The democratic nature of racing at the Galway Festival was highlighted by Persian Gayle #8217;s win in the Signature Novice Hurdle today, prompting three horse restricted trainer James Cousins to describe the win as ‘similar to winning the jackpot!’

Ridden by Niall Madden, the son of Lord Americo led at the final flight and stayed on well for a length and a half defeat of staying on Cooper’s Crest.

Delighted Co Wexford based Cousins later said “that’s a fantastic win and my first at the Festival. To get a horse to run at Galway is a bonus but to win a race here is like winning the jackpot!”

“He is an honest, decent horse and we’ll give him a break now as he has had a lot of racing recently.”