Galway Races Betting, Odds, Tips and Runners

galway-races-betting-banner-with-coat-of-arms

Author: Lewis Humphries,

Prepare for the 155th edition of the prestigious Galway Races: a week-long spectacle comprising 49 races. Scheduled from the 29th of July 29th till the 4th of August, the Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle – National Hunt Steeplechases especially popular among punters – are just around the corner. Discover key contenders, analysis, odds, and expert betting tips to enhance your betting experience in this horse race betting guide.

☘️ BetinIreland.ie ’s Choice for Galaway Races Betting

1.
Boyle​Sports
Bonus:
€30+ €10 Casino Bonus

18+ | New customers only. Min stake €10 | 30 days to qualify | Payment method restrictions exist | Play Responsibly | Terms and Conditions apply. | http://www.begambleaware.org

2.
Lunu​bet Sports
Bonus:
€100

18+ | New players only | Min. deposit 20EUR | Max number of winnings using bonus funds is 10,000 EUR | Bonus validity 14 days from receipt | Free spins given within 5 days from bonus activation, Wagering req. : 6x bonus + deposit | Wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly

3.
Direc​tion​Bet Sport
Bonus:
€100

18+ | New players only | Min. deposit 10EUR | Max number of winnings using bonus funds is 10,000 EUR | Bonus validity 14 days from receipt | Wagering req. : 16x bonus | Wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly

💯 Galway Races Betting Odds – Outright Winner

It’s almost time for the 2024 season and Galway Races betting is beginning to intensify with leading bookmakers publishing their ante-post odds for the Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle. Let’s look at the latest Galway Races odds for 2024, sourced from the top best betting sites .

🏆 Galway Plate Odds

The Tote Galway Plate kicks off on Wednesday, July 31, where the runners charge ahead at 17:10 GMT. Dating back to 1869, this race unfolds once again at the Ballybrit Racecourse. Ash Tree Meadow, the defending champion, aims to reclaim victory in the 2024 season. Galway Races odds for this thrilling event are not yet available but I will update this page once they are up.

Sportsbook
boylesports-logo
ladbrokes-logo
william-hill-logo
In Excelsis Deo8.009.008.00
Perceval Legallois8.009.005.00
Amirite9.009.0013.00
Lets Go Champ9.0011.009.00
Mr Policeman9.0011.0010.00
Horantzau Dairy11.0011.00TBC
Pinkerton13.0013.0023.00
Zanahiyr13.0013.007.50
Authorized Art15.0015.0015.00
Idas Boy15.0013.0041.00
Reverend Hubert15.0015.00TBC
Saint Roi15.0013.00TBC
Ash Tree Meadow17.0013.0023.00
Life in the Park17.0017.0021.00
Flanking Maneuver21.0021.00TBC

🏆 Galway Hurdle Odds

The Guinness Galway Hurdle takes the spotlight on ‘Ladies Day’ at Galway Races, set for Thursday, August 1st 2024, with the starting signal at 14:10. Ante-post odds for this event are not yet up but will be available towards the start of the race. I will update this page with the odds once they are available.

Sportsbook
boylesports-logo
ladbrokes-logo
william-hill-logo
Daddy Long Legs8.009.009.50
Gorgeous Tom9.0011.0011.00
Nurburgring9.009.0010.00
Under Control9.008.005.50
Winter Fog9.008.5017.00
Pied Piper11.0013.00TBC
Rizk Belle12.0017.0015.00
Gaucher13.0013.00TBC
My Mate Mozzie13.0013.0011.00
Williamstowndancer13.0015.0013.00
Kings Hill15.0017.0013.00
Anotherway15.0015.0017.00
Bialystok15.0015.00TBC
Jesse Evans15.0013.0015.00
Icare Desbois17.0013.0029.00

✔️Galway Races Betting Tips

The Galway Races Summer Festival 2024 will take place between Monday, the 29th of July and Sunday, the 4th of August. This seven-day festival will feature an impressive 49 races, including the iconic Galway Plate and Guinness Galway Hurdle. While the runners and odds have yet to be confirmed for 2024, here are some early Galway Races tips to keep in mind:

Tip 1 – Look Outside the Ante Post Favourite for the Galway Plate

In the 20 Galway Plate iterations that have taken place since 2003, the ante-post favourites have only prevailed on four occasions. For example, the 2023 winner, Ash Tree Meadow had odds of 7.50 ahead of the race while the favourite, Kilcruit ended up trailing in 16th place. 2022 winner, Hewick started as a rank outsider at a price of 17.00 while the 5.50 favourite, El Barra finished third and 3¾ lengths back. Be sure to appraise the 2024 Galway Plate field in full before you stake your hard-earned cash!

Tip 2 – Consider Backing Hollow Games as the 2024 Galway Plate Winner

While the 2024 Galway Plate field has yet to be confirmed, Gordon Elliott’s seven-year-old gelding ‘Hollow Games’ will be a likely contender if he starts. Certainly, he performed well and came in third in the 2023 iteration, making significant headway two fences out and finishing strongly after a sluggish start. He’s also a reliable performer over two miles or more and could follow in the footsteps of 2023 winner, Ash Tree Meadow, who triumphed after placing the previous year. Nine of the last 11 Galway Plate races have also been won by runners aged seven or eight.

Tip 3 - Back Jesse Evans as an Each-Way Pick in the Galway Hurdle

The Noel Meade-trained runner Jesse Evans has competed in the previous three Galway Hurdle races at Ballybrit, placing in the top four on each occasion. The seven-year-old gelding actually finished second in 2022 and 2023, while he was only defeated by a head after pushing the most recent winner Zarak The Brave all the way in August. He only lost by ¾ of a length after a strong finish in 2022 too, so he’s likely to be among the main contenders should he compete again this summer. He’ll certainly offer value as a strong each-way pick in the 2024 Galway Hurdle!

Betting MarketSelectionOdds
To Win the Galway PlateHollow GamesTBC
To Place in the Galway HurdleJesse Evans15.00

📊 Galway Races Betting Markets

Before you start placing your bets, it’s important to identify the types of wagers and betting markets that offer the best value. Here are some popular betting markets for the Galway Races.

Betting on the Winner

One of the most straightforward horse racing bets, commonly seen at the Galway Races and other Irish and UK festivals, is the ‘win’ bet. This type of bet allows you to back a specific runner to finish the race in first place. If your chosen runner wins, you’ll receive a return based on the odds offered by your selected bookmaker. However, if your chosen runner doesn’t win, you’ll lose your entire stake.

Each-Way Betting

Among the popular horse race betting markets at the Galway Races is each-way wagering. This strategy involves splitting your stake between two potential outcomes: backing a horse to win and securing a placed finish - usually in the top two or three places. For each-way bets, consider prioritising bets that offer extra place promotions during major races.

Accumulator Bets

If you want to predict multiple Galway Races winners, consider building accumulator bets. This option allows you to merge four to 20 selections into a single wager, with the odds of each selection multiplied to create a potentially higher combined price. Your chosen legs must all be successful for your bet to be successful. It’s recommended to limit accumulators to fewer selections and take advantage of Acca insurance if your chosen bookie offers one.

🔮Galway Races Predictions

All the Galway Races predictions are listed below. For each prediction, you’ll find the best Galway Races odds for 2024 from the top bookmakers that target different markets, free bet offers, and the predictions themselves.

Galway Hurdle - Galway Races FestivalThe ante-post favourite with all the for the 2024 Galway Hurdle is the sole British entry Under Control. She certainly ticks a lot of the boxes for a potential Galway Hurdle winner this year, with the only possible negative being her absence since January.
Galway Plate - Galway Races FestivalThe Galway Plate is one of the biggest races at the Galway Festival, and here we take a look at who we think will go on to win.

⚡Best Galway Races Betting Sites

I have reviewed the Galway Races ante-post odds for both the Plate and the Hurdle races. It’s time to review the best Galway Races betting sites in Ireland and find out what makes them unique.

1️⃣Dachbet: The Best Betting Site for The Galway Races 2024

Galway races

I begin with Dachbet, which is currently the best betting site for the 2024 Galway Races, owing to its extensive range of betting markets. Dachbet offers an impressive selection of horse racing betting markets, including standard win and each-way wagers along with enticing options like forecasts, tricasts, and match bets. With over 40 sports available, this is arguably one of the largest bookmakers in Ireland.

On the reward side, Dachbet is offering a 100% up to €100 welcome bonus to new players on their first deposit. Simply deposit a minimum of €10 and place bets with minimum odds of 1.80 and the bonus will be immediately credited to your account. You can use this offer to bet on several horse racing events, including the Galway Races.

