Galway Festival Day 7 Preview

The seven-day Galway Festival comes to a close on Sunday and jockey Ruby Walsh teams up with Trainer Tony Martin with winning chances in the opening three races.

The meeting starts at 2.15 with Walsh partnering the consistent Nearest The Pin. He was well beaten by Sizing Italy at Killarney but that horse ran well earlier in the week and that form could be good enough here.

His biggest threat looks to be Charlie Swan’s Cloone Springs, runner-up three times in his last five starts. Ballyburke and Letter Of Credit have also been knocking on the door recently.

Walsh then partners top weight Pires in the Handicap Chase at 2.45. He was beaten only a short-head at Limerick last time and must go close here. Ballyfinboy is fancied to give Pires most to do off a light weight.

Walsh then teams up with Busted Tycoon who will be attempting a remarkable third victory of the week if turning out for the Mares Handicap Hurdle at 3.20. The four-year-old was not fully extended for her latest victory on Saturday and would have a favourite’s chance.

Get Off The Stage ran well at Cork back in April and will be a big threat if fit enough whilst Gudnis Gracious Me was an easy winner at Kilbeggan in June.

Curley Bill could try to make it two victories at the meeting if he lines up in the maiden hurdle at 3.55. Dermot Weld’s runners are a little thin on the ground on the closing day but he could go close with Notable Graduate.

Green Thirty Two won easily at Ballinrobe last time out and will be fancied to follow up in the 4.30. Opposition includes Gordon Elliott’s Hold Em Cowboy and Sligo winner Abolitionist.

Weld introduces Talween in the 5.00, a daughter of Nayef. Film Director and Close One both finished second on their only starts and could give Weld’s filly plenty to do.

The final race of the seven-day festival sees yet another favourite from the Weld camp in the shape of Grecian Tiger. There are some decent sorts in opposition, notably the hat-trick seeking Devils Bride for Willie Mullins.