Races
GALWAY FESTIVAL: Grand National flop The Gossiper hits top gear at Ballybrit under 7lb claimer Mike O’Connor
Emmet Mullins’ The Gossiper battered the field at Galway on Friday afternoon
Aintree disappointment The Gossiper continues to frank the form of the Grade 2 Weatherbys nhsstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race following a dominant display at the Galway Festival.
Emmet Mullins’ charge flattered to deceive on Merseyside, trailing home last of the 18 runners under Patrick Mullins as Knappers Hill maintained his unbeaten record for Paul and Megan Nicholls.
But the son of Dylan Thomas, a half-brother to recent chasing hat-trick hero Captain Tom Cat, has won twice subsequently, including at Ballybrit on Friday afternoon.
He has found a willing partner in Mike O’Connor, who eased the burden of the 12st 3lbs weight carriage in the National Hunt finale for Ireland’s most popular racing week, pulling clear of 13/8 favourite Ashroe Diamond.
