Galway Races wrap: Gold Dancer claims unlikely victory in Guinness Open Gate Brewery Novice Chase
Westport Cove was the 85-40 favourite for the Grade Three contest having opened his account over fences at Ballinrobe in late May and looked in control for much of the way under Paul Townend.
He still appeared the most likely winner after kicking clear of the faltering Pied Piper from the home turn, but the seven-year-old began to tire in the straight and Sean O'Keeffe produced 7-1 shot Gold Dancer with a well-timed challenge up the hill to emerge victorious by two and a half lengths.
Trainer Willie Mullins said: "Of my runners I thought Westport Cove would win, but Gold Dancer is by Doctor Dino, who is a horse we like, and Sean gave him a lovely cute ride. He let Paul do all the donkey work, had one crack at him and it all worked out
"Westport Cove basically races flat out so you just try to get a breather into him and while Paul thought he had enough breathers got, Gold Dancer is just improving. There is probably more improvement in him that the other horses we ran in the race.
"Today was the first time he showed me on the racecourse what we thought and think of him at home. We'll go down the novice chase route with him now at the big festivals and hopefully he is good enough to go on to the Drinmore (at Fairyhouse) in December."
British raider Tropical Island caused a 40-1 upset in the big Flat race of the afternoon - the Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes under Luke McAteer.
Richard Fahey's charge was well beaten on her most recent appearance at Pontefract, but was soon in front in this Listed event and had just enough in reserve to repel the fast-finishing Princess Child and Easy Mover in a thrilling three-way finish.
"They told me she'd stay and she stays bang on seven furlongs. The owners were adamant to keep her going, don't let up (in front) and turning in she was pricking her ears and looking up at the stands, but she stuck at it well," said McAteer.
"I knew I had Gavin (Ryan, on Easy Mover) beaten but thought Declan (McDonogh, on Princess Child) had done me at the line, but it was great to hold on.
"I spoke to Richard (Fahey) on the phone and he said to do as the owners wanted so I didn't look back and she duly obliged. They wanted black type so it is great.
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