REVEALED: Entries for the biggest race of the year at Mayo racecourse

Ballinrobe Racecourse is all set to host the McHale Mayo National Handicap Chase on Monday, May 26. The race has a prize fund of €100,000 and is regarded as the biggest race that takes place at the Mayo racecourse annually.

Aiming to win the prestigious race for the third year running is trainer Gordon Elliott, who has six entries. Elliot gained his first success in the race back in 2023 when Tullybeg came home in first place and was ridden by Galway native Danny Gilligan. Upcoming jockey Sam Ewing was on board Duffle Coat in last year’s renewal as he led the grey horse home for the powerful  Elliot stable. 

There are 32 entries in all for this year’s renewal which will be broadcasted live on TG4. See entries here. 

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In this year’s Mayo National, Tullybeg will head Gordan Elliot’s chances while the Meath trainer could have Western Fold in the mix as he most recently won a beginners chase last week at Tipperary. Yeats Star also, a winner on chase debut at last year’s Listowel festival. 

Leading trainer Willie Mullins had five entries for the big race with Spanish Harlem looking like his best chance. A Penny A Hundred who won her beginner chase last year at the Mayo track will also be right in the mix while the JP Mc Manus owned Zenta will more than likely be top weight in the 2025 Mayo headline race. 

Henry De Bromhead has entered two with Toss Again and Native Speaker his chances. Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer, Gavin Cromwell has Mint Boy and Noble Birth who ran in the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday. 

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Some other possible runners include the Colm Murphy trained Cadatharla while Kiltealy Park is entered for fellow Wexford trainer, Paul Nolan. Sea Music who most recently won at the Punchestown Festival for shrewd trainer, Emmet Mullins is also entered while Dermot Mc Laughlin has the former Irish Grand National winner, Lord Lariat in contention for the huge race. 

Ballinrobe racecourse manager, John Flannery said “We could hardly be happier with how the McHale Mayo National is shaping up. It is great to see 19 different trainers targeting the race and it certainly has the makings of a strong renewal. 

“We are thrilled to be welcoming back TG4’s Rásaí Beo team who will be broadcasting the race for the fourth time. McHale Raceday is special to everyone at Ballinrobe Racecourse and we are very much looking forward to the occasion on Monday week.”

With racing on Monday the 26th and Tuesday the 27th, racegoers can find tickets to the Ballinrobe races at https://ballinroberacecourse.ie/buy-tickets-3/.

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