Merlin Giant clears the last© Photo Healy Racing
Very few horses were a factor in the opening maiden hurdle on day six of the Galway Festival and it was prominent-racer Merlin Giant who stayed on best.
He tracked front-runner Rexem and a good jump at the second-last saw him get on the tail of that rival. Rexem was soon pushed along on the uphill climb by Simon Torrens and Merlin Giant travelled well to lead approaching the home bend.
He jumped right at the last but was given the office at the furlong pole by Donagh Meyler to go and win his race. Hubrisko stayed on from third into second inside the final furlong but could make no impression on the winner who kept on well to score by four lengths at 10/3.
Hubrisko, 3/1 joint favourite, had to settle for second and came in 13 lengths clear of a weakening Rexem (12/1).
“He's a bit of a character. It's great to see him come back fresh and well in himself,” said Emmet Mullins.
“It's great to see him gallop up that hill for a change and stick his neck out. He galloped to the line and put to bed any questions about him getting up that hill.
“He's probably a bit deceiving in that he travels away strongly but he's not actually that keen. Donagh wouldn't have been at his max trying to hold him or anything like that.
“He's a very sensitive horse, and he can be a bit flighty, but it's probably not as bad as it looks.
“We put the red hood on him for the preliminaries here on Wednesday and took it off at the start. He ran a bit keen on Wednesday but Michael (O'Sullivan) was very happy with him and gave him a great ride.
“It just didn't happen for whatever reason, but today he has put it all together.
“The season revolves around this for the Mee's horses and it's great to be able to get another one on the board.
“The ground was definitely a worry coming in. It's an old racing line and I told Donagh we probably had to go four sections wide. It was the first race and we picked the best of the ground.
“He was told to keep it uncomplicated, jump off fourth or fifth. He's a great jumper and it's lovely to see him do that when they are showing that at home.
“He has a great attitude for it. He's potentially a nice horse going forward.
“On a bit of nice ground he should be bang up there among the early season novices.”
Merlin Giant finished second in a qualified riders' maiden on the Flat at the festival on Wednesday.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
