Rockholm Boy proved a surprise 20-1 winner of the Galway Plate today in the county colours of local owner breeder Gerry McMahon and his two joint owners who formed the MGH Syndicate.
Patiently ridden by 24-year-old Keith Hadnett, this former course winner produced a strong finishing run to overhaul the well-backed Wotsitooya who flattered in front over the last two fences but was unable to maintain his momentum on the stiff climb to the finish.
This was a first ever victory in the 150,000 euro Galway Plate both for the local syndicate owners Gerry McMahon, Hugh Bredin and Martin Cuddy as well as Limerick trainer Michael Hourigan.
"Michael told me to take my time as there were plenty of front runners and the pace would be hectic. I got a super run around on the inner and he stayed on really well up the hill," said 24-year-old winning rider Hadnett.
Before today's highlight of the summer festival, Rockholm Boy and Hadnett had made virtually all the running to score at trainer Hourigan's local track in Limerick.
But the change in tactics worked well as the early pacemakers began to weaken in the final mile where both Torduff Boy and Risk Accessor flattered in turn.
Rockholm Boy was closing steadily going the shortest way round and hit the front early in the home straight despite the unwanted attentions of a loose horse as 15 of the 22 starters managed to complete the course.
"I might run Rockholm Boy over hurdles at Tralee before we go for the Kerry National at Listowel," said trainer Hourigan.
Punters were finding the going tough on the third day of the Festival, notably when the heavily backed Ballykettrail could finish only third to the blinkered Darialann in the Openview Hurdle.
Teknash, ridden by 16-year-old amateur Niall Madden for his father and namesake, to follow up their victory at Wexford at 12-1 in the Software Handicap Hurdle before the favourite Lowlander came to the rescue of punters in the mile and a half flat handicap for the John Oxx stable.