Front-running again reaped rewards at Galway this afternoon when Falak made all to take the Claiming Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott 's charge was top rated in the field, with a mark of 123 but was easy to back, returning 7/2 having been 6/4 in the morning.

Denis O'Regan bounced out in front on the Teofilo gelding and he kicked for home after the second last in the extended two-mile-two contest. My Manekineko tried to give chase going to the last but Falak was always holding that rival late on to record a two-and-three-quarter length win.

The winner was posting an improved effort having been well beaten when third in a selling hurdle at Stratford nine days ago.

"That was grand, on ratings he was entitled to win it. He's in at E7,000 to be claimed and I think these races are a great idea."

The winner was subsequently claimed by trainer John McConnell. Solar Heat was claimed for €4,000 by Platinum Thoroughbreds to be trained by Denis Hogan.

The last national hunt claimer race run in Ireland prior to today's hurdle, was the Brusna Claiming Hurdle at Kilbeggan on May 27, 1996.

The last claiming chase run in Ireland was the SP Graham Claiming Chase at Downpatrick on September 20,1995.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)