Rory beats Roi in Galway opener

The 4/7 favourite Poli Roi was disappointingly beaten into second in the opener at Galway, the Mervue Maiden Hurdle, as The Rory Story came out on top under Sean Flanagan for Noel Meade.

The successful son of Flemensfirth won a bumper on debut at Navan last September, finishing fifth on his first two starts over flights at Punchestown and Leopardstown respectively.

Having his first start since December, the six-year-old was available at 20/1 in a place this morning, opening on-course at 10s, before going off an 8/1 chance.

Settled behind the leaders by Flanagan, he came through to lead after two out. He was soon pressed by the market leader, but kept on best under pressure on the run-in, going on to score by four lengths.

Poli Roi, who made a mistake at the second last, looked as if he was coming with a winning run before the last, however he went across to the stands side on the run-in, and didn't find much off the bridle, eventually coming home in second under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott.

The Adrian Maguire trained Gagas Horse was another four and a quarter lengths back in third under Paul Townend at 11/2.

Meade said afterwards: "He won his bumper first time but stuck his head in the air doing so and then ran two terrible races over hurdles and we had to get his wind done. Since he has got his wind done and has had a break, he has come back in a much nicer horse.

"Whatever he does over hurdles will be a bonus as he will be a nice chaser. He's a decent sort and loves that ground, which is heavy, heavy.

"I know the favourite (Poil Roi) didn't jump particularly well but it was a good maiden hurdle and it was a good performance. I wouldn't be afraid of going three miles and we'll paddle on and see how we go."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards fined G.T.Lynch, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Rock On Barney in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes