Tote Galway Plate Handicap Chase

IF anyone was in any doubt about the rapid upward trajectory of jockey Daniel King’s career, the 2026 Tote Galway Plate absolutely cemented his ascent, as second-season chaser King Alexander belied odds of 20/1 to provide Willie Mullins with a third win in the summer highlight.

As has been an ever-present theme with the €270,000 handicap, a prominent position was worth its weight in gold and King shrewdly got a handy spot on owner John Ioannis Neocleous’ hope early doors.

But for a disappointing effort as 7/4 favourite for a Punchestown Festival handicap, the Mount Nelson gelding would have among the leading fancies in the market, having mixed it with a host of smart chasers when fourth in a Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase that has worked out well from the Cheltenham Festival. He was reported to have been suffering from heat stress in the aftermath of his previous effort.

On a glorious evening at Galway, the ex-Nicky Henderson-trained winner had no such issues. He caught the eye from a long way out in how he jumped and travelled, and kept going much better than his better-fancied stables, including 9/2 favourite Funiculi Funicula, who dropped away to finish 15th.

There was a brief scare when Alan O’Sullivan unwound a cracking finishing kick from the enigmatic Conyers Hill to rattle the crossbar in second - beaten just half a length - but King earned high praise from the champion trainer for his hand in the victory.

Henry de Bromhead’s Gorgeous Tom rallied for third, ahead of Gordon Elliott’s new recruit Nowwhatdoyouthink in a close fourth, while Downmexicoway did well to finish as close as he did in fifth, having made some mistakes.

“I’m lost for words,” said King, who had a breakout season last term with 34 winners and was partnering his 16th of the new campaign here.

“I got a savage spin around. He jumped from fence to fence and travelled so well. He was probably getting a bit idle in front because he got there too soon, but he took me there so easily. I’m delighted he hung on. He galloped strong to the line when I asked him.

“This is great, I can’t believe it. I’m lucky that all my life I’ve had good people supporting me. I’m very grateful to everyone for the opportunities I’ve got, and thank you to Mr Mullins and the owners for the chance to ride this horse.”

Mullins had won the 2012 Plate with Blazing Tempo and the 2021 edition with Royal Rendezvous. This victory came in silks not seen overly frequently for the Clositton operation.

“John is from Cyprus but he’s based in Dubai. He’s actually on holidays in Switzerland at the moment and said he couldn’t get a last-minute flight. It’s a pity he’s not here,” said Mullins.

“I couldn’t believe how well King Alexander was travelling and jumping so well. He kept himself in the race without having any effort. He got over the last two and then just seemed to saunter up the hill. It was amazing how well he was travelling.

“I was disappointed with my other three, they just went out like lights coming up the hill. Some horses don’t handle Galway, but this is obviously a fella I’ll be bringing back to Galway year after year, I think.”

On the winning rider, he added: “He’s just come on the scene for me, really. He’s done a bit of riding out for me and David Casey had him snared early in the month for this race. He’s on fire this month.”

Alan O’Sullivan was pleased with the Paul Nolan-trained runner-up’s showing in defeat and said: “It was a cracking run. I was riding him for a bit of luck, he’s obviously a bit of a bridle horse. He’s the type of horse to land on the line and I did my best - the line just wasn’t far enough away from me. I was doing my best at 200 yards out than at the line. He ran a great race.”