Ado McGuinness (centre) has three runners on the first day of the Galway Races© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Ado McGuinness has enjoyed plenty of success over the years at the Galway Festival and he’ll be well-represented at Ballybrit this week.
He starts off with three runners on day one, with three-time all-weather winner Eglish the first in to bat at 4.40pm.
McGuinness assessed the prospects of his runners on Paddy Power’s 'From The Horse’s Mouth’ podcast.
"Eglish (4.40) would have been hoping for better ground, but she’s a real honest filly.
"She gives her all every time she runs, ran a very good race the other day in Naas from drawn wide so we’re hopeful that she will act on the ground, but she’s one I’d put a question mark over with ground. War Hero despite being out of form of late, has been quite well-backed in the 5.45 (division two of the older horses’ 7f handicap).
“He ran very well down there last year and he’s down a few pounds as well so we’d be hopeful that he’ll run a nice race. The draw is kind to him as well which is a huge factor there over seven."
McGuinness’ final runner on Monday is the ex-Andrew Balding inmate Lariat (also been nibbled at in the market) in the 1m4f (50-80) handicap at 6.15.
“I think there was 16mm of rain last night, the ground has gone soft — it will suit Lariat," said McGuinness.
"I think he’s crying out for soft ground. He’s dropped a few pounds in the handicap, I’d be hoping that he’d run a nice race. A mile and a half, he’ll definitely love the trip.”
