David Splaine, Sean Gallagher & Ado & Tadgh McGuinness© Photo Healy Racing
Bookmakers got a result in the opening Topaz Novice Hurdle at Galway as 14/1 chance Face Value prevailed under David Splaine.
Mistakes by one of the gambles of the contest, Mount Colah harmed his chance and that front-runner was a spent force from before the straight.
Face Value mightn't have appeared a likely scorer down the back and He's Our Man was looking good when he got a lovely split to hit the lead turning in.
However Face Value found plenty for pressure. The son of Tobougg had to overcome the hindrance of a bad mistake at the final obstacle before staying on well to beat Zuzka (hampered by He's Our Man at the last) by three and a half lengths. Favourite Saint Gervais was beaten from a long way out and came home a well-beaten 7th of the 9.
Ado McGuinness trains Face Value, a winner at Ballinrobe last time, for Sean Gallagher and the County Dublin handler said: "He's game – he's the first 4yo to win this since 2005. He was very game really as he was the first off the bridle, though in fairness he was getting all the allowances.
"David is a very good lad to ride, he has a good eye from his show-jumping days.
"We've no plans and even though he's in again on Friday he'll probably get a break now and come back for Bellewstown."
The Stewards enquired into an incident at the final hurdle involving He’s Our Man, ridden by Andrew J McNamara and Zuzka, ridden by R Walsh, where it appeared interference had taken place. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found that Andrew J McNamara was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having taken his record in this regard into account suspended him for two race days.(TW & EM)
