Thrilling feature race tussle goes the way of Winter Fog

After a thrilling tussle away from the last, Winter Fog just got the better of Seddon in the feature at Galway this evening, the Deacy Gilligan Hurdle.

A disappointing fourth on his most recent start at Kilbeggan last month, The Triple Lock Partnership owned bay was providing Willie Mullins with a double on the card.

Sent off a 4/1 chance, the 147-rated nine-year-old raced mainly in third under Paul Townend, improving into second from two out.

He gained a narrow lead from the final flight, where he was far from fluent, and needed to be ridden out all the way to the line, seeing off the valiant effort of Seddon by a neck.

The runner-up, who attempted to make all under Ben Harvey, was returned the 5/4 favourite, with the front pair drawing 29 lengths clear of Macgiloney in third.

"Paul gave him a super ride and while the weights of race didn't suit, the conditions did," Patrick Mullins commented.

"I think it was a very good performance to give Seddon 9lb and that's what he has been showing us at home.

"He has disappointed me through the summer but that was more like it.

"There is now a small possibility he could go to Far Hills (for the American Grand National) where the fences aren't as big as ours."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined An Mhi trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of An Mhi, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount did not handle the ground.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes