5.05 2m. 11yds. 19 Declared. Guinness Galway H'dle H'cap (Grade 3) of €270,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €162,000.00 2nd - €54,000.00 3rd - €27,000.00 4th - €13,500.00 5th - €8,100.00 6th - €5,400.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - Perugino Diamond was the last four-year-old to win this, back in 2000, but ZARAK THE BRAVE looks to have strong claims in this year's renewal. Willie Mullins' charge kept top company in juvenile hurdles last season, chasing home the brilliant Lossiemouth on a couple of occasions and also finishing third in Grade 1 company in France. A mark of 145 looks lenient for the Zarak gelding who could be a top level hurdler in the making. Emmet Mullins has already made a mark this week and he saddles two in the race. Filey Bay, third in the County Hurdle back in March, warmed up for this with a spin on the Flat at Roscommon and could be a big player now. His stablemate Merlin Giant is another that has to be on the shortlist. He won his maiden hurdle over course and distance last year and comes into this in form having won on the level at Down Royal in late June. Dual winner Tudor City is on the same mark as when winning 12 months ago and just scrapes into the field. He is sure to run his race again and could be involved at the business end.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards that have run at least three times in hurdle races up to and including 23rd July 2023Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race or hurdle races after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.