Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports ahead of the Galway Festival , trainer Jessica Harrington has reviewed her expectations for the week at Ballybrit .
Harrington expects to have around a dozen runners across the week, headed by Iron Fist and Norwalk Havoc in the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap , with Pierre Lapin , Marazion and Oro Blanco also set to line up.
The Galway Hurdle -winning trainer has also revisited her favourite memories at the track, assessed the record prize money on offer, and explained why the unique nature of Ballybrit means you must have exactly the right horse.
The Galway Hand
What's Your Hand Going to Be Like?
I should have about 12 there this year. They will be mainly on the Flat, although I'll have maybe a couple of jumpers if the races fill; Jirash is one and Anna Run for Queens .
Iron Fist and Norwalk Havoc are in the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap on Tuesday. But Norwalk Havoc won't run unless it is very soft. We seem to be having this weather for all of this week, then the heavens could open. You just don't know.
Iron Fist will probably run. He was very good until he went to York and ran away with Oisin Orr . Up until then, he had been running very well in two very good handicaps and had gone up to 95. And each time, it was the draw that killed him. I can't say how he'll go because you need a lot of luck around Galway .
Who Runs on the Friday?
Pierre Lapin and Marazion in the Guinness Handicap . Pierre Lapin is still a maiden. He finished second in the BOYLE Sports Ulster Derby . Marazion kept on well in winning for the first time at Roscommon in May . Oro Blanco runs on the Sunday in the Ahonoora Handicap over seven furlongs.
What Else Have You Got?
We'll have a couple for the two-year-old races. But I won't really know my full details until the middle of the week, and until I know what the ground is going to be like, I can't be certain.
Lady Petrona could easily go there. Again, though, we'd be wanting a bit of a dig in the ground. She was in a nursery this weekend; she'll go for a nursery.
A Dozen Runners With a Fair Wind?
Yes, I'd say so; that'd be about it.
Ballybrit
Are You the Queen of Ballybrit?
No, I am definitely not! But I have had a lot of fun there, and we've won some good races there. I love going there, but you have got to have the right horse to go there because the track is so unique. You've really got to know that.
What's Your Favourite Memory There?
Oh, So Grumpy winning the Galway Hurdle probably back in 1994 with Mark Dwyer on board; it was a bit of a breakthrough, and I was the first woman to win the race from memory. Also, Modem winning the Amateur race with Kate , my daughter, riding in 2015. Those are the two with the greatest memories.
Prize Money & Prestige
The Prize Money Is Over Two Million Euros
I know it's very important, you know. You need to target that.
Do You Have Anything in the Plate?
No, no, I have nothing in the Plate or the Hurdle. I don't enter a horse in any race unless I think they have a realistic chance.
Where Does Galway Rank Among the Festivals?
It is amazing. It is not everybody's favourite, but it is one of mine!
Bet on Horse Racing Odds at BOYLE Sports
Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
Behind every great sporting moment is a story worth telling. The BOYLE Sports Editorial team sits down with the most relevant names in sport for candid conversations, genuine insight, and the kind of access that brings you closer to the real stories behind the headlines.
