Monasterboice and Colin Keane © Photo Healy Racing
Successful in the Galway Plate just over 35 minutes earlier, trainer Noel Meade showed that he is equally adept at sending out winners on the flat when Monasterboice landed the Free Streaming All Races At Tote.ie Handicap.
A maiden winner at Killarney on his most recent outing, the gelded son of Mehmas reverted to handicap company here to double up under Colin Keane.
Sent off 9/2 to make it back-to-back wins, the Mrs Patricia Hunt owned three-year-old tracked leader Thor's Hammer in the early stages before drawing alongside to dispute at halfway.
As the leader came under pressure two furlongs out, Keane kicked on entering the straight, followed by Cornahilt Soldier a close second.
The latter had no more to give from over a furlong out, as Monasterboice powered home for a two-and-a-quarter-length victory. Sli Na Ghealai stayed on late for second, with Cornahilt Soldier third.
Noel Meade, who was registering a double on the evening, trained his first Galway winner 52 years ago.
He said: “A change in tactics seems to have made a big difference to him. Softer ground and making the running.
“He probably wants the trip. We thought he didn’t stay but it now looks the opposite and he does stay.
“It’s been a great day.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
