Tigris River in full flow as he denies Swamp Fox in Galway Hurdle thriller

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” was winning owner JP McManus’ perfect summation of trainer Joseph O’Brien, after a long laid-out plan came to fruition when Tigris River got up on the line to snatch victory in a thrilling renewal of the Guinness Galway Hurdle, played out in front of a crowd of 30,294 on a tempestuous day in Ballybrit. How fitting the victory came 20 years after his father, Aidan, landed the feature with Toast The Spreece.

The market latched onto former Melbourne Cup and Galway Hurdle runner-up Max Dynamite, but in behind him on the list was the eventual winner, who attracted steady support throughout the morning and afternoon.

First reserve All The Answers and Ornua set a furious gallop, which was always likely to play into the hands of the strong stayers, of which Tigris River was one such runner.