No stopping Martin and Meyler

Tony Martin saddled his second winner of the week at Galway when Heartbreak City came out best in a thrilling conclusion to the Guinness Handicap Hurdle under Plate hero Donagh Meyler.

No less than eleven of the twelve participants in this two miler still had a chance landing out over the last but Heartbreak City (3/1 favourite) got the required space on the run-in to get up and beat St Stephens Green by a length.

There was under eight lengths between first and eleventh at the finish.

"As soon as the gap opened up he was there in a flash. He has a good turn of foot and he has good Flat form as well," commented Meyler.

Tony Martin stated: "He was unlucky here last year, and is owned by great lads. Donagh rode him with confidence. He's had a good week winning the Plate, and has really come of age tonight with the ride he gave him.

"He's had a lot of issues and doesn't take a lot of racing. We'll see how he comes out of this but there are races like the Ebor and the Cesarewitch. He has plenty of options. He's not as good over hurdles as he is on the Flat."

Part-owner Aidan Shiels, who has enjoyed plenty of success with Martin-trained horses like Benefficient in the past, made the trip over from New York.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Chatham House Rule (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount seemed to lose interest once headed and did not travel thereafter.

(AM & EM)