Hidden Cyclone warms up well for Galway

Odds-on-favourite Affinisea was turned over in Killarney as Hidden Cyclone got first run on him. Jocular burst away from the stalls and raced almost a furlong clear throughout. However, he had a reduced advantage in the final half mile of this mile and six qualified riders' race.

The petrol gauge almost read empty with a furlong to go as Patrick Mullins drove Hidden Cyclone (9/2) into the lead.

He was followed through by Affinisea and Katie Walsh but Hidden Cyclone went for home and outgunned the 8/13 favourite who got to within a short head of him at the line.

Jocular (25/1) picked up a third-place prize some five and a half lengths back.

Patrick Mullins said: "He's a fantastic horse to ride - for a horse that's 11, he moves like a four-year-old and is a pleasure to ride.

"He was a bit slow out of the stalls but we got a lovely position. I'd say he probably needed it and I'd say he'll improve for it.

"He'll probably be entered for the Amateur Handicap, Galway Hurdle and maybe the Plate as well - he's an amazing horse, to think that he could be one of the favourites for all three of those races."

Successful trainer Shark Hanlon was at the Ascot Sales.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes