Snugsborough Benny returned to a rapturous reception after he scored as the 5/1 joint favourite in the Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase at Galway.

The subject of a running and riding enquiry when third at Limerick last time, there no need for such post race deliberations on this occasion as O'Regan delivered the son of Beneficial with perfect timing. A Rated gave it a good go from on the front end, but he couldn't repel Liam Cusack's Snugsborough Benny in the closing stages and a length split them at the line. Mine Now finished well for third, half a length adrift.

There was a seventeen length gap back to last year's winner Riviera Sun in fourth.

"I'm delighted for the horse - they went very quick and while he'd handle the ground it's a bit on the dead side," said Cusack.

"Denis gave him a lovely ride - got him into a rhythm, and he kept going forward every chance he could.

"There was only two of them in it up the hill and the horse in front just started to tie up a little bit and we were coming at him.

"He's not a horse that you'd hit the front on too soon so Denis just timed it to perfection.

"Fair play to the horse - he's a smashing horse - and I'm delighted to have him.

"It's nice to get a winner in Galway and that was a very competitive race."

Rachael Blackmore, rider of Attribution (GB) trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount was impeded by a faller and pulled up.

J.S. McGarvey, rider of Peoples Park trained by T.J. Taaffe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

The Stewards interviewed Mr R. Deegan, rider of Mine Now, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found Mr. R. Deegan in breach of Reg. 10. 3. (f) (frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for three race days.

(EM)