Army shoots down Nursery rivals in Galway curtain raiser

The Joseph O'Brien trained Seven Nation Army took the opening race on Day Four of the festival when easily winning the Guinness Irish EBF Nursery Handicap at Galway.

Runner-up at the Curragh on his recent handicap debut, the Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate and Kevin Blake owned gelding was sent off a well backed 13/8f to register a first win.

Settled in mid division by Joey Sheridan, the market leader moved strongly on the heels of the leaders entering the straight.

Heading Banks Of The Boyne over 150 yards out, Seven Nation Army went clear to win by four-and-three-quarter lengths.

Joseph O'Brien said: "He got 5lb for finishing second the last day, so we thought we might have left behind today's race then but he won well and probably improved with the bit of juice in the ground."

Joint-owner Kevin Blake added: "We were complaining about the 5lb rise in the weights but the handicapper was right, like he usually is.

"I had been really fond of this horse's stallion (Counterattack) and he has been very under-appreciated but nobody has ever heard of him. I actually had him bought a few years ago to come to Ireland, but couldn't find anyone to stand him. The poor horse died this year but we found this one at the sales, so it is nice to finally get something out of it.

"We had great luck with Johnny (Murphy, syndicate leader and ex-Irish rugby player) some years ago and recently bought two more horses. When you give Joseph the right horse and enough time, he doesn't miss too often and this fellow hit the bull's eye."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)