on Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 6.40pm.
How can I watch the Galway Plate on Wednesday?
The Galway Plate is live on Racing TV at 6.40pm on Wednesday.
When were the Galway Plate tips published?
The tips for the Galway Plate were published at 11am on Wednesday 29 July.
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