Galway Hurdle now the richest National Hunt race ever run in Ireland

Prizemoney for the Guinness Galway Hurdle at the end of July has been boosted to €300,000, making it the richest National Hunt race ever run in Ireland.

The €50,000 boost to the Day Four feature is part of a €160,000 prizemoney boost for the week overall that brings the total festival prizefund to a record €1.8 million.

The Tote-sponsored Galway Plate on Day Three of the festival has been boosted by €20,000 to €220,000. Each of the seven days will feature a race worth €80,000 and minimum race values have been increased to €12,000.

Meanwhile, Jessica Harrington's sole runner at Punchestown, Sandymount Duke, can prosper in one of the maiden hurdles after his runner-up finish to Limini last month.

Darwins Fox relishes decent ground and comes to the opening chase relatively fresh.