Two British runners challenge for Plate

Two British raiders figure in a field of 25 for the €150,000 Hewlett Packard Galway Plate Handicap Chase at the Ballybrit track today.

Hopes in Britain rest with two Shropshire-based trainers - Mark Brisbourne who saddles Ghadames and Steve Brookshaw’s Brilliant Star.

And they will be hoping to emulate Philip Hobbs who sent out Amlah from his Minehead base four years ago to become the first British-trained winner of this historic race.

Brilliant Star was set to run last year but went wrong two days before the race.

‘‘We have had the race in mind for some time as he has been placed at Galway before so we know he will jump round,’’ said Brookshaw.

Brisbourne has also targeted the Plate for his new recruit Ghadames.

‘‘We got him for 38,000 guineas at the Doncaster Sales with this race in mind. It will be be my first runner in Ireland but I would hope he has a decent chance,’’ said Brisbourne.