6.15 2m. 6f. 111yds. 22 Declared. Tote Galway Plate (H'cap S'chase) (Grade A) of €250,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €150,000.00 2nd - €50,000.00 3rd - €25,000.00 4th - €12,500.00 5th - €7,500.00 6th - €5,000.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - Owner J.P. McManus has a remarkably strong hand in the Wednesday feature and, of his five runners, TOP MOON gets the nod off a nice racing weight and with Mark Walsh in the saddle. A cosy defeat of Somptueux at Wexford last month was the 6-year-old’s first win over fences and he might have a big day in him off an 8lb higher mark. The selection finished just in front of The Shunter at the Dublin Racing Festival and is a few pounds better off with that rival who still looks a big danger after going on to win at Cheltenham and finish second in a Grade One novice chase at Aintree. Darasso has a touch of class and comes into this handicap debut in good form, while Off You Go beat Grand National hero Minella Times in the spring and is another strong contender in the green and gold. Last year’s runner-up Royal Rendezvous is Paul Townend’s choice from six Willie Mullins runners and he warmed up for this with a win over hurdles at Ballinrobe, while Mitchouka landed a nice pot at Leopardstown in March and looks a lively outsider. Connections will be hoping that Jordan Gainsford’s claim and first-time cheekpieces can see the mercurial Samcro run a big race in his first handicap. %0A%0A
An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards that have run at least three times in steeplechases up to and including 18th July 2021 Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 10lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.