Galway Race 1 - Galmont Hotel & The Galway Bay Hotel Novice Hurdle
The 2026 week long Galway Festival begins with an intriguing novice hurdle where Willie Mullins looks to have a strong hand. WITCHES FAMILIAR (9) caught the eye during May gaining an easy 12L victory in a 3200m maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe. Looks hard to beat. CARMEL'S PHOENIX (4) confirmed ability with the flat securing an impressive 25L success in a 3800m mares hurdle at Kilbeggan six weeks ago. Main danger. MINO DES MOTTES (3) scored by a comfortable 10L contesting a 3400m novice hurdle at Bellewstown three weeks ago. Makes plenty of appeal. Previous Cork 3400m maiden hurdle winner AROUET (1) might play a role.

Jockey: Daniel King
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Useful type. Freshened for 38 days. Last outing finished ninth of 10 starters at Limerick in the LR MARTIN MOLONY STAKES on June 19 over 2514m, on slow going 19 len behind Layfayette with 61kg at $5.50. Race before finished third of 9 runners at Curragh in the LR ORBY STAKES on May 23 over 2414m, 7 len behind Purview with 60.5kg at $9.50. Top chance back to this discipline.
Last Starts 38 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 19/06/2026 | 27 | LR 3U | $87,450.00 | Limerick | 2514m | Soft | James J G Ryan | 61kg | 2:54.32 | - | 1 |
| 19.3L | $5.50 |
| 3/9 | 23/05/2026 | 13 | LR 4U | $88,280.00 | Curragh | 2414m | Good | W J Lee | 60.5kg | 2:30.55 | - | 9 |
| 7.8L | $9.50 |
| 1/14 | 10/05/2026 | 85 | MHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Cork | 3520m | Good | Daniel King | 73kg | 4:14.10 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $1.67 |
| 3/10 | 14/02/2026 | 254 | MHDLE 4 | $22,070.00 | Gowran Park | 3218m | Heavy | Daniel King | 73kg | 4:36.70 | - | 0 |
| 19.8L | $4.50 |
| 2/9 | 05/06/2025 | 24 | LR OPEN 3 | $78,040.00 | Leopardstown | 2414m | Good | W J Lee | 59.5kg | 2:34.63 | - | 8 |
| 2.3L | $4.50 |
| 1/8 | 12/05/2025 | 23 | SELL 3 | $52,030.00 | Roscommon | 2112m | Good | W J Lee | 59.5kg | 2:16.17 | - | 3 |
| 2.0L | $2.75 |
| 2/18 | 19/04/2025 | - | MDN 3U | $23,310.00 | Cork | 2112m | Soft | Donagh O'connor | 59.5kg | 2:17.85 | - | 14 |
| 1.8L | $13.00 |

Jockey: Donagh Meyler
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 57 days. Last run won by 0.8 len Kilbeggan on May 31 over 3822m defeating Imarajan with 71.5kg at $11 in a hurdle. Run before finished 13th of 19 starters at Punchestown on April 28 over 3319m, 36 len behind Abbeyglen with 71kg at $67. Fought on last time. Should keep the ball rolling.
Last Starts 57 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/14 | 31/05/2026 | 33 | MHDLE 4U | $24,130.00 | Kilbeggan | 3822m | GY | Shane O'callaghan | 71.5kg | 4:46.30 | - | 0 |
| 0.8L | $11.00 |
| 13/19 | 28/04/2026 | 57 | 4 | $180,770.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | R Sugrue | 71kg | 4:04.80 | - | 0 |
| 36.5L | $67.00 |
| 7/8 | 02/03/2026 | - | FLAT 4 | $20,680.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | SH | P W Mullins | 71kg | 4:05.90 | - | 0 |
| 17.0L | $6.50 |

Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. First-up after three months won by 10 len Bellewstown on July 4 over 3419m defeating Beauvallon carrying 67.5kg at $3.50 in a novice hurdle. Previously second-up finished fifth of 15 starters at Punchestown on January 12 over 3218m, 24 len behind Kilmeaden carrying 73kg at $8.50. Fitter and will be tough to beat.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 04/07/2026 | 90 | NHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Bellewstown | 3419m | Good | Josh Williamson | 67.5kg | 4:06.50 | - | 0 |
| 10.0L | $3.50 |
| 2/15 | 05/04/2026 | 26 | MHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Cork | 3319m | Y | Harry Cobden | 73kg | 4:06.00 | - | 0 |
| 10.0L | $1.57 |
| 13/22 | 10/03/2026 | 34 | JHDLE HCP 4 | $145,200.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | Brian Hayes | 71kg | 3:56.83 | - | 0 |
| 20.8L | $51.00 |
| 2/15 | 04/02/2026 | 23 | MHDLE 4U | $20,810.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | SH | D J Mullins | 70kg | 4:19.10 | - | 0 |
| 2.5L | $5.00 |
| 5/15 | 12/01/2026 | 12 | MHDLE 4 | $22,700.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | SH | D J Mullins | 73kg | 4:13.70 | - | 0 |
| 24.8L | $8.50 |
| 4/13 | 31/12/2025 | 175 | MHDLE 3 | $22,790.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | Brian Hayes | 70kg | 4:13.90 | - | 0 |
| 10.5L | $2.75 |
| 1/8 | 09/07/2025 | 10 | 3 | $25,400.00 | Senonnes | 2300m | Good Soft | Olivier D' Andigne | 64.5kg | 2:34.18 | - | 7 |
| 1.3L | $51.00 |
| 0/6 | 29/06/2025 | - | G 3 | $20,250.00 | Granville-St-Pair-Sur-Mer | 2400m | Good | Lenny Kulik | 64kg | - | - | 3 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Thomas O'Connor
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Recent form impressive for this race. Freshened for 42 days. Last outing won by 25 len Kilbeggan on June 15 over 3822m defeating Poetic Twist with 63kg at $5.50 in a hurdle. Start before won by 2.25 len Cork on May 19 over 2414m defeating I Hope You Dance carrying 64.5kg at $6. Continues to improve. Rates highly and can continue the good form.
Last Starts 42 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 15/06/2026 | 27 | HDLE M 4U | $20,680.00 | Kilbeggan | 3822m | GY | T O'connor | 63kg | 4:26.40 | - | 0 |
| 25.0L | $5.50 |
| 1/12 | 19/05/2026 | 45 | MDN F 3U | $22,400.00 | Cork | 2414m | SH | G F Carroll | 64.5kg | 2:44.71 | - | 4 |
| 2.3L | $6.00 |
| 5/8 | 04/04/2026 | 221 | LR F 4U | $89,810.00 | Cork | 2414m | SH | G F Carroll | 58kg | 2:51.60 | - | 8 |
| 8.8L | $41.00 |
| 2/10 | 26/08/2025 | 37 | MDN FM 3U | $20,810.00 | Bellewstown | 2514m | GY | G F Carroll | 58.5kg | 2:42.33 | - | 6 |
| 1.8L | $11.00 |
| 4/10 | 20/07/2025 | - | MDN F 3 | $34,690.00 | Curragh | 1810m | GY | Ronan Whelan | 58.5kg | 1:57.43 | - | 2 |
| 8.3L | $81.00 |

Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up finished fourth of 8 starters at Limerick on June 19 over 2514m, slow track; 3.5 len behind Satono Chevalier with 60.5kg at $8.50. Second run from a spell finished third of 9 starters at Killarney on July 16 over 4123m, 3.5 len behind Early Dawning with 69.5kg at $2.80. Will take some stopping.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 16/07/2026 | 27 | MHDLE 4U | $20,680.00 | Killarney | 4123m | Good | Philip Enright | 69.5kg | 5:13.00 | - | 0 |
| 3.5L | $2.75 |
| 4/8 | 19/06/2026 | 92 | HCP 3U | $25,850.00 | Limerick | 2514m | Soft | Adam Caffrey | 60.5kg | 2:57.93 | - | 10 |
| 3.5L | $8.50 |
| 3/14 | 19/03/2026 | 49 | MHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Cork | 3419m | Y | P Byrnes | 73kg | 4:29.90 | - | 0 |
| 5.5L | $1.91 |
| 2/12 | 29/01/2026 | 26 | MHDLE 4 | $18,910.00 | Thurles | 3218m | Heavy | Eoin Staples | 67kg | 4:15.50 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $7.00 |
| 2/17 | 03/01/2026 | 8 | MHDLE 45 | $22,700.00 | Cork | 3419m | YS | P Byrnes | 69.5kg | 4:20.50 | - | 0 |
| 4.8L | $3.75 |
| 3/11 | 26/12/2025 | 19 | MHDLE 3 | $22,790.00 | Limerick | 3218m | Heavy | Sean Flanagan | 70kg | 4:22.40 | - | 0 |
| 11.8L | $11.00 |
| 3/11 | 07/12/2025 | 49 | MHDLE 3 | $21,680.00 | Cork | 3419m | SH | P Byrnes | 70kg | 4:46.90 | - | 0 |
| 2.0L | $29.00 |
| 6/13 | 19/10/2025 | 6 | MDN 3U | $28,780.00 | Leopardstown | 1810m | Heavy | Declan Mcdonogh | 61kg | 2:03.89 | - | 11 |
| 9.8L | $12.00 |
| 4/11 | 13/10/2025 | 16 | MDN 3U | $20,810.00 | Roscommon | 2112m | Soft | Declan Mcdonogh | 61kg | 2:26.44 | - | 3 |
| 9.0L | $5.50 |
| 11/17 | 27/09/2025 | 92 | MDN 3U | $34,690.00 | Curragh | 2011m | YS | Declan Mcdonogh | 61kg | 2:13.17 | - | 13 |
| 14.3L | $7.50 |
| 3/14 | 27/06/2025 | - | SELL MDN 3U | $39,410.00 | Curragh | 1609m | Good | Declan Mcdonogh | 61kg | 1:37.39 | - | 4 |
| 6.3L | $19.00 |

