Pinkerton Triumphs in the Tote Galway Plate

The Tote Galway Plate, a highly coveted steeplechase, saw a triumphant return to form for Noel Meade, the veteran trainer, as his horse Pinkerton secured victory on Wednesday evening. Meade, a seven-time jumps champion, has a rich history with the Galway festival, including back-to-back Galway Hurdle wins with Pinch Hitter in 1982-83. He rekindled his winning streak in the Plate with Road To Riches in 2014 and has since focused his attention on flat racing.

Pinkerton's Triumphant Run

Pinkerton defied the odds of 20-1, proving to be a formidable contender in the race. Under the masterful guidance of Donagh Meyler, the horse outpaced the Gordon Elliott pair, Duffle Coast and Zanahiyr, in a heart-stopping finish. The first three horses were separated by a mere length, highlighting the intense competition and skill displayed. This was Meyler's second Plate win, having previously ridden Lord Scoundrel for Elliott in 2016.

A Week of Triumph for Meyler

The Galway Plate victory marked a turning point for Meyler, a 28-year-old jockey from Kilkenny. The week had been filled with a series of close calls, leaving him with three runner-up placings for Emmet Mullins. The Galway Plate victory, with a hat-trick finish, brought a much-needed change of fortune. Meyler attributed the victory to Pinkerton's exceptional performance: “It’s definitely special to win it again. He done everything right, travelled and jumped amazing. He was deadly everywhere, made life a lot easier for myself,” Meyler said.

A Winning Strategy

The success of Pinkerton was a result of careful planning and strategic execution. Meade opted for Meyler to ride Pinkerton after his regular jockey, Sam Ewing, was claimed by Elliott to ride Tullybeg. Meade's decision proved to be a winning strategy, with Meyler's expertise in big-race scenarios shining through.

Meade expressed his delight with Pinkerton's performance and Meyler's skill: “Donagh was very good on him. I was trying to get Sam off Gordon – he said we might be great friends, but this is war! I’ve always had great time for Donagh. He’s a super horseman, beautiful hands and the horse jumped great for him. He was afraid he was going to get there too soon he was going that well. He’s been running over two miles, and we weren’t sure whether he would stay,” he added.

A Gratifying Outcome for Meade

Meade's victory was a culmination of careful preparation and a calculated strategy. He chose to wait for the Galway Plate after Pinkerton's wins at Tipperary and Punchestown in April and May. Meade's decision to give Pinkerton a break and then bring him to Killarney for an “away day” at the Curragh proved crucial to the horse's condition. This was a testament to Meade's understanding of Pinkerton's needs, demonstrating his ability to read the horse and make calculated decisions based on his observations.

A Bitter-Sweet Moment for Elliott

Gordon Elliott, who had six horses competing in the Plate, ended up with two horses in the top three positions - Duffle Coat, finishing second, and Zanahiyr, placing third. Despite the close finishes, Elliott, a fierce competitor in the world of racing, had to contend with a frustrating outcome. He acknowledged the remarkable performance of both his horses: “They’ve both run blinders [second and third]. You’d have to be delighted with them and I’m over the moon for Noel. We’ve been great pals over the years.”

Other Notable Races at Galway

The Galway Plate was just one of many exciting races during the festival. The other noteworthy races included the Galway Hurdle and a series of flat races, where other talented horses and jockeys showcased their skills.

The Galway Hurdle

Meade's Jese Evans is set to compete in the Galway Hurdle, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory. His chances for success are bolstered by the win of Meade's Monasterboice in the flat race that followed the Plate.

A Day of Success for O’Sullivan

Ross O'Sullivan, a trainer who has been in excellent form, partnered with jockey Darragh O'Keeffe to secure a double victory. They won a handicap hurdle with Talk In The Park and a mares handicap with Champella. This success marked a run of four consecutive victories for O'Sullivan.

Jack Kennedy Secures First Win

Jack Kennedy, who came in third with Zanahiyr in the Plate, secured his first victory of the week by riding Lightkeeper to win the opening maiden hurdle. Lightkeeper is owned by a syndicate that includes Gordon Elliott's father.

Hamilton Concludes Career with Victory

Amateur jockey Tom Hamilton, who is set to continue his racing career in Australia, wrapped up his career in Ireland with a successful ride on Shoda in a maiden race for Joseph O'Brien. O'Brien also won the last race of the day when his horse Busselton denied Emmet Mullins's new recruit Jacovec Cavern.

Beyond Galway: Notable Speech Makes a Statement at Goodwood

While Galway was abuzz with horse racing action, other exciting events unfolded at Goodwood. Aidan O'Brien's Henry Longfellow, despite being the 11-10 favorite in the Sussex Stakes, could only manage a fourth-place finish behind Godolphin's 2,000 Guineas hero, Notable Speech. This marked a significant form reversal from Royal Ascot, where Henry Longfellow came in second to Rosallion, and Notable Speech lost his unbeaten record with a disappointing performance.

A Resounding Comeback

Notable Speech's performance at Goodwood was a resounding comeback, delivering both trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick their first victory in the prestigious mile contest. Appleby's strategy of training Notable Speech for a more tactical approach and allowing Buick to make adjustments during the race proved to be a winning formula. Buick commented on the crucial decision to ride Notable Speech more patiently: “You can ride him with a bit more patience. At Ascot, he was probably a bit keen, and he didn’t want to settle. He was quite keen early today, but when he did settle, he came with a run.”

A Spectacular Reversal

Notable Speech's victory at Goodwood was a testament to the dedication and expertise of Appleby and Buick. It was a remarkable turnaround from his performance at Royal Ascot, showcasing the resilience and potential of both the horse and the team behind him. The win served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the importance of strategic planning and adjustments to ensure success.

Conclusion: A Day of Thrills and Surprises

The Galway Plate, a captivating spectacle of athleticism and skill, provided a fitting highlight for the festival. Pinkerton's victory showcased the enduring legacy of Noel Meade, while Donagh Meyler’s triumph marked a significant milestone in his career. The races at Galway and Goodwood offered a glimpse into the world of horse racing, where talent, strategy, and a touch of luck combine to create unforgettable moments of triumph and drama.