BOB THE YANK apart all of today's contenders for the Murphy's Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle are engaged in the Guinness Galway Hurdle including No Tag, the short head winner of last year's Ballybrit feature under 10st 11lb and running today under a 6lb higher rating.
Norman Williamson who has been hors de combat since last in action in early February resumes riding on Bob The Yank. Pat The Hat, his intended mount in yesterday's Hotel Europe Chase, was withdrawn. Williamson, who dislocated a shoulder for a second time on the gallops at the end of February having broken a leg in October 1995, plans to ride at the Galway Festival.
The lightly raced No Tag last ran in a flat event at Roscommon in May. He has his chance but Aidan O'Brien, trainer of the Galway Hurdle top weight Hotel Minella, will be fancied to win with Just Little, touched off by Galway Hurdle bound Space Trucker over this course and distance in May. The latter won a flat race here on Monday.
Wesperada, one of five Noel Meade-trained Galway Hurdle entries, is in good form, winning twice at Gowran Park and Bellewstown. Khayrawani finished two places behind Just Little in a novice hurdle at Punchestown won impressively by Mulligan from Space Trucker and Bob the Yank, short-headed by Katiymann at Tipperary, must be respected, not to mention Northern Fancy who ran well at Bellewstown. However, Just Little can win for Aidan O'Brien.
Kelly's Pearl, who divided stable-companions Life Of A Lord and Loshian in last year's Plate, reappears in the Doyle Brothers Chase after a near nine month absence. He failed to reach the frame in five subsequent outings. However, Charlie Swan rides him today in favour of stable-companion Balyara.
Tommy Stack may win the Kerryman Handicap with High In The Clouds who just held on to beat the Thurles winner Lowlack in a mile and a half handicap at Dundalk. Dromalane, runner-up to Calisar on Monday having tried to make all the running, will be backed to go one better but Royal Albert might find this trip on the short side,
Demi O'Byrne bought the top lot at the opening session of the Keeneland July Yearling sale on Monday night. He purchased the colt by Deputy Minister for $800,000 on behalf of John Magnier and Michael Tabor.
O'Byrne, who purchased six yearlings at the session for Magnier and Tabor, said: "It is uncertain where they will be trained, we'll make a decision after the sales are over. Some will go to England and some will stay here. if the Deputy Minister colt remains in the United States he'll be trained by D Wayne Lukas."
