Columbus can get Mullins' Saturday off to flying start

The French recruit made an encouraging start to life at Closutton when second on his hurdling debut at Killarney in May, form boosted by Midnight Jet and Mr Hollywood, first and third in that contest, winning here this week.

Sat, 01 Aug, 2026 - 05:27

Darren Norris

The Willie Mulllins-trained Columbus can get punters off to a flying start at Galway on Saturday by winning the maiden hurdle that kicks off proceedings.

The €400,000 French recruit made an encouraging start to life at Closutton when second on his hurdling debut at Killarney in May, form boosted by Midnight Jet and Mr Hollywood, first and third in that contest, winning here this week.

Switched to the Flat for a crack at the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Oasis Dream gelding finished a tailed off 11th of the 13 runners, a lacklustre effort that requires a bit of forgiving.

However, if the Columbus that ran in Killarney rocks up here, it’ll be no great surprise if he does the business, chiefly at the expense of the Emmet Mullins-trained Young Rebel, the most likely beneficiary if the Closutton contender disappoints again.

Successful on the Flat in Monday’s feature, Comfort Zone can complete a brilliant Ballybrit brace by winning the BOYLE Sports Handicap Hurdle.

Third in this race two years ago, the Joseph O’Brien-trained dual purpose operator could prove a tough nut to crack if fully recovered from Monday’s exertions.

Paul’s Dream has decent claims in the BOYLE Sports Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by Tony Mullins, the Mahler mare is on a hat-trick having followed up victory at Ballinrobe in May by beating subsequent Galway Hurdle third Gameball by 10 lengths at Kilbeggan last time out.

A 10lb hike for that success makes her task tougher but she’s clearly on great terms with herself at present and will likely go very close.

With Jack Kennedy an eye-catching jockey booking, the Cian Collins-trained Fiveonefive should also be in the mix but marginal preference is for Paul’s Dream.

The marathon meeting draws to a close on Sunday and Pierre Royal is fancied to turn the tables on Tuesday tormenter Orandi in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap.

A length and three-quarters separated the pair over a mile but the slight drop in trip to seven furlongs might be enough for Pierre Royal to come out on top this time.

Elsewhere on the card, Seaxburh can crown a fine week for Joseph O’Brien by getting the better of the Noel Meade-trained Star Glory in the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden.

Willie Mullins is also fancied to finish with a flourish with Fou De Toi, Blood Destiny, and Linford likely Closutton winners.

Darren Norris picks:

GALWAY (Saturday)

2.02 Columbus (Nap)

2.37 Paul's Dream

3.12 Comfort Zone (NB)

3.52 Fleur Dino

4.27 Victory Speech

5.00 Gliondar

5.35 The Sweet Escape

6.05 Fratas

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