The seven day Galway Festival got underway in wet and windy conditions, and the 20,000 crowd also had to endure a 25/1 shock with Gamekeeper in the featured GPT Handicap.
Aidan Fitzgerald had to virtually starve the previous 24 hours (losing 9lb) in order to get down to 10st1lb but it all proved worthwhile in this #40,000 event.
The 4yo half-brother to Derby winner High-Rise, who cost just 7,000gns at Newmarket last year, led inside the final furlong to beat the always prominent Aboriginal by a neck.
The stewards judged that Fitzgerald used his whip with excessive frequency, and he picked up a two day suspension (Aug 9-10).
Hughes doubled up later on when Silver Spray got the better of a three-way photo over On Your Marks and Stubbles in the 1m handicap.
Initial Figure (4/1-7/4f) never threatened in finishing tenth but was found to be coughing post-race.
There were two units running onto Silver Spray in the jackpot, with both punters receiving a healthy dividend of #15,902.
Aidan O`Brien introduced a smart colt in the 2yo maiden where Hemingway (2/5-2/7f) made all under Mick Kinane for an effortless success.
The well-bred son of Spectrum took a keen hold early on but Kinane oozed confidence from the dip as his mount strode clear to beat Avorado by 7L.
`He is a strong, mature colt, and could run anywhere,` said O`Brien, who indicated plans to go for the Futurity at the Curragh before the Prix de la Salamandre.
He also reported that Aristotle, winner on this maiden last year, is back in work and on target for the Irish Champion Stakes, while Giant`s Causeway runs at Goodwood on Wednesday.
Chimes At Midnight, raised 10lb in future handicaps after his third to Takali in the Group 3 Meld Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday, landed the 12f handicap.
However the recent 46,000gns purchase from Ballydoyle needed a determined ride from Wayne Smith to peg back Carmels Gift in the final strides.
Clever Consul (6/1-5/1) responded gamely to astrong drive by Norman Williamson when edging out Wonder Will He by a neck in the handicap hurdle.
The father and son team of Donie and Brian Hassett took the opening race of the meeting (maiden hurdle) when Tango Pasion headed Native Time at the last to score by 4L.
Alan Crowe (18) partnered his first winner since turning amateur last Christmas - to add to 3 victories as a Flat apprentice - when giving Rightontime a patient ride in the bumper.
The Tote aggregate of #581,128 was a new record for opening evening of the Festival, easily beating last years previous best of #448,609.
