A DOUBLE for former champion Pat Smullen, on De Senectute and Snap Alam, proved the highlight of last night’s action in Ballinrobe.

ROYAL DEVOTION, trained by Michael Halford for Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud, sprang the biggest shock on a day of surprises at Galway yesterday when landing the listed Ardilaun House Hotel Oyster Stakes.

HORSES frequently fail to live up to hype, but one doubts if Dermot Weld’s Grey Swallow will ever be accused of that.