'He'd be my nap of the week' - Day 1 tips for Galway Races

The amateurs take the spotlight on the opening day of the 2026 Galway Races in the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap (70-100) at 6.40.

Journalist Johnny Ward is joined by former jockey turned coach, Paddy Flood, who enjoyed his own success at Ballybrit, including landing the 2006 Galway Hurdle, and the pair of them combined brains to preview the valuable handicap on our Galway preview show.

Watch our Galway Races preview in full

Johnny Ward

I'm quite interested in Filey Bay here. He won off a mark of 84 last year when he landed a gamble.

He's only rated 90 now and, I think Alan O’Sullivan got Ride of the Year last year as well.

He did need a bit of luck on the day, but he was actually sixth at Naas last time in the Colm White Bookmaker Beggar‘s End Handicap.

He comes here fresh, which might be a slight concern, but I'm taking a chance that his trainer will have him right. Very deep race.

Paddy Flood

If the other J.P. McManus horse runs, Light Up The Dark I tipped him up last week on our show, The Irish Angle.

I thought he had a lovely run the last day at Fairyhouse. He didn't get knocked around.

He'd be my nap of the week, to be honest, if he runs here. Off a mark of 89, I think he's still very well treated.

As an each-way poke, I'd go with Eagle Fang He's a little horse with plenty of mileage under his belt, but he's hardy and tough, and Galway looks like it would suit him.

Johnny Barry is booked to ride and he’s a very, very good rider.

JP McManus has good record

JW Have a look back on the IrishRacing.com replays. All of the replays are now on the site and in HD as well, including Light Up The Dark's run behind Tounsivator at Fairyhouse over a mile and six.

By the standards of a J.P. McManus horse, I've definitely seen more eye-catching performances, but Paddy felt it was a lovely prep for this.

It was only his second run of the season and you'd imagine this is the plan. It's a race that J.P. McManus, now in his mid-70s, would love to win again. Comfort Zone ahead of him in the weights, also represents him.

The way Joseph is going, how many runners could he have? The form the yard is in is incredible. The juveniles are cleaning up, but he's doing it with them all.

J.P. McManus has a great record around Galway and in this race, and he's strongly represented.

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