Bashiyr battles well up Galway hill

Bashiyr continued his progression when running out a convincing winner of the Donnellys Of Barna Rated Race at Galway.

The Dermot Weld-trained colt had taken a Gowran maiden on his second career start having been runner-up at the same venue on his debut.

In against more experienced rivals today he showed good battling qualities to land the extended mile contest.

Chris Hayes drove him into contention early in the straight and the 6/4 favourite collared long-time leader High Altitude just inside the final furlong.

The Aga Khan-owned gelding kept on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half success over Zander

"He did it nicely, he is a genuine horse and Chris gave him a good confident ride,” said Weld.

"The ground is testing and some of the horses were struggling out there but he battled well.

“We'll find another race of similar calibre next, maybe over 1m2f. I always say that if a horse wins over a mile on soft ground up the hill at Galway, they will definitely get 1m2f.”

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)