Duke Of Leggagh imperious in Galway

Duke Of Leggagh absolutely powered home for Declan McDonogh to land the seven-furlong nursery in Ballybrit by a wide margin.

The grey son of Tough As Nails was in the box seat tracking Tic Tac Toe and moved ahead of him on the approach to the straight.

McDonogh rode him to go and take the race by the scruff of the neck outside the furlong pole and his mount responded generously.

He moved clear in the final furlong and strode right away to come home by five and a half lengths at 13/2 for Michael Mulvany who had a 25/1 winner in Galway yesterday through Barnacullia. Rhythm King (15/2) won the race for second, a neck in front of 6/1 Inthepoorhouse who was the subject of a morning-price gamble. The Snapper (17/2) completed the placings in fourth.

Mulvany said: "He is coming to himself all the time and, being a full-brother to (stablemate) Ideal Pal, we had a rough idea he'd handle the ground. He was very weak early on this year but has started to strengthen.

"I wasn't expecting him to win as easy as that but he is going the right way and knows what it is all about. It's onwards and upwards but that's him finished for the year as he won't be going to the all-weather.

"He is named after a friend of mine Robbie McMahon and I'm delighted for him. He is from Leggagh and he asked me to call the horse after him."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes