Banna takes feature at Galway

The Thomand O’Mara trained Banna Man took the feature Connacht Tribune Handicap Chase on the final day of the Galway Festival under a fine ride by Bryan Cooper.

Cooper who was never too far off the pace hit the front at the last.

The pair kicked for home entering the straight and stayed on well to hold off the fast finishing Arkendale by two lengths.

Winning trainer O’Mara said afterwards: “He won here on this day two years ago. He was thrown in here off a nice weight.”

“He ran well here on Monday evening over hurdles and we decided to take our chance. I thought the ground might have a been a shade quick.”

“I’m delighted he won a big pot and Bryan was good on him. It’s his first time riding for me.”