There was a nice performance from the front by Western Victory (20/1) in the Gobus.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle at Galway.

Though beaten, Grade Two winning bumper performer, Getaway Katie Mai (11/10 favourite) showed plenty for her connections to build on.

On her first start since Aintree in the spring she had to yield by a length and three parts to Western Victory (a half-sister to Graded runner Tell Us More) on this occasion.

"I rode her a good while back on heavy ground and it was her first run over hurdles. She is a hardy mare and isn't too bad," said winning rider Sean Flanagan on Colin Bowe's charge.

"She won her point to point from the front and did the same today. She was very fit and it rode a good race.

"She would be better going the other way as she hung the whole way with me but she is a good mare."

(TW & EM)