Gale blows rivals away in Plate Trial

Victrix Gale completed a hat-trick in fine style when justifying 11/4 favouritism in the www.tote.com Galway Plate Trial Handicap Chase at Limerick.

Paul Townend produced the mare, a half-sister to Troytown Chase winner Takagi, to lead at the penultimate fence and, despite being a little awkward at the last, she had plenty in reserve to beat Jamsie Hall (10/1) by a comfortable two and a half lengths. Campbonnais (11/2) was a another length and a half back in third with Tico (12/1) completing the placings in fourth.

Winning trainer Tony Martin said, “It’s great for the lads involved (Badgers Syndicate) from Kerry. They’ve had success with me before and deserve it. She was very good.

“It took a while for her to come right, and maybe we can find something for her at Killarney. We may also try to get her some black type in one of those mares races.”