Fold provides Gilligan & Elliott with further Galway Plate glory

Just two years on from their 2023 success, Gordon Elliott and Danny Gilligan again struck gold in the Tote Galway Plate, as Western Fold claimed this prestigious summer highlight.

The winner of the Mayo National at Ballinrobe in May and one of seven Elliott representatives in the line-up this evening, the Westerner six-year-old was returned at 11/1 (touched 22s early).

Racing in second behind the front-running Amirite the progressive bay victor got on terms with the leader from two out and eased into an outright advantage shortly after the last.

Ridden and briefly tackled by Jesse Evans with over a furlong to go, he ultimately outstayed that rival on the long run-in, with four-and-a-half lengths between them at the line.

The runner-up, who also finished second in the Galway Hurdle of 2022 and 2023, was returned at 9/1 (from 25s) under Dara McGill for Noel Meade, while another Elliott representative was third, with Shecouldbeanything (33/1) five-and-a-half lengths back.

The aforementioned Amirite (33/1) was an admirable fourth, while easy-to-back market principals Down Memory Lane (7/1) and Nurburgring (6/1f) both flopped badly.

"I really can't believe it to be honest. I thought when I won it two years ago that would be me. I came back and finished second in it last year and to come back and win it this year, it's unbelievable. I'm lost for words," Gilligan reflected.

"I've been coming here ever since I can remember and just even to be riding in these races it's a massive privilege. I can't thank Gordon and his owners enough to be giving me the chances and I'm delighted for the way it worked out.

"He (Gordon) has had great luck in this race and he's so easy to ride for. He leaves it up to us and he knows the story in these big races. You could go out with a plan and it could change very quick. There is no pressure going out and I can't thank him enough.

"He jumped super and since he has got nice ground he is really starting to improve with every run. I wasn't sure after the last day because he got a bit of a hike after winning at Ballinrobe. I knew he had a live chance and he proved today that he is a top quality horse.

"I've been on a bit of a dry spell at the minute but days like this are what we dream of and I just can't believe it."

Elliott, who was registering his fifth win in the race, added: "He's a right horse. Bobby O'Ryan bought him for David (L'Estrange) and John (Wright) and the boys have been very patient with him, he was a bit backward when he was young.

"This race has been the plan for a while so I'm delighted the lads are here, it's a dream for the lads to be here and win the race. Bobby put the syndicate together so all credit has to go to him.

"Everything worked out great. Danny got away at the start and the horse jumped like a buck, I think he just missed one into the dip. Everything went right and it was poetry in motion."

The winner got 10lb for his Mayo National win and Elliott revealed:- "I thought it might be enough to stop him to be honest, I was worried.

"I'd say the ground is the key to this horse, he likes a bit of nice ground. He's a very nice horse.

"My Dad’s in hospital so he'll enjoy watching this and hopefully it will cheer him up.

"He'll be out, hopefully, for the football in Summerhill on Saturday. He's watching it in hospital so hopefully it gives him a lift."

Part-owner Bobby O'Ryan said:- "He was a lovely three-year-old and we liked him. We showed him to Gordon and he loved him as well.

"He's taken a bit of time but he was brilliantly trained by the genius himself. It's unbelievable.

"John is over from Azerbaijan and we've been friends for a long time. When Keith Dalgleish was training John was one of his main owners.

"I met David through the late Aidan Walsh and we've been successful so it’s great."

For his part, David L’Estrange commented:- "I had a dream the other night that horse was coming down the hill and went clear. He jumped the last two, turned in clear, and then I woke up!

"If I had slept a little bit longer I could have doubled the bet."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Nurburgring, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Down Memory Lane, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a moderate amount of mucus in its right nostril.

A.P. Kelly, rider of Zenta (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away.

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Buddy One trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the fourth last.

D.E. Mullins, rider of Olympic Man (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a few mistakes.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the riders first approach to the starter involving Senecia ridden by P.T. Enright, unplaced, Zanahiyr ridden by Mr J.H. Williamson, unplaced, Jesse Evans, ridden by Mr D. McGill, placed second, Western Fold, ridden by D.J Gilligan, placed first, Amirite, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, placed fourth, Nurburgring, ridden by J.J. Slevin, pulled up, Down Memory Lane, ridden by M.P. Walsh, unplaced, Three Card Brag ridden by J.W. Kennedy, unplaced, Chemical Energy ridden by E. Staples, unplaced, Ashdale Bob ridden by S.W. Flanagan, unplaced, Jazzy Matty (FR), ridden by H. Cobden, unplaced, Anyway (GER), ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, unseated rider, Common Practice ridden by S.D. Torrens, faller, Thecompanysergeant (GB), ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, unplaced, Duffle Coat ridden by Sam Ewing, unplaced, Shecouldbeanything, ridden by J.C. Gainford, placed third, Zenta (FR), ridden by A.P. Kelly, pulled up, Adamantly Chosen ridden by P. Townend, brought down, Sea Music ridden by D. Meyler, placed fifth, Olympic Man (FR), ridden by D.E. Mullins, pulled up, and Gaelic Arc ridden by D. King, unplaced. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned who collectively felt that the late arrival of Buddy One to the start had contributed to a need for a second approach. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were also of the view that the late arrival of Buddy One and the decision of his rider not to get his girths checked were a contributing factor so they noted the explanations offered on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson