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
- First Prize: €159,030
- 2nd: €51,030
- 3rd: €24,030
- 4th: €10,530
- 5th: €5,130
- 6th: €2,430
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Runners: 22 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Light rain
Terms and conditions
*Odds displayed on this page are sourced directly from online bookmakers. Please check all details before placing your bet(s). 18+ only.
Betting Forecast
50/1 Senecia, 25/1 Three Card Brag, 4/1 Funiculi Funicula, 16/1 Gorgeous Tom, 8/1 Will The Wise, 14/1 Jesse Evans, 16/1 Ol Man Dingle, 20/1 Perceval Legallois, 10/1 Downmexicoway, 10/1 Rockys Diamond, 8/1 Nowwhatdoyouthink, 16/1 Reverend Hubert, 40/1 Maxxum, 16/1 Nouvotic, 25/1 Buddy One, 16/1 King Alexander, 50/1 King Of Kingsfield, 12/1 Spread Boss Ted, 25/1 Solitary Man, 9/1 Ballygunner Castle, 20/1 Barry Lyndon, 20/1 Conyers Hill
Non-runners
Jalila Moriviere, Boston Rover, Ballybawn Belter
Verdict
There’s surely more to come from DOWNMEXICOWAY who on less favourable terms wasn’t that far behind Will The Wise in the Plate at Cheltenham in March despite the race hardly going like clockwork for Henry De Bromhead’s 7yo. Although absent since, he returns with his yard going great guns. Nowwhatdoyouthink found significant improvement from somewhere back in the spring and he could progress again for Gordon Elliott who is often the man to beat in this race. This meeting owes Jesse Evans a favour and last year’s runner-up has to be shortlisted, along with Funiculi Funicula and Ballygunner Castle. [Alistair Jones]
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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