Geraghty back in action at Galway Barry Geraghty will have his first ride since Easter Monday when he partners Le Richebourg in the opening race of the Galway Festival, the Galwaybayhotel.com & Radissonhotelgalway.com Novice Hurdle. Geraghty has been out of action since breaking his arm after his mount Minella Foru fell in the Irish Grand National. He returns aboard Le Richebourg, who is one of three hat-trick seekers in the line-up and represents the in-form Joseph O'Brien. The son of Network has been impressive since going over timber and another good run can be expected from him. Willie Mullins has won this race for the last three years and he calls on Nessun Dorma. He is also two from two over hurdles and with Ruby Walsh in the saddle, he is sure to prove popular with punters. Twobeelucky is yet another to have a perfect record over the smaller obstacles. Andrew Lynch will be aboard this Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding. Aydoun is another worth a mention. A winner on the level, the son of Mastercraftsman makes his debut over hurdles and Bryan Cooper has been booked to ride the Dermot Weld-trained chestnut. Cooper will be aboard Palmabad in the Easyfix Handicap Hurdle, but he looks to be up against it in this competitive contest. Artful Artist is the one the eye is drawn to, with Davy Russell taking the mount on the eight-year-old for Tony Martin. The son of Excellent Art was successful at the Festival in 2014, and another big run looks likely from him now. Empresario is another former winner at the week-long extravaganza, and he carries top weight with Lynch in the saddle. UK raider Newstart, the Denis Hogan-trained and ridden The Irregular and seven-time winner Smadynuim are others to keep on side. Sixteen have been declared for the McGettigan's Flat Race, with newcomers Distribution and Poet's Power among the standout names. Finian Maguire will be on the former for Weld, while the well-bred latter represents Willie and Patrick Mullins. Gordon Elliott and Robbie McNamara are both double-handed, with Elliott saddling newcomers Mount Guista (Lisa O'Neill) and Boris Grishenko (Jamie Codd). Chess Grand Master ran a fine race to finish second on debut at Killarney last month.
