The West's Awake and Donie McInerney lead over the last from runner-up Visioman © Photo Healy Racing
Fourth in last year’s big race at Ballybrit, The West’s Awake (10/1) gained free entry, and an exemption from balloting, for next month’s Galway Plate when landing the Galway Races Galway Plate Trial Handicap Steeplechase.
Donie McInerney took over in the saddle after intended rider Trevor Ryan picked up an injury in a fall at Downpatrick on Saturday.
The Yeats gelding was prominent throughout, led after two out and saw his race out well to hold the persistent challenge of Visioman (17/2) by half a length.
It was a fifth win over fences for Mrs John Magnier’s 10-year-old.
Winning trainer Edward O’Grady said: “I wasn’t so sure that he would act around a tight track as his better runs up to now have been on a more galloping track.
“He might have another run between now and the Galway Plate but he’ll probably run in the Galway Plate again and in all those good summer chases.
“He looked a winner after two out in last year’s Plate but didn’t get home.
“Hopefully it’s the start of a good week for the owners!”
Quotes from Alan Magee
