Double for Weld with Antique Platinum

Antique Platinum gave Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen a double on day two of Galway, but the 2/5 favourite had to work hard to get her head in front.

She was well off the bridle with a quarter of a mile to go in this seven furlong maiden. In the home straight she got alongside Ducky Mallon who raced along the far rail. Henson in the middle, got squeezed for room as Antique Platinum got in front to win by two lengths.

Henson at 11/4 pipped Ducy Mallon (12/1) for second by a neck. Chief Suspect ran on well for fourth.

Dermot Weld said: “A little bit of excitement to end the evening! She ran a bit green when she hit the front and hung in a bit. Pat said she drifted in, but when he pulled the stick she straightened up. She won by two lengths. She had a pair of visors on to make her concentrate. She’s not an easy ride and that’s why she wore a pair of sunglasses.”

There was a lengthy stewards enquiry, but the placings remained unaltered.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Chief Suspect, ridden by S. Foley, placed fourth, Ducky Mallon, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed third, Henson (GB), ridden by F.M. Berry, placed second and Antique Platinum, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed first, where it appeared that Henson (GB) had received interference from Antique Platinum when delivering his challenge in the closing stages. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.

The crowd was up again at Galway this evening as 19,156 attended this year compared to 18,248 12 months ago.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson