Trean wins opening Flat race of Galway Festival for Twomey

Paddy Twomey sent out the first Flat winner of the 2026 Galway Festival as Trean powered clear under Billy Lee to take the Eventus Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden.

A promising third on his introduction at Fairyhouse in June, the son of Bayside Bay failed to back that up when well beaten at the Curragh last time.

Always prominent here under Billy Lee, the 11/4 chance headed City Of Gold over two-furlongs out before stretching clear to win by four-and-three-quarter lengths.

“He had a very good debut, I think he’s a very good horse,” said Twomey.

“Obviously the stable was just under a cloud around Ascot time, into the Irish Derby, and we just took back with the two-year-olds and gave them a chance.

“He had the option of coming here on Sunday for the auction series maiden but I said to Billy if he’s the horse I think he is he should be running tonight.

“He’s in the National Stakes, he’s in pretty much everything. I think Bayside Boy is a very good stallion and I think this is a very good horse.”

(Quotes by Gary Carson)