Laytown 2026: Ado McGuinness Chases Another Beach Winner - Tips & Weather Watch
Laytown's famous beach meeting returns to County Meath on Thursday, with this year's declarations providing a genuine storyline as Adrian "Ado" McGuinness, one of the fixture's most successful trainers in recent years, returns with the same horse that landed last year's feature handicap.
Distillate, who beat 12 rivals under Adam Caffrey to land last year's O'Neills.com Handicap, returns to Laytown on Thursday for the earlier 4:39pm claiming race, and despite a recent dip in fortunes, his proven course form and Adrian McGuinness's strong record at the track make him an interesting one to keep onside.
To help you get the most out of the day, we've also put together our free Laytown tips along with the best horse racing free bets from the UK's most popular betting sites.
Going & Weather Watch
Racing is currently scheduled on Standard ground at Laytown, but rain is forecast to arrive on Thursday evening.
It's not the storm drama that threatened last year's meeting, but showers are likely for the final two races at 6:50pm and 7:20pm, so conditions could ease slightly as the card progresses.
Last year's other Laytown specialist, Amanirenas, is only a reserve for the 6:50pm O'Neills.com Handicap, meaning she needs a late withdrawal to get a run, so keep an eye on the final declarations if you're considering backing her again.
Laytown Tips
We've picked out two runners for Thursday's action on the beach.
4:39pm Laytown - Distillate
DISTILLATE (Each-Way) won last year's O'Neills.com Handicap for Adrian McGuinness and returns with Sam Coen booked, dropped into this claiming contest off an official rating of 49.
Her recent form has been modest - a close second at Dundalk back in February aside - but she carries genuine course form into a race where that experience should count on the tight beach track.
Recommendation: Distillate (Each-Way) - 22/1 with bet365 (3 places)
6:20pm Laytown - Joe Cool
JOE COOL has posted a couple of useful efforts in Curragh maidens without quite getting his head in front, and steps up to face weaker rivals in this Pride Of Place Maiden.
Noel Meade's four-year-old is partnered by Colin Keane, who is chasing another Irish jockeys championship, making his booking a notable positive for a horse with the form to win this contest.
Recommendation: Joe Cool - 9/2 with bet365
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