Belfast Banter enjoys the Galway craic

Peter Fahey's Belfast Banter got that elusive victory over flights when delivering in the extended two mile auction maiden hurdle in Galway.

Kevin Sexton 's mount had new headgear today with a tongue-strap on and travelled smoothly into contention on the run to penultimate hurdle.

He picked off 13/8 favourite Calthor there and soon went for home. He was in charge over the last but Gevrey (9/2) made it interesting by staying on well. He got to within half a length but Belfast Banter reached the winning post first at 5/2 from 10/3. Gelee Blanche was another four lengths adrift in third at 15/2.

Sexton said: "It was a while coming and to be fair today he settled, jumped and travelled.

"I was there plenty soon but I thought Mark (Walsh, on favourite and leader Calthor) would take me to the last but once I was in front, I let him roll as he has stayed 2m4f in the past and he stayed going.

"The tongue-tie seemed to help but he was fairly spot on for today more than anything and had a great run the last day which left him right for today."

Belfast Banter got off the mark over hurdle at the 10th time of asking having been placed four times before today.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes