SIMPLY THE WEST

Elliott dedicates Plate win to his dad in hospital

- By DEREK FOLEY

GORDON ELLIOTT’S Western Fold was a worthy Galway Plate winner, reaching the winning post four and a half lengths clear.

There was a €159,000 cheque for the winners of the €270,000 Grade 3 steeplechase and the trainer was quick to dedicate the win to his father Pat.

“I just want to say my dad’s in the hospital, so he is, so he'll enjoy watching this and hopefully cheer him up,” said Elliott in the ring afterwards.

“He loves coming to Galway. He's watching in hospital there so hopefully that'll give him a lift up.

“He'll be out hopefully for the football with Summerhill on Saturday,” he added of the upcoming Meath SFC first round game with Gaeil Colmcille.

The Danny Gilliganridden Western Fold had beaten Noel Meade's Jesse Evans into second with Shecouldbeanything strung out a further fiveand-a-lengths back.