Lucy gives Fahey fourth winner of the week

Sit Down Lucy gave trainer Peter Fahey his fourth winner of Galway 2022 when keeping on strongly to land the opening Guinness Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle at Ballybrit.

Monasterevin man Fahey, who had a double at the meeting yesterday, made the perfect start to day five with his mare keeping all challengers at bay.

Racing handily under jockey Sean Flanagan, the eight-year-old took up the running after jumping the last, before keeping on strongly up the famous hill. Teed Up emerged from the pack to throw down the final challenge but the Fahey mare had enough in reserve to just hold on.

Long time leader, Sil Ver Klass faded on the run-in before eventually finishing third. His stablemate Nibiru who was sent off favourite, stayed on late to take fifth spot.

Winning trainer Peter Fahey said; "she is a lovely filly, is consistent and was unlucky one day in a good handicap at Ballinrobe when jinking left and unseating Shane Fitzgerald at the last. We always knew there was a good day in her.

"I don't know what it is but the last three or four weeks the horses have clicked into form. I worked her last week with Darren (Harrison) riding and couldn't believe the work she did. The horses couldn't have picked a better week to hit form."

He added "Padraic Ryan is a local from Tuam, always had horses with me so to come here to Galway and get a winner for him is great. He'll definitely celebrate it!"

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes