Corkman Pat Verling enjoyed the biggest win of his career when partnering and also training 14/1 shot Sabadilla to win the Guinness Galway Hurdle.
Verling trains the son of Sadlers Wells in Castlelyons, Co. Cork for Cork businessman Billy Coleman. Thirty six year old Verling gave the nine year old a perfectly judged ride to win, having held the gelding up at the rear before making smooth progress through the 24 runner field to lead close home. Sabadilla, who is now in training with his fifth trainer, is described by Verling as being 'a good, brave horse'.
Eoin Griffin's Patrizio confirmed his claims as an exciting hurdling prospect when completing four wins in a row in the two and a half mile novice hurdle. Partnered by Norman Williamson, Patrizio easily defeated Five Alive O by fourteen lengths, providing Griffin with his third festival winner.
The opening Guinness Beginners Chase provided trainer Michael O'Brien with his second win of the meeting with Banasan (7/2 favourite). Partnered by Ruby Walsh, Banasan battled well after the last and outstayed Ballyconnell up the hill. According to O'Brien, the winner's longterm target is next year's Galway Plate.
The other chase on the card was won by the Edward O'Grady trained Golden Row. Barry Geraghty, on the winner, and John Cullen, on last year's Galway Hurdle winner Say Again, played 'cat and mouse' after jumping the last before Golden Row sprinted clear in the straight to win by four and a half lengths. O'Grady later stated that the winner is 'as good a novice I have ever had to jump fences.'
The locally owned Mwaley won the seven furlong (0-85) handicap for trainer Kevin O'Brien. The win was O'Brien's first festival winner and he later stated 'she is a consistent horse and just about handled that ground. She was entered in the McDonough Handicap earlier in the week but didn't get in. She will have little difficulty staying further that a mile.'
Eighteen year old Brian Hughes partnered his second career winner on Kevin Prendergast's Miss Trish while Frank Ennis' 7/1 favourite Rupununi landed the Smithwicks Handicap under Seamus Heffernan.
The concluding bumper was won by Arthur Moore's Blanc C'est Blanc under jockey Philip Dempsey. The 12/1 winner carried the colours of Frank Conroy and was the first win for Moore at this year's festival.
Thomas Weekes.
