3 minute read
Clondaw Warrior gave Ruby Walsh a first Guinness Galway Hurdle as he just repelled Hidden Cyclone in a thrilling finish to the Festival feature.
Walsh had surprisingly drawn a rare blank in the handicap showpiece, but the Willie Mullins-trained Clondaw Warrior was well supported before the off to end the hoodoo.
Sent off the 9-2 favourite, Clondaw Warrior was hardly sighted in the early exchanges as fellow Mullins inmate Bamako Morviere cut out the early running along with Rock The World and The Plan Man.
The majority of the riders seemed happy to bide their time and it really started to heat up with two to jump as Princely Conn, who got in the race as a reserve, began a lengthy run for home under Rachel Blackmore.
However, Walsh had timed his challenge to perfection, making his bid at the last before finding plenty for pressure to master Princely Conn and Modem.
Top-class chaser Hidden Cyclone finished with a real rattle for Danny Mullins but just failed by half a length to reel in the winner.
The victory was made extra special for Walsh as his wife Gillian is one of the winning owners via the Act D Wagg Syndicate.
Mullins was full of praise for Walsh's ride, but admitted he thought all was lost heading past the winning post for the first time.
He said: "Ruby was doing a Houdini act again after another horse here the other day
"When I saw him with, I think, four horses behind him passing the winning post, I thought to myself 'he's going to need more than a miracle to get out of that position'.
"He just bided his time, waited and waited and he obviously got through. He was just brilliant from the last home, he was very strong on him."
Mullins now has some big plans on the agenda for Clondaw Warrior, who also counts a Royal Ascot win on his record having landed last year's Ascot Stakes.
The trainer said: "When you have a Galway horse, they can come back year after year. They have form up that hill.
"The owners have had such fun with this horse including the likes of Royal Ascot. He's a fantastic syndicate horse - a dream horse.
"We'll probably go back on the Flat with him. I don't think there is another hurdle race with the prize-money to encourage us.
"He's rated 108 so that's too much for the Ebor and he could go for the Londsdale. We also have the possibility of the American St Leger in Chicago. We have the money to go now.
"I'd imagine he'd have to improve another 7lb to think about the Melbourne Cup, that might be a bit too far.
"If he did I'd imagine that would be a real dream. I don't think so, but we'll see."
Walsh said: "It was brilliant. It didn't really go to plan, I ended up a lot further back than I wanted to be, but you have to ride the race as it pans out in front of you.
"I got a great run into the dip and out of the dip, I guess it's horses for courses and he showed his liking for that hill again.
"I just wanted cover. I didn't mind where I was, but I ended up behind Bentelimar and I kind of wanted to be in front, but you are where you are.
"It's great when you get a run and it comes off."
He added: "I thought I'd win but I was surprised Hidden Cyclone came back so strongly to the line. He's a great horse, brilliantly trained, it's great for the girls and it's nice Gillian will be taking me out for dinner tonight!
"To be involved with friends, it's magic."
Shark Hanlon was thrilled with the effort of Hidden Cyclone as he went a couple of places better than last year.
He said: "He's a great horse. He's consistent every day he runs.
"He (Danny Mullins) said he got into trouble running down the hill and lost his position, but for that, he said he probably would have won.
"He's an 11-year-old and he's credit to the whole lot of us at home.
"He's been there and knocking on the door every day.
"He's a great horse - he was fourth in it last year, second in it this year. He's probably too old for next year, but we will wait and see."