The riders and runners get ready for the start of the second race, The Latin Quarter Steeplechase. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

THE SUN SHONE on the second day of racing at Ballybrit today as Galway continued to party.

Vastonea was back to his best to claim a second Topaz Mile Hanidcap, in the feature race of the day in the west. Gary Halpin steered Kevin Prendergast’s charge home with a well-timed run in the last furlong or so.

“Gary gave him a good ride, he didn’t get into any trouble and I’m delighted,” said Prendergast.

“This has been a very lucky race for me and it’s our sixth win. The first time I won it, I beat one of my Dad’s that was odds-on favourite which was very nice on the day.

“The handicapper gave us a chance today, running off the mark he won off here two years and he won three-parts of a length with a 7lb-claimer on board, so without the claimer we wouldn’t have won. We might come back here again next year.”

Vastonea won the race in 2012 but came in third last year.

Jockey Wayne Lordan onboard Legatissimo wins The Topaz European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Gary Halpin celebrates with the trophy after winning The Topaz Mile Handicap onboard Vastonea. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Results on Day 2:

5.05 Topaz Novice H´dle  

1. Shield 15/8

2. Queen Alphabet 9/2

3. Rich Coast 5/2

5.35 Latin Quarter S´chase  

1. Jacksonlady 3/1

2. Cailin Annamh 4/1

3. Butney Rock 33/1

6.05 Topaz EBF Maiden

1. Legatissimo 12/1

2. Tamadhor 12/1

3. Chinese Light evens

6.40 Topaz Mile H’cap

1. Vastonea 12/1

2. Piri Wango 9/1

3. Baraweez 9/1

7.10 Caulfieldindustrial.com H’Cap

1. Hidden Universe 9/4

2. Foot Soldier 20/1

3. Benkei 9/1

7.45 Caulfield Industrial Athlone H’Cap

1. Surreal 25/1

2. Sretaw 9/1

3. Antiquus 16/1

8.15 Caulfieldindustrial.com EBF M´dn

1. Antique Platinum 2/5

2. Henson 11/4

3. Ducky Mallon 12/1

West Ham finalise a deal for striker Enner Valencia

Carlos Tevez’ father released unharmed after being held captive for eight hours