My Design and Ray Barron © Photo Healy Racing
The market for the three runner Mongey Communications Chase at Galway was more than interesting and the money for My Design proved to be shrewd.
From being the outsider of three at 8/1, her price contracted to 85/40 on the off while the returning Grade 1 winner Feronily drifted from 2/9 to 1/2f. Frontal Assault was also very easy-to-back at 8/1 having opened at 11/2.
Ray Barron made all on My Design over the extended two mile six furlong trip. His mount was in receipt of weight from both rivals, but it still appeared to be a very stiff task on official ratings.
It looked like she may be vulnerable as her rivals took closer order before the second-last, however, she picked up well after the last despite making a mistake. Frontal Assault was on her hind quarters on the uphill climb for home as the pair got first run on Feronily who stumbled upon landing after two out.
My Design was ridden by Barron approaching the home bend and soon had Frontal Assault toiling in second. The race belonged to her in the final furlong and, despite the efforts of her rivals, she galloped in by five and a-half lengths from Feronily.
"I had three winners at the festival, so it is great to be back again! She has race-fitness on her side and was back up in trip from Listowel. She has won here in the past and track form means a lot here," said Barron.
"I was chatting to Declan (Queally junior, trainer) beforehand and he said to break sharply and go a good, even gallop. At the back of the third-last, I started winding her up and she was very game up the hill.
"She is getting the hang of it or maybe I'm getting the hang of her! She is as tough as they come and I'm thankful to the owners for giving me the ride."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
