Review GALWAY 3RD AUG

John Oxx and Johnny Murtagh opened their accounts for the week in style when combining for a treble, highlighted by the feature race success of Taraza.

Murtagh elected to make most off the running on the Aga Khan home-bred in the Guinness Extra Stout Handicap, and the Darshaan filly held on by 1L from Yayo.

Dibiya also sported the famous green silks when making an impressive debut in the 12f maiden, stretching clear from the dip to record an easy 8L verdict over Beat The Heat.

Murtagh edged ahead of Pat Smullen (47-46) in the title race after First Son headed Great Guns a furlong out to score by 2 1/2L in the finale.

Odds-on punters were made to sweat before collecting with Deckie in the amateur handicap hurdle as Alan Crowe's mount got up on the line to touch off Knockawad by a shorthead.

Roseau was just a head further back in third, but her rider Aidan Fitzgerald was given a two days suspension for using his whip with excessive frequency.

Half Barrell maintained his great record at this venue when staying on strongly from the last under Ruby Walsh to take the 2m1f handicap chase.

'He stays well, and the strong pace today was a big help', said local trainer Val O'Brien, who is already dreaming of a tilt at next year's Plate.

Heemanela benefitted from a forceful ride by Seamus Heffernan in the 1m handicap, just holding on by a neck from Montpelier Street.

Shaunas Vision led off the home turn in the 2yo auction maiden, and kept on well for Wayne Smith to beat Paris Express by 1L.

This provided Curragh trainer Michael Halford with his fourth winner of the week, and pleased 12 lucky jackpot punters who collected a dividend of #2,585.

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