Athlone natives to the fore on Day 3 in Galway

LOCAL punters attending today’s Galway Festival in Ballybrit will have plenty of opportunity to cheer on their own.

Three Athlone jockeys are in action throughout today’s eight-race card on Day Three of the 2014 Festival.

Many eyes will be on Rory Cleary, of Carrick-o-brien, Athlone, when he goes on 12/1 shot Truly Delightful - trained by his father Tom - in the 6.05pm Tote Trifecta Rollover Handicap. Though Longfield Lad and Moonbi Creek are among the favourites for this race, many observers - including Irish Independent expert Trav Corr - fancy Truly Delightful for victory. Later, Cleary will ride Aru Cha Cha in the 6.40pm Bet Online At The Tote.Com Handicap.

The Athlone interest will reach fever pitch when the highlight race of the day, the 5.30pm Galway Plate, takes place. 12/1 shot Golden Wonder is owned by Athlone native and former Government Minister, Paddy Cooney, and will be a live contender among a seriously competitive field, in which the Jonjo O’Neill-trained It’s A Gimme is the early favourite.

Mr Cooney’s horse, Golden Wonder, was narrowly beaten in the Boyle Sports Irish Grand National Steeplechase during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Trained by Dessie Hughes, Golden Wonder came second in the prestigious race, behind the 8-1 favourite Shutthefrontdoor. Mr Cooney is a former Fine Gael politician who served as Minister for Justice, Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, Minister for Transport, Minister for Defence and Minister for Education.

Also competing in the Galway Plate is Athlone’s Kielan Woods, now based in England at Charlie Longsdon’s established stable. Woods will ride Grandad’s Horse, while Castledaly’s Shane Shortall rides Road To Riches, from the Gigginstown House Stud, in the same race. Shortall will have two other rides today - in the 3.35 on Supreme Vic and in the 4.10 on Greatness.