The Galway Hurdle is Ireland’s big race of the day on Thursday and also one of the two main events of the Galway Festival. It has been a good week for Noel Meade as he managed to claim victory in Wednesday’s Galway Plate with 20/1 shot Pinkerton. We like to keep an eye on the betting markets and it would appear that punters suspect he can pull off the big double.
His runner in the Galway Hurdle was as big as 16/1 on Wednesday and sustained market support has seen its price slashed into just 15/2. With this in mind, we’ve taken a detailed look at the horse’s chances. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Jesse Evans hasn’t raced over hurdles for a year, as his last start in this sphere was in the 2023 Galway Hurdle. Mullins’ Zarak the Brave beat him by a neck that day and he’s on a 4lb higher mark this time. It’s worth noting that conditional jockey Conor Stone-Walsh takes 5lb off here, which alleviates the rise.
Meade’s gelding ran well on his return when finishing fourth in a 1m7f handicap on the Flat. That effort should put him spot on for this and perhaps it’s his turn this year. The eight-year-old was also runner-up in the 2022 renewal so it’s about time he became the bride!
Whilst it’s clear that this a seriously competitive renewal once again, he clearly likes the race and shouldn’t be ruled out. Pulling off the Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle double would be quite the achievement and Jesse Evans is now one to watch.
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