Jesse Evans delivers in style in Galway for owner Tomas Singleton

Jesse Evans, who has twice finished second in the Galway Hurdle got off the mark over fences for her Cork connections here at Galway this evening in the €12,500 Galway City Beginners Chase.

Jesse Evans had been unlucky in running when eight in this year's Galway Hurdle allied to finishing runner up at the previous two festivals while he’d also finished fourth in 2022. 

But at Ballybritt he came good on his second start over fences.

Tomás and Jack own the horse in partnership with Chris Murphy and they decided to offer a third share out to syndicate. 

That syndicate includes legendary Cork Hurler Mick Malone, Seanie Farrell and Martin Shanahan, who owns the award-winning Kinsale restaurant Fishy Fishy.

Mick Malone and Seanie Farrell were present this afternoon along with the Singletons.

Jesse Evans had run really well on his chasing debut in Killarney last month until a mistake at the second last proved costly. 

He travelled like a winner for much of that Killarney contest until that blunder saw him fade to finish third to Arctic Fly.

He had been put in as favourite in the overnight markets but drifted through the morning to an attractive 3/1 in face of support for Gordon Elliott's useful mare Shecouldbeanything who was in receipt of 7lb on her chasing debut. 

On-course the money again poured in for Elliott’s mare who went off 11/8 favourite with Jesse Evans returned 5/2 second choice and just over 3/1 on the Betfair Exchange.

Sam Ewing always had the leaders in his sights and he made his move approaching the second last. 

At this point three were still in contention with the jolly Shecouldbeanything, A Law Of Her Own and Jesse Evans. 

Noel Meade's charge went on after the last and Ewing eventually went for his race at the furlong pole. 

The classy eight year old quickly asserted and stamped his authority on proceedings with a comfortable two and a quarter length victory. 

He completed the holy trinity of flat,hurdle and chasing victories here at his spiritual home in the west as he registered an eight career success.

Afterwards trainer Noel Meade said this.

 "I'd love to think he'll be back next year for the Plate - that would be the dream." 

That was a point endorsed by connections who travelled more in hope than confidence today.

Jesse Evans jumped superbly and has schooled really well from day one. 

That mistake in Killarney might turn out to be a blessing in disguise as he was flawless today.

Tomas Singleton bought him on the recommendation of Maxine O'Sullivan who'd ridden him on his debut at Ballinrobe and was suitably impressed despite his tendency to race freely.

Tomas and his fellow owners got an instant dividend when Jesse Evans landed a bumper next time at Listowel during Covid, giving Mark O'Hare a winner on his final ride. 

After a sequence of near misses in the Galway Hurdle.

Tonight Tomas and Jack Singleton can start dreaming of Galway Plate glory in 2025.