Gale Mahler and Henry Brooke © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Adrian Keatley made a winning Irish return when saddling Gale Mahler to easily land the Listed COLM QUINN BMW Novice Hurdle at Galway.
Now based in Britain, Keatley who sent out Jet Setting to win the Irish 1000 Guineas in 2016, has been enjoying a very successful season under both codes.
Having won her last five races, including three from three over hurdles, Keatley targeted this Listed prize as the mare stepped up in grade for the first time under Henry Brooke.
Well supported from as big as 14/1 overnight, the winner was returned at 9/2.
Settled nicely in mid division for much of the race, Brooke made his move on the run to two out, going third in pursuit of Napper Tandy and Gaucher
Pushed along to lead before the last, Gale Mahler soon stretched clear, as Napper Tandy made a mistake at the final flight and Gaucher weakened under Paul Townend. Le Coq Hardi came through on the run-in to take second but the British raider was away and gone for an easy 10 length success.
Winning jockey Henry Brooke said: "She is a very progressive little mare. She has been well placed; well trained. I wouldn't say well ridden, as all I had to do was steer her round. It's nice to come over here across the sea and take a bit of prizemoney home.
"She is a very tough little mare and she takes her racing well."
Adrian Keatley said: "We had to step her up in grade to see what we had and while it is very hard to judge English and Irish form especially at this time of year but she was very impressive. She was well able to hold her own though and we can now go home and start making proper plans.
"She doesn't mind that ground, will handle slow ground so it's onwards and upwards. She is very straightforward and genuine and while she doesn't really need cheekpieces on, I'm afraid to take them off at this stage as she hasn't put a foot wrong.
"She is a very good mare and we'll target some of the big races in the autumn and next spring now."
He added "It's a while since I was last in Galway but this place has been good to me and she has to be my most impressive winner here. I am mostly a flat trainer but we love to have a few jumpers as it keeps us busy during the winter and this is one we will really look forward to.
"You always feel vulnerable coming back over taking on Willie (Mullins) and Gordon (Elliott) and the lads, so there was a lot of satisfaction in this. I'll go home, talk to Jimmy (Fyffe owner) and I think she deserves a little break now."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
