Weld and O'Brien all set to do battle once again

6.15 Galway
Claregalwayhotel.ie EBF Maiden | 7f | 2yo colts and geldings | RTE2/ATR

EVERY winner of this race since 2006 has been trained by either Dermot Weld or Aidan O'Brien, with the score for the period 7-3 in Weld's favour.

Right Honourable, an eyecatching third on his debut over today's trip at Leopardstown 11 days ago, represents Weld in his quest to win this contest for an incredible 23rd time in his 44-year long career.

Courage Under Fire, another who showed plenty of promise at the same Leopardstown meeting, represents Ballydoyle, who last won this race with Jamaica two years ago. The son of War Front, is a half-brother to Take Charge Brandi, a dual Grade 1-winning filly at two over a mile in the US for D Wayne Lukas.

O'Brien's colt, who will be ridden by Seamie Heffernan, will be having his third start and his first over 7f. He'll also be wearing a tongue-tie for the first time.

O'Brien said yesterday: "Courage Under Fire came forward nicely from his first run to finish second to Sportsmanship - who we might send to Goodwood for the Molecomb Stakes - over six furlongs at Leopardstown. He came home well that day and you'd imagine the extra furlong this time shouldn't be a problem.

"Hopefully, the ground will stay good for him. We've been happy with him since Leopardstown and he has a good draw [stall one]."

Weld and O'Brien's runners face eight rivals, including the Ger Lyons-trained pair Brutal and Buffalo Blues. Beaten a neck over the trip on testing ground at Roscommon this month, Brutal is blinkered for the first time, while Buffalo Blues showed improvement on his second start when a staying-on fourth over today's trip at Leopardstown.

Michael O'Callaghan, enjoying a good season with his juveniles, runs newcomer Captain Hardship.