Dermot Weld took his final haul at the seven-day Galway Festival to 17 winners when Comedic Art, his last runner of the week, was a smooth scorer in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.
Smashing his previous best of 11 last year, the Rosewell House maestro missed his last winner of the week as he was in Germany for Famous Name’s unsuccessful attempt to gain an elusive Group One triumph.
But he will have been heartened to hear of yet another strike as his domination continued at the Ballybrit track.
With 5lb claimer Leigh Roche having taken over from stable jockey Pat Smullen, who was also on duty in Munich, it was a routine victory.
Taking over from Jazz Girl on the home turn, the 13-8 favourite forged clear to score by three lengths, with Landenstown Lady taking second place ahead of the long-time leader.
The feature race on day seven, the Connacht Tribune Handicap Chase, was won by John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s Galway regular Truckers Delight.
An unlucky fourth on Tuesday, he ended a frustrating week for his trainer with a five-and-a-half-length verdict over Norther Bay.
“Thank goodness for that after the week we have had. He always pulls it out of the fire for us,” said a relieved Hanlon.
“He is a real Festival-meeting horse. He was unlucky on Tuesday.
“I am so delighted to have at least a winner as I thought I was going to have a good week.
“I thought he would win twice but he was unlucky the first day.”
PA AAP TURF