Jockey: Harry Sexton
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Encouraging debut won by a neck Roscommon on July 6 over 3218m defeating Minella Moon Shine with 63.5kg at $41 in a hurdle. Improvement likely on on first race start. Worth including in the multiples.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/14 | 06/07/2026 | - | MHDLE 4U | $20,680.00 | Roscommon | 3218m | Good | Harry Sexton | 63.5kg | 3:55.60 | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $41.00 |

Jockey: Phillip Enright
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Useful gelding. Freshened for 62 days. Last start finished second in a small field at Ballinrobe on May 26 over 3218m, 2.25 len behind Porcupine Bank carrying 70kg at $2.80. Before that finished eighth of 10 runners at Ascot on March 29 over 3118m, 7 len behind King Al with 76kg at $2.60. Has been racing well. Hard to fault on his best form.
Last Starts 62 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/5 | 26/05/2026 | 58 | HDLE 4 | $20,480.00 | Ballinrobe | 3218m | Good | P Byrnes | 70kg | 4:01.00 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $2.75 |
| 8/10 | 29/03/2026 | 8 | JHDLE HCP 4 | $72,600.00 | Ascot Uk | 3118m | Good | Sean Bowen | 76kg | 3:46.05 | - | 0 |
| 7.8L | $2.63 |
| 3/23 | 21/03/2026 | 42 | MHDLE 4U | $20,680.00 | Navan | 3218m | Soft | P Byrnes | 71kg | 4:14.50 | - | 0 |
| 7.3L | $2.63 |
| 3/5 | 07/02/2026 | 24 | HDLE 4 | $29,120.00 | Naas | 3118m | SH | P Byrnes | 70kg | 4:04.30 | - | 0 |
| 9.3L | $15.00 |
| 5/8 | 14/01/2026 | 18 | HDLE 4 | $32,150.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | Y | P Byrnes | 70kg | 4:01.20 | - | 0 |
| 13.3L | $5.50 |
| 3/19 | 27/12/2025 | 78 | MHDLE 3 | $28,490.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | P Byrnes | 70kg | 3:57.00 | - | 0 |
| 2.8L | $4.50 |
| 6/12 | 10/10/2025 | 29 | HCP 3 | $200,760.00 | Newmarket (Rowley) | 2414m | Good | Ray Dawson | 61kg | 2:31.88 | 8-7-6 | 7 |
| 5.5L | $6.50 |
| 1/14 | 11/09/2025 | 41 | HCP 3U | $64,580.00 | Doncaster | 2392m | Good Soft | Ray Dawson | 59.5kg | 2:35.15 | 8-5-1 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $3.50 |
| 6/13 | 01/08/2025 | 62 | HCP 3 | $90,750.00 | Goodwood | 2212m | Good Soft | Jim Crowley | 60kg | 2:26.89 | 8-2-6 | 8 |
| 5.0L | $8.00 |
| 3/9 | 31/05/2025 | 31 | HCP 3 | $49,910.00 | York | 2112m | Good | Ryan Moore | 61kg | 2:11.98 | 2-1-3 | 2 |
| 0.8L | $2.25 |
| 1/5 | 30/04/2025 | 21 | NOV 3U | $14,520.00 | Pontefract | 2011m | Good | Jim Crowley | 60kg | 2:12.99 | 1-1-1 | 1 |
| 4.0L | $1.08 |

