Willie Mullins achieves a treble in Tipperary as three jockeys, each in turn, help Arctic Fly secure a victorious homecoming.
In the bustling atmosphere of the Galway Races, two horses, Arctic Gale and Born Bright, stole the spotlight on Sunday, 2nd July, 2025. This was Arctic Gale's first victory since his triumph in October 2023, while Born Bright marked her fourth success in a handicap chase debut.
Arctic Gale, trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by Sean O'Keeffe, won the 2m3½f beginners' chase under Donagh Meyler. The Mee Family-owned horse, who wore a black armband as a tribute to a recent bereavement in the owner's family, emerged victorious at odds of 12-1.
In the second division of the 2m7f handicap chase, Born Bright, a 7-1 chance, clinched victory. Ridden by James Smith, the homebred filly, who prefers good ground, beat West Clare by two lengths with a strong finish. Trainer Claire O'Connell expressed her joy, noting that this win was particularly special as it marked the fourth of her progeny to claim victory.
O'Connell also spoke about Born Bright's previous performances, mentioning that she had a hard fall at Limerick and was jumping slow in Roscommon, needing confidence. However, she seemed to have found her form on Sunday, overcoming these challenges to secure a well-deserved victory.
Meanwhile, O'Connell hinted that Born Bright might consider a trip over to Perth in the future, considering her preference for good ground.
Elsewhere on the card, May Call You Back, a 4-6 favourite, defended her title in the 2m1⁄2f handicap chase, winning for the second year in a row. Brian Hayes gave an excellent ride to the horse, ensuring a successful defence of its crown.
Jack Kennedy, returning to the saddle for the first time since the Cheltenham Festival, had three rides on the card but none resulted in a win. St Cuthbert's Cave came closest, finishing third in the closing novice chase.
Runcok, a well-supported favourite, won the opening beginners' chase. The horse, who had a fall at Roscommon in his previous race, was ridden by Paul Townend, who commented on the horse's improved performance.
In an impressive display of dominance, Willie Mullins won three races at the event. The Galway Festival, which runs from July 28 to August 3, 2025, remains on the agenda for both Arctic Gale and Born Bright.
For the latest updates on the winners and notable performances from today's Galway races, we recommend checking the official Galway Races website or reputable sports news outlets that cover Irish horse racing on the day of the event.
Sports and racing were not only the highlights of the Galway Races on Sunday, 2nd July, 2025, but also the focus of the two horses, Arctic Gale and Born Bright, who made their mark in the 2m3½f beginners' chase and the second division of the 2m7f handicap chase respectively. Arctic Gale, trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by Sean O'Keeffe, emerged victorious at odds of 12-1, while Born Bright, a 7-1 chance, clinched victory under James Smith, beating West Clare by two lengths.
