“I was hopeful but he’s a horse we’ve had a lot of trouble with, and Jim (Nevin, owner) has shown fantastic patience and really stood by him. I was ready to give up on him a number of times," said Tom Gibney after Stoughan Cross landed the www.kilbegganraces.com Handicap Chase.

Donagh Meyler rode the 20/1 chance (clipped in from 25s) and though Bellgrove and Hoke Colburn ran well they had to yield by three and a quarter lengths and two and three parts of a length to the Gibney victor.

“He got loose in Down Royal a year and a half ago the second time in a pair of blinkers and he galloped for about six miles around the ambulance track. It’s taken him an awful long time to get over that as he was bleeding inside," further explained Gibney.

“He’s been training well all season but we’ve been waiting for an ease in the ground."

The Stewards requested a report from Thomas Gibney, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Stoughan Cross, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Thomas Gibney reported that the ease in ground conditions since his charge's last run benefitted tonight and explained the improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

(AM & EM)