Nolan & Smithers take Galway bumper

A half-sister to dual Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo, Al Arrivee was sent off odds-on favourite to make a winning debut in the Race In Pink 4-Y-O Fillies (Pro/Am) Flat Race but had to settle for second behind 20/1 chance Rock On By

Trained for the Coffey & Browne Families by Paul Nolan, the daughter of Kayf Tara had been upsides when falling at the last in her sole point-to-point for Denis Murphy.

Here, Conor Smithers' mount tracked the favourite throughout as they both raced in touch behind the leaders. The pair had a barging match down the hill as they moved into contention and went clear of the field turning for home. It was Rock On By who proved the stronger in the final furlong to score by a length-and-three-quarters. 

"That was super and she is obviously a very nice mare," said Smithers

"At home she doesn't show a lot but whenever we brought her away to work, she would show up and surprise us.

"You could see she pulled clear in the last 50 yards today and I think she will definitely become a nice filly. I think she would appreciate stepping up in trip and I'm looking forward to seeing her when there is an obstacle in her way.

"I go to Paul's every Wednesday morning, I'm with Jessica Harrington three days a week and also ride work for Pat Foley."

Quotes from Tom Weekes