Review galway 31st Jul

Willie Mullins claimed the feature event on day one of the 2017 Galway Festival when Whiskey Sour won the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap.

Successful on his first start for the champion trainer over hurdles at Tramore last month, the gelding switched to the level off a mark of 84 and was allowed to go off at 16-1.

His stable companion Lagostovegas and last year's winner Swamp Fox looked to have it between them inside the final quarter-mile, but 7lb claimer Aubrey McMahon had them in his sights on Whiskey Sour, who found an extra gear to account for Swamp Fox by two and three-quarter lengths.

Mullins followed up courtesy of the Patrick Mullins-ridden Poet Power in the McGettigan's Flat Race.< Le Richebourg provided Barry Geraghty with the perfect return from injury when outclassing his rivals in the Galwaybayhotel.com & Radissonhotelgalway.com Novice Hurdle.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained 4-9 favourite raced in second before serving it up to the front-running Twobeelucky at the penultimate flight, and he made it three victories from as many starts over timber by pulling five lengths away.< Spiorad Saoirse left his moderate debut effort a long way behind to claim top honours in the Claregalwayhotel.ie (C & G) Irish EBF Maiden.

Just when it looked like Quizical had matters sewn up when shooting clear over a furlong out, Andy Slattery's 14-1 chance came with a sterling run down the outside and got the verdict by a short head.< Pateen sprung a 20-1 surprise in the Easyfix Handicap Hurdle, kicking into a clear lead before the second-last flight and then holding the late charge of favourite Artful Artist by five and a half lengths.< Dinky Inty (12-1) wore down Twist Of Magic to take the Claytonhotelgalway.ie Handicap, while Pearl Of The West backed up her recent Gowran Park triumph in the Eventus Handicap at odds of 6-1.