Success for Tom and Denis Hogan at the Galway Festival

Conditions were testing for man and beast at last weeks Galway Festival.

Heavy rain replaced the long dry spell and with the change in ground conditions, we had our share of surprises right through the week.

Tom and Denis Hogan flew the North Tipperary flag with a winner apiece but Willie Mullins who was dominant from the time he saddled the opening winner and simply ran away with the trainers title, a mantle he has taken over from Dermot Weld who for over thirty years dominated the festival.

Denis Hogan saddled no fewer than six runners in the extended two mile 88-109 handicap hurdle on the opening evening. Turning for home he looked like collecting himself aboard Golden Poet until Barry Geraghty produced another of of his runners Storm Rising with a storming run to hit the front well after the final flight and hold the late challenge of Kelliscool by a neck with Golden Poet back in third place.

Victory on a stage as big as this will give the fledging career of Hogan no harm at all. He is gradually improving the quality of horse in his yard and with a good team behind him the future looks rosy.

It was Tom Hogan's turn to step into the limelight on Thursday when Honor Oak turned the mile and half a furlong 66-90 handicap into a procession. Having finished a good second in the seven furlong 60-80 handicap on the Tuesday evening, the daughter of Zebedee turned out as fresh as a daisy and was the subject of strong market support.

Different tactics were employed this time as jockey Billie Lee had Honor Oak smartly away and she set a strong pace. Turning to face the final hill, she looked likely to be swallowed up but once Lee gave her the office she found plenty to draw right away in the final furlong and take the money by eight lengths from Prosecution.

Make no mistake about it, this was an ultra smart display by the winner especially on ground that would be far from ideal. She has been a good money spinner for connections and although she is going to get a hike in the weights after this success, a big handicap looks well within her compass.

 

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