Pinkerton delivered a strong finish in the closing stages to win a fiercely contested Tote Galway Plate. Despite having won his last two races at Tipperary and Punchestown in April and May, respectively, Noel Meade’s charge was sent off at 20-1 under Donagh Meyler. The seven-year-old travelled well throughout the race and delivered a powerful finish, making those odds seem generous and securing Meade’s second victory in this €270,000 handicap chase, following Road To Riches a decade ago.
Duffle Coat also made a determined effort up the home stretch to finish half a length behind in second at 25-1, with Zanahiyr and Life In The Park taking third and fourth place, respectively. Last year’s winner, Ash Tree Meadow, set a strong early pace and led into the final stretch, but a 15lb weight increase from the previous year eventually took its toll, causing him to fade late on.
Meade reflected that the Tote Galway Plate is one of the biggest races at the course. He admitted he didn’t believe they would win until Road To Riches emerged victorious. After Pinkerton’s win at Punchestown, they decided to target this race.
They gave Pinkerton a short break, and he had been performing well. They considered running him at Killarney but decided the ground was too quick. Instead, they took him to the Curragh for a day out, where he was in great form.
Meade praised Donagh Meyler's excellent ride. He had attempted to replace Meyler with Sam Ewing, but Ewing insisted that while they might be friends, this was a competitive situation. Meade has always respected Meyler, describing him as a superb horseman with excellent hands. Meyler’s concern about potentially arriving too soon was managed well, and Pinkerton jumped brilliantly for him.
Meade also noted they were uncertain if Pinkerton would stay the distance, as he had been racing over two miles.