Weld & Smullen double up with Harasava Harasava battled back gamely to give Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen an opening day double in the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap at Galway. The 9/4 favourite, carrying the Aga Khan's colours, disputed on the rail in the 1m3f contest but looked booked for second when headed by Torcedor entering the straight. The Azamour filly showed plenty of heart, however, to get her head back in front in the closing stages and record a half-length success. The winner was making her handicap debut having landed a maiden at Sligo last month. "It was a battling performance and being able to hold the rail turning in was the winning of the race," said Weld. "The other horse would have wanted to get to the rail but Pat gave her a powerful ride and just held the second out at a vital stage. "She'll got for another handicap now and could step up another two furlongs." He added "my horses have all run well but the two year old (True Solitaire) was the one to take from today and he has a future." Smullen said:- "I was delighted with her. She needed to be tough and answered every call. To be fair to her she stuck her head out and her being genuine up that hill is what won the race. "I watched the other horse win at the Curragh and he didn't do a whole lot when he got to the front. He had ten stone today. I was hoping I'd be able to maintain my position and hold the rail. "I knew that Wayne's horse might just tire a little bit in the last half furlong and that's what happened." (Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
