The Galway Races October meeting is one for the enthusiasts. A real highlight in the Irish sporting calendar, Galway takes centre stage on Tuesday 7th October, delivering an unforgettable afternoon at Ballybrit.
Known for its blend of jumps and flat racing, this meeting delivers top-class action in a more relaxed autumn setting compared to its summer edition. Racing fans can look forward to seven competitive races, which include a mix of maiden hurdles, handicaps and top chases.
With prestigious names in the training ranks combined with Ireland’s finest jockeys, a lively crowd will be entertained from start to finish. Whether you’re in the stands or watching from home, this is racing not to be missed.
If you’re looking to get up to speed, you’re in the right place. Find out about the raceday schedule, trainers to keep an eye, horses at the top of their game, as well as our best bets here at Tonybet. Let’s dive in.
Raceday schedule
The Galway October Raceday offers an exciting seven-race card that starts mid-afternoon and carries right through until early evening. Here’s a full breakdown of the race schedule so that you’re prepared for the day.
2:20pm – The Tote Always SP or Better At Galway Maiden Hurdle
The afternoon begins with a maiden hurdle that has often thrown up many exciting new names to the National Hunt scene. Mercury Bay, trained by Willie Mullins, broke his maiden in style in this race before going on to contest higher-grade company. Punters will once again be looking to see if a future star emerges from this opening clash.
2:50pm – SIS Supporting Irish Racing Handicap Hurdle
Handicaps at Galway rarely disappoint and this race is a prime example of the track’s competitive nature. In 2023, Hardy Buck took the spoils under a clever ride under a low weight. With a similarly open field expected this time, it should provide one of the toughest betting challenges of the day. Be careful with this race.
3:20pm – The Tote Galway Plate Trial Novice Chase
This novice chase can be seen as a stepping stone towards the famous Galway Plate itself. Horses such as Fakir d’Oudairies have cut their teeth in this type of contest before eventually progressing to Grade 1 level. The race attracts ambitious connections and progressive chasers who are looking to make a big statement early in their careers. Keep an eye on the big guns in this one.
3:50pm – Guinness Beginners Steeplechase
The Guinness-sponsored Beginners Chase is a crowd favourite and usually showcases hurdlers making the leap to fences. In 2022, Classic Getaway used this race to kickstart his chasing career for Willie Mullins, underlining how it can be a launchpad for horses with real potential. This year’s field should feature another batch of promising recruits.
4:20pm – Galway October Handicap Chase
The feature contest of the afternoon consistently produces a strong winner capable of holding their own in top handicaps through the winter. Donkey Years, trained by Gordon Elliott, landed the prize in 2021 and went on to build a solid record in staying chases. Stamina and tactical nous will again be at a premium in 2025’s renewal.
4:50pm – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle
This mares-only contest has seen some classy types break their duck before stepping up to graded level. Shewearsitwell claimed victory here in 2020 for Willie Mullins, and later established herself as a high-class hurdler. Given its record for producing quality winners, the race will be watched closely by those tracking future Cheltenham or Fairyhouse contenders.
5:20pm – Galway Racecourse (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race
The closing bumper has a habit of unearthing serious talent, often from the Mullins or Elliott stables. Facile Vega, a subsequent Cheltenham Festival winner, first caught the eye in this type of race before his meteoric rise. With so many unexposed runners, it is always a race that sparks excitement among fans eager to spot tomorrow’s stars.
Check out the odds on Galway and other race meetings with Tonybet.
Irish horse trainers
What’s so special about Galway’s October meeting is that it draws many of Ireland’s top trainers, with Willie Mullins and Joseph O’Brien consistently leading the way.
Mullins, Ireland’s most dominant National Hunt trainer, often uses Galway as a proving ground for his string of future stars, especially when it comes to maidens and novice chases. His runners rarely arrive unprepared and punters know that they represent value.
O’Brien, by contrast, blends flat and National Hunt excellence and has built a reputation for placing horses astutely at Galway. His mares in particular have thrived here, and he has also unearthed Festival contenders through these autumn fixtures.
Gordon Elliott is another major name whose depth in handicaps and chases ensures that he is regularly in the mix. He is renowned for spotting opportunities in Galway’s competitive fields, often sneaking one in under the radar when many punters are focused on Mullins’ contenders.
The influence of Dermot Weld, meanwhile, is a constant reminder of Galway tradition. Weld’s success here is woven into the history of the track, and although he’s less dominant of late, his runners still demand respect whenever they appear. Trainers outside this top echelon occasionally spring surprises, with smaller yards targeting Galway deliberately, especially in mares’ contests and bumpers where bigger yards sometimes focus elsewhere.
Top horses to watch
Declarations will sharpen the picture the closer we get to raceday, but there are already a number of names already stirring anticipation.
The opening 2:20 Maiden Hurdle is likely to feature a Mullins debutant bred for success over obstacles, a type that has delivered repeatedly at Ballybrit. Punters are always keen to back a Mullins maiden – wherever that may be.
In the 2:50 Handicap Hurdle, it might be best to watch for a seasoned Elliott runner dropping in class, the kind of horse whose weight mark makes them dangerous. The 3:20 Novice Chase often unveils future stars, and so often it’s best to keep tabs on Joseph O’Brien, who could unleash a progressive hurdler stepping up to fences.
The 3:50 Guinness Beginners Chase is ripe for a Mullins or Elliott hurdler transitioning successfully. The 4:20 Handicap Chase is all about proven staying power and resilience, often producing shock winners.
In the 4:50 Mares’ Hurdle, O’Brien-trained mares usually command market interest, while Mullins’ yard is famed for turning out mares capable of competing at a much higher level.
Finally, the 5:20 bumper is a playground for potential stars of the National Hunt sphere, with Mullins typically fielding a highly regarded youngster, but local stables occasionally produce a headline-grabbing upset.
Keep an eye on the declarations – as well as the high-profile trainers – who often succeed at Galway.
Our expert predictions
Galway’s October meeting can be tricky for punters, but here’s where the smart money may go:
- Best bet of the day: A Mullins runner in the 3:20 Novice Chase looks primed for success. His record in this race is formidable.
- Value bet: Keep an eye on the 4:20 Handicap Chase for a big-priced Elliott runner with proven form over distance. He often has a few runners in the race, and all often have a solid chance – especially if the ground is softer than usual.
- Dark horse: The 5:20 bumper could throw up an unexpected winner, making it the perfect race for a small each-way punt. Look for smaller stables performing well and shy away from the market leaders with little to no experience.
As always, the unpredictability of Galway makes it a favourite among racing fans. Expect late surprise winners and at least one new name emerging as a horse to follow through the season.
For the latest betting odds, fans should keep up to date with Tonybet, which will be offering competitive prices across all seven races.
