Galway Racing Festival Tips: Monday's Best Bets
The Galway Racing Festival kicks off this evening, with a mix of flat and jumps action on the card.
Galway is one of the most popular festivals in Irish racing.
It draws big crowds and provides exciting entertainment on and off the course.
After a run of wins at prices of 28/1, 11/2 and 7/2 in recent weeks, we are searching for more winners at Ballybrit racecourse.
Below are two selections to consider at decent prices on day one.
Galway Festival Tips For Monday
Tip 1: 19:15 - Aviatrice - 1pt Win - 10/3 With Bet365
We have 15 runners to choose from in the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap, and it is tight at the top of the market.
I would usually plump for an outsider at a big price in races like this, but I can't get away from Aviatrice.
The David Marnane-trained youngster may only have one win to her name thus far in her career, but is a consistent sort that always gives her all.
She has gone close in two handicaps this season, and her fourth-place finish at Leopardstown last time is far better than it looks on paper.
The improving three-year-old had no luck in running and did well to finish just over two lengths down in the end.
A similar run here would give her a huge chance.
Tip 2: 19:50 - Kilmeaden - 0.5pts Each-Way - 15/2 With Bet365 (4 Places)
The following handicap on the card is a little tougher to figure out.
A number of these will fancy their chances, but I can see Kilmeaden causing a bit of a surprise at a good price.
Trained by Donnacha O'Brien, the Galileo colt is open to plenty of progression, particularly in handicap company.
He looked a difficult ride in the Ulster Derby last time, but if he behaves better today, he has a chance of grabbing a place at the very least.
The handicapper has dropped him 3lbs for that run, and with the winner having franked the form since, it was probably a better effort than it seems.
With four places up for grabs, he could be a good each-way shot.
*Prices correct at time of publish, 6:30pm, 28/7/25
