Fitzgerald gets a Galway winner on Desir Du Large

In-form 7lb claimer Shane Fitzgerlad got on the scoresheet for the week as Desir Du Large (10/3 into 9/4 on the show) took the Tote At tote.ie Galway Races Maiden Hurdle.

The 5/6 favourite Lasparas led until dropping out tamely after three out as the winner and Lonesome Boatman (9/2) went on. The latter made a costly error at the next and the winner went clear on the run to the final flight.

The Gigginstown-owned grey idled and didn’t look the most straightforward when in front but kept going well enough to hold the renewed effort of Lonesome Boatman by two and three quarter lengths.

A Fairyhouse bumper winner in 2018, the 8-year-old was sidelined for a couple of years before being sent over hurdles in the spring and ran well on his reappearance in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Naas in February.

Winning trainer Joseph O’Brien commented: “He had goodish winter form and we thought if he could take that here he'd run very well. He won well but got a bit lonely and Shane gave him a good ride and is good value for his 7lbs claim.

"We'll see what mark he gets and he'll either go for a novice or handicap next. He'll go chasing eventually and could even go now, but we'll see what Michael and Eddie (O'Leary) want to do."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes