Division one of the Reaney’s Of Galway Supporting NUIG Volunteer Services Abroad Handicap at Ballybrit saw a local success with A Few Bob Short defying top-weight under Joey Sheridan.

Trained in Lawrencetown Ballinasloe by Shane Ryder, A Few Bob Short followed up on his Thurles win from 18 days back. Ozone and Still Alive were the pair to give A Few Bob Short most to do. However the winner had a length and a half and a neck to spare at the line.

Gambled on favourite Randalls Ur Poet could only manage seventh whilst unfortunately War Anthem pulled up injured.

"He deserved all his wins as he was hitting the crossbar last year,” said Ryder.

“He is tough but he surprised me today as I thought the draw, ground and the weight were all gone against him. When the weights went up there was no horse rated 65 and he ended up being the top one in it from 59.

"He keeps surprising us and I want to go to Dundalk now although the owners are not in love with the place as he came back jarred from there a few times last year. However I think the new surface should change things and help prevent that from happening now."

N.M. Crosse, rider of Countess Matilda trained by Matthew J. Smith, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly to the left throughout this race.

D.E. Sheehy, rider of Castlegrove trained by R.Donohoe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout this race.

(TW & EM)