Clarach books her place in Galway Hurdle
Successful over hurdles in Sligo and on the level in Tramore, Clarach completed her hat-trick in smooth style under trainer’s son Danny Mullins, coming through strongly at the second last to beat Pires by two lengths.
Trainer Mullins stated: “Since she won at Galway last year, I’ve only had one thing in mind for her.
“All my life I’ve dreamed of training one for the Galway Hurdle. And, after this we’re all set. She’s a very honest mare and finds plenty, although she likes things to go her way.”
Also bound for Ballybrit is the Ted Walsh-trained Devil’s Elbow, who completed the second leg of a double for Ruby when landing the Limerick.ie Chase at the expense of front-running Prince Ludovic.
Having only his third outing over fences, the five-year-old jumped impeccably and came through under an ultra-patient ride to triumph by almost four lengths.
The winning trainer explained: “He jumps and travels and is a grand little horse. Barry (owner Barry Connell) loves Galway and that’s where this fellow will be heading — we have lots of options with him there.”
Walsh had initiated his double when The Folkes Choice, a six-year-old mare trained by Henry de Bromhead, made all to win the opening Bet On-Course With Tote Maiden Hurdle. Her trainer suggested: “Anything she does over hurdles is a bonus — she’s a real chaser and would prefer proper summer ground.”
Like Clarach, the Tony Martin-trained mare Victrix Gale, successful at Limerick and Listowel already this summer, completed her hat-trick in the thetote.com Galway Plate Trial.
Confidently ridden by Paul Townend, she came from mid-division to taken command at the last and beat Jamsie Hall; and Campbonnais readily.
Martin commented: “That would be a long way off Galway Plate class. So we’ll feel our way with her, mixing it over hurdles and fences.
“We’ll probably try to pick up some black type in some of those mares’ novice races.”
Eightybarrackstreet, trained by Tom Cooper and ridden by Robert Power, got the better of front-running Lord Ben and favourite Sicilian Secret in the beginners chase and will now be aimed at a novice at the Galway Festival.
Trainer Mick Mulvany enjoyed a welcome change of luck when First Impressions, ridden by John Cullen, captured the Heritage Green Play Live 26th July Handicap Hurdle.
In the bumper action, trainer Jane Foley savoured her first racecourse win when Magic Vixen, a three-parts sister to Kicking King, ridden by Patrick Mullins, outpointed Shinahwil in the first division.
Johnny Burke, son of trainer Liam, registered his second win when the Jimmy Mangan-trained Izabelle Amie beat Queen Of The Hill in the second division before surviving a Stewards Enquiry.
