Gamekeeper rises to the occasion

Gamekeeper is fast becoming a Galway specialist following his success in the GPT Galway QR Handicap tonight.

Pat Hughes gelding, sent off at 20/1 following recent indifferent form, repeated last year`s win in the #50,000 amateur rider`s contest.

Aidan Fitzgerald was again in the saddle and his bold bid for home six furlongs out proved decisive.

The partnership had the rest of the field struggling at the half mile pole and although Wild Romance stayed on late to pose a threat in the straight he never looked like reeling in the winner and was a length-and-a-half down at the line.

'That was a surprise', said Hughes afterwards. 'He must love this place. The only two races he run last year were here.'

Hughes had initiated a 125/1 double when Sweet Brief (5/1jf) produced an impressive front-running performance to claim the opening GPT Sligo Maiden Hurdle.

The gelding, a Group performer on the Flat in his native Germany, was never under anypressure as he cruised home to beat Vatirisk by seven lengths.

Dermot Weld, so often the trainer to follow at Ballybrit, started the festival in fine form again.

Ansar (7/2) opened Weld`s account with a smooth success in the GPT Handicap Hurdle.

Barry Geraghty, having only his second ride for Weld (and maintaining a 100 per cent win record), let his mount stride on from three out and soon opened up a three-length gap.

The pair were never troubled there after and were eased down in the straight to beat Silvian Bliss by six lengths.

The winner is set to reappear in the Galway Hurdle on Thursday 'all being well' although Weld has still to secure a jockey for him.

A quick double was achieved by Sights On Gold (1/1f) in the GPT Access Equipment (C&G) EBF Maiden.

The Indian Ridge colt raced keenly throughout and disputed the early lead with Kasparov. Weld`s colt gained the advantage at half-way but was made to fight in the straight as Hot Trotter threw down a sustained challenge to get within a length.

'He`ll improve a lot from that.' was Weld`s verdict on the performance. 'He`ll run in the Group Three Futurity Stakes at the Curragh on August 19th.'

The drinks will be on the house in Hospital, Co Limerick tonight after publican Flan Costello recorded his first winner as a trainer in the GPT Cork Handicap with Drunken Wisdom (25/1).

Aquila Oculus (9/1) got the better of a good duel with Room To Room Value in the GPT Van & Truck Rentals Handicap to record a success for jockey Seamus Heffernan and trainer Tony Mullins.

The concluding GPT Contractors Plant Flat Race saw Cloone River (8/1) stay on doggedly to deny newcomer Ringrooma by a head.