Brazil (nearside) and Niall McCullagh© Photo Healy Racing
Brazil put a disappointing run in yesterday’s Guiness Galway Hurdle behind him to land the featured €110,000 Guinness Handicap on day five of the Festival.
The Padraig Roche-trained son of Galileo never struck a blow when pulled up before two out in the Thursday highlight but it was a totally different story here back on the Flat under veteran rider Niall McCullagh.
The JP McManus-trained five-year-old, 22/1 this morning and sent off at 14/1, was produced from off the pace and finished strongly on the outer to head 5/2 favourite Teed Up in the final strides. Chally Chute also ran a cracker and was only beaten two heads in third with Jackfinbar in fourth.
Roche said, “Yesterday was the plan but unfortunately that didn't go to plan and in fairness to Mark (Walsh) he looked after him.
“We had him in today and it was great, Niall gave him a great ride so I'm delighted.
“When I was only a young lad, Niall was in India when Dad was over there so I know Niall a long time. It's great and he gave him a great ride.”
On being pulled up in the Galway Hurdle he added:- “Look it's Galway, the start is everything and he didn't. Fair play to Mark he looked after him and he knew he was in today.
“He's a hardy horse and there's no bother with him. He came back, ate up last night and was bouncing this morning so we said we'd give him a chance.
“His pedigree is great, he came from Ballydoyle, and I'm lucky to have a horse like him.
“He has a load of options, it was a bit morbid last night but today is great. It's a great game!”
It was a fifth career win for Brazil whose three wins over hurdles include the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
