Bonus territory for 'extra big' Gibney winner

Strapping chasing-type Alko Rouge made all the running to win the Navan Members Maiden Hurdle at that racecourse today, scoring for trainer Tom Gibney and jockey Darragh O'Keeffe.

The son of Balko had been placed in three of his four previous racecourse outings and today maintained an honest gallop to eventually see off the challenge of chasing-throughout runner-up Coqolino

Gibney later said “I'm delighted for his owners (WTF Partnership) and delighted for the horse.

“We really love him, he's extra big. I don't know where we'll go now, we'll just play it by ear.

“If size has anything to do with it he'll make a chaser. He jumps well and that's what he was bought for. We're in bonus territory until then.”

Quotes from Gary Carson