Fourth to Hewick in last year's race, the Gordon Elliott-trained Ash Tree Meadow went three places better when making virtually all in the Tote Galway Plate.

With just 9st 11lb on his back, Danny Gilligan's mount was up front throughout when the day three feature finally got under way after several false starts.

Despite running freely and being impeded several times by the loose Andy Dufresne the seven-year-old was still full of running when joined by Authorized Art over the final two fences.

The pair soon had the race to themselves and it was Ash Tree Meadow who pulled away up the hill to score by two-and-a-half lengths. Hollow Games was another seven lengths back in third to make it a one-three for Gordon Elliott with A Wave Of the Sea completing the placings.

“This race has been the plan since last year,” said Elliott.

“Eamon and Robbie (Waters) have given great support. In horses you have good and bad days but I'm so lucky with the bunch of owners I have, the staff I have and horses I have.

“I'm very lucky and without these people I can't do it. They give me the horses and I can't thank them enough.

“When kept Danny's claim, he was injured, and this has been the plan with him. We said we'd mind him for this, we're delighted.

“It's great for Eamon, he's getting a little bit too much into the Flat racing but after winning the Galway Plate we might get him into a few more jumpers.”

Owner Eamon Waters added:- “Every owner here today was trying to win it and owners put an awful lot into the sport but you need the trainer, the jockey and so many things. It clicks an odd time and it's great.

“I know Gordon for years, from hunting with the Ward Union, we are all friends. It's plenty of laughter and plenty of rows but ultimately he's a great guy, he keeps performing and he's done it again.”

17-year-old Gilligan added: "I really can't believe this. A big thanks to Gordon and my agent Garry Cribbin and everyone who has given me the support all along.

"I jumped out to be good and handy. Gordon said to me, if you're in front, don't panic and try to fill him up everywhere.

"Coming to the fence past the stands the second time I wasn't sure which way the loose horse was going to go, so I just took a pull and hoped for the best, really.

"Twice, at the roadway before the ditch, he had a good look. He got in tight the second time and I was able to fill him up coming down into the dip and, to be fair to the horse, he battled the whole way to the line once we turned in. I came across to the stands' side and he was good and gutsy."

Quotes from Gary Carson