BALKI Des Flos claimed a comprehensive victory in Grade A TheTote.com Galway Plate.

Making his first appearance since finishing third in a novice handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old was a 6/1 chance to provide trainer Henry de Bromhead with his second Plate success following the victory of Shanahan's Turn two years ago.

The French-bred gelding travelled well throughout in the hands of Davy Russell and was never too far off the pace being set by British challenger Vintage Vinnie. Sandymount Duke jumped to the front three fences from home, but Balko Des Flos was always in his slipstream and took over with accurate leaps at the final two obstacles.

Shaneshill, the heavily-backed 3/1 favourite, got rolling after the home turn, but Balko Des Flos never looked in serious danger of being caught and passed the post a comfortable four and three-quarter lengths clear of the market leader in second. Slowmotion was third and A Toi Phil, another Gigginstown representative, was fourth.

Russell said: "He was very good and all the credit must go to Henry and the team really. He travelled and jumped and I got to the front early enough, but the last thing I asked Davy Roche (De Bromhead's assistant) going out was whether he'd stay and he said 'absolutely, stamina is not an issue', so I was happy enough to let him go.

"I winged the last two fences and it's hard to give away that advantage by sitting up and pulling back. The horse was really fit and he was brave up the hill. I've never won this race, so it's nice to do it."

De Bromhead said: "It was brilliant and I'm delighted. He got a super ride and I can't believe we've won it again - it's amazing.

"He did it really well and hopefully he's an improving horse. You were certainly starting to think you had a right chance bar a fall or something nasty happening (from some way out). Davy was brilliant on him, but everything went our way today.

"We'll make a plan after I speak to Eddie and Michael (O'Leary). It was bottomless the day he won in Fairyhouse so he seems to go on anything really. It was great to see him handle that so well. I was a little bit concerned about the ground to be honest, that it might be too good for him.

"He's already a proven winter horse, he won his beginners' chase at Fairyhouse in January so we'll see now if he can go to the next level."

DYING STRIDES

Jet Streaming came with a wet sail to grab the Win Big With Tote Handicap in the dying strides.

Having headed the front-running Stormy Belle, So You Thought looked like giving Dermot Weld his first winner of the 2017 Festival. However, he was always close to the pace and his effort began to take its toll as the post loomed, with Danny Sheehy bringing Jet Streaming (7/1) with her challenge down the outside to get the verdict by half a length.

"Danny is a young lad with loads of experience and he was unfortunate to get a bad fall during the winter," said trainer Adrian Keatley. "It just took him half a dozen rides or so to get back into the swing of things but he's strong.

"I'm delighted the filly won and she'll definitely step up in trip. With another furlong she'd have won a bit easier and she'll be even better next year. All that happened to her last time was that she got caught out for a bit of toe for 50 yards or so."

Sheehy said: "I was a bit slow away but it kind of suited as I was told to take my time. I got a lovely run up the inner and when the gap came I had to switch. There's no doubt she'll stay further."

GAME WINNER

Miss Eyecatcher ran out a tremendously game winner of the Tote Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle.

A smart bumper performer, Roger McGrath's charge hadn't really got her act together since going jumping, admittedly in better company.

David Mullins rode a positive race on her and she was to the fore from the start and while t here were plenty of challengers queuing up behind her swinging for home, the 14/1 shot really stuck her neck out and crossed the line a length and a quarter to the good over Rosie Alice.

"She's a fine mare and she won three bumpers and already has black type over hurdles," said McGrath. "She ran with credit against some good ones in the winter and she's improved again after a little break.

"She'll go chasing soon enough and though this was a competitive race, she'd earned her chance. They've been very lucky owners (the Connery Family Syndicate) and hopefully they've got a lot to look forward to."

Ruby Walsh registered his first victory at the 2017 Galway Festival when Minella Beau made a successful hurdling debut in the Win Big With Tote Maiden Hurdle.

The well-backed 5/4 favourite was tackling obstacles for the first time under Rules but Walsh was happy to set his own pace, and he was tracked by fellow Willie Mullins inmate Castello Sforza from halfway.

A mistake two out put paid to his stable companion's chances, with Turbojet emerging as the chief threat, but Minella Beau had plenty left in the tank and held on by three-quarters of a length.

Patrick Mullins, representing his father, said: "It's fantastic for (owners) the Mees. It was Michael's idea to come here. We'd have put him out until the winter but Michael said if the ground was safe that he should run here.

"He wants further and softer ground to be seen at his best. He came to us from the point-to-points."

READ ALL OF THE GALWAY FESTIVAL REPORTS IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION OF THE IRISH FIELD