Connections celebrate Nathaniel's Dream Galway win © Photo Healy Racing
Galway 2022 got even better for trainer Tony Martin, when Nathaniel's Dream got up close home under Sean O'Keeffe to win the Kenny Galway Handicap Hurdle on the final day of the festival.
Martin could have been forgiven for thinking he had used up his luck for the week, when the seven-year-old gelding looked an unlikely runner on Friday morning. As third reserve for this contest, he needed at least three above him to come out.
However, changing ground conditions meant a host of non runners allowed the Nathaniel gelding sneak into the race at the foot of the weights.
Switched off towards the rear of the field by O'Keeffe, he still had plenty to do jumping two out but made headway into fourth place approaching the final flight.
A strong late rally saw the Martin trained horse get up to collar favourite Perceval Legallois right on the line.
Following on from the heroics of Tudor City in the Galway Hurdle, it was further proof that the lean days are firmly behind Meath man Martin.
Tony Martin said, “We put him by for Galway and fortunately he just got in at the last minute. Touch wood it all worked out.
“It’s a great man that owns him, Eric Carson. He’s one of the nicest and most loyal men I’ve ever had anything to do with. I know him six or seven years and what a gentleman.
“He’s been very loyal and the horse took a long time to come. He’s a bit of a worrier and his jumping was very inconsistent. Luckily it all came right today.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
