Outback Flyer © Photo Healy Racing
The Tote-sponsored mares’ handicap hurdle was won by Outback Flyer (11/1) under Kevin Sexton.
The patiently-ridden daughter of Jet Away made good headway from mid-division to join issue wth Tullypole Annie after the second-last. The pair jumped the last in unison but the winner soon found a bit extra and pulled away to score by three and a quarter lengths. Purple Mountain and Hophornbeam filled the frame.
The six-year-old had won her maiden over half a mile further at Wexford in April.
Winning trainer Peter Fahey said: "After winning in Wexford we aimed her at Punchestown but things didn't go right early in the race. I said to Johnny (Deacon) to take her home and we'd bring her back for Galway so it is great when a plan like that works out.
"On her first run, I ran her in a Listed bumper with the way she was working at home but I came home scratching my head. Things are now coming together with her and she is finishing off her races.
"Going forward she will make a cracking chaser and we might be back here again next year."
Owner Jonathan Deacon added: "We bred her at home, we had planned on going point-to-pointing but that didn't work out and she came to Peter, who has done great.
"We've had the family for four generations since the mid-1980s and my uncle Billy started it off and still keeps a good eye on us. This is my first winner in Galway and I'm very honoured to have it. "
Quotes from Tom Weekes
