Golden Kite soars at Ballybrit

A game performance from the front was rewarded at Galway as Golden Kite (14/1) and Declan Queally battled their way to a success for trainer Adrian Maguire.

Georgie (9/1) and Boxer Beat looked big threats coming to the last, but the latter unseated Kieran Quigley when third and the former could find no extra in finishing second with Conor Maxwell in the plate, a length and a quarter adrift. Muzak at 11/2 completed the placings in third. There was an on-course plunge on Little Barney from 13/2 to 4/1, but he came in fifth under Declan Lavery.

Adrian Maguire said: “That was a nice win on ground that was far from what he would want. I knew he would run well as he runs well fresh. “Declan gave him a lovely ride taking seven pounds off. He has put in some great performances especially over fences and his heart is bigger than himself.

“I’m thrilled for his owner Anthony Calnan who has been very patient with him. He’ll probably go to Listowel now.”

There were no less than 10 non runners from the 23 declared, mostly due to the change in going. (on course reporting by Donal Murphy)