Thomas Edison wins Guinness Galway Hurdle

The light shone down on businessman and entrepreneur JP McManus as he claimed success in the Guinness Galway Hurdle with Thomas Edison yesterday.

Having never won the Galway Hurdle previously, owner McManus acknowledged the victory represented another milestone in his sporting career.

“I had never won the hurdle before so it was on my to-do list,” admitted a contented McManus afterwards. “I am delighted that it is here. I think Tony [McCoy] had the horse in tremendous form and well done to everyone [associated] today.”

For three-quarters of the race, Fergall had led the field with Laudatory the closest challenger. Yet, as it is so often does, the climb up the hill sorted the contenders from the pretenders and 7/2 favourite Thomas Edison was not long eating up the ground . . . and the rest of the field.

He took the Grade A win – and an attractive prize of over €150,000 – ahead of 6/1 Bayan and 12/1 The Game Changer, both of which also ran impressive chases under jockeys David Condon and Kevin Sexton respectively.

Meanwhile, in the Guinness Novice Hurdle, Desertmore Stream produced a massive kick up on the hill to overtake early leader Mumbo Bay, Pink Hat and Icy Reply to record a magnificent win for Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud.

Certainly, trainer Phillip Fenton had the Novice Hurdle winner in fine fettle – the horse always looked comfortable throughout the two mile four furloughs – and with Brian O’Connell giving Desertmore Stream a super ride in the closing stages, the outcome was never in doubt once the kick came.

Earlier in the day, Kilcolgan-based trainer Steve Mahon enjoyed success in the opening race, the GuinnessPlus App Beginners Chase, with Aranhill Chief claiming the victory under jockey Denis O’Regan. Owned by Ballinderreen’s PJ Kelly, the 12/1 shot led from pillar to post.