The Galway Festival was the main centrepiece of the Irish summer and I have selected a few eye catchers from that meeting that it could well pay to follow going forward. The ground will now be starting to turn as we reach the twilight of summer and into the onset of early autumn. I have reviewed some of the races from the festival and have collected the thoughts and quotes from connections in relation to their runners so that you can take note going forward.
The opening contest of race week at Galway was a two-mile novice hurdle and the favourite Mystical Power won it. A Ballinrobe bumper winner on debut, the son of Galileo and Annie Power displayed a little inexperience in the jumping department but moved up from mid-division to get into contention two out and led over the last before going away to win readily. Seven lengths was the margin of victory over Samui.
Winning rider Mark Walsh said: "I jumped out to get a nice position and he was just running keen with me down to the second hurdle, so instead of fighting him I just pulled him back and dropped in behind horses.
"He settled fine but then got a little bit idle with me for a while, but when I got him in amongst horses again he came alive for me. I did not think we went over quick and I just wanted to get out going to the second last because I did not want to be caught in behind horses coming back. We got out in time and I was just taking my time, going down to the last, go in and pop it, and he went away nicely and did it very easy.
"There's plenty more to come from him because he's still very raw. The ground is more yielding, summer soft in places. It's actually not as bad as I thought it would be. It's beautiful ground but it has opened up now and the boys might think it's worse later on.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS
Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water
WELL SET TO STEP AHEAD
Ben Morgan has ten warming prospects to follow in the coming weeks
CUE FOR MANY A CELEBRATION
Graham Buddry recalls the life and times of jumps legend Cue Card
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
TWISTER RUNS MASTER CLASS
John Anthony watches Nigel Twiston-Davies' star catch time judges' eye
NO LEAVES ON LINE TO SLOW THESE FLYERS
Simon Nott enjoys a West Country Weekend catching up with ring pals
EXPECTATIONS SOAR AT RIDGE
Nick Townsend talks to rising Newmarket training star James Owen
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
NORMA'S COLOURS ARE FLYING PROUD
Robert Cooper sees Percy Willis and Kaadam grace white and green spots and red cap
CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS
Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.
