Nans View shades victory in Galway thriller

Nans View clung on for a narrow success in the Guinness Handicap at Galway.

The feature event on day four of the Festival developed into a real battle up the straight, with Cloud Seeker and Nans View having raced prominently throughout and plenty of challengers seemingly lining up in behind.

However, 12-1 shot Nans View was incredibly game in the hands of Leigh Roche, entering the final furlong with a slight advantage before Cheeky Wink and Acapulco Bay both charged through in the dying strides.

Winning trainer Jarlath Fahey said: “I thought halfway up the straight we were there, the last 50 to 100 yards was very terrifying!

“She is game and she did hang on well in fairness. It was a brilliant ride by Leigh.

“She was second here last year and she had won over a mile and a half in the last race of the year (in October).

“That day Ronan (Whelan, jockey) said she could be a premier handicap filly next year, so it was half in our mind from then and we were minding her.

Turnpike Trip defied his veteran status with a game victory in the Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase.

Out of action for three years before returning in May, Charles Byrnes’ 11-year-old had failed to make an impact in two starts but roared back to winning form as a 20-1 chance in the hands of the trainer’s son, Philip.

The winning trainer said: “It’s great to get the win here. I’ve been coming here for years and I’ve had a few winners but it’s a very hard place to win.

“Philip said he got in under the second last and the last and lost momentum a small bit but he really powered up the hill then.

“It’s a brilliant feeling, especially that Philip rode it. Unfortunately the owner (Peter Acheson) couldn’t make it here today but it’s a great feeling.”

Intense Approach (13-2) made a victorious start over fences in the Guinness Beginners Chase while Mighty Danu was an 11-1 debut winner in the James’s Gate Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden.