Racing: Hourigan collects in Plate

Rockholm Boy proved a surprise 20-1 winner of the Galway Plate yesterday. 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 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," Hadnett said.

Before yesterday's highlight of the Galway 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 the fancied Torduff Boy and Risk Accessor flattered in turn.

Rockholm Boy was closing steadily and hit the front early in the home straight. "I might run Rockholm Boy over hurdles at Tralee before we go for the Kerry National at Listowel," Hourigan commented later.

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.