Andrew Thornton recorded his first Galway Festival win after Kahuna ran out a cosy 9 length win of the Guinness Handicap Chase for trainer Murdeach Kelly at odds of 7/1.

“This was the plan for him since last year. We struggled to get him back to his best but the owner has been very patient and has given him plenty of time,” said Kelly.

“The rain that fell last night certainly helped our chances but I didn’t think he'd win when they were in the dip. Andrew gave him a great ride and he gets a great tune out of the horse.”

Kelly who trains in Roscommon was a successful jockey in his time and rode several winners around here and worked for the Willie Mullins camp for four years.