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Galway festival

Great Field runs rivals ragged under McGarvey

Great Field puts in a mighty leap in the Ryanair Novice Chase
Great Field puts in a mighty leap in the Ryanair Novice ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Exciting front-runner Great Field led from start to finish under Jody McGarvey to maintain his perfect record over fences with a comfortable fourth success for Willie Mullins and JP McManus.

Having overcome a couple of notable late errors on his previous two starts, the six-year-old has been the creator of thrills and spills in equal measure but he passed his biggest test with flying colours.

McGarvey, enjoying his finest moment in the saddle, was quick to settle his mount at the head of affairs and the 9-10 favourite blasted off in front.

Great Field was given a breather in the back straight but the young jockey hit the accelerator again turning in and his mount responded by stretching clear to come home 11 lengths in front of Ordinary World.

Although it appeared a relatively straightforward task, McGarvey revealed a major scare afterwards.

"My saddle had slipped going to the second-last," he said. "He can give one or two a rub, got in a bit tight to one and it brought the girth with him.

"I was just hoping it would stay intact until I got over the last, so it was a relief to say the least when we got away safely. What a horse and what an engine, nothing beats this, it's the best feeling in the world.

"At the start of the year I was only hoping to ride at the festivals, I never dreamed I would be on an odds-on shot for Willie Mullins in a Grade 1."

Full result and analysis

Andrew DietzReporter

Published on 27 April 2017inGalway festival

Last updated 20:51, 27 April 2017

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