Moon shines to foil Fosters in Galway Hurdle

Moon Dice claimed the richest jumps race in Ireland, the Guinness Galway Hurdle, for his trainer Paul Flynn, his jockey Tom Doyle and his ecstatic owners the Three Friars Cross Syndicate.

The lightly raced son of Norwich won easily at Limerick last time out on his handicap hurdle debut, his first run of 2011. He was put away for today since that victory.

The winning 6yo raced in second for most of the race, tracking Fosters Cross who attempted to make all. Entering the straight it looked a two horse race as the winner came to challenge the long time leader at the last.

He soon led away from it and stayed on well under pressure to score by a comfortable four and a half lengths from Fosters Cross & Davy Russell (12/1) back in second. Dirar who was third in the race last year behind Overturn, finish third again this year a further two and a half lengths back under Barry Geraghty, while the controversial 3/1 favourite, The Real Article had every chance but could only mange fourth under Paddy Mangan a short head behind the third.

Winning trainer Paul Flynn said afterwards: "It was great, I didn't think he would win like that. I was confident beforehand but its Galway and I always thought he would be better over fences, but he is rated 130 over hurdles, so I said we'd give it a go.

Winning rider Tom Doyle said afterwards: "It was superb. I travelled great and I just followed Davy (aboard Fosters Cross) and my fellow was probably a little keen early but after that he settled and jumped.

"It went very straightforward, they went quick enough and I was worried we were going a bit too quick, but my horse was happy and travelling.

"It was a big step up for him but he won very well in Limerick and we were hopeful coming here. He hadn't always jumped that well but today he never missed a beat and I think that was the main thing.

"Davy was travelling very well into the dip and I wasn't travelling as well so I wasn't sure that I would pick him up. But once I jumped the second last and met the rising ground I was always gaining on him and I was fairly sure I would get him. He handled the track very well."

The Three Friar Cross Syndicate who own the gelding are from Glenmore, Co Kilkenny and seven members make up the syndicate.

Donal Murphy