Awayinthewest beats Mullins trio in Galway feature

Awayinthewest provided Pat Fahy with his third success in the space of a week, as she beat the Willie Mullins trained trio in the feature at Galway this evening, the Deacy Gilligan Irish EBF Mares Hurdle.

Second on her last try over flights at Kilbeggan, the daughter of Getaway was seventh of ten on the level at Listowel on Thursday.

Backed from 6s into 5s on-course, the six-year-old victor raced in third under Barry Geraghty, as Pleasure Dome (11/8 out to 13/8) attempted to make all.

Awayinthewest closed on the front-pair before two out, and jumped the last in second, keeping on best under a strong Geraghty ride to prevail by half a length.

Pleasure Dome was the one just denied, while the 6/4 favourite Calie Du Mesnil was another eight lengths back in third.

The other Mullins runner was Chambord Du Lys and she was another twenty-five lengths away in fourth.

Fahy, who had two winners at Listowel last week, said afterwards: "I was a bit worried as she got a little knock behind at Listowel as she was well butchered on the back leg.

"I was afraid it might come against her. I took a chance and really freshened her, I barely had her out of her stable.

"She arrived today in really great form and today proves how consistent she is.

"There were a small numbers in the race and you have to go for those type of races. Any day you beat three of Willie's (Mullins) is not a bad day I suppose!

"I'm going to go for that mares' novice hurdle (Grade 3) in Down Royal in November and then aim her back for the mares' novice hurdle at Cheltenham in March, where her experience will help. That's a little plan at the moment."

STEWARDS REPORT

Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Calie Du Mesnil (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes