GALWAY OAKS TO GATHER MOMENTUM

Peter Farrell

The 2026 On Faya Galway Oaks got off to a brilliant start last weekend and the field has already been whittled down to just twelve runners, with a host of leading contenders still firmly in the hunt for the €10,000 first prize.

The standard was set by Avenue Queen in the opening round, the Brian Robinson-trained lady maintaining her flawless record of four wins from four starts at Galway. She produced a terrific performance to come from off the pace before drawing clear to score in a rapid 28.84 .20s. Despite that victory, however, the Tyrone raider has not been rewarded with a favourable semi-final draw and will face her toughest assignment to date when she lines out in the opening semi-final tonight. There is no doubt that the daughter of King Elvis – Avenue Ana is a different animal when donning the red jacket but, that said, she should have enough to edge her inside rivals. Despite not breaking as sharply as she can, she posted a 3.39 sectional and a repeat should see her turn handy before turning the screw from halfway. Indeed, Ballyhoe Natalee felt the full force of Avenue Queen last time out, with Mark Connolly's charge having no answer to Robinson's runner. She possesses explosive early speed, however, and is likely to lead once again from an ideal draw in trap two. There is no doubt the daughter of Jaytee Taylor will improve for last week's look at Galway and she has the ability to turn the tables on her rival. Magical Be Nifty is the other obvious threat for Pat and Donal Guilfoyle in trap five. She could only manage third behind Avenue Queen last time out but she is a classy lady and, if reproducing her very best form, remains a leading outright contender. That said, she too has been handed a tricky draw in five. Of the remainder, Peteles Honey and Ballinabola Pixi will need to raise their game in order to qualify, while Elsies Melody can be expected to produce a bolder showing in six. Pat Gleeson's October pup shaped with plenty of promise on her Galway debut in the opening round.

MAG TO FLY

In the second semi-final, Magical Mag can further strengthen her credentials as the one to beat for Pat Guilfoyle.

The Irish Derby finalist, Connacht Derby and Lifford Oaks winner returned with a 29.08 .20s effort in the opening round but, make no mistake, that performance was several levels below her true capabilities. Drawn in trap two tonight, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout possesses stunning early speed and looks set to receive a clear passage based on last week's opening sectionals. Should 'Mag' get loose tonight, she could go considerably faster and further cement her status as the one to beat. Of her chief rivals, kennel companion Magical Hope can give her the most to think about. The brindle daughter of Dorotas Wildcat showed tremendous determination to fend off Deerjet Matilda when the latter looked certain to score last time out. Drawn in six, she too has an obvious liking for the Connacht venue and can book her place in the final with a clear passage from her wide berth. Deerjet Matilda is another major contender. The Pat Buckley-trained runner produced a good display on her Galway debut and is likely to improve now that she is familiar with her surroundings. That said, Nicholas Dela Roche's lady will need to overcome a tricky draw in trap four. Of the others, Tiny Butler has a bit to find but possesses the Mullingar form to cause problems, while the Murt Leahy kennel is doubly represented by Berry On Faya and Kishlawn Kudos. Both are talented ladies but will need to bring their A-game if they are to make the frame.

JIMMY FLAHERTY MEMORIAL SECOND ROUND

Providing strong supporting action on the card are the second-round heats of the Jimmy Flaherty Memorial A1/A2 525.

Breaghmore Joeys set the standard in the opening round for M.J. Corrigan with a smart 29.07 .20s victory from the front. On that occasion, the heavyweight clocked a slick 3.32 sectional, an exit that allowed him to dictate throughout. The April son of Ballymac Cashout is heading firmly in the right direction and is certainly the one to beat in the opening heat tonight. Of his rivals, kennel companion Breaghmore Tilly could prove the main danger. The pacey blue ran well in defeat in round one and is remarkably consistent on the clock, rarely producing a below-par effort. Jasmine Coco is another capable of entering the equation for Colm Fitzgerald and Cian Mulrooney.

The Liam Carr-owned Summerfield Tear was just one spot slower than Breaghmore Joeys in the opening round and continued her upward trajectory. The daughter of Grangeview Ten was a commanding nine-length winner on that occasion and is likely to head to traps at prohibitive odds. With just seven starts under her belt, further improvement can be expected and she has also landed a plum draw in trap three. Glengar Sofia represents Gerry Holian in trap two and has the ability to upset the apple cart, while Rosshill Diamond and Portumna Syd are both likely to race prominently in the early exchanges.

Grangeview Ike underlined his superior pace and power in the opening round with a fifth victory from just nine starts and is difficult to oppose in heat three for Michael Hogan. Posting 29.21 .20s from the front, the strapping fawn was razor-sharp at traprise and the sectionals suggest he can once again dictate from the outset. Drawn ideally in trap two, the improving youngster looks a genuine outright player and another bold bid is expected. Of his rivals, Lissatouk Robbie ran a terrific race in defeat, making significant late inroads behind Grangeview Ike. Seamus McMahon's runner really comes into his race from halfway and looks a solid qualifier, while Glamorous Jet is also well housed and, despite finishing runner-up in his last two outings, has dipped under 29 seconds and can give 'Ike' plenty to think about.

In the concluding heat of the night, claims can be made for several runners, however, the vote goes the way of Glamorous Rocket. Although the son of Priceless Jet finished six lengths behind Salsa Fire last weekend, he caught the eye in defeat and is unlikely to break as poorly as his 3.52 sectional suggests. He again dons the red jacket and a much sharper showing is expected from the pacey blue. Salsa Fire is a major player for Johnny Burke after scoring in 29.32 .20s in the opening round, while Island Bobby also did little wrong when winning comfortably last time out. Bumblebee Milan, Substance and Hanover Luna complete the line-up and all three have strong claims of making the frame if bringing their best form to the table.