Discerning Air made light of the testing conditions at Galway yesterday when galloping clear on the run-in to take the featured Radisson SAS Hotel (Galway) Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Martin Mooney.
Mooney (19) was recording by far the most important of his five wins todate in this #25,000 Listed event, and trainer Michael Hourigan was so impressed that he intends offering the Ashbourne rider a job. 'Martin did everything right. It took this filly a long time to win but when she's good she is very good,' said the Limerick handler.
Trimaclana benefitted from a patient ride by Mark Madden to take the opening Ove Arup 3YO Maiden Hurdle, although the result was only confirmed after a lengthy stewards enquiry. The Philip Rothwell-trained filly edged right after the last, leaving the evens favourite Baby Power short of room on the far rail. The stewards decided that the winner had caused interference but had not improved her placing, and Madden was given a two day suspension (November 9 & 10) for careless riding. 'She is a good jumper, and is probably a bit better on faster ground,' commented Rothwell afterwards.
Hanger Straight may head next for the Leopardstown November Handicap after a runaway success in the Renvyle House Hotel Handicap. Austin Leahy's gelding drew clear from the furlong pole to beat Celtic Lore by 15 lengths, and is likely to go hurdling soon.
The Galway Race Committee yesterday announced the construction of an underground tunnel, linking the eastern by-pass road with the centre of the racecourse, to help relieve traffic congestion at the summer Festival meeting. The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, was on hand to turn the sod on the proposed underpass. The #800,000 development will be partly grant-aided by the IHA, and work should be completed by April 2001.
