The crisp autumn air at Ballybrit sets the scene for a full day of racing on 26 October 2025. Eight races blend maiden hurdles, novice chases, handicaps, and a closing fillies flat race. This Galway Race Preview captures every contender, jockey, trainer, and prize money, while highlighting the narrative arcs that make this meeting special.
Early Mares’ Maiden Hurdle – Setting the Pace (€12,000)
The card opens at 12:50 with The Purchase By 3pm Today To WINABMW.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle over 2 miles and 11 yards. Amen Kate (S. Ewing / Thomas Cooper) looks to dominate early, while Golden Order (E. Walsh / Patrick John Reilly) and Holly Brook (J. W. Kennedy / Gordon Elliott) provide quality opposition. Paudie’s Wings (S. W. Flanagan / David Harry Kelly), Rainbow Connection (D. J. Gilligan / Ross O’Sullivan), and Udontneedtoknow (D. E. Mullins / Richard James Daniels) complete a competitive field where composure over the hurdles will be crucial.
Beginners Steeplechase – Novices on the Fences (€15,500)
At 13:25, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Steeplechase spans 2 miles 6 furlongs and 111 yards. Good N’ Kind (M. P. O’Connor / Henry de Bromhead) heads the line-up alongside Great Universe (R. A. Doyle / Martin Brassil) and Hello Jack (S. Ewing / Gordon Elliott). Kamikaz Du Plessis (J. W. Kennedy / Gordon Elliott), My Great Mate (D. E. Mullins / W. P. Mullins), and O’ Moore Park (P. Townend / W. P. Mullins) complete a field of promising novices where fencing skill and early experience will define the outcome.
First Handicap Steeplechase – Midday Challenge (€12,000)
The 14:00 Brasserie On The Corner Handicap Steeplechase covers 2 miles 6 furlongs and 111 yards. Contenders include Dream In The Park (C. M. Hogan / E. McNamara), Stormy Judge (H. E. Sexton / P. A. Fahy), Quornofamonday (S. Ewing / J. P. Dempsey), Baldur’s Gate (S. D. Torrens / Miss Denise Marie O’Shea), Shantou Show (C. P. Millar / Noel C. Kelly), and Vaureal (K. M. Donoghue / Ian Patrick Donoghue). Tactics, pace, and energy conservation will be vital over Ballybrit’s rising finish.
Feature Handicap Steeplechase – The Afternoon Highlight (€23,000)
The 14:35 Glenman Corporation Handicap Steeplechase also stretches 2 miles 6 furlongs and 111 yards, with the largest prize on the card at €23,000. Buddy One (J. G. Gilligan / Paul John Gilligan) and Millforce (E. Staples / Gavin Cromwell) lead the entries, while My Immortal (S. W. Flanagan / Barry Connell), Ballybawn Belter (S. D. Torrens / Liz Doyle), Banjaxed (S. O’Callaghan / Mrs Lorna Fowler), and Prince Palace (H. E. Sexton / P. A. Fahy) make up a competitive field where stamina, positioning, and timing on the final climb will decide the winner.
Novice Hurdle – Emerging Talent (€14,000)
The 15:05 Supermac’s Novice Hurdle over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 156 yards features Huntsgrove (D. King / John Patrick Ryan) and Kate Knows Best (M. J. Kenneally / John Patrick Ryan). I’ll Sort That (D. L. Queally / Declan Queally) and Ma Jacks Hill (J. W. Kennedy / Gordon Elliott) are expected to contest the pace. Welonlyhavedone (K. M. Donoghue / Gavin Cromwell) and Villagers Cross (J. G. Gilligan / Paul John Gilligan) add depth, with all runners seeking to make a statement on Ballybrit’s testing terrain.
Maiden Hurdle – Future Stars (€12,500)
The 15:38 Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Maiden Hurdle stretches 2 miles 5 furlongs and 100 yards. Doctor Steinberg (P. Townend / W. P. Mullins) headlines the field alongside Frankie John (D. King / Denis Gerard Hogan), He Can’t Dance (J. W. Kennedy / Gordon Elliott), Jisco Du Brem (B. Hayes / Jonathan Sweeney), Listentomewillya (M. J. Kenneally / Norman Lee), and Mickey Hulie (S. W. Flanagan / David Harry Kelly). This race could reveal future graded contenders.
BMW Handicap Hurdle – A Tactical Finish (€15,000)
The 16:13 COLM QUINN BMW Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles 11 yards is valued at €15,000. Red Glory (P. M. O’Brien / Henry de Bromhead), One Big Boum (B. Hayes / Philip Fenton), The Nagger Reidy (S. W. Flanagan / Stephen Gerard Carey), Fierce Handay (S. D. Torrens / Noel Meade), Oh So Charming (M. J. Kenneally / Declan Queally), and Wardens Whisper (S. O’Callaghan / P. J. Rothwell) all have the potential to take the prize depending on tactics and form on the day.
Fillies Flat Race – Closing Act (€10,500)
The card closes at 16:43 with the Galway Plastic Surgery 4-Y-O Fillies (Pro/Am) Flat Race over 2 miles 11 yards, offering €10,500. Contenders include Alliteration (J. H. Williamson / J. P. Dempsey), Churchfield Annie (J. M. Halford / Emmet Mullins), Frontier Rose (E. Finegan / T. G. McCourt), How’s Ellie (J. Townend / W. P. Mullins), Hunskelper (A. J. Lord / Paul Mulligan), and Louve D’arc (L. A. Byrne / William Harvey). The flat finale provides a fitting close to a day dominated by stamina, skill, and tactical racing.
For official entries and conditions, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