Discover more in my Dachbet review!

2️⃣LegendPlay

Galway races

LegendPlay might be a new bookmaker having just launched in 2022, but it has quickly risen to become one of the top betting sites in Ireland with over 30 sports. The site has the best free bet offers for those looking to bet on the Galway Races. New bettors at LegendPlay are treated to a whopping 100% deposit bonus of up to €250 which you can use to bet on the Galway Races. All you need to claim this offer is to deposit at least €10 and place bets with odds of 1.50 or higher on any horse racing market. Beyond the welcome bonus, there are plenty of other offers up for grabs, including free bet offers and LegendPlay’s Accumulator Boost promo. Depending on your selection, you can receive up to a 100% accumulator boost with this bonus.

It has also become one of the premier destinations for horse racing betting, with plenty of markets that include win, each-way wagers, match bets, forecast, and tricast bets. This bookie goes the extra mile by offering odds boosts and virtual sports betting which allows you to bet on virtual horse racing events.

Learn more about this bookmaker in my LegendPlay review!

3️⃣Spreadex

spreadex-banner

Launched in 2006, Spreadex is one of the few sports betting sites that offer sports spread betting and fixed odds betting. Featuring over 20 sports with thousands of betting markets, this is the best Galway Races site for live betting. Spreadex offers in-play betting and live sports streaming for several sports, including horse racing events like the Galway Races. The combination of live streaming and in-play betting at Spreadex creates an elite live wagering experience for players.

On the reward side, Spreadex is offering a special bonus for Galway Races bettors. Once you deposit and bet €10, you can claim €40 in free bets to wager on the Galway festival. In addition to its €50 sports welcome bonus, you have access to several other promotional offers for horse racing. You can claim bonuses in the bookie's 'First Past The Post' promo, get double odds for your winning selections through its 'Lucky Double Odds' offer, or receive a cashback offer of up to €25 in free bets when you activate the '2nd To A Rag' Insurance promotion.

Read my Spreadex review to learn more!

4️⃣Betiton

Galway races

Like LegendPlay, Betiton is another new bookie that was launched in 2020 and is currently the best new site to bet on the Galway Races. It also has some of the most competitive ante-post prices for a wide selection of Galway Races betting markets around. Betiton stands out for its wide range of in-play betting options, coupled with flexible cash-out features. With coverage for over 40 sports, you will find several other horse racing events beyond the Galway Races.

New punters at Betiton can grab €10 in free bets after depositing at least €15. This offer is only valid for bets with odds of 2.00 or higher and you can use it to place wagers on the Galway Races. The bookie is also offering up to a 77% boost on pre-match combos that can include bets on the Galway Races and other horse racing events.

Check out my Betiton review to learn more!

5️⃣TonyBet

Galway races

TonyBet is a popular bookmaker renowned for its vast collection of over 30,000 diverse betting markets and extensive coverage of the Galway Races. While TonyBet does not offer live streaming, the bookie provides an enriched live betting experience coupled with a forecast feature. There are over 35 sports available on the platform and these cover several betting markets for horse racing. It is currently the best site for Galway Races for welcome offers.

Irish players joining the site can claim a 100% welcome bonus of up to €100 in free bets with a minimum deposit of €10. You can use this offer to place bets on the Galway Races and other horse racing events. You also have access to its exclusive sports VIP programme, boosted odds on several events, and a cash-out feature that lets you settle your bets early.

Find out more about this bookmaker in this TonyBet review.

🎁 Best Galway Races Free Bets and Promotions

Interested in finding the best free bets for the Galway Races? Here are some of the top Galway Races betting offers you can take advantage of

1.
Boyle​Sports
Bonus:
€30+ €10 Casino Bonus

18+ | New customers only. Min stake €10 | 30 days to qualify | Payment method restrictions exist | Play Responsibly | Terms and Conditions apply. | http://www.begambleaware.org

2.
Lunu​bet Sports
Bonus:
€100

18+ | New players only | Min. deposit 20EUR | Max number of winnings using bonus funds is 10,000 EUR | Bonus validity 14 days from receipt | Free spins given within 5 days from bonus activation, Wagering req. : 6x bonus + deposit | Wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly

