Drunken Sailor wins Arthur's Day Handicap
Drunken Sailor sank the opposition to be crowned king of the Arthur’s Day Handicap at Galway.
The Paul Flynn-trained four-year-old set sail for home before the home turn to capture this valuable mile-and-a-half contest.
Runner-up on his last two starts, the 9-2 joint-favourite edged into a narrow advantage off the home turn as Taralga, the long-time leader, began to tire in the mud.
It was hard work for jockey Padraig Beggy, but Drunken Sailor had just enough in the tank to hold Rajik’s late lunge by a neck. Taralga (5-1) was third.
“This is my first winner at Galway. This was the only race for the horse this week,” said Flynn.
“I’m delighted for Jim Keogh the owner. He was one of my first owners and has been very good to me.
“He owns a pub in Longford and I’d imagine he could be very busy tonight.
“The handicapper gave us a great chance by not putting him up for finishing second at the Curragh and he loves this ground.”
Back Me Up struck for the father and son team of trainer Christy and amateur rider Padraig Roche in the Guinness (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle.
The mare had only been a reserve but when two horses came out, including her stablemate What’s New, the 11-1 shot took her chance.
Leading before the final flight, the JP McManus-owned five-year-old soon had the race sewn up and went to win by seven lengths from Rainbow Dash.
“The horse handles this ground very well and that’s why we took out What’s New on account of the change in ground,” said Roche snr.
“It’s great to get a winner at the Galway Festival. Padraig gave him a great ride and the race really worked out well for him.”
Kahuna (7-1) registered his third course success when making all the running in the Guinness Handicap Chase.
The 12-year-old, trained by Muredach Kelly, relished the testing conditions as he stormed home under 5lb claimer Andrew Thornton to win by nine lengths from Sanglote, with Knight Legend third.
“This was the plan for him since last year. We struggled to get him back to his best but the owner has been very patient and has given him plenty of time,” said Roscommon handler Kelly.
“The rain that fell on Thursday night certainly helped our chances, but I didn’t think he’d win when they were in the dip.
“Andrew gave him a great ride and he gets a great tune out of the horse.”
The father and son combination of trainer Christy and amateur rider Padraig Roche landed the opening Guinness Handicap Hurdle with Back Me Up.
The mare had only been a reserve but when two horses came out, including her stablemate What’s New, the 11-1 shot took her chance.
Leading before the final flight, the JP McManus-owned five-year-old soon had the race sewn up and went to win by seven lengths from Rainbow Dash.
“The horse handles this ground very well and that’s why we took out What’s New on account of the change in ground,” said Roche snr.
“It’s great to get a winner at the Galway Festival.
“Padraig gave him a great ride and the race really worked out well for him.”
Dan Noir (20-1) made his experience count with a cosy victory in the Guinness 17:59 EBF Auction Maiden.
Making his third appearance, Tim Doyle’s youngster hit the front before the home turn under Billy Lee and held the fast-finishing Lyle Lady by half a length, with the favourite Captainofthefleet third.
“That was a bit of a surprise. He ran very well first time out and I probably ran him a bit too soon the second time,” said Thurles-based Doyle.
“The track seemed to really suit him and he likes that ground. His dam Dame Noir was very good and she won four races for me.
“We have no immediate plans for him and he may be sold in the meantime.”
