Johnny Ward's Thursday tips at Galway and Goodwood: "The nap of the day"
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Thu 30 Jul 2026
I write this in recovery mode after attending Galway – what a place!
Some soldiers battle on in the west for the whole seven days; I am not sure how – and one night out in Galway is full of meeting so many people, it would be taxing to meet many more.
It looks a good punting card on day four of what has been a frustrating week so far, but it was encouraging to see the betting ring so busy in Ballybrit, and there were predictably no shortage of layers looking for my custom.
I have managed to find seven selections for Thursday's action, including in the Guinness Galway Hurdle. Best of luck.
2.10 Galway: Eighteenth Smiles
Johnny Ward
Finished: 3rdSP: 12/1
The 16-1 about this colt looks a good each-way play. He has looked in need of further and headgear so far – both of which he gets here – in maidens.
His sire, State Of Rest, is showing distinct promise and was highly progressive, and whilst his mark looks harsh enough on what he has achieved, he is in top hands plus appeals as the type to relish the hill.
2.25 Goodwood: Man's Best Friend
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 11/2
It was clear at Naas how many horses were struggling with the gallop in the Naas maiden won by this beautifully-bred colt, after which stable representative Chris Armstrong said: “He's a super attitude, a powerful, big strong horse.”
This is a smart race, hence he is a general 15-2 chance, but doubts about the yard form evaporated on Tuesday, and this youngster is very promising.
2.45 Galway: Celtic Motif
This filly transferred to Brendan Walsh in 2025. Her last run before that was when she finished third at 7-1 in a Curragh Group Three, when beaten little over a length by Whirl, with Giselle back in fourth (placings later reversed).
She did enough on her return at Killarney to suggest she retains her ability, and she looks too big at the 14-1 on offer.
3.20 Galway: Shadow Paddy
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 5/2
He has already been very well backed, but day-before markets lack any depth.
He should become a more realistic price pre-racing on Thursday, and is very hard to oppose on what he has done so far over fences.
He's my nap of the day on Thursday.
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3.55 Galway: Rosie's Wings
Johnny Ward
Finished: 3rdSP: 14/1
Ross O’Sullivan, who continues in fine form, extolled the physique of this son of Wings Of Eagles after he won easily at Punchestown.
I am far from convinced Roc Dino (2-1) has achieved so much more than him to merit the major price discrepancy here, and the selection looks sure to do better now over this distance.
Makes plenty of each-way appeal at 16-1.
4.30 Galway: Putapoundinthejar
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 10/1
Tony Martin landed the feature on Tuesday, and there is no race that has been kinder to the yard this century than the Guinness Galway Hurdle.
No doubt Putapoundinthejar needs to do better in a far hotter race here, but he travels like he will cope with this test, and I’d have reservations about market leader El Cairos in what does not look the strongest renewal of the Galway feature.
5.40 Galway: Jujubella
Johnny Ward
Finished: 14thSP: 10/1
Perhaps Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore fancy a night out in Galway, but the owner has never had a runner in Ireland before, so I can't see why they are making the expensive trip to the West of Ireland unless they believe this mare can go well.
She finished with running left in her at Hamilton when a strong favourite and, while the yard has a poor strike-rate with Flat runners, she is entitled to run well at the 12-1 on offer.
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