British-raider Aqwaam struck at 8/1 in the extended mile and a half handicap at Galway under Seamie Heffernan.

The four-year-old gelding hadn't been placed in four previous appearances across the water, but it was a different story on soft ground today.

He chased the leaders and made headway climbing to turn in. He was soon almost on terms with Alma Libre and Fennor Cross and responded to Heffernan's urgings to lead at the furlong pole.

The Sea The Stars grey came under a drive with 150 yards to travel and kept on to beat Insane Bolt (5/1) by three quarters of a length. Fennor Cross, the 10/3 favourite, was a neck back in third.

Heffernan said: “Ian (Williams, trainer) had planned Galway, as that's where the lads wanted to have a runner.

“He was just hoping it would go to plan. He told me to get a clear run and if I did it might just happen. When he said that to me I thought 'this horse has got a chance'.

“He was spot on and it was brilliant.”

The Stewards requested a report from Ian Williams (in GB), trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Aqwaam (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Ian Williams stated that a step up in trip coupled with a liking for todays going had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson