Alexander and Dan are the Kings of Ballybrit

There is no doubt that Daniel King is a rising star in the ranks of Irish jump jockeys and he landed the biggest win of his career on King Alexander in the Tote Galway Plate.

The 20/1 chance had finished fourth in the two and a half mile novice handicap at Cheltenham, before disappointing when favourite at the Punchestown festival. 

Here, the Mount Nelson gelding was never far off the pace and jumped up on terms with Nouvotic two out.

King sent him on entering the straight and brought him over to the stands' side, which is invariably the best place to be on the final climb at Ballybrit. Conyers Hill (25/1) came from well back and finished off more strongly than has often been the case, but was half-a-length adrift in second at the line. Gorgeous Tom (25/1) was another to come home well and was a further three-parts of a length away in third, with fourth-placed Nowwhatdoyouthink (7/1) the only horse at single-figure odds to make the frame.

Sent off 9/2 favourite, Funiculi Funicula tracked the leaders but weakened tamely from two out and finished down the field.

Owned by John Neocleus, the successful eight-year-old had 10 runs for Nicky Henderson before switching yards in 2024.

“I couldn’t believe how well he was travelling, and jumping so well,” said winning trainer Willie Mullins, who was landing this prestigious contest for a third time and completing a treble on the day. 

“He kept himself in the race without having any effort. He got over the last two and then just seemed to saunter up the hill. It was amazing how well he was travelling.

“I was disappointed with my other three, they just went out like lights coming up the hill.

“Some horses don’t handle Galway, but this is obviously a fella I’ll be bringing back to Galway year after year.

“It was a really open race and when people were considering that he was maybe our fourth choice, you can see why he was 20/1.

“It’s the race of the summer. The Grand National is probably the race of the winter, and maybe the Gold Cup, but when you come to the summer festivals, the Galway Plate is the one everyone wants to win.

“John Neocleous is from Cyprus but he’s based in Dubai. He’s actually on holidays in Switzerland at the moment, and said he couldn’t get a last-minute flight. It’s a pity he’s not here.”

On winning rider Dan King, he added:- “He’s just come on the scene for me, really. He’s done a bit of riding out for me, and David Casey had him snared early in the month for this race.

“He’s on fire this month.”

When it was put to him that he was one of the brightest young talents in the weigh-room, he said:

“He appears to be and today franked that, I think.”

"I can't believe it, really, and I got a lovely spin around, it all went smoothly from the minute I jumped off," said King (21). 

"He jumped and travelled so well, took me everywhere, and I just sat for as long as I could. I knew I had plenty of horse because every now and again he pricked his ears and had a look at what he was doing.

"He winged the two fences in the dip and when I straightened up, he picked up and hit the line strong.

"I've been very lucky all my life, with good people supporting me, and the trainers that are giving me rides, I can't thank them enough. 

"My family aren't here today, I might have to leave them at home more often, but they'll be delighted as well.

"I started going in to Mr Mullins' yard around a year ago, and everyone in there has been very helpful to me."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson