TUDOR MEN TO GO DOWN IN HISTORY

chief patron John Breslin, Tudor City arrived to collar Jesse Evans on the run-in and scored by three-quarters of a length, with first reserve Prairie Dancer third and Glan fourth.

The winner was ridden by 7lb. claimer Liam Mckenna (above), brother of Tyrone footballer Conor, who, remarkably, was having his first ride since shattering a collarbone at Fairyhouse last Easter.

“It’s amazing,” declared Tony Martin, having won his fourth Galway Hurdle, “John (Breslin) was one of my father’s best friends and looked after me as a child. And he’s doing it ever since. He told me after this horse won in Punchestown that he’d win another Galway Hurdle. This is what it’s all about. It’s brilliant.”

“The horse peaks at this time of year and was in some order coming here. Liam (Mckenna) listens to what you tell him and knows the horses from home – he’s a very good rider”

And, having won his third Galway Hurdle (also won with Quick Jack), owner Breslin added: “Hats off to this man (Martin). He does a remarkable job with these horses. I knew he’d run well, but I didn’t think he’d win it again.”

Nine-year-old mare Surrounding (Ronan Whelan) was a poignant winner of the listed Arthur Guinness Corrib Stakes after her owner Peter Newell sadly passed away overnight.

“She’s an amazing mare, so sound and enthusiastic,” stated winning trainer Michael Halford. ”We’re having a very quiet year, so she got a bit of help from somewhere. She has been a very special mare for the Newell family, who insisted that we let her take her chance today.”

And Galway owner Basil Holian declared: “It’s a fantastic day – I’ve died and gone to heaven,” after Peter Fahey delivered a Galway Hurdle Day double for him with Visionarian (9/2) and Soaring Monarch (6/1).

Denis O’regan delivered Visionarian around the inside of his main rivals on the home-turn to land the Grade 3 Guinness Open Gate Brewery Novice Chase at the expense of Call Me Lyreen.

And the double was completed when Soaring Monarch (Declan Mcdonogh) proved best in a blanket-finish to the Rockshore Handicap.

Also in double form, and continuing a good week, was Willie Mullins, successful in the beginners chase with Rambranlt’jac (Brian Hayes) and What Path (Patrick) in the bumper.