As expected Moscow Express won last night's Muscrai Construction Ballyvourney Chase and as usual all attention afterwards immediately switched to the Galway Plate. But the £17,000 contest was far from straight-forward.
Monty's Pass, in receipt of just 10lbs from the 2 to 5 favourite, ran Moscow Express to a short head in a thrilling finish and inevitably attracted most of the Galway comment.
Considering Moscow Express is rated 43lbs superior to Monty's Pass in the Plate weights released yesterday, there was understandable anticipation in the runner-up's camp, especially since trainer Jimmy Mangan saddled Stroll Home to win the summer highlight in 1997.
"I wonder can the handicapper do anything for our horse after that," said Moscow Express's trainer Frances Crowley who nevertheless confirmed her charge will attempt to repeat his 1999 Plate victory.
Moscow Express is set to carry 12-2 this time, however, and despite being beaten it was Monty's Pass who caught a lot of eyes. "When the horse hits the front, he thinks he has done enough," Mangan said, but the Co Cork trainer didn't look too disappointed.
The Crowley camp had a disappointment earlier as the 6 to 4 favourite for the maiden hurdle, Soviet Blues, managed only fourth to Just Two.
But the evening brightened again for Crowley when Carrigavantry overhauled the favourite Frametti in the closing stages of the Smirnoff Handicap to score under Pat Smullen.
Apprentice Pat Cosgrave advertised the value of his 5lb claim yet again when grabbing the initiative early in the mile juvenile maiden on Arkaga and stubbornly refusing to let go.
The surprise of the evening was the 12 to 1 victory of the first reserve Ha-Pa in the Aghadoe Handicap. Nevertheless, Tim Houlihan guided the Joe Canty-trained gelding to a two-length win over Buzz Two.
