McConnell's faith in Phebes Dream rewarded

Mark Gallagher came in for a winning spare ride on Phebes Dream who won a thrilling finish to division two of the mile and a half handicap in Galway.

The 20/1 shot ran freely in rear in the early stages before being settled by Gallagher.

She was last of the 18 runners at the halfway stage and improved to rear of mid-division passing the three marker.

The daughter of Roderic O'Connor picked up in the home straight and was switched right 100 yards out to unleash her finish.

Racecourse commentator Jerry Hannon exclaimed: "Phebes Dream from out of the clouds!"

She came between horses to get up by a head from Happy Company also at 20/1.

In a bunch finish, A Few Bob Short was a short head away in third at 12/1. Mastermind the heavily-backed favourite (7/2 to 2/1), took fourth a neck further back.

"It was a perfectly executed plan over the last five years!" trainer John McConnell said.

"It was a great ride from Mark Gallagher who stepped in (to replaced unwell Andrew Slattery) and I said to him beforehand if you can get her to settle at all, she'll run really well as she can kill herself pulling too hard.

"She has ability but hasn't been able to show it with the way she pulls but he switched her off as much as he could. In fairness to the filly she battled well when she had to.

"She was gutsy to win the way she did and I think that's my favourite win over the past while as I was the only one who had faith in her!

"It's been a great year and it is down to having better horses and thank god they are healthy and fit."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes