Teed Up digs deep to claim Galway victory

Teed Up dug deep to cling on to victory in the Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap, the feature event on day one of the Galway Festival.

Trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by Raymond Barron, the six-year-old was sent off the 7-2 favourite for the two-mile-one-furlong affair after finishing second at Tramore on his most recent outing.

HMS Seahorse and Whisky Sour were to the fore turning for home, but Teed Up grabbed control with a couple of furlongs to run and had to keep finding for pressure as The Very Man produced a finishing burst.

However, Teed Up was not for passing, coming home half a length in front with Shajak a further half-length back in third and HMS Seahorse taking fourth.

Barron said: "It's my first ride in this race. I’d no ride in it all week and Emmet rang me on Friday. It was like Christmas getting the call.

First time's a charm for Ray Barron in the Connacht Hotel Handicap at Galway, with Teed Up well handicapped on the Flat. #GalwayRaces pic.twitter.com/11PUQyy06o

"He broke well and travelled very smoothly throughout the race. I was nearly there too soon turning in but he was going so well that I kind of had to kick on. He got to the front too soon but he was tough and was very game all the way to the line.

"Around Galway, riding for Emmet and the Mee family, you always have a chance and it’s nice that I could deliver for them today.

"I’m based with Charles Byrnes. I’m getting plenty of rides off Charles and am in a very privileged position and, I suppose as a result of that, I’m getting plenty of outside rides as well."

Earlier on the card, Mystical Power (6-4 favourite) made a perfect start over obstacles in the Galwaybayhotel.com & TheGalmont.com Novice Hurdle.

Willie Mullins’ charge is bred to be a champion as a