'You'll struggle to hear a louder reception for any winner at any racecourse'

It's Galway, so it must be . . .

Weld winners
Nobody does Galway like Dermot Weld does Galway. He has won Monday's 7f maiden seven times in the last ten years and in 2011 he helped himself to an astonishing 17 winners in seven days. His raiding party begins with Right Honourable (6.15) before Zafayan and Time To Inspire try to win the feature Connacht Hotel Handicap (7.20), while Heartful (6.50) and Baliyka (7.50) look likely to go off favourite for their respective heats. This place is a Weld wonderland.

Roaring receptions
You will struggle to hear a louder reception for any winner at any racecourse in the world than this week at Galway. When Rebel Fitz won the Galway Hurdle in 2012 it was deafening, and it was not much quieter when Quick Jack landed a plunge in the race last year.

Road To Riches
Who would have thought we would get to see a staying chaser rated 162 – and 167 last December – running in July, but Road To Riches returns to the scene of his 11-length romp in 2014 to try to regain the Galway Plate. The way in which he demolished 21 rivals two years ago was one of the most astonishing sights ever witnessed around Ballybrit, so it is great to see him coming back for more.

Big Jackpot payouts
An American couple, touring in Ireland for a couple of days, made their maiden voyage to Ballybrit on the Tuesday last year and did a €16 quickpick on the Jackpot. They scooped €11,205 as the machine proved a better tipster than the lot of us and picked all four winners. The Yanks left with more money than they arrived with. Now that's what you call beginner's luck! The following day there was a single on-course winner who took home a tasty €35,247. The Tote Jackpot is guaranteed for €50,000 for the first five days.

WHERE TO EAT TONIGHT
McSwiggans, 3 Eyre St, Wood Quay
Taking orders right up until 10.30pm today and more tables than you would find in a mathematics book, McSwiggans is the ideal spot for Monday. Try the spiced chicken breast with peanuts cooked in a house blend of spices with mixed vegetables and served sizzling with savoury rice. You won't be disappointed. And if you have enough time for a starter, the monkfish medallions sauteed in creamy garlic sauce and served with rice are top-notch.

MY BEST RIDE
Declan McDonogh
I have three nice rides tonight but my best chance is on My Fantasea in the 1m4f handicap (7.50). He's improving and did only what he had to do at Dundalk last time when winning his maiden narrowly. I'd like to think there is more in the tank. The step up in trip might bring about further improvement and I'd be disappointed if he wasn't bang there turning in.