Ballyegan Hero (centre) and Rachael Blackmore clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
John Joe Walsh recorded his second winner of the week at Galway, as his Ballyegan Hero just held off the late surge of Mine Now in the feature this afternoon, the Grade B Galway Shopping Centre Handicap Hurdle.
A dual winner at Tramore, the son of Oscar wasn't beaten far on his last three starts, and was sent off at 16/1 today under Rachael Blackmore.
Settled behind the leaders, he came with his challenge from two out and was ridden to lead after the last, keeping on well to just hold off Mine Now by a nose.
The runner-up made a mistake two out, and kept on strongly from the last, but ultimately had to settle for the second spot under Richie Deegan (carrying two pounds overweight) for Peter Fahey. Lagostovegas was sent off the well-backed 7/2 favourite (7s this morning), and she finished another two and a quarter lengths back in third with Danny Mullins in the saddle for his uncle Willie. Mr Showtime (16/1) completed the placings two and three parts of a length away in fourth for Jonathan Moore and Noel Meade.
Walsh said afterwards: "He had a low weight and stays well. I'm a bit surprised as I thought he might get a place. Rachael gave him a cracking ride, and the rain may have helped as it made the ground a bit looser.
"I thought he was beaten from where I was standing. That's probably my biggest win in terms of prize money. I've won plenty of big races in the past like the Kerry National, the Troytown, and the Munster National a few times."
Blackmore added: "I wasn't smiling crossing the line anyway, I was gritting my teeth hoping I wasn't beaten.
"It's brilliant to win and it was a lovely opportunity to get off John Joe, and I'm very thankful to him for that.
"It could have gone either way, Richie Deegan was coming at me with gusto but thankful I held on.
"John Joe is a shrewd man and he said the horse was well. They were maybe a slight bit worried about the ground softening but it didn't deter him today so it's brilliant."
Walsh's only other runner this week was Davids Charm and he was successful on Wednesday. Tom O'Brien owns both Davids Charm and Ballyegan Hero, buying the two of them as foals.
STEWARDS REPORT
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Tellthemnuttin trained by W.F. Codd, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
