FOR the third time in his career and this time on his 21st birthday, Donnacha O’Brien reached a half century of winners for the season in Ireland. Turnberry Isle turned out fresh and well from a victory at Killarney the previous Wednesday to land the €30,000 Tote Supporting Irish Racing Since 1930 Handicap.

Aidan O’Brien won with his only runner at Ballinrobe last season and his first representative of the year at this track was returned the 5/6 favourite. The supporters of Turnberry Isle didn’t have too many anxious moments as the Galileo colt took up a good position in second before asserting early in the straight for a length-and-a-half triumph over Takeachanceonjimmy.

A busy schedule clearly suits this colt well as he was making his sixth appearance since the start of June and his last two runs have been his best of the campaign. The winning rider indicated that Galway could easily feature on Turnberry Isle’s itinerary.

THE improving Ideal Pal (11/1) enjoyed the perfect warm up for Galway as he made it three wins in succession in the 45-75 rated Play The Tote Jackpot Handicap over nine furlongs.

The Michael Mulvany representative was burdened with a wide draw and a 17lb-higher mark than when first successful. However, he overcame both to make all the running for Nathan Crosse and found plenty in the straight when pressed by Insane Bolt to score by three-parts of a length.

Mulvany, who trains the winner for his father Larry, has the notable distinction of having trained both the winner’s sire and dam (Tough As Nails and Lucky Beguine) and is looking forward to when his charge goes juvenile hurdling later in the year.