THE TONY MARTIN-trained Artful Artist claimed the feature Guinness Hanidcap on Day 5 of the Galway Festival.
Ridden by apprentice Sean Corby, the five-year-old 8-1 shot had a strong showing late on to get the better of 11-4 favourite Show Court and Cliff House (11/2).
“What a ride from Sean. He was like (Mick) Kinane or (Johnny) Murtagh!” Martin, who has already had winners with Quick Jack, Greatness and Galway Hurdle this week, told goracing.ie.
The horse disappointed here on Monday night. Maybe he just doesn’t have the stomach for hurdles. If he hadn’t have run on Monday, you’d have really fancied him today on his previous form.
“He was sound on Tuesday and Wednesday, so we decided to let him take his chance and fortunately it’s paid off.”
Results on Day 5
5:10 Guinness Handicap Hurdle
1. Maxim Gorky 12/1
2. Orgilgo Bay 11/4F
3. Xsquared 14/1
5:40Guinness 17:59 European Breeders Fund Median Auction Maiden
1. Fit For The Job 11/8F
2. Bleu Ciel Et Rouge 2/1
3. Lord Carleton 20/1
6:15 Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase
1. Aranhill Chief 7/1
2. Usuel Smurfer 9/1
3. Me And Ben 14/1
4. A Decent Excuse 16/1
6:50 - Guinness Handicap
1. Artful Artist 8/1
2. Show Court 11/4F
3. Cliff House 11/2
7:25 Guinness European Breeders Fund Maiden
1. Massinga 8/11F
2. Awesome Star 7/2
3. Ring Chief 12/1
7:55 Arthur Guinness Handicap
1 Botanical Lady 9/2F
2 Dashing Dynamo 20/1
3 Port Merrion 5/1
8:25 Guinness Race
1. Forgotten Rules 9/10F
2. Shu Lewis 2/1
