Building Bridges (blue and white checks) dead heats with Thornleigh Frank (left) © Photo Healy Racing
The finale on day three of the the festival was the Tote Always SP Or Better Handicap Hurdle and it resulted in a dead heat which led to celebrations from two sets of Northern connections.
In a very steadily-run contest, Thornleigh Frank (7/1) and Building Bridges (40/1) were always to the fore.
The former established a clear advantage at one point but was not so far in front after two out and was strongly pressed on the run-in by Building Bridges. The two flashed past the post together and the judge was unable to split them.
Galway Plate-winning jockey Danny Gilligan was just half a length back in third on his father Paul's horse Shanwalla with Moonovercloon the same distance further away in fourth.
Kildare handler Mark Fahey trains the Mark McDonagh-ridden Thornleigh Frank for Downpatrick man Gerry McPolin while Gary McGill, based in Maghera Co Derry, looks after Building Bridges for the Taphouse Syndicate. McGill's son Oran was winning on the New Approach gelding for the fourth time.
Gary McGill said: “I thought we would have gotten a winner at Galway with Dolly's Destination but it wasn't to be.
“This lad has just turned inside out for us and it's brilliant. He's just improved and improved.
'He's owned by a great bunch of lads from Bellaghy. I bought this wee horse for them and to get a winner at Galway is magic.”
Fahey commented: “We thought we were beaten and looking at the photo finish he had his head to the floor, he dipped his head at the right time.
“He's a magical horse to have, a Galway festival winner, and for two small teams like ourselves to come down here and have a winner like that is brilliant. We'll enjoy it together.
“He was keen the whole way but we're down in Galway, we've had our winner and it's brilliant.
“He'll probably go on a bit of a holiday now as he's after having three quick runs. We're not worried about anything for the future at the moment.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
