Nolan strikes again with Cuan Na Grai

WHAT an extraordinary game this is. On Wednesday, Tony McCoy got injured and was replaced on the eventual winner of the Galway Plate, Far From Trouble, by Roger Loughran.

Fast-forward twenty four hours to Ballybrit yesterday and it was a case of history repeating itself, before the biggest crowd in the history of this great Festival - 48,120.

Barry Geraghty was set to partner Cuan Na Grai in the Guinness Galway Hurdle, but took a tumble in the earlier Guinness Beginners Chase, fracturing his nose and jaw, and missed the ride. Into the breach stepped 20-year-old Paddy Flood and, like Loughran, he grabbed the opportunity presented with both hands. “I got the ride about half an hour before the race”, explained Flood. “I've ridden a few winners for Paul (trainer of Cuan Na Grai). I knew Barry was out and went to James Nolan (Paul's brother) and asked if I could ride him. Thankfully, I was told yes.