Saltonstall joins an elite club in tight finish to Galway Mile

But connections of the Ado McGuinness trained six-year-old had to endure an agonising wait before being declared the winner after a desperate photo finish with another 11/1 chance, Njord, at a near-deserted Galway.

In replicating the achievement of both Pinch Hitter and Riven Light in the past, it took an inspired ride from apprentice Gavin Ryan to nail the unlucky runner-up which looked to have the €75,000 feature sewn up entering the final furlong.

Seven lbs higher than when triumphant 12 months ago, Saltonstall flew up the hill and flashed past the post with the Jessica Harrington trained Njord, provoking a lengthy photo finish.

The smart money was on a dead heat, but Saltonstall eventually got the verdict – a frustrating outcome for Harrington, who also saddled the third and fourth, Only Human, and the 9/2 market leader, Tauran Shaman, respectively.

There was success for local jockey Leigh Roche in the concluding Latin Quarter Handicap when Walking on Glass (28/1) bounced back to form. Always travelling sweetly, the five-year-old made smooth progress in the dip and gradually reeled in Conron on the climb to the post

Portumna owner Tony Deegan saw his colours carried to victory as 100/30 favourite Out On Friday finally broke its maiden status in the Caulfield Industrial Handicap (Div.1) under Colin Keane. The winner is trained near Birr by Philip Byrne.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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