Cromwell's charge foils Galway gamble

The Gavin Cromwell trained Plain Talking under Brien Kane, foiled a sizeable festival gamble on runner-up and 7/4 favourite Sea Light when winning the TheTote.com Handicap Hurdle at Galway today.

Sea Light had been backed from a general 5/1 shot this morning but things didn’t go to plan for the Charles Byrnes trained runner, who was untidy in rear jumping the first flight. Sea Light’s jockey Davy Russell was then patient on the favourite and while leader Plain Talking was herself untidy jumping the final flight, Sea Light was fifth jumping the obstacle.

Plain Talking stayed on gamey on the run-in and while Sea Light finished much stronger, Kane was able to see off the challenge, for a half length win.

Cromwell, who enjoyed Grade 1 glory with Jer’s Girl earlier this year, later stated “I”m delighted with that and she's improving all the time.

“It was a relief after she missed the last and I thought the other horse (Sea Light) was going to get up on her outside. She's tough, kept pulling it out and has guts and a great heart.

“I have her in the good handicap on Saturday; she was a few pounds out of the handicap but that will bring her in with a penalty. If she's fit and sound she'll run.

“She could be a nice one for the winter as she handles soft ground and after Saturday I might take my time with her as she's still a novice.

He added “Jer's Girl came back in yesterday so we are looking forward to the winter.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson