John O’Riordan

Dunum regained the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap on the final day of the Galway Festival, securing his fourth victory in eight starts at Ballybrit. Sent to the lead by Billy Lee, the eight-year-old held off Unique Journey by a length and three-quarters after returning just five days after another Galway run. The card’s main jumps race, the Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase, was won by Blood Destiny for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend, with Mullins identifying a possible future target at Listowel.

Johanna Walsh delivered a dominant victory in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks, stepping in for absent stablemate Thundering On to secure Joseph O’Brien an Oaks double. Guided by Dylan Browne McMonagle, she pulled clear in the final furlongs to win by four lengths ahead of Inis Mor and Sparan Nua. O’Brien highlighted her strong form and fast-ground preference and plans to freshen her up for an autumn campaign, while confirming Thundering On will return later in the year.

Moody secured a front-running victory in the Group Three Meadow Court Stakes at the Curragh, finishing comfortably ahead of Rhapsody while stablemate and favourite One Look underperformed. Trainer Paddy Twomey highlighted Moody’s versatility and upcoming high-profile entries. Billy Lee completed a double after winning earlier aboard Rebel Wave. Porto Vecchio made an impressive debut for Dermot Weld, marking himself as a promising stakes-level prospect. Sondad claimed the Liverpool FC Foundation Scurry Handicap, with jockey Joanna Mason noting the horse’s consistent performances and previous misfortune at Ascot.