Whiskey Sour (blue & yellow) launches his challenge© Photo Healy Racing
The McMahon family will never forget the 2017 running of the Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap after 7lb claimer Aubrey McMahon carried his father Luke's colours to a stunning victory aboard Whiskey Sour in the big amateur contest at Galway.
The rider was partnering just his third career winner when guiding the 16/1 shot to a cosy success in the opening night feature event.
Willie Mullins' charge came with a powerful run to lead inside the final furlong of the two-mile contest and was soon on top.
He only had to be pushed out in the closing stages to stride clear of his rivals for a two-and-three-quarter length success over 5/1 favourite Swamp Fox
Mullins saddled three of the first four home in the €100,000 contest with Lagostovegas back in third and Digeanta finishing fourth.
Whiskey Sour came into the race having won a maiden hurdle at Tramore last month. He had won his Flat maiden over seven furlongs at the Galway festival two years ago.
“Aubrey was fantastic. For a 7lb claiming rider to ride a winner like that is fantastic, a young rider like that with so little experience,” said Mullins.
“He's a winner here before and had a lovely weight with Aubrey's 7lb claim. It was just what traffic problems Aubrey was going to encounter and whether he could handle them.
“He broke well enough but got shuffled back along the rail. When he felt himself going well he just angled out wide and didn't panic.
“He rode a good race considering the way the race panned out, I thought he was very good. He didn't panic and didn't try and go for gaps that weren't there.
“He just waited and waited until the horse got daylight and when he got daylight he came with his challenge.
“I thought it was a very good performance for a 7lb claimer especially around Galway. This race is always a tough race, there are more hard luck stories in this race than most.
“It was fantastic for him and for Luke, his father, who is a great patron of the stable.
“I'm sure it'll be one of Luke's best winners.
“Digeanta got a very slow break and got shuffled back as well. He ran great considering everything that happened in the race.
“Lagostovegas didn't have the greatest draw in the world but Patrick got her over nicely.
“She had a good position the whole way and had her chance but I think probably just the weight told.
“What she showed me today I think there is probably another nice handicap in her.
“I didn't realise the winner had won in Galway before and when I went back through his form I put him in everything I could.
“He's in the mile-and-a-half on Friday. I was half disappointed I didn't have him in the novice hurdle today when the other horse came out.
“I'd say he'll go on Friday now.”
Aubrey McMahon said: "Everything went so smooth. It was like a dream really. Amateurs that ride all their lives dream of winning this race.
"It's great to even get a ride in a race this. To win it is brilliant and I can't really believe it's happened."
The attendance for the opening day was 19,663 which was up 812 on last year's figure of 18,851.
