Sapphire a Galway jewel

Moonlight Sapphire repelled the challenge of the strong-travelling Gratified to take top honours in the ghotel.ie & hotelmeyrick.ie Novice Hurdle, the opening event of the 2009 Galway Festival.

John O’Shea’s filly was sent off at 6-1 having finished down the field on the Flat at Wexford on her latest outing, but she was right in the firing line turning for home.