Arthur's Quay and Mark Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
On his first outing since March Arthur’s Quay proved up to the task in the John J.Galvin Maiden Hurdle at Listowel.
Strong-travelling favourite You Raised Me Up threatened big danger to Arthur’s Quay over the closing couple of hurdles.
To the credit of the Padraig Roche-trained and Mark Walsh-ridden victor though, he was good and quick at the last, to put his stamp on proceedings by two lengths.
Winner of his two point-to-points, West Cork Wildway ended up three lengths back in third.
Interestingly Jonathan Deacon in County Wexford bred the first and the third.
"He is a lovely horse and the step up to 2m4f did the job," said Roche.
"His brother (The Big Apple) wasn't a bad horse, I won a bumper on him so he must have been all right and it is a lovely family.
"We always liked him from day one and it is great he has gone and done it. It's grand to get today over with and Frank (Berry) and J.P. (McManus, owner) will come up with a plan."
P. Townend, rider of Golazo trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran free.
(TW & EM)
