Galway Plate And Hurdle – Galway Races Odds for 2025

Posted on July 22, 2025

As July comes to an end that can mean only one thing – the return of the The Galway Races.
Starting on the last Monday of July every year the festival is one of the longest that takes place in Ireland and as such it is one that the bookmakers come out in force for. This year is no different as, as the iconic Galway Races draw nearer, the ante-post markets are heating up with some familiar names emerging as strong favourites. The Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle, two of the festival’s most eagerly anticipated events, are shaping up to be fiercely competitive, with top trainers and jockeys fielding promising contenders.

Current Free Bets For The Galway Races

Galway Plate Favourites

In the Galway Plate the early favourite is Nurburgring, who is priced at 9/2 at Bet365 and 4/1 at Unibet to follow up his success at the races last year. The five-year-old impressed last summer by winning the Galway Hurdle as a juvenile, and has since transitioned seamlessly to chasing. His performances over fences have remained consistent, and his course experience could prove crucial in this tricky handicap.

Tied for second favouritism at 8/1 (Bet365) are Down Memory Lane and Thecompanysergeant. Down Memory Lane is at 7/1 with Unibet to enjoy a win and  has shown stamina in deep handicaps and appears to be peaking at the right time. Meanwhile, Thecompanysergeant trained by Gordon Elliott, is at 8/1 to win at Unibet and remains relatively unexposed over longer distances and may improve for the step up in trip. Blood Destiny, priced at 14/1 with Bet365 and Unibet is another contender drawing interest. A progressive chaser who performs well on softer ground, he’s a potential threat if the rain arrives. Willie Mullins’ charge has not yet reached his ceiling and remains one to watch.

Further down the market, Jazzy Matty and Anyway (both 14/1–16/1) have solid spring form, while Zanahiyr (20/1) brings experience from graded company, albeit with mixed recent efforts over fences.

Galway Hurdle Favourites

In the The Galway Hurdle, which takes place on Thursday, July 31, ) the race looks a wide-open affair, but Puturhandstogether has emerged as the bookmakers’ choice, available at 7/1 with both bet365 and Unibet to go on and enjoy a win. A progressive mare, she’s been quietly effective in recent starts, including a listed win earlier this summer. With stamina, tactical speed, and strong jumping, she ticks many boxes for success.
Close behind is Ndaawi at 9/1 (Bet365) and 7/1 (Unibet), a horse who’s been knocking on the door in major handicaps. Trained by Gavin Cromwell, he’s built a reputation for consistency and will likely relish the fast-run nature of the Galway Hurdle.
Both Mr Percy and Hello Neighbour are also well in the running according to the bookmakers.
Mr Percy is backed at 8/1 with Bet365 and Unibet and has impressed in spring conditions and arrives fresh. 
Meanwhile, Hello Neighbour is at 10/1 with Bet365 and 7/1 with Unibet, great odds when you see the horse has been steadily improving through the ranks and was last seen finishing strongly in a valuable handicap.
At 12/1, a cluster of capable runners including Bowensonfire, Gaucher, and Jesse Evans could offer value. 
Jesse Evans (10/1 with Bet365 and 12/1 with Unibet)  in particular, is a Galway stalwart, having placed in this race before. Blue Lemons and Last Kingdom (14/1) also merit each-way consideration given their recent consistency.