Well, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, the Guinness is flowing, and the bookmakers are preparing for one of their busiest spells of the summer. That can only mean one thing – It’s Galway Races time! Well, nearly.
Yes, we’re officially on the countdown to the Galway Races Summer Festival. Taking place at the prestigious Ballybrit Racecourse, this week long event sees horseracing fans from all over the globe get suited and booted, and descend upon this stunning part of the country in the hopes of winning some serious money, and enjoying a fantastic day out in the process.
Two of the most prominent races at the festival are the Galway Plate, and the Guinness Galway Hurdle. But who are the favourites? Well, let’s see what the Irish bookmakers think.
Galway Plate Favourites
Kicking things off, we’ll look at one of Ireland’s most prestigious horse racing events, the Galway Plate. Here’s who the bookies are backing.
Funiculi Funicula
The current favourite for this event is the incredibly promising 6-year-old Gelding, trained by none other than Willie Mullins (of course).
Having picked up several 1st place finishes this year already, including one at Punchestown at the Quinnbet Novice Handicap Chase back in May, he is in incredible form, and this shows in the odds. Unibet have him at 4/1, whereas Paddy Power will offer you 5/1 odds.
Nowwhatdoyouthink
Having finished 1st at Cork, in emphatic fashion may we add, and 3rd at the Punchestown Festival, this 7 year old gelding is arguably in his prime. The difference maker however, may be Gordon Elliot.
After a recent change of stables, Ray Hackett hands over the training reigns to Gordon Elliot, who has his eyes firmly on the Tote.
If you believe Elliot has what it takes, Paddy Power will offer you 8/1 odds, whilst Unibet are providing odds of 7/1.
Solitary Man
As a bit of an outsider, Solitary Man could also be worth a flutter.
A proven jumper, with plenty of experience under his belt, if conditions are right, and thus far, it’s looking lightly, he could very well ride the momentum of his recent Midlands Grand National victory and cause quite the upset.
Want to back this outsider? Paddy Power will give you 16/1 odds, whereas you’ll get 20/1 with Unibet.
Galway Hurdle Favourites
And now for the Galway Hurdle. Here’s who the bookmakers are tipping.
El Cairos
Having finished in 5th place at last season’s Supreme, and enjoying a very successful 2026 thus far, this 6-year-old Gordon Elliot trained gelding is currently favourite to take the Galway Hurdle for 2026.
As you might expect, this shows in the odds. Paddy Power will give you 4/1 odds, whereas Unibet are providing 5/1 odds.
Murcia
Up next, we have another favourite, and the trainer isn’t Gordon Elliot, so who do you think it might be? Of course it’s Willie Mullins.
This 6-year-old mare is enjoying a fantastic run of form, having finished first back in May at Listowel, and 2nd at Killarney earlier in the month.
Backing a W.P Mullins horse always gives you a shot, which is why Paddy Power will provide 4/1 odds, and Unibet are offering 5/1 odds. That’s how tight it is.
Roc Dino
Somewhat of an outsider, with 11/1 odds at Unibet, and 16/1 with Paddy Power, we have Roc Dino.
Roc Dino, who is another Willie Mullins horse, has enjoyed a very up and down 2026, including a 10th place finish at Cheltenham, and a 1st place finish at Downpatrick.
It could go either way, but with those odds, you’ve got to be tempted, right?