Bookies avoid back-to-back bashings at Galway Races as ‘dream winner' helps swing momentum & top trainer ‘delighted'
Brian O'Keeffe, spokesperson for
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King Of Kingsfield ridden by Jack Kennedy won the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase
Credit: PA
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Racegoer Savannah Bergin stepped out in style for Day 2
Credit: Sportsfile
'Sticktotheplan was a dream winner in the opener at 22/1 and then Dunum winning really swung momentum our way as we look to day three.'
In the big
Under the guidance of 53-year-old jockey Seamie Heffernan, the Natalia Lupini trained seven-year-old was recording its third career victory at Ballybrit.
Lupini said afterwards: 'He did well today and Seamie is a great asset for a small yard like ours.
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"Having a jockey of his calibre is a massive help.'
Earlier on in the day, King Of Kingsfield ridden by Jack Kennedy won the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase at 7/2, fending off 6/4 favourite My Great Mate.
Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said he was 'delighted' with the win and Kennedy 'gave him a beautiful ride'.
Elliott added: 'The plan was to sit second or third, just keep it simple.
Most read in Horse Racing
"To have a lead, there wasn't much pace. Just go as steady as you could in front.
"But I thought he gave him a beautiful ride. The horse was a bit careful early.
Top trainers, jockeys and truckloads of Guinness arrive at Ballybrit as Galway Races 2025 changes revealed
'Look, when you've used them good lads like Paul and Jack and the rest of them, they are great lads, they know exactly what they're doing.'
Punters filled the
The Conquerors' keyboard player Tony Maher said the band is delighted to be back at
He said: 'With it being one of the best racing festivals in the country, we are really enjoying playing and keeping the crowd dancing.
'SO SPECIAL'
"And celebrating everything that makes the Galway Races so special.'
Punters were again in good spirits today with the odd few still nursing a hangover from the previous day.
A large group from Kilreekill, Galway were celebrating a big birthday.
Sylvia Lowry said: 'We only live an hour outside of Galway, so we come here for one day every year.
'WE LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE'
"It's usually my husband's birthday during race week. So he's 50 this year.
'We love the atmosphere and we 100 per cent bet every race.
'We might not be big bettors, but we're probably big losers.'
Belclare locals Tommy O'Brien, Bernie O'Brien and Gerard O'Brien rolled into the racecourse straight from Canavan's
ANNUAL TRADITION
Tommy said: 'We come to Galway every year, every Tuesday evening.
"We will have a bet on every race and hope for the best.
'Sometimes it's the name of the horse or something will catch your eye in the programme.
"It's all about the favourite in Galway, but then again anything can win in Galway.
MAIN PRIORITY
'The atmosphere is brilliant so far.'
Racing fanatics Barbara Mangan and her sister Dolores turned heads in their stunning outfits.
Galwegian Barbara said: 'We have been coming here for the last 15 or 20 years. We take a 'sister day' because she lives in
'We don't like to go for the favourites really because you kind of have to put big
'GOOD CROWD'
'And then we might throw a few quid on a 50/1. Now we've been lucky a few years, but it's just the fun. It's all about the fun.'
Dolores chuckled: 'I like to go up and look the horses in the eyes. Honestly, I've been quite lucky with that.'
Eimear Kelly from
She said: 'It's a good crowd here. We have got three different tips for today.
RAISING THE STYLE STAKES
"I pick my horses based on what everyone else tells me. Because if I pick them, they will lose.'
In Galway city, racegoers and fashion fans raised the style stakes at the Racing for Rosabel evening in aid of Rosabel's Rooms, a child loss project in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation, at the Connacht Hotel.
Kiera Williams scooped Best Dressed Lady and Colin Quigley bagged the Best Dressed Man prize.
Organiser Caroline Downey said: 'The style was better than ever, and a huge thanks to all our sponsors and supporters.
'ONE OF THE BEST'
"It's always a fantastic day, but today has to be one of the best.'
All eyes today will be on the Galway Plate with a prize pot of €270,000.
Former
Aidan said: 'You do really need a horse that likes the hustle and bustle because they are rough enough races and that can also handle the track.
'BIG PLUS'
'A horse that's been to the meeting before is a big plus. Or has a run at a track similar like Cheltenham.
"A horse with experience is a big help.
'If they have ran well at this meeting before, that's a big plus.
'That's what I'm looking for because the Galway Plate is not an easy race.'
NEXT YEAR HOPES
He added: 'Amirite, Henry De Bromhead's, was a little bit disappointing in this race last year but it is coming here after winning in Kilbeggan last time out.
'He's been here but didn't run as well.
'At the same time he knows what's in store this year and hopefully he can run very well again.'
MY VIEW
I WOKE up feeling surprisingly fresh after yesterday's antics and raring to go for another day of racing at Ballybrit.
Punters were in good form and quickly cured any sore heads.
The roar of the crowd as King Of Kingsfield thundered down the final straight was absolutely deafening.
I popped into the dedicated zone Beauty Paddock in collaboration with Vision Ireland for a touch-up.
Barbara Coakley from Vision Ireland Ballinasloe told me: 'We've over 300 shops nationwide and this is our first time here at the races with a pop-up. And it's so successful.
'We have wonderful hats, fascinators, shawls for when it gets a bit colder in the evening, nice flat shoes if the feet are killing you. So it's going really well.'
Highlight of the day was having a chat with Ireland's racecourse commentator Jerry Hannon who had plenty of stories to tell me.
As for my luck on bets, that's another story!
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There were multiple best dressed competitions
Credit: Sportsfile
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Racegoers were kept entertained with music and sights throughout the day
Credit: Sportsfile
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Jockey James Anthony 'Seamie' Heffernan took home the Colm Quinn Bmw Mile Handicap with beloved horse Dunum
Credit: PA
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Delighted punters were in good spirits after an exciting first day
Credit: Inpho
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Heffernan celebrated his huge win alongside trainer Natalia Lupini
Credit: PA
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First Race 2:02 TV/Streaming: TG4 & Racing TV About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting
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