Highlight of the day

Despite the pre-race controversy with Petrol Head and unsatisfactory start, the Guinness Galway Hurdle is one of the highlights of the summer and seven-length scorer Nurburgringposted the biggest winning margin in the race since Quinze’s 14 lengths in 1999.

Ride of the day

An uninterrupted passage is so important around here, and especially so in a race that could have turned so messy like the Galway Hurdle. J.J. Slevin nailed his big-race ride on Nurburgring and never allowed luck-in-running to come into the equation.

Performance of the day

It wasn’t the deepest of Grade 3s, but how pleasing was it to see Ashdale Bob dig in so determinedly to win the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Novice Chase? The 13/8 favourite looked on the backfoot when trading at close to 7/1 in-running.

Market mover of the day

Strong support for Sheila Lavery’s Lady Christa was very nearly rewarded in the Guinness 0.0 Handicap over a mile and a half. Having been a 12/1 shot in the morning, the four-year-old filly was backed into 7/2 (eased to 5/1 at the off) and just came up short in second against a determined Hidden Land.

In-running

carnage of the day

Genuine Article (SP 11/4) hit a low of 1/6 when throwing down a challenge to Grey Leader but couldn’t get by the plucky front runner. Saylavee (SP 9/2) traded close to 1/3 when looking likeliest to get the better of Ashdale Bob before being outstayed by the winner.

Unluckiest runner of the day

It looked a virtually impossible task for anything trying to come from off the pace in the Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Handicap in which Grey Leader and Genuine Article never came back to the pack. Facethepuckout ended up down the rail and further back than ideal given the pace situation, and he ran on well for third to demonstrate the wellbeing of Michael O’Callaghan’s in-form yard. The stable also had a winner on the same afternoon at Goodwood with Black Forza and could be set for a strong second half of 2024.

Quote of the day

“I’ve had a fantastic year. To have a horse [Eagles Reign] finish second in the Boodles at Cheltenham at 100/1, and now this at Galway. It’s a dream and the only thing I’m worried about is that I’m going to wake up from it some morning” – owner Tommy Ward was elated after Donnie Devito’s battling success.