Road To Riches earned trainer Noel Meade a first ever win in thetote.com Galway Plate as the seven-year-old ran out a bloodless winner of the feature race on the third day of the Galway Festival at Ballybrit under talented 7lb-claimer Shane Shortall. There were several casualties in the valuable handicap chase as Shortall opted to keep his mount in a prominent position throughout the two-and-three-quarter-mile contest. Lord Ben kept 14-1 shot Road To Riches company for most of the race, but lost his pitch at the business end as the Meade inmate, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, cruised away from the field in the closing stages. It was a chance ride for Shortall, who picked up the mount after Ger Fox broke his collarbone in a fall at Wexford on Friday. Pictured above Shane Shortall celebrates after crossing the line; while below President Michael D Higgins presents Shane with the TheTote.com Galway Plate.
Photos by Mike Shaughnessy.
