'He's a right horse' - Galway Runners Destined for Big Things The Galway Festival is one of Ireland's great sporting events, not just for the racing but for the city itself, and if you haven't attended Ballybrit yet, then it has to go on your bucket list. With 33 different winning trainers this year, along with 50 different winning owners and 40 different winning jockeys, it shows just how competitive the Galway Festival is. Here we pick out four horses on an upward curve who could be destined for bigger things. 1. Constitution River is one to keep an eye on Jumps fans know all about Constitution Hill but it's the Flat runner Constitution River who is the one to follow moving forward. The Aidan O'Brien-trained son of Wootton Bassett was beaten a short head at Newmarket on his debut, with the pair pulling well clear, and he made no mistake when easily justifying long odds-on favouritism in a Galway maiden over 7f last week. Connections commented after the race: “He's a colt with a touch of class and is one to look forward to going into the second half of the season.” He holds an entry for the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh on August 23. 2. King Of Kingsfield to make his mark over fences King Of Kingsfield was seen giving his star stablemate, Brighterdaysahead, the lead in top hurdle contests last season, but looks one to keep an eye on for the upcoming season, given the manner of his win in a 2m2f beginners' chase at Galway last week. The talented seven-year-old saw off the well-backed Willie Mullins runner, My Great Mate, by over three lengths. He travelled well throughout the contest and asserted once they turned for home in the manner of a classy horse. Second in the Grade 1 Royal Bond as a novice hurdler, winning trainer Elliott is looking forward to more winning days with him: ‘I don't think he wants winter heavy ground but there are plenty of nice races to be won with him’. 3. Western Fold is a rapidly improving chaser The Gordon Elliott theme continues here as he had a fantastic week at Galway and Western Fold is another who could improve and move into Grade 1 company over fences next season. The improving chaser has won his last three over fences, culminating with an impressive victory in the Galway Plate, and who knows how good he will be just yet? Western Fold travelled well throughout and was well up with the pace from the off, finishing off his race in the manner of a very good horse. Winning jockey Danny Gilligan enthused after the race: “He's a right horse…it was poetry in motion”. 4. Could Ndaawi break into Grade 1 company next season? Ndaawi was second past the post but was eventually promoted to first as he was interfered with in the Galway Hurdle, a race that he fully deserved to win. Helvic Dream got the better of him by a head on the day, but he was short of room in the closing stages and would have won without interference. Given he had to give a stone to Helvic Dream, it was a top performance and he looks ready for the step up to better company after taking down that big prize on the day.
