Racing:Clare Glen provided trainer Sarah Dawson with the biggest win of her career as she landed the Guinness Handicap, the feature event of the fifth day of the Galway Festival.
The five-year-old was sent off a 14-1 shot in the hands of Seamie Heffernan and the rider had to work hard to secure the spoils.
Heffernan settled in behind as Leceile and Reggae Rock set the early pace but that pair were backpedalling as the field turned for home in the 12-furlong heat.
That opened the door for a thrilling finish as Clare Glen swooped down the outside to challenge Jumbo Rio, with the pair virtually stride for stride in the final furlong.
Heffernan just managed to conjure the necessary extra from Dawson’s charge though, gaining the verdict by a head with Celendine third and Flowers Of Spring fourth.
Dawson said: “She just loves a battle and is as tough as they come. I have nine in training and she’s the stable star at the moment. Obviously I would love to get her some black type.”
Heffernan added: “I won on her last year and Sarah and her assistant have done a good job with her. She might have been a bit keen the last day so I was happy to settle her in today.”
While Dawson was gaining the first major win of her career, Dermot Weld smashed his own record for winners at the Festival as he saddled his 12th winner of the week courtesy of Rainforest Magic.
The 5-4 favourite struck on the level at Ballybrit on Tuesday and he enhanced his tally with a bloodless four-and-a-half-length success in the Guinness (Q.R) Handicap Hurdle.
Weld sent out 11 winners last year, surpassing his previous tally of 10, and he was keen to pay tribute to the whole of his team after posting another best.
“I’m very pleased for all concerned at Rosewell House. We have 80 staff and there are a lot of people in the background that do an awful lot of work,” he said.
“Jockeyship is so vital around Galway. You have to be in the right place at the right time and that’s how so many races are won around here. Both Robbie McNamara and Pat Smullen have done their job this week.
“It’s a milestone but life goes on and we look ahead to the next race.”