Bates shines on Treasure

Fledgling conditional Declan Bates partnered the second winner of his career when giving Berkerys Treasure a fine front-running ride in the Galway City Vintners Handicap Hurdle.

The Philip Rothwell-trained gelding shook off the challenge of Island Myth after the second last and kept on for a two-and-a-half length success.

"That's wonderful. He's a horse I was finding it hard to place and I was lucky enough to win a handicap chase with him at Ballinrobe a few weeks ago," said Rothwell.

"I decided to claim off him and was hoping for rain to loosen up the ground so I was smiling when I seen the rain this morning.

"Seven pounds off 9st10lb is a big help and it's hard to catch a front-runner.

"Declan has only had his full conditional licence for the past week and was restricted to riding for me before that.

"He's going to be a top-class conditional. He's a super rider and a big talent. I'm pleased to have him connected with the yard and will be using him a lot."