Galway Plate day received a major boost when the jackpot pool of #43,256 was not won after a series of surprise results for nearly 19,000 punters on day two of the Festival.
The victory of 15 year old apprentice Tom Queally aboard Tushna (16/1, paid #35.10 on the Tote) in the featured McDonogh EBF Handicap greatly contributed to the sizeable carryover.
The Erins Isle colt made virtually all to beat Bibi Karam by 1L, providing trainer Jim Bolger with his second successive victory in this #70,000 event.
`Tom used his head in front, and is a good judge of pace,` said Bolger of the Dungarvan rider, who has ridden 6 winners since April.
Ballybrit specialist Dermot Weld opened his account for the week when saddling a mixed double with Ansar and Crown Capers.
Ansar drew clear after two out in the maiden hurdle, and Norman Williamson could afford to ease the 4yo gelding after the last to beat Patsy Veale by 3L.
`He jumps very well but would like better ground,` said Weld, whose charge will revert to the Flat for a 1m6f conditions race here on Friday.
Crown Capers made a successful debut in the 2yo fillies maiden, benefitting from a strong drive by Pat Smullen to head Cheal Rose in the final stride.
`Pat gave her an excellent ride, and she will go next for the Listed Debutante Stakes at the Curragh (August 20),` said the Rosewell House trainer.
Faithfulbond and Splendida, the only 2 runners with no jackpot units, fought out the finish to the 7 runner 3yo maiden with Jason Behan`s mount prevailing by a neck.
Twice The Ease (9/10f) could never get on terms but after trailing the field was found to be in season.
Willie Mullins has the Kerry National at Listowel in mind for River Cora (4/5f), who justified good support under Ruby Walsh in an incident packed 2m6f chase.
Crown Point (Michael Hussey) led off the home bend in the 7f handicap, and held the renewed challenge of Montana Lady by a head.
The placepot pool of #9,096 is also carried forward to Wednesday after the remaining units went down in the finale.
Class Society was given a fine ride by 7lb claimer Tadhg O`Shea in this 2m handicap to edge out Macabeo close home.
