Discerning Air made light of the testing conditions at Galway yesterday when galloping clear on the run-in to take the featured Radisson SAS Hotel (Galway) Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Martin Mooney.
Mooney was recording by far the most important of his five wins to date in this £25,000 listed event, and trainer Michael Hourigan was so impressed that he intends offering him a job. "Martin did everything right. It took this filly a long time to win but when she's good she is very good," said the Limerick trainer.
Trimaclana benefitted from a patient ride by Mark Madden to take the opening Ove Arup 3-YO Maiden Hurdle, although the result was only confirmed after a lengthy stewards' inquiry. The Philip Rothwell-trained filly edged right after the last, leaving the evens favourite Baby Power short of room on the far rail.
The stewards decided that the winner had caused interference but had not improved her placing, and Madden was given a two-day suspension for careless riding. Hanger Straight may head next for the Leopardstown November Handicap after a runaway success in the Renvyle House Hotel Handicap. Austin Leahy's gelding drew clear from the furlong pole to beat Celtic Lore by 15 lengths, and is likely to go hurdling soon.
At Wexford, Be My Royal justified favouritism on his hurdling debut under Barry Geraghty in the opening three mile maiden hurdle .
Violet O'Leary's six-year-old, a gallant third in the Cheltenham bumper behind stable-companion Joe Cullen last March, wasn't too fluent over the smaller obstacles but his class brought him through.
With the rain bucketing down for over two hours, the meeting was finally called off when a deputation of jockeys including Charlie Swan, Norman Williamson, Jason Titley and Barry Geraghty, prompted the stewards to examine the ground.
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