Poignant win for Crawley-trained mare in opener

The opener on Galway Plate day, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle went to the 12/1 chance, Nodoubtaboutthat ridden by 7lb claimer Tom Kelly.

Having raced in mid-division, the winner began to improve from the second-last and got to the front with a fluent leap at the last. Dysart Diamond (15/2) gave chase on the run-in but was two and three quarter lengths adrift at the line, with Butterflyvespiere (9/1) in third.

Bred by Grand National and Galway Plate-winning trainer Jimmy Mangan, the 6-year-old daughter of Oscar had landed a touch at Kilbeggan last year before going close twice in the spring having had a winter break.

Winning trainer Shane Crawley, based near Tara in County Meath, said: "The (Who What Why) syndicate aren't here today as one of the members Michael Griffin buried his mother Mae Griffin this morning.

"They saw her work last week and said 'let her run, it'll be all for luck', so it was a very special win and it's an emotional day for all of them. Michael is from Dublin and it is a Dublin syndicate."

He added: "She had great form this season and was unlucky at times. I was stuck for a rider and Garry Cribbin (jockeys' agent) said this lad could ride and is great value for 7lbs.

"She came out of her Cork run (fourth to Rain In Spain) really well and it worked out. I've only ever had one runner at the festival and that's my first winner. We bought her for 5,000 Euro and didn't think we'd be coming here winning!"

Quotes from Thomas Weekes