Smirnoff sponsored the featured handicap chase on the final day of Galway's September meeting and the drinks company are sure to have been happy as their race certainly befitted it's billing.
It was very difficult to predict the outcome as the runners made the descent to the final two fences but off the home turn, Wotsitooya pulled away and stayed on well for a three length win over River Cora.
Denis Cullen, son of the winning owner represented trainer Michael O'Brien and said 'it's great to see him back to his old self and Davy gave him a peach of a ride'. The eleven-year-old may now head for Listowel with the Kerry National on his agenda.
The mile handicap displayed in very plain fashion exactly why racegoers were so delighted to see Johnny Murtagh make a return to action a week previous.
Bricks And Porter gained his only previous win at this meet last term and with Murtagh on board everything appeared set for a repeat performance.
Punters latched on, making John Quinn's gelding a well-supported 5/2 favourite and after he and top-weight Camargue pulled clear out of the dip a tremendous battle ensued.
Showing a huge amount of power in the saddle, the Meath man forced his mount to the front well inside the final furlong for a half length win over the very game runner-up.
There was a very definite feeling of dij` vu following the mile and a half handicap. Joanna Morgan's Sopihiyah made all in this event last year and repeated the feat with a pillar to post win under Pat Cosgrave.
The daughter of Dr Devious also triumphed in similar style over half a mile further at the Festival. The winning handler commented on the four-year old's liking for tight tracks and Fairyhouse the weekend after next might be next on her itinerary.
Alabama Blues was the one punters wanted to know about in the opening juvenile auction maiden. Those who invested in the favourite had their judgement vindicated but only just. A short head was the margin of victory over second-placed Urban.
Trainer Tim Doyle praised his charge saying 'she is a grand filly, who hasn't been out of the money in any of her five starts'. Wayne Lordan was aboard the daughter of Desert King who, according to her handler won't run again this season.
Dermot Weld's Hazelhatch was only third market-choice in a tight contest for the conditions event. However as has been proved so many times Weld's horses revel around this circuit. Pat Smullen galvanised Hazelhatch into overdrive in the closing stages to gain a head success over Bragadino who looked a likely winner inside the final furlong.
Rosses Folly atoned for a disappointment at Kilbeggan last Friday when providing rider John Allen with his 6th success in the 3m hurdle whilst Joe Crowley completed a double when Fatherofthebride took the bumper in very good style.
Unfortunately Kirmar broke down when contesting the day's centrepiece.
