Shane Foley and Dan King are two of four jockeys to note around Galway

The excitement of the Galway Festival is finally here. Months of planning, thinking and preparation all come down to one unforgettable week at Ballybrit. But once the white flag is raised and the stalls open, all of that goes out the window.

It is then down to the man or woman on board to make the split-second decisions that can prove brilliant or, unfortunately, go the other way, leading to frustration and plenty of "what ifs". Here's a look at four jockeys to have your pen circling every time they appear on the racecard, or whatever racing app you use.

Shane Foley

Since 2020, Shane Foley has ridden 18 winners at the Galway Festival, and he's a man that can get around the Ballybrit track like no other. He constantly has his horses in the best positions, and with the Harrington stable targeting the Galway meeting, it helps to have a man on board with the ability of Shane to get them into good positions.

With plenty of rides throughout the week for Shane Foley, it's important that he is someone who is in all of your notebooks. Shane and the Jessica Harrington stable enjoyed a double last Thursday in Leopardstown so it is a good omen for the week ahead

Dylan Browne McMonagle

The star boy of Irish racing is enjoying another fruitful season, with boss Joseph O'Brien in sensational form, and the Donegal man has been riding horses around tight bends like Dingle all of his life, and that experience tells in his Galway success.

He has enjoyed success throughout the Galway Festival since his claiming days, and with the form of the Joseph O'Brien horses at the current time, it would be hard to imagine that he won't be top jockey of the week this time next week.

He also has the connections of trainers such as Paul Flynn and many others who can provide Dylan with the best outside rides. The Donegal man will also look to enhance his chances for Champion Jockey in Ireland again, and although missing the early part of the season through a back injury, he is still odds-on favourite to win.

Paul Townend

It's easy to talk about the man who has the best chances, but we couldn't talk about the Galway Festival without mentioning the numerous-time Champion Jockey and Champion Trainer Willie Mullins.

They will line up in all the big hurdle and Flat races, with Paul taking the number one horse in all the events over obstacles, and looking at his potential book of rides, it is extremely exciting.

The five-time Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey has had some great days in the west of Ireland at the end of July. It is highly likely that he will ride Funiculi Funicula in the Galway Plate, and this six-year-old will have a favourite's chance after his superb performance at the Punchestown Festival. He will have a great chance at making it a feature race double in the Galway Hurdle, as Murcia looks to have a great chance off a mark of 138.

The five-year-old daughter of Doctor Dino was sent off a 13/2 shot in the County Hurdle, and she's attracted plenty of support on her latest two starts. Paul Townend has won the Galway Plate and Hurdle both times, and he will be looking to add further success this season.

Daniel King

The final jockey to take note of this week is Daniel King. He has been a breath of fresh air, and he has a neat and nice, on-the-eye riding style with an ability to cajole horses into races. He was hailed by trainer Tony Martin at Bellewstown after guiding Putapoundinthejar who will run in the Galway Hurdle, as Martin said:

“Thank God he doesn’t have a job with Willie Mullins or Gordon Elliott, as I wouldn’t be able to use him, but what a rider.

He’s as good a rider as I’ve seen since the likes of Ruby Walsh. He’s definitely the next coming. Top class.”

When a jockey is getting that sort of praise, it is obvious his talent is extremely evident. He will pick up some lovely rides throughout the week, and with a track like Galway being so tactical, it is important to have a calm pair of hands on your horse, and King will provide that to his mounts.

He may not have the firepower that the likes of Paul Townend and Jack Kennedy will have, but he will make full use of them.