Kidd’s Rashaan the headline act at Galway

PROLIFIC winner Rashaan is the star attraction at Galway today.

Successful in a Grade Three over the course in August, his 12th career victory, Colin Kidd’s six-year-old chestnut will be well-fancied to follow-up in the Ryans Cleaning Chase, with the returning Sean Flanagan booked for the ride.

Flanagan, who broke a leg in a fall at Tramore in August, appears to have strong claims through the card.

In the opening Mervue Maiden Hurdle, he rides Momus, which won a bumper in good style at Roscommon on his last start.

Willie Mullins saddles three in this extended two-mile-two-furlong contest, with Paul Townend set to partner unlucky Listowel fourth Diamond Hill.

Flanagan takes the ride on Ingleby Mackenzie in the two-mile handicap hurdle. A consistent sort, the Eoin Doyle-trained gelding was narrowly beaten on his most recent start at Clonmel and should give a good account of himself.

Fencing debutant Dis Donc is Flanagan’s mount in the GalwayRaces. com Beginners Chase. The Frenchbred bay was a useful performer over the smaller obstacles.

Voix Du Reve represents Willie Mullins, who has Epswell and Cool Colonnade in the GalwayPubs.com Rated Novice Hurdle, with Townend aboard the former.

Successful on his Irish debut at Sligo in August, Epswell is fitted with a tongue strap for the first time.

Joseph O’Brien is also double-handed in this eight-runner contest, saddling Listowel winner Petit Tartare and the JP McManus-owned Paris Texas.

The Guinness Handicap Chase is the most valuable race on the programme, with a bumper field of 18 declared. Presenting Mahler won this 12 months ago, and is back to defend her crown, while other notables are top-weight Powersbomb, Ballinrobe winner Rocky Court and the ‘Shark’ Hanlon-trained Peacocks Secret.