Val O’Brien’s pair Ballygill Gale (8/1) and What A Island (25/1) fought out the finish to the two mile six handicap chase at Galway with Ballygill Gale holding on by half a length.

“I thought the other one was going to get back up, but the winner galloped on well. They will both probably go to Listowel,” Val O’Brien said.

18 runners went to post. The first two were clear of Bruff (5/1) who was beaten five lengths in third while Thepartysover at 25/1 took fourth.

Bruff attracted the most money at the track as the Mouse Morris-trained five-year-old was backed down from an opening show of 13/2. He was 17/2 in the morning.

Three horses fell in the eventful contest – Moncherie Rathmoyle House and Western Island while two were brought down, Bangonform the 3/1 favourite and Top Four

(on course reporting by Donal Murphy)