Tarazani pleases favourite backers

Dermot Weld struck back (trails Willie Mullins by 7 points) in his bid to be leading trainer at Galway 2016 when Tarazani (visor fitted for the first time) landed the JPK Fencing Handicap under Pat Smullen.

The 15/8 favourite, in his opening handicap, and having his first start since finishing third in Harzand's Cork maiden back in March, was never far away.

The Dutch Art gelding led two furlongs out, he was ridden over a furlong out and he kept on well in the final furlong to see off Ondamoura by a length.

"His form had a decent look to it. He won nicely, and we'll look for a similar handicap next time," said Kris Weld.

The Stewards fined M.O. Cullinane, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Jazz Ranger in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

(AM & EM)