Dalkova (Niall McCullagh) saw off all challengers© Photo Healy Racing
Dalkova made all in the Listed Arthur Guinness European Breeders Fund Corrib Fillies Stakes to supply her trainer Johnny Murtagh with his first Galway Festival winner.
The 13/2 shot put her draw in two to good use and she found plenty for pressure in the straight to see off the favourite, Tested by half a length.
There was the same margin back to Colour Blue in third, Slipper Orchid (finished well) in fourth and Dark Skies in fifth.
"It's hard work being a trainer and the winners are not as plentiful and they don't come as often.
"Andrew (Tinkler, winning owner) has always had great faith in this filly and today here I really fancied her.
"I knew she'd get up the hill really well and she's very tough and game – a typical Galileo.
"Seven furlongs or a mile is her trip and she'll be stepped up to Group 3 company now," said Murtagh.
McCullagh meanwhile commented: "She won very well and she's on the improve. We felt she'd improved and when we saw the good draw she'd got we decided to ride her positively. She put in a very pleasing performance.
"I love the way she picked up from the three and every winner I have for Johnny is extra special.
"We've been friends a long time – I was best man at his wedding and I'm God-father to one of the kids."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Tobann ridden by K.J. Manning, unplaced, Floating Along ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, Harpist ridden by W.J. Lee, unplaced and Dark Skies, ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed fifth. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards considered the incident to be accidental and took no further action.
(TW & EM)