3.
Direc​tion​Bet Sport
Bonus:
€100

18+ | New players only | Min. deposit 10EUR | Max number of winnings using bonus funds is 10,000 EUR | Bonus validity 14 days from receipt | Wagering req. : 16x bonus | Wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly

🗓️Galway Races 2024 Fixture List

The Galway Races schedule is usually tight. The upcoming Galway Races in 2024 promises an action-packed schedule, boasting 49 thrilling races set to unfold over seven days. Navigating through this bustling lineup can be quite a task, so I have compiled a comprehensive summary for each day of the event. This overview will assist you in pinpointing the dates and times of your favourite races, ensuring you're well-prepared to enjoy the excitement and make informed punts throughout this enthralling horse racing extravaganza.

Below, you will find information about all Galway Races dates and the Galway Races start times for each race.

The Opening Day - Monday 29th July

Day one of the 2024 Galway Races kicks off on Monday, July 29th, featuring an exciting lineup of seven evening races scheduled from 17:10 to 20:20. Among the thrilling races on this opening day are the prestigious ClareGalwayhotel.ie Irish EBF Maiden and the highly-anticipated Easyfix Handicap Hurdle.

Start TimeRaceDistance
17:10The Galwaybayhotel.com &TheGalmont.com Novice Hurdle2m 130y
17:40The Easyfix Handicap Hurdle7f
18:10The ClareGalwayhotel.ie Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden2m 130y
18:40The Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap2m 179y
19:15The ClaytonhotelGalway.ie Handicap7f
19:50The Eventus Handicap1m 4f 84y
20:20The Monami Construction Flat Race 2m 130y

Throwback Tuesday - Tuesday 30th July

On the second evening of the Galway Races, dubbed 'Throwback Tuesday' on July 30th, the festivities continue with seven thrilling races from 17:10 to 20:20, set against the backdrop of iconic 1980s music. Among the highlights of this day is the prestigious COLM Quinn BMW Mile Premier Handicap, drawing Ireland's finest handicap runners, with a remarkable first prize of €120,000.

Start TimeRaceDistance
17:10COLM QUINN BMW Novice Hurdle2m 4f
17:40The Latin Quarter Beginners Steeplechase2m 110yds
18:10COLM QUINN BMW Irish EBF Fillies Maiden7f
18:40COLM QUINN BMW Mile Premier Handicap1m 123y
19:15The Caulfield Industrial Irish EBF Maiden7f
19:50The caulfieldindustrial.com Handicap1m 123y
20:20The Caulfield Industrial Handicap1m 123y

Galway Plate Day - Wednesday 31st July

Wednesday, the 31st of July marks Galway Plate Day, featuring the prestigious National Hunt steeplechase among seven thrilling races scheduled from 17:10 to 20:20. Adding to the excitement, a country music extravaganza awaits, featuring live performances by The Gamblers, Niall Doorhy, and the Rhythm Train DJ Set throughout the day!

Start TimeRaceDistance
17:10The Tote Fantasy who’s in your Stable Maiden Hurdle2m 110y
17:40The Tote Always SP Or Better At Galway Handicap Hurdle2m 110y
18:10The Tote.ie Never Beaten By SP Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle2m 5f 11y
18:40The Tote Galway Plate2m 6f 111y
19:15The SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote (Q.R) Maiden2m 5f 11y
19:50The Tote Download the APP Handicap2m 110y
20:20The Tote Guarantee on all Irish & UK Races Handicap2m 110y

Ladies Day and the Galway Hurdle - Thursday 1st August

Thursday, the 1st of August marks the celebrated 'Ladies Day' at Galway in 2024, a quintessential event where elegance meets thrilling races. The day presents a lineup of eight spectacular afternoon and evening races, culminating in the highly anticipated €250,000 Galway Hurdle Handicap. Here’s the complete schedule for this glamorous day at the races.

Start TimeRaceDistance
14:10The Guinness Beginners Steeplechase6f
14:45The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Novice Steeplechase2m 2f 54y
15:20The Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Handicap2m 2f 54y
15:55The Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes2m 11y
16:30The Guinness Novice Hurdle2m 4f 156y
17:05The Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap2m
17:40The Guinness 0.0% Handicap Hurdle3m
18:10The Guinness Time Flat Race2m 2f 59y

Friday's Most Stylish - Friday 2nd August

Friday, the 2nd of August offers another thrilling day at Galway Races with eight scheduled races, featuring the prestigious Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Steeplechase. From 17:00 to 20:40, the festival resumes its evening racing, showcasing thrilling contests on the tracks. Friday also features the festival’s renowned fashion competition, sponsored by Athlone Town Centre, where racegoers showcase their style and elegance.

