Ballyegan Hero edges out Only Mine in Galway thriller

Ballyegan Hero just got the better of a thrilling finish to the Galway Shopping Centre Handicap Hurdle at Galway.

After Hidden Cyclone and Phil The Flyer led the field for much of the two-mile-six-furlong test, the race ignited when first Lagostovegas and then Ballyegan Hero made their bids for home.

John Joe Walsh's 16-1 chance looked to have the race won on the home straight under Rachael Blackmore, but Only Mine produced a stirring late challenge and appeared to have picked off the winner, though the photograph showed otherwise.

Lagostovegas kept on for third, with Mr Showtime fourth.

Walsh said: "He had a low weight and stays well. I'm a bit surprised as I thought he might get a place. Rachael gave him a cracking ride, and the rain may have helped as it made the ground a bit looser.

"I thought he was beaten from where I was standing. That's probably my biggest win in terms of prize money. I've won plenty of big races in the past like the Kerry National, Munster National and the Troytown."

Walsh's only other runner this week, Davids Charm, also won on Wednesday