Sean McDermott produced a fine front running ride to win on Gudnis Gracious Me in the Galway City Publications Handicap Hurdle at Galway today.

McDermott was alert from the start, quickly opening up a clear lead on the daughter of Mull Of Kintyre, who eventually stayed on gamely for a length win over St Devote

Afterwards Gudnis Gracious Me’s trainer John O’Shea stated “Sean (McDermott) gave her a very canny ride and dictated things from the front very well.”

He added “Gudnis Gracious Me will go next for the Smithwicks Handicap Hurdle at Listowel next but there isn’t a whole lot left for her before the ground turns soft.”

Interestingly, trainer John O'Shea's namesake, Manchester United's John O'Shea is a part owner of runner-up St Devote, who along with fellow footballer Stephen Hunt, was present for the race.