There was a surprise winner of the Galway Plate, the feature on day three of the Galway Festival.
16-to-1 shot Hewick beat the Joseph O’Brien-trained Darasso to victory.
Embed from Getty ImagesHewick, trained by Co. Carlow trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon won the iconic Tote Galway Plate on Wednesday under Wexford jockey Jordan Gainford.
Afterwards the trainer was delighted Hewick managed give him one the biggest days of his career..
“It is a great day for the yard, a great day for the family. My mother and father are with me, they have not been racing for three years.”
“It is just a special day. this race for anyone means a lot but for me to win it, it is just super.”
Willie Mullins’ 9-to-2 favourite El Barra could only manage third.
Embed from Getty ImagesToday the Guinness Galway Hurdle has pride of place on day four of the Galway Festival.
Following disappointment in the Galway Plate yesterday, Willie Mullins once again trains the favourite, having won four of the last six Galway Hurldes, with Paul Townend to be aboard ‘Adamantly Chosen’.
The big race is off at 5.05, with an eight race card commencing at 2.10.