Kilkenny trainer John O’Shea took the opening race of the Galway Festival, the ghotel.ie & hotelmeyrick.ie Novice Hurdle when his charge Moonlight Sapphire came home in front under the very capable Sean McDermott at odds of 6/1.

Winning trainer O’Shea stated, “We were hoping first time blinkers would sharpen her up and the soft ground was a help. In fact I thought maybe she got to the front a little bit too soon.

“We’ve not got to the bottom of her stamina wise yet. We may come back here on Saturday for a two mile flat handicap.”

O’Shea who is having a great season also added, “That was my 6th winner of the season, things are going well and it’s not too bad considering I’ve only 12 horses in training.”

The beaten 100/30 favourite of Willie Mullins, Tarkari finished fifth.