Start TimeRaceDistance
17:00The Guinness Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle2m 150y
17:30The James’s Gate Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden2m 150y
18:00The Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Steeplechase2m 6f 111y
18:35The Guinness Handicap2m 11y
19:10The Guinness Irish EBF Fillies Maiden7f
19:40The Arthur Guinness Handicap1m 100y
20:10The Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Race2m 150y
20:40The Hop House 13 Handicap2m 150y

The Weekender - Saturday 3rd August

On Saturday, the 3rd of August, the excitement continues at Galway Races 2024 with eight thrilling races scheduled from 13:55 to 17:55. The highlight of the day is the highly anticipated Ardilaun Hotel Handicap, where the runners will commence their race at 16:50.

Start TimeRaceDistance
13:55The BoyleSports Download the App Maiden Hurdle1m 73y
14:30The Boylesports Handicap Hurdle1m 3f 180y
15:05The Boylesports Casino Irish EBF Maiden5f 164y
15:40The Bathshack Maiden1m 123y
14:15The Grá Chocolates Irish EBF Nursey Maiden6f
14:50The Ardilaun Hotel Handicap7f
17:25The McDonogh Capital Investments Handicap1m 3f 180y
17:55The BoyleSports Irish EBF Mares Flat Race2m 110y

Last Day - Sunday 4th August

Sunday, the 4th of August marks the conclusion of Galway Races, celebrated as the jovial 'Mad Hatter's Family Fun Day'. This finale features several engaging family activities alongside eight captivating races, all scheduled from 13:50 to 17:30.

Start TimeRaceDistance
13:50The Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle2m 4f 85y
14:20The Kenny Galway Handicap Hurdle1m 73y
14:55The Eileen Kelly Memorial SteeplechaseN/A
15:30The Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Steeplechase7f
16:00The Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Ahonoora” Handicap7f
16:30The Kinlay Hostel Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden1m
17:10The Ireland West Airport Knock Handicap1m 5f 186y
17:30The FR. Breen Memorial (Pro-am) Flat Race1m 5f 186y

🏁 Galway Races History

The inception of the Galway Races traces back to a historic two-day event held in August 1869 at the renowned Ballybrit Course, marking the festival's official initiation. From its humble beginnings, the festival progressively expanded, evolving into a three-day and then a four-day meeting in 1959 and 1971, respectively. In 1974, another day was added, and by 1982, the event extended to a remarkable six-day celebration. The highlight came in 1999 when the festival incorporated a seventh and final day of the races.

Today, the Galway Races is one of the premier summer horse racing festivals globally, attracting an immense following. The summer festival regularly draws over 150,000 enthusiastic spectators throughout the week.

Notably, renowned trainer Willie Mullins boasts exceptional success, tallying 116 placements out of 246 runners with an impressive 47% success rate since 2018. Similarly, jockey Paul Townsend stands out, securing an impressive 62 placements out of 106 runs, marking a commendable 58% success rate during the same period.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Betting on Galway Races

What is the biggest race at Galway Races?

The Galway Plate and the Galway Hurdle are the two most coveted races at the Galway Races. They draw the biggest crowds of the week and attract some of the best equine talent in the industry.


What date is the Galway Races 2024?

The Galway Races in 2024 are scheduled to take place from Monday, July 29th to Sunday, August 4th. Each day features between seven to eight races. You can check each day’s schedule on this page.


When can I place a bet on the Galway Races?

Betting on the Galway Races usually opens well in advance of the event. Many bookmakers start offering odds and accepting bets weeks before the races commence, so you can start placing ante-post bets well ahead of the actual race day.


What is the best bet type for the Galway Races?

There are many types of bets and betting markets available for Galway Races betting, with the most popular examples including win, place, and each-way bets. You can also place a combination of multiple bets in an accumulator.

✒️ Lewis Humphries Horse Racing and Sports Betting Expert

lewis-humphries

Lewis Humphries is an experienced sportswriter and tipster from the UK. He writes regularly about the horse racing and key events from across the UK and Ireland, including the Irish Grand National, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Aintree Grand National.