Silver lining for Meyler as Link proves too Strong

Donagh Meyler gained some compensation after losing the Galway Hurdle in the stewards room when getting a great tune out of Strong Link on the run-in to land the Guinness Novice Hurdle. Cameletta Vega appeared the likely winner when hugging the rail off the home turn to lead at the final flight where long time leader I Am River fell.

However the 15/8 favourite couldn’t repel the late challenge of Strong Link and Meyler’s mount finished strongly to score by a length and a quarter. Kamikaz Du Plessis was just half a length further back in third.

Winning trainer Ross O’Sullivan, “He is a lovely horse to have and he came well recommended when we bought him from Jamie Codd (brother-in-law).

"He is a deceiving horse through his races as you have to know him, so I had a chat with Donagh beforehand. At no stage in the race did he ever think he was going anywhere and for some reason, the further he goes he starts to come on the bridle. We didn't work that out until he won his bumper which might have cost him prior to that.

"After last year's festival (having four winners), there was loads of pressure and there was talk of Galway for the past month. I thought it wouldn't happen but to get a winner out of it is so hard and we're absolutely delighted.

"He wants nice ground and won't run in the depths of winter so we'll continue on and he could go to the October or November meeting in Cheltenham."

He added, "Donagh was very low in the ring beforehand so what do you say to him, but he said 'it's done now - next race'.

"Mentally to lose a Galway Hurdle but to come back out and give that horse the ride that he did, to have the confidence to slip up Paul Townend's inner, is the sign of a really good sportsman."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes