Racing: Mullins lands Galway Plate for third time

Nearly A Moose gave Co Kilkenny trainer Paddy Mullins, 84, his third Galway Plate success yesterday.

Given a confident ride by 22-year-old Robert Power, the 25-1 chance took up the running on the punishing climb from the final fence and eventually had four lengths and half a length to spare over Kadoun and Glynn Dingle. Kadoun, bought on the eve of the race by JP McManus, finished strongly to snatch second.

Mullins' daughter-in-law, Helen owns a quarter share in Nearly Moose, who runs in the colours of Dublin businessman Mick McGinley, father of top Irish golfer Paul. Power, who still claims a 3lb allowance, said: "Nearly A Moose was jumping and really travelling on that ground. He missed just one fence in the back straight but soon recovered."

Direct Bearing was the all-the-way winner of the HP Services Classic Hurdle and turns out again today at Galway unpenalised for the featured Guinness Handicap Hurdle (3.45).

Jim Culloty will take over from yesterday's winning rider, Paul Carberry, who is required for Noel Meade's Dashing Home.