GALWAY WEDNESDAY
ON TV
WE have the first late start on Galway Plate day with the new timing at 7.20pm. Robbie Power is the guest presenter with Ted and Robert on the RTE today and he’s another good addition. He’s lively and speaks knowledgeably, having experienced all the ups and downs of racing.
The first race goes to Mark Walsh, the second to Rachael Blackmore. If Ted had worries of there being a void when Ruby, Barry and Davy retired, he need not fear – these two will soon fill any void.
Rachael gains praise from Ted and Robbie, as she made it 27 wins this season, Blackmore’s recent whip ban didn’t sit well with Ted. “A disgraceful decision.”
“She’s tough... she is really hardy,” Ted continued, remembering her Limerick fall a few weeks ago. Robbie Power adds: “She broke her nose… her nose was over on the other side of her face, all she wanted was, would the doctors let her ride in the next race.”
She joins the team after the Plate and is one of the best things in Irish racing at the moment.
The Back to the Feature inserts feature previous winners Blazing Tempo and Life Of A Lord and we hear again the voice of Tony Sweeney from 1996.
Robbie Power recounts the typical of the ups and downs of a jockeys’ career. From winning the Plate on Nearly A Moose, to coming back to the spotlight again in the National with Silver Birch and all the injuries before and after.
Jessica Harrington is among the winners again and was also delighted with Torcedor at Goodwood. “We might have to go and try and keep Stradivarius honest in York,” she says.
Capel Street Syndicate
Capel Street Syndicate’s Mark McDevitt from Scotstown in Monaghan is delighted with Rovetta. “I just can’t believe it.”
POSITIVE FIGURES
Brian Kavanagh joins Robert for a recap of the racing year so far. Despite some positive figures, Robert says “I have my concerns.”
“Overall I think the figures are fine,” is Kavanagh’s response.
On-course bookmakers are suffering though and Kavanagh reveals that some work is being done in this area, which might include tax advantage for betting on track.
The Curragh is pleasing everyone and now the plans are look to Leopardstown which needs “significant investment”.
Robert has many valid questions that the time does not allow answers. “Does the programme book need changes, do we need proper claiming races?”
The new industry-wide policy on doping control gets the thumbs up. Is it strong enough if we have anabolics that work in 24 hours?” asks Robert.
Kavanagh acknowledges there is the facility for unannounced inspections but that there are practicalities involved with notifying people, the need to pull foals or young stock in. He adds that the new “policy will put Ireland at the forefront globally in this area.”
There’s a great finish to the qualified riders race between Derek O’Connor and Patrick Mullins and a commentary to match from Richard Pugh.
“It’s the point-to-point man and the track man….What a finish!”
In his interview afterwards looking towards the Plate, Willie says Patricks Park was lucky to get in… err… some people make their own luck?
The Plate gives the feel-good story of the night with Mark Enright giving Clarcam a terrific winning ride.
“Well done Mark Enright, I’d say everyone will be delighted for you... you’ll treasure this for a long long time,” Ted shares the enjoyment.
“Jeez, Tracy, this is special... I don’t win big races. I was in Croke Park on Sunday when Limerick won the hurling... I won’t be in Tramore the day of the All-Ireland. Jeez, another few weeks it could be mighty.” Mighty indeed.