Plan comes together for Meehall

Meehall toughed it out best in the first division of the three mile handicap in tough conditions at Ballybrit. Sulafaat and Meehall went on from this big field after two out and it was Meehall who had most in the tank as he led in the final furlong of the run-in.

Conor McNamara drove him home by four and a quarter lengths. Sulafaat (22/1) tired in the closing stages as Brandy Harbour (7/2) kept on to get up for second by a head from her. Two For The Road was back in fourth at 18/1.

“I'm delighted for (owner) Michael Dolan, who is from Galway. It was always the plan to try and come here, if possible,” said trainer Eric McNamara.

“To win in Galway was very special for Michael and I'm thrilled to be able to help him.

“Conor gave him a lovely ride, he kept it simple. He was nice and handy all the way and kept out to pick the best of the ground.

“The horse has come of age a bit, in fairness, and it's great to win.

“He won't run again for at least a month, we'll give him a chance as he's been running away during the summer. Maybe he won't even be seen until after Christmas.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson