Vantage Code puts favourite backers in further credit

Up in trip and down in grade after finishing third here on Monday, the 15/8 favourite Vantage Code absolutely demolished his rivals in the Hophouse 13 Handicap over one mile, six furlongs at Galway.

The Ghaiyyath gelding, hooded and taking on older opposition for the first time, shot clear two furlongs out and there was no glance in the wing mirror from jockey Ben Coen as his mount scored by 12 lengths from Espritroyale  

Robert Whearty was unscathed after coming off Coulstys Way when that one clipped heels approaching the straight.

It's rare that Pearse and Annette Mee leave race week without a winner, and this was their first strike of the festival. 

"He was impressive here tonight, and we made up for the mishap on Monday night, we settled a score," said winning trainer Emmet Mullins. 

"He just got a bit fractious when we were saddling him on Monday evening, so we tried the hood tonight. 

"I don't think he's ever worn it in his life. For the first half of the race, I was wondering was he gone too quiet! 

"That's just the chances we take, and thankfully it came off this time. He was very relaxed in the first half of the race and he was able to conserve energy. The race was over in the dip. The extra distance helped as well."

Additional reporting by John O'Riordan