Ballyholland claims Galway Plate for McBratney

Northern trainer Colin McBratney claimed the biggest prize of his career when Ballyholland ran out a comprehensive eight-length winner of the William Hill Galway Plate.

It was also a big day for jockey Andrew McNamara, who has suprisingly failed to record a victory at the Galway festival before today.

He made sure of the victory when sending his mount on after the last and the 16/1 shot stayed on strongly down the straight to land the €250,000 contest in great style.

"It was always the plan to come for the Galway Plate but it's something else to actually win the race," said a delighted McBratney.

"I was worried about the ground although he won his point-to-point in soft ground.

The handler, who trains in Crossgar, Co. Down, has enjoyed a rich vein of form of late and was saddling his eighth winner since May.

The winner is named after Ballyholland Harps GAA football team, which is situated on the outskirts of Newry.

"The plan is to go for the Beecher Chase at Aintree in November. But before that I hope to run him in the race he won at Navan last year."