Galway Hurdle dream alive after Santa Rossa wins Grimes Hurdle for McLoughlin

Thursday: Tipperary

Dual Irish Grand National-winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin might be dreaming of Galway Hurdle success after Santa Rossa came back to form to land a competitive running of the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle.

The lightly raced daughter of Jeremy had chased home Darasso in a Grade 2 over 2m4f at Fairyhouse in April before disappointing in mares' company at Killarney.

However, the combination of the two-mile trip and a proper gallop proved right up her street as she took control from the second last under Darragh O'Keeffe and found enough to hold off rallying front-runner Sole Pretender by three lengths.

The disappointment of the race was Champion Hurdle fourth Saint Roi who faded tamely to finish third, nine and a half lengths behind the winner.

McLoughlin said: "She was dropped in too far back at Killarney and it didn't suit. Today they got well strung out and Darragh said he always had plenty of horse. She jumped and travelled well and even pricked her ears at the last. She's a quality mare."

He added: "She can be keen but in a better race like that with a good gallop it probably suits her, and that's probably the way to ride her as it helps her settle. She was enjoying herself and jumped really well.

"She has plenty of pace and the Galway Hurdle is certainly an option for her. A good gallop in a race like that would certainly suit her. She is Grade 2-placed, has won a Graded bumper and has now won a Grade 3 hurdle so she has not done too badly.

"It looks like two miles is her trip but she would stay two and a half if she settled. She might even run on the Flat."

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