Barney on a real roll for the Gilligans

Father and son team Paul and Jack Gilligan landed the Anna O’Coinne Memorial Handicap Chase at Galway with 11/4 market-leader Rock On Barney

Following up his Tipperary win from last Tuesday, the Fracas gelding chased the leaders, and he was fourth at the halfway stage.

He disputed after six out, and led at the next.

Clear at the last, the successful nine-year-old was ridden and drifted right in the straight.

Rock On Barney kept on well in the closing stages to beat Hoke Colburn by nine and a half lengths.

“Jack gave him a super ride and the horse just took him there,” said Gilligan senior.

“He jumped big and silly early on but Jack seems to click with him.

“It would have been silly not to run with the race being so close to home and we have to make use of his mark.

“A lot of thanks have to go to Gerry Lynch (former trainer, now retired) for sending him my way.

“The owners (the Kellys) are from the north and the only pity is that they can’t be on track to see him winning.”

(EM)