Tote Galway Plate 2024 Preview

The feature Jumps races of the Summer in Ireland, the Tote are into their 15th year of sponsoring the Galway Plate.

Wednesday’s showpiece has attracted a classy field of 22 who have been declared, including last year’s winner Ash Tree Meadow, who will carry top weight. 

The early betting show appears to have J.P. McManus holding the keys to the race, having two of the best fancied horses, starting with PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS. 

Trained by Gavin Cromwell in County Meath, this seven-year-old has a bit of a sketchy profile and might need more than the formbook suggests to take out a handicap of this nature. 

Only a winner on one of his five starts over fences, he was last seen when second in a Punchestown listed novice chase in May. Up 5lbs for that runner-up effort, he’ll race off a mark of 142. 

One of the larger factors to consider when quantifying this contender is the stellar reputation of his trainer. 

Gavin Cromwell has a prolific record with handicap chasers, improving the likes of Inothewayurthinkin and Limerick Lace, who both went on to triumph at the Cheltenham Festival. 

It’s not beyond the realms of belief that Cromwell could improve Perceval Legallois to win here but he will have to overcome Jumping doubts if he is to score at Ballybrit. He has fallen when chasing twice, most recently he came down when looking likely in the O'Driscolls Irish Whiskey Handicap Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. 

Perhaps not as favoured as the market would suggest, maybe IN EXCELSIS DEO is the way to go. 

The British raider looks to be having one last run before spending the summer at McManus’ Martinstown property and definitely deserves his place near the top of the market. 

Harry Fry’s six-year-old ran in four fiercely competitive Cheltenham races last term, coming to the boil to take out a Grade Two in April by four and three quarter lengths. The Irish handicapper has given him 1lb back and the British-based Johnathan Burke makes the journey over for the ride. 

Paul Townend and Willie Mullins combined for victory in the 2021 renewal and they join forces once again with MISTER POLICEMAN. 

Highly touted at the start of last year as a potential Arkle horse by Tote Ambassador Danny Mullins, this six-year-old hasn’t quite reached them heights but does line up off the rating of 149. 

A three-time winner over fences last season, he signed off when pulling up at Punchestown after being sent to post as a joint-favourite. 

This six-year-old might work the house down on the Closutton Gallops but has it all to prove on the track, connections have always believed he is capable but he is yet to demonstrate his class on track in a meaningful race.

One with bold claims is Henry De Bromhead’s LETS GO CHAMP. The formbook for this nine-year-old is littered with credible efforts including a really likeable first campaign over fences last term.

Twice a runner-up in Beginners chases before trying handicaps, he broke his maiden at the Punchestown Festival, scoring a hot handicap chase. 

Well supported and driven out to be a decisive winner by Rachel Blackmore, a repeat of that performance, albeit off an 9lb higher mark, would put him right in the mix. 

De Bromhead’s other runner AMIRITE has already threatened to win a big pot although this trip and track might be a bit sharp for the son of Sholokhov. 

Sneaking in at the bottom of the handicap PINKERTON is fancied to go well for the Noel Meade team, he got the better of classy customer SAINT ROI at Punchestown last time. 

Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old had an incredibly consistent campaign last term, he was sixth in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival before being a close runner-up at Aintree and Punchestown, to the aforementioned Pinkerton. 

Never tried over this extended, staying trip, he is definitely worth considering, especially under the capable riding of 5lb claimer Aidan Kelly. 

Others who warrant inclusion in the Trifecta perm include SOLNESS. Only a six-year-old, this Joseph O’Brien inmate is definitely on the up. Multiple strong formlines include this gelding, featuring as a fourth place in Pinkerton’s listed Punchestown chase score and 3rd place finish in a Dublin Racing Festival listed event over two miles. He's one to keep on your side upped in trip for the first time. 

Lastly, flashy grey DUFFLE COAT was a four-time winner as a juvenile but has only got his head in front once over fences. 

Fairly versatile in his older age, this trip would be like baby bear’s porridge, just right. The only worry about this seven-year-old would be he has been busy, having nine runs since the turn of the year. If they haven’t left their mark he’ll be one that hits the frame. 

Best Bets for the Galway Plate: 

Let’s Go Champ - Win and Place 

Saint Roi - Win and Place 

Pinkerton - Win and Place 

Combination Trifecta: Let’s Go Champ, Saint Roi, Pinkerton, Solness, Duffle Coat.

About Galway

For seven days in the summer, Galway is the talk of the town. The mixed, flat and national hunt meeting is the event of the year for many, with the social aspect of the occasion complimenting the racing nicely.

At the Festival, the Galway Plate and Galway Chase are the big prizes up for grabs, with the former having been in existence for over 150 years. Over 140,000 people make their way through the turnstiles to witness some of the most competitive racing around every year in July and August.