Pyromaniac bids Galway glory after reprieve

The build-up for the Galway Hurdle invariably produces a tale of intrigue and Pyromaniac's presence in Thursday's Guinness-sponsored event will be the main talking point ahead of this year's renewal of the third-richest hurdle race in Britain and Ireland.

Cheltenham's Champion Hurdle and World Hurdle are the only hurdle races worth more than the 300,000 euro feature and Pyromaniac's trainer Tony Martin is bidding to win the race for the third successive year.

The six-year-old was initially banned from running for 42 days after finishing sixth at Killarney on July 12. The Summerhill handler appealed the punishment and was successful, with his 2,000 euro fine for using the racecourse as a schooling ground quashed.

However, during Martin's evidence to the appeal board it was found the horse had a problem with his teeth which, it was ruled, would have harmed his chances of winning.

He was fined 1,000 euro and Pyromaniac's 42-day ban stood, before Martin secured a High Court injunction in Dublin on Monday.

A relieved Martin is hopeful for his gelding's chances, saying: "Pyromaniac had a good run over hurdles in Killarney, so hopefully he has his chance."

Martin also sends out his last year's first and third Quick Jack and Ted Veale, with the latter turning out just three days after filling the runner-up spot in the Connacht Hotel Handicap.

Martin said: "Quick Jack won it last year, so he's entitled to be there again and he's in good form. Hopefully Ted Veale has his chance, too, but it's a handicap so they all have a chance."

It is 20 years since Willie Mullins won the race with Mystical City and the champion trainer sends out two runners in a bid to win the race for the second time.

His son and assistant Patrick Mullins said: "Clondaw Warrior won at the meeting last year on the Flat. He is up in the handicap now over hurdles as he has been very consistent.

"He is a horse that wants good ground as that's when he shows his best. We are expecting a big run from him.

"It is not ideal running Bamako Moriviere off top weight, but the race is worth so much money and there are not many opportunities to run for this kind of money.

" He is an improving horse, but top weight might just make life difficult for him."

Superb Story, not seen since winning the County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, heads the betting for Dan Skelton and is the only British raider in the field.

Other contenders for the home team include Dermot Weld's Silver Concorde the Edward O'Grady-trained Time For Mabel and Tigris River from Joseph O'Brien's stable.

Naturally the race is over-subscribed, with Princely Conn, Desoto County and Desertmore Stream the three reserves.

By Tom Weekes