Tuesday's bridesmaid is Thursday's bride

Second here on Tuesday night, from the front Honor Oak turned the Rockshore Handicap, race three on Ladies Day at Galway, into a procession.

The grey found Truffles superior a couple of days ago, but from a long way out here the daughter of Zebedee wasn't for catching.

She kept up the gallop from over two furlongs out, and in the end the 11/2 chance had eight lengths to spare over Prosecution

Honor Oak, victorious here over track and trip in September 2016, is owned by Tom Doran's brother John, and trained by Tom Hogan.

"She had some great form - including when finishing in front of David Marnane's Hunt Cup winner (Settle For Bay). She was second in a premier handicap up the Curragh as well," reflected Hogan.

"In truth her form is way better on turf but she just hasn't been winning. Having said that we were worried about the ground today.

"The material I have to work with these days is a bit skimpy - so I'm just delighted to have a good mare like this to come here with."

Meanwhile winning jockey Billy Lee reported: "She had been working real well before the festival and I know she was second on Tuesday but I was a little bit disappointed to get beat on her the way she was at home.

"That was what she was showing at home and it's great to get a win on Galway week.

"I'd say Tom was cursing me the whole way around but when I jumped that well I took the bull by the horns and just let her on. She enjoyed it all the way around.

"She got a little breather down the hill and when I gave her a squeeze two-and-a-half down she picked up real well.

"I was able to get to the straight without really holding on for a bit. I couldn't believe how far I was in front. It worked out well.

"Looking back maybe Tuesday was a bit tacky for her, she didn't come down the hill all that well.

"She was a lot better today. I'd say it was just looser, fresher ground today and it suited her a lot better."

The Stewards enquired into an incident after the turn into the straight involving Tony The Gent ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fourth, Perfect Soldier ridden by G.P. Halpin, placed third and Prosecution (GB), ridden by T.P. Madden, placed second, where it appeared that Perfect Soldier collided with Tony The Gent causing the latter to check.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference caused was accidental in nature and took no further action.

C.P. Hoban, rider of Giorni Felice trained by Edward Lynam, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left during this race.

(GC & EM)