Big Galway success for P'tit Fute
P’tit Fute made amends for a disappointing run on the opening day of the Galway Festival with victory back at Ballybrit today.
Francis Flood’s charge was only 12th in the GPT Handicap on the level on Monday but he fared much better in the Freshways Handicap Hurdle.
Clear at the last flight, the 9-1 chance maintained his advantage on the run-in to hold the challenge of Bahrain Storm by two and a half lengths.
Window Of Hope took third while Friday night’s winner Truckers Delight looked set for a place until finding it all too much after the last and eventually finishing fifth.
Flood’s son Fran said: “He was a bit disappointing on Monday but the ground was more suitable today.
“He stays really well. Things went right today, he got a great split between horses at the second-last.”
George Stanley missed seeing the biggest win of his training career as Ballito claimed top honours in an eventful Low Low Galway Blazers Handicap Chase.
The Fairyhouse handler is currently in Spain for his son’s wedding which meant he was not on hand to see his only inmate prevail at odds of 25-1.
The two-mile-six-furlong heat saw plenty of casualties, including favourite Reisk Superman who was stalking the field under Ruby Walsh but unseated his rider when looking almost certain to take a hand in the finish.
Ballito took it up before the turn for home and kept on admirably for Mark Bolger to run out a four-length winner over One More Minute.
Bolger said: “They were dropping all around me but I got a clear run. It probably suited my horse.
“There were a lot of loose horses around, I was looking around at the third-last and I was the only one who was travelling – he even got there a little bit too soon for me.”
Thecreditcrunchie (100-30) dug deep to lift the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Premier Nursery for trainer Tommy Stack.
Wayne Lordan’s mount came with a strong flourish inside the distance and found just enough to repel the equally fast-finishing Rory Anna by a head.
“The logical plan now is go for the nursery at the Tralee festival later this month,” said Fozzy Stack, son and assistant of the winning trainer.
“This is a nice prize to win. He was moving up in class but he stepped up to the plate and he’s a tough horse.”
Noel Meade is expecting Gay Sloane (11-4) to improve after a thoroughly convincing success in the Jockeys Association Maiden Hurdle.
Niall Madden’s mount was sent off a well-supported 11-4 chance and the market confidence was justified as he coasted home five lengths clear of market leader Noble Crusader.
Meade said: “This horse and Go Native were my two bankers for the week so when Go Native got beat on Wednesday, we were pinning our hopes on this one.
“I think he’s a smart horse and we’ll probably go for a novice race with him next.”
