Highlight of the day

Not even Willie Mullins could see Sirius and David Dunsdon’s win coming in the feature Connacht Hotel Q.R. Handicap, and the 50/1 shock made for quite the story. Back from retirement, the amateur jockey arguably looked better than ever in delivering a massively cool ride on a mare who could yet have plenty more good days to come.

Ride of the day

Artful Approach had looked a little tripless prior to his breakthrough win in the seven-furlong Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap, and James Ryan really seemed to get a handle on how to get the most out of him. It was a measured and strong ride from a promising 5lb claimer.

Performance of the day

These are exciting times for Richard O’Brien and Feud, who proved much the best in the Galmont Hotel & The Galway Bay Hotel Novice Hurdle - a race won 12 months ago by Mystical Power. By Dubawi and closely related to classic heroine Fallen Angel, he could also have a nice mark of 78 to exploit back on the flat in time.

Market mover of the day

As can be expected in the lively Ballybrit betting ring, there were plenty of movers and shakers in the market through the

evening. When focusing in on one who hit the back of the net, the money that came for Charles Byrnes’ Delta Forcein the Monami Construction Bumper proved extremely well founded. Having been available to back at 5/1 earlier in the day, he made no mistake as the 11/8 favourite.

In-running carnage

of the day

There were some burnt fingers for in-running players in the Connacht Hotel Handicap. Runner-up Baltic Bird, sent off at 25/1, traded close to 1/9 on the exchanges before being run down by Sirius, who went out to as big as 129/1 in running.

Unluckiest runner

of the day

A slow break left Cuban Confusionon the backfoot straight away in the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap, and he had to come wide around the field in making his challenge. A length and a half separated him and the winner, Artful Approach, but he came home well and looks bound to win a similar event before long. His 10lb-claiming rider Darragh O’Sullivan looks a promising youngster too.

Quote of the day

“It’s amazing when you ride horses for Willie how fit they are, it’s like you have Mo Farah in the last furlong!” - David Dunsdon got an immense kick from winning the Connacht Hotel Qualified Riders Handicap.