The feature Dara Cassidy Memorial Handicap Steeplechase at Galway was the scene of an impressive performance by top-weight Tharawaat on his seasonal reappearance.

The six-year-old carried 11 stone 10 pounds through the heavy ground and made light of giving weight away to his rivals as he powered clear from two out with Davy Russell in the saddle.

Gordon Elliott’s charge in the Gigginstown House Stud colours was sent off at 10/1 but he belied those odds with a seven lengths success. The win gave jockey Russell a double for the day. Indifference Curve (11/2) was second, a neck ahead of Like Your Style at 10/1. It was eighteen lengths back to Mister Farmer in fourth at 16/1.

There was only six finishers from the 19 that started as the gruelling conditions took their toll in this two mile six furlong contest. 13 horses were pulled up. Forjoetheplumber was the 4/1 favourite for James and Paddy Mangan. He came home fifth.

Michael Graham