No sweat for Browne as Swamp cleans up in feature

Barry Browne must have been cursing as he sweltered in a hot bath for hours on the night before the big amateur handicap on the opening evening of last year’s Galway festival but Swamp Fox, the horse he was sweating to ride, has repaid him in spades since.

Browne’s stint in the tub helped him lose 6lb in 24 hours to take the winning ride on Swamp Fox and, while there was no such last-minute weight loss needed ahead of the feature 2m1f handicap hurdle here, this victory on the same horse must have been just as sweet.

Browne and Swamp Fox have struck up a great relationship and this cosy victory was their second combined success from just three outings. They will be back to defend their Galway crown too.