Noel Meade has been in brilliant form recently and Diol Kerr is very interesting here. Last seen when winning a maiden hurdle back in November, he always looked the type to make a really nice chaser. Subsequent Cheltenham winner Monkfish was back in second that day, so the form looks decent and he can make a good account of himself on his debut over fences. Usual partner Sean Flanagan is back in the saddle.
There was a lot to like about Konitho’s performance here back in September and 123 looks like a more than fair opening chase mark. He travelled like the best horse in the race that day but possibly got his head in front a bit too soon and got tired in the straight. The winner that day looked set to win next time out before an unfortunate fall. He looks ready for a step up in trip and could be the one they’ve got to beat here.
We’re going for the Meade/Flanagan combination again, this time to pick up the feature race. Third in the Punchestown Champion Bumper, this 6yo son of Doyen has been unlucky not to already have a pattern race against his name having finished a nose second in a Grade 2 last year, before going down by a neck in a Listed contest. He dusted off the cobwebs to win easily at Downpatrick last time and that pipe opener gives him the edge over Minella Melody.
It could finally be Jiving Jerry’s day after failing to justify favouritism on his last two starts. He gave a stone away to a well-handicapped winner at Fairyhouse last time. 9l clear of the third that day means he’s up another 2lb, but he’s an improving horse who should still be competitive off this mark. He carries a featherweight 9st13lb and the brilliant Rachael Blackmore can coax
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.
