Teed Up dubbed 'a soldier' after dramatic sixth Galway win

Overcoming a near race ending incident approaching the straight, Teed Up swooped late to deny Shoda in the Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap.

A Galway Races regular and registering a sixth course win, the admirable Emmet Mullins-trained eight-year-old had been out of form for quite some time, and was competing off a career low mark of 78.

Returned at 7/1, the Mee family-owned bay was given a patient ride by Ronan Whelan (who later picked up a hefty ban - see below) and made progress when switched to the inner with less than half-a-mile to go.

Stumbling and almost unseating when short of room over two-furlongs out, he lost momentum as a result and had plenty to do when ridden on the turn for home.

Improving into third with a furlong to go, he kept finding for pressure and ultimately collared the aforementioned Shoda inside the final 50 yards, with half-a-length between them at the line.

Well-supported from 11/2, the Joseph O'Brien-trained runner-up was returned the 5/2 favourite, finishing half-a-length in front of stable companion Light Up The Dark (4/1 from 11/2).

"A bit of drama, that's Teed Up alright!" Mullins commented.

"He's a soldier that we've leaned on plenty of times over the years and he keeps delivering the goods.

"I was sceptical enough coming back this year but he just seems to grow a leg going back up that hill.

"Ronan said he was never really quite happy and he was off it coming away from the stands.

"He said he switched in down the hill, trying to ignite him, but he got knocked down. I thought the worst watching it and thought he was very lucky just to be in one piece coming away from the incident.

"He's a great horse to have. A soldier is the right analogy for him.

"He's in a hurdle on Saturday but I'm not sure if he'll get a run. Fingers crossed he's okay after that. If he's fit and well he'll take part again. He's done multiple trips up here in the past."

Mullins, who makes no secret of the fact he targets Galway, was registering his second winner of the week, having claimed the opening day feature with Filey Bay.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Sign From Above ridden by B.M. Coen, unplaced, Teed Up, ridden by R.P. Whelan, placed first, Arch Enemy ridden by P. McGettigan, unplaced, and Harry's Legacy (GB), ridden by D.W. O'Connor, placed fourth, where it appeared Teed Up clipped a heel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B. M. Coen stated that he received no interference. R. P. Whelan stated that the horse in front of him stopped and he clipped a heel. P. McGettigan stated that he maintained his line and received pressure from both sides. D. W. O'Connor stated that things got tight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found R. P. Whelan was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (third offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended R. P. Whelan for ten racedays given the nature of the incident.

R. Donaghue-Leahy, rider of Not Just Any Eagle trained by Patrick J.Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount never let itself down on the ground.

R.P. Whelan, rider of Teed Up, trained by Emmet Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount clipped a heel in the dip.

P. McGettigan, rider of Arch Enemy, trained by Patrick Magee, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had to check three furlongs out.

J. Kearney, rider of Last Ammo trained by Laura Hourigan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped very quickly.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson