Racing: Ansar bids for an amazing eighth win at the Galway Festival when attempting a hat-trick of victories in the William Hill Galway Plate tomorrow.
The 10-year-old will have to defy top weight of 11st 10lb in the 121,800 handicap chase over two and three-quarter miles and faces 21 rivals.
He is rated 13lb higher than 12 months ago when he humped 11st 11lb to victory while he only carried 10st 12lb when successful two years ago.
"He's a lovely horse but very small at only 15.2 hands. It's amazing how he's able to jump so well," Weld said. "He's an outstanding and exceptional horse and he's just a joy to train and we've got Ruby Walsh to ride him this year.
"The horse is the same as he was last year so hopefully he'll give a very big account of himself.
"In a race like the Galway Plate luck in running plays a big part. It's like the Grand National - you want the best horse but need the luck. Anything is achievable with Ansar at Galway but luck in running will play a major part."
Ansar has been a standing dish at the Galway Festival since 2000. As well as two Galway Plates, Ansar has also lifted the big hurdle race of the week - the Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle - a maiden hurdle, a Flat race, another handicap hurdle and a novice chase.
His only defeat in eight starts at Galway came in his first attempt at winning the Plate three years ago when he was fifth to Nearly A Moose.