Old reliables do bit to keep punters competitive with bookies

Old reliables Willie Mullins and Dermot Weld provided punters with the only winning favourites on day three of the Galway Festival and the afternoon had begun just the way the two previous evenings had — Mullins getting off the mark with a winning hurdler.

When the markets were formed there was divided opinion as to which of Thomas Hobson and Stuccodor should head the list, but punters came down firmly on the side of the former and it proved a prudent choice as he battled well to fend off his Weld-trained market rival.

Eighteen lined up behind the tape for the mares’ handicap hurdle and Lilly The Lioness, not unsupported at 8-1, denied 11-2 joint-favourites Crystal Pearl and Damefirth.