McKenna in dreamland as he scores on his first ride of the season on Tudor City

Thursday: Guinness Galway Hurdle, Galway

He rode just two winners last season and hadn't ridden in a race since breaking his collarbone in the Irish Grand National but Liam McKenna executed a superlative paint-scraping steer to plunder a famous Guinness Galway Hurdle victory on the returning 2019 hero Tudor City.

McKenna's decade-long career haul before Thursday stood at a modest 21 wins. He is 27 years of age and still claiming 7lb, his riding trajectory seemingly flatlining.

Here, though, it burst spectacularly into life. Executing a steer of daring precision and nuance, McKenna defied more than three months of inactivity to seize the opportunity he was handed by Tony Martin, who has now landed an incredible four Galway Hurdles since 2014.

"There's no better man to train a Galway Hurdle winner," McKenna said of Martin. "I wouldn't be someone who's in demand, but to ride a Galway Hurdle winner is unbelievable. It's just unreal – it's by far the best day of my life."

Tudor City became the first dual winner of the €270,000 showpiece since Pinch Hitter in 1983 and the first to reclaim the crown since Point D'Atout, who won the race in 1942 and 1947. At ten years of age, he was also the oldest winner of the race since Point D'Atout won it for a second time at 11.

Robbie Power produced a ride for the ages to score on him three years ago, and McKenna's was of a similar calibre. He had to niggle the 22-1 shot along to hold his position, but all of a sudden he came there for him turning in, at which point McKenna moved off the rail to unleash his challenge.

Jesse Evans assumed the lead over the last flight from the pace-setting Prairie Dancer, but McKenna had it all covered on Tudor City. He led 100 yards from home before seeing off Jesse Evans by three-quarters of a length, with Prairie Dancer gamely keeping on for third and Glan likewise staying on in fourth. The favourite Adamantly Chosen never seriously threatened.

Tudor City and Liam McKenna win the Galway Hurdle on ThursdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He was flat out the whole way," McKenna said of Tudor City, who also won on the Flat here in 2015 and was running in this for a fourth time. "He didn't actually come on the bridle until going to the last but he knew where he was, I reckon. He winged the last, met it on a perfect stride and he picked up. He knows this place so well."

McKenna, who is from County Tyrone and operates as a freelance having also spent time in England, has suffered his share of injuries along the way. The latest came when Ronald Pump crashed at the final fence at Fairyhouse on April 18.

He was only cleared to ride last week, and as of now he has no further bookings. That could soon change.

"Big thanks go to Dr Jennifer Pugh [the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board senior medical officer] and Wayne Middleton, the jockeys' fitness coach, for getting me ready," he said.

"I got the all-clear last week and was supposed to ride one since that didn't run, so this was my first ride back. To come back and ride a Galway Hurdle winner, it hasn't sunk in yet – I don't want to wake up!"

Martin first won the race with JP McManus' Thomas Edison in 2014 and provided Tudor City's owner John Breslin with his first when Quick Jack obliged in 2015. He was quick to give McKenna plenty of credit for his turn here.

Liam McKenna admires the Galway Hurdle trophy after winning on Tudor CityCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"If Ruby Walsh had given that horse the ride he did we'd be raving about it. He was brilliant," he said.

Martin has been in and out of fashion in recent years, but Breslin is one owner who has stuck with him through thick and thin.

"John was one of my father's best friends and he's one of mine now. An incredible man," he said.

"We go back 40 or 50 years. He used to look after me as a child and touch wood he's still here by my side."

Of Tudor City, he added: "He seems to peak this time of the year. His best runs are always here and he handles the place – he likes it obviously."

He is clearly not the only one. Martin might not have the ammunition he once did but he sure knows how to make the most of what he has. This one landed right on the sweet spot.

Race replay and full result

Read this next:

Hollie Doyle hails 'horse of a lifetime' Nashwa after awesome Nassau win

'If he stays he'll take a lot of beating' - New London favourite for St Leger

Sign up here. Minimum deposit requirement. Free bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.