< Majestic Concorde rocketed to the head of the Galway Hurdle market after scooting to victory in the big race of day one of the festival, the 100,000-euro G.P.T. Galway (Q.R.) Handicap.

Robbie McNamara always had the 7-1 chance close to the pace in the two-mile handicap, before kicking clear approaching the turn for home.

That move proved decisive, as he opened up a gap which was never closed, finishing four lengths to the good over Power Of Future Northumberland Plate winner Arc Bleu stayed on for third.

Dermot Weld had already lodged his first winner of the festival as Broad Meaning showed plenty of tenacity to land the G.P.T. Access Equipment (C&G) EBF Maiden.

The 5-6 favourite was always prominent in the race, and though Drumbeat weaved his way into contention on the turn for home, Pat Smullen found a willing partner in the closing stages, coming out on top by half a length to give Weld his 18th win in the race.

Weld, the undisputed king of Galway, notched his third win of the evening when Ghimaar (11-4) stormed to a five-and-a-half-length win in the G.P.T. Van & Truck Rentals Handicap under Pat Smullen, who completed a double.

The trainer made it four when Battle In Hand just edged out Abroad to win the G.P.T. Waterford INH Flat Race.

The G.P.T. Cork Handicap turned into a family affair after Rory Cleary guided his father Tom's Miranda's Girl (16-1) to an emphatic four-length win over Drunken Sailor < Stage Manager made up for unseating at Killarney last time when making light of top weight in the G.P.T. Dublin Handicap Hurdle.

Tony Martin's 3-1 favourite always travelled well for Ruby Walsh and stormed into the lead approaching the last, finishing four-and-a-half lengths to the good over Little Eye

Jim Gorman took the first win of the meeting when Hassanali (20-1) strode out purposefully after the last under David Casey to beat Dancera in the G.P.T. Sligo Novice Hurdle.

© www.irish-racing.com