Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap

IN a race he has made his own in recent seasons, Adrian McGuinness made it three wins on the spin in the Galway day two feature as Sirjack Thomas and Mikey Sheehy struck at 50/1 where the victorious trainer was dominant from start to finish.

McGuinness launched a six-strong challenge in his bid to defend this prize with the winner, quite unusually for this race, making the final cut for the field as the third reserve. After winning a premier handicap at the Curragh on his most recent outing, as well as notching up a course distance win at last year’s meeting, Sirjack Thomas didn’t deserve to go off the price he did.

Perhaps a stall-17 draw was seen as a major obstacle, but things couldn’t have gone any smoother for the Dooley Thoroughbreds-owned grey in a race which, at times, seemed to resemble something of a relay between the various McGuinness inmates. This began when Spanish Tenor tore off into a commanding lead.

Saltonstall

His exertions began to tell from three furlongs out and he gave way nearing the turn-in where stablemate Saltonstall, chasing a third win in this race, took over in front. His spell in front was a good deal more short-lived though as Sirjack Thomas, who enjoyed a dream run through between horses at a vital stage, swept through to lead as the last furlong loomed. Once he got to the front, Sirjack Thomas wasted no time stamping his authority on the race and he pulled away to carry the day by three lengths.

The 33/1 chance Quizical took second with Mosala securing third ahead of In From The Cold.

Drawn wide

“He was drawn wide and I told Mikey to ride him for luck and he’s given him a peach. I found out he was getting in last night and I was keen to claim 5lb or 7lb off him and Declan McDonogh recommended Mikey so a big thank you to him,” said the delighted winning trainer.

Blessed

“It’s incredible to win this race again. I know we threw plenty at it this year but that’s what you have to do sometimes. I’m really blessed to have some lovely horses for the Dooleys who are great guys to work with.

“This horse was a bit disappointing last year and we actually gave up running him in premier handicaps but this year he has really come to himself and he’s a different horse. Provided he comes out of this okay, he will be back here on Sunday for the Ahonoora,” concluded the trainer.