THERE’s no doubt about it, the highlight of the week was the win on Wednesday of the Philip Polly-owned Pinkerton in the Tote Galway Plate.

The Noel Meade-trained, Donagh Meyler-ridden Ocovango gelding was bringing up a hat-trick of successes in the colours of Polly who took ownership of the now eight-year-old early in 2022.

Again, there would be little doubt but that the win was celebrated well into the night.

And, as if one winner wasn’t enough, Meade ensured a double celebration by saddling Patricia Hunt’s three-year-old Mehmas gelding Monasterboice to land the following extended mile handicap in the hands of Colin Keane who also partnered the bay to victory last time out at Killarney.

On Tuesday at Galway, Donegal’s Oisin Orr and his Co Louth-born boss Richard Fahey won the seven-furlong handicap with the 10/3 favourite Reidh while the earlier seven-furlong two-year-old fillies’ maiden, worth €11,000 to the winner, was won by the Max Irvine-bred Bubbling.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the No Nay Never bay is out of the French-bred Dashing Blade mare Lumiere Noire whose two previous winners are headed by Reidh’s sadly deceased 2017 full-sister Wichita, a Group 2 and 3 winner.

AWAY from the glam and glitz of Galway, there were wins on Friday last for Sam Ewing and Mark McNiff at Kilbeggan while the McParlans travelled further afield for a win, to Uttoxeter in fact, where Martin Ward’s Cabra Lady won the Quinnbet-sponsored mares’ bumper on her second track appearance.

The Colm McHenry-bred Getaway five-year-old was third on her debut at Downpatrick in June having earlier been placed twice in five point-to-point starts. She is the fourth winner out of the Even Top mare Knocklayde Rose who, trained for McHenry by Ian Ferguson, was placed over hurdles. When in the care of Peter Bartlett, Knocklayde Rose won a maiden in April 2008 at Toomebridge where the 2024/’25 point-to-point season is due to commence on Saturday, October 5th.

Musgraves stay the distance at Down Royal’s summers

MUSGRAVE NI, the family-owned business with a 147-year heritage, will take on title sponsorship of Down Royal’s summer meeting on Friday, August 30th.

The partnership will give the leading food convenience retailer and wholesaler, whose brands include SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, Musgrave MarketPlace and Drinks Inc, exclusive naming rights to the full race card.

Musgrave NI has been partnering with Down Royal racecourse for the past 12 years, showcasing their remarkable and longstanding relationship.

Speaking about the event, Retail Sales Director at Musgrave NI, Paddy Murney said: “We have been working alongside Down Royal racecourse for many years and are thrilled to return as the main event sponsor once again.

“Each year we eagerly anticipate this summer fixture, using it as an opportunity to show appreciation to our team and retail partners. We always encourage them to take a well-deserved break from their stores, and there’s no better way to relax than by enjoying an exciting evening of top-class horse racing.”

Emma Meehan, Chief Executive Officer of Down Royal, said: “We are delighted to continue our longstanding relationship with Musgrave NI. Their commitment to this partnership is invaluable and the collaboration allows us to consistently deliver exceptional racing events and memorable experiences to the public.

“Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or new to the sport, the Musgrave NI race evening promises to be an ideal summer highlight for all. We anticipate a fantastic event and encourage everyone to book their tickets and join us for an unforgettable evening of National Hunt racing.”

AUGUST has been announced as Style Month at Downpatrick racecourse and next weekend you can check how factual this is on Music and Style Sunday.

Live music before and after racing might be enough for some but others will be all-out to win the Shortcross most stylish hat and accessories competition with its prize of a Shortcross Distillery Tour, a private box for 10 people at the end of the month’s ladies’ day meeting, plus extras, and a £250 Hastings Hotel voucher.