GALWAY opened with a familiar feel on Monday, the ground on the slow side for the flat, despite the July heatwave, and plenty of recognisable faces in the Connacht Hotel Handicap, the race drawing the last three winners.

Comfort Zone was not one of that group, but is becoming a staple at ‘The Races’, having his fourth run at the meeting and landing his first win here, while also providing Joseph O’Brien with a first success in the opening night feature.