Jockey: Danny Gilligan
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Last run raced on the pace prior to fading finished seventh of 18 runners at Naas on July 22 over 1609m, 4 len behind Dinamine with 62.5kg at $15. Start before raced on the pace prior to fading finished eighth of 13 starters at Killarney on July 15 over 1609m, 7 len behind Bella Colombia carrying 64kg at $19. Prepared to watch this time.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/18 | 22/07/2026 | 7 | APP HCP 4U | $17,340.00 | Naas | 1609m | Good | Adam Grant | 62.5kg | 1:39.73 | - | 13 |
| 4.0L | $15.00 |
| 8/13 | 15/07/2026 | 14 | HCP 4U | $17,340.00 | Killarney | 1609m | Good | W J Lee | 64kg | 1:44.89 | - | 9 |
| 7.3L | $19.00 |
| 7/12 | 01/07/2026 | 13 | HCP 4U | $17,340.00 | Fairyhouse | 1709m | Good | Robert Whearty | 64kg | 1:51.91 | - | 11 |
| 8.5L | $11.00 |
| 3/15 | 18/06/2026 | 13 | HCP 3U | $20,680.00 | Leopardstown | 1810m | Good Firm | Robert Whearty | 63.5kg | 1:55.17 | - | 12 |
| 2.0L | $26.00 |
| 99/17 | 05/06/2026 | 24 | MHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Clonmel | 3319m | Good | Kieren Buckley | 73kg | 4:01.20 | - | 0 |
| 0.0L | $7.50 |
| 7/15 | 12/05/2026 | 23 | MHDLE 4U | $24,130.00 | Sligo | 3621m | Good | Kevin Healy | 71kg | 4:25.80 | - | 0 |
| 35.0L | $23.00 |
| 17/21 | 19/04/2026 | 172 | HCP 3U | $32,330.00 | Curragh | 1207m | Soft | G F Carroll | 59.5kg | 1:17.15 | - | 20 |
| 16.0L | $19.00 |
| 7/14 | 29/10/2025 | 28 | HCP 3U | $22,060.00 | Dundalk | 1609m | Neutral | Leigh Roche | 59kg | 1:40.18 | - | 1 |
| 8.5L | $12.00 |
| 9/15 | 01/10/2025 | 9 | HCP 3U | $21,680.00 | Bellewstown | 1609m | Soft | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 60.5kg | 1:47.28 | - | 3 |
| 18.0L | $15.00 |
| 10/18 | 22/09/2025 | 13 | HCP 3U | $22,340.00 | Fairyhouse | 1408m | Y | Nicola Burns | 57.5kg | 1:27.95 | - | 10 |
| 6.0L | $29.00 |
| 11/15 | 09/09/2025 | 21 | HCP 3 | $20,810.00 | Galway | 1709m | Soft | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 62.5kg | 1:50.37 | - | 15 |
| 12.0L | $19.00 |

Jockey: Paul Townend
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Not raced for 62 days. Fresh up after seven months to post a big 12 len win. Ballinrobe on May 26 over 3218m defeating Ismahane carrying 67kg at $2.60 in a hurdle. Previously second-up finished sixth of 13 runners at Le Mans on October 29 over 1950m, slow track; 4.5 len behind Spring Lily carrying 55kg at $8.40. Leading contender for the Willie Mullins yard.
Last Starts 62 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 26/05/2026 | 209 | MHDLE F 4 | $20,680.00 | Ballinrobe | 3218m | Good | P Townend | 67kg | 3:56.80 | - | 0 |
| 12.0L | $2.63 |
| 6/13 | 29/10/2025 | 31 | MDN 3U | $21,060.00 | Le Mans | 1950m | Soft | Theo Bachelot | 55kg | 2:06.51 | 8-9-6 | 3 |
| 4.7L | $8.40 |
| 5/14 | 28/09/2025 | - | MDN 3 | $27,860.00 | Amiens | 2200m | Soft | Leo-Paul Brechet | 53.5kg | 2:22.81 | 11-9-5 | 14 |
| 6.4L | $5.30 |

Jockey: Danny Mullins
Weight: 66.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Resuming finished third of 11 runners at Roscommon on June 8 over 3218m, 12 len behind Cinating carrying 66.5kg at $9.50. Second run from a spell finished third of 7 starters at Bellewstown on July 4 over 3419m, 11 len behind Mino Des Mottes with 63.5kg at $13. Win would surprise. Better run but needs to improve a long way to even play a minor role in this.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 04/07/2026 | 26 | NHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Bellewstown | 3419m | Good | Dylan O'connor | 63.5kg | 4:06.50 | - | 0 |
| 11.3L | $13.00 |
| 3/11 | 08/06/2026 | 226 | MHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Roscommon | 3218m | YS | Dylan O'connor | 66.5kg | 4:00.40 | - | 0 |
| 12.8L | $9.50 |
| 2/7 | 25/10/2025 | - | COND 3 | $14,159.00 | Munchen | 2000m | Soft | Sean P Byrne | 57kg | 2:19.04 | - | 6 |
| 0.5L | $13.20 |

Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh
Weight: 66.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Raced two times to date. At big odds at debut, finished fifth of 17 starters at Clonmel on June 5 over 3319m, 18 len behind Dahoma carrying 63kg at $101. Second-up finished sixth of 11 runners at Sligo on July 12 over 3520m, 18 len behind Manoir De Mirande carrying 66kg at $29. Prepared to risk here.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/11 | 12/07/2026 | 37 | MHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Sligo | 3520m | Good | D J O'keeffe | 66kg | 4:03.40 | - | 0 |
| 18.3L | $29.00 |
| 5/17 | 05/06/2026 | - | MHDLE 4 | $20,680.00 | Clonmel | 3319m | Good | Harry Sexton | 63kg | 4:01.20 | - | 0 |
| 18.0L | $101.00 |