Early delivery expected behind ‘closed doors’ in Galway Plate

By George McDonagh

AS we approach the seven-day Galway racing extravaganza, we do so knowing that the deafening roar which greets runners as they breast the rise of the most punishing finish in Irish racing will be missing, but competition on the track for the various prizes will still be every bit as intense as it has been for the last 150 years at Ballybrit.

Yes, the feature race prizemoney might be reduced compared to recent years, but it is still a wonderful testament to the racing management  at Galway and the local Race Committee that they retain such a massive value.

The top rated entries in the Galway Plate are all on 11-10. The participation of former Cheltenham hero and runner up this year, The Storyteller, who has been switching between chasing and hurdling these past two seasons, could be the key to some of his stablemate’s chances. Jett brings Grade One form to the table and was last seen finishing fourth to Delta Work in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. He will relish the long run home, but it’s a big ask off top weight.

Peter Fahey’s Peregrine Run ran an outstanding race to finish fourth last year, but is another who may find a few better weighted rivals down the handicap. Snugsborough Benny is just two pounds higher that last year’s third place effort and Liam Cusack is likely to have the former Galway Blazers Chase winner at concert pitch for the task at hand.

Easy Game, who almost outpointed Faugheen at Leopardstown last season, and Robin Des Foret are others towards the top of the weights from the Willie Mullins stable that are likely to attract ante post support. Last year’s winning trainer Gordon Elliott also has a strong entry. Apart from The Storyteller, he has Mengli Khan who has been dropped four pounds since his mistake-ridden ninth placing in 2019 and he returned to winning ways recently at Kilkbeggan over hurdles.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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