Mokhalad proved another tough front-runner at Galway this afternoon when getting home in the Barna Recycling Handicap.

Siobhan Rutledge got a good tune from the John McConnell-trained gelding in the seven-furlong contest.

The 18/1 shot repelled the late challenge of Plunkett down the straight to record a hard fought three-parts-of-a-length victory.

"That is a very special one as the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate have been a big supporter of John McConnell the last few years,” said Rutledge.

"He is one of their original horses and was the first that gave them any sort of success. I'm delighted for the owners and it's an emotional win.

"He has been drifting in and out of form but that's the first time he has sealed the deal since he came to John's (in August 2020). Once he got to the front he wasn't letting anything pass him."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)