Pulse lands Galway prize

Finger Onthe Pulse gave Tony McCoy his first victory in the www.thetote.com Galway Plate in the colours of JP McManus.

McCoy, who came in for the ride after his original mount, Dancing Tornado, was a late withdrawal, was at his strongest to take the valuable handicap chase at odds of 22-1.

He got the verdict on Tom Taaffe's charge by half a length over Themoonandsixpence with 3-1 favourite Majestic Concorde inthird, while top-weight The Fonze ran a huge race in fourth.

McCoy always had Finger Onthe Pulse near the pace and took him into the lead some way out.

A melee at the final fence cost several horses their chance but up front Tom Taaffe's nine-year-old had to overcome the persistent challenge of

Themoonandsixpence (7-1) to land the main race of the seven-day Festival in the West of Ireland.

Tremendous

"I'm sure everybody likes to win this race," said the winning owner. "It's very special. You mark it out from 12 months in advance and hope you might gave one good enough to run in it.

"A few people asked me if I fancied him and I said, 'Have your fiver each-way, he'll give you a good run for your money'.

"But I didn't even have that on him myself. Nonetheless I'm very, very happy.

"He's more than paid his way. Full marks to Tom, he had him looking tremendous.

"He did say that he couldn't have him in better form, so if you fancy him you have to be backing him but I'm afraid I didn't listen.

"What do I have to say about the jockey? Tony is Tony. You have a bit of an edge when you have Tony with you."