6.15 2m. 11yds. 20 Declared. Guinness Galway H'dle H'cap (Grade A) of €250,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €150,000.00 2nd - €50,000.00 3rd - €25,000.00 4th - €12,500.00 5th - €7,500.00 6th - €5,000.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - SALDIER has the same profile as last year's winner Aramon - a seven-year-old trained by Willie Mullins, ridden by Patrick Mullins with 11st 10lb on his back. This double Grade One winner over hurdles enjoyed an easy win in a qualified riders' race at Listowel last month on his way to fifth in a staying contest at Royal Ascot (on fast ground which wouldn't have been ideal). He certainly has a shot. Belfast Banter has plenty going for him. He comes here with a huge reputation now after landing the Grade 3 County Hurdle at Cheltenham and a Grade One at Aintree. His Ballybrit record is also more than decent with a runner-up finish and a victory accrued over hurdles. He can draw upon that County Hurdle experience when navigating his way through this massive field. Ciel De Neige has a bit to find with Belfast Banter on their run in the County Hurdle, but he is proven over further and ran well when being beaten by half a length in a Grade B handicap hurdle at Punchestown. He should be coming home stronger than most in the first-time blinkers. Cape Gentleman came from a long way back for fifth in the Ascot Stakes over two and a half miles on the flat. There is plenty of upside to him as he is a lightly-raced sort who has managed to win the Irish Cesarewitch and a Grade 2 over hurdles. Winner Takes Itall lifts a €25k bonus if adding this to his recent Bellewstown success. He has a feather weight on his back and the bookmakers are wary of him. Rain wouldn't be to his advantage, though.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards that have run at least three times in hurdle races up to and including 18th July 2021Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 10lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a hurdle race or hurdle races after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.