Gangster Granny gains first win for owner Galway

Gangster Granny emulated her dam Jeanne Girl in winning a maiden race for owner Richie Galway and trainer Jessica Harrington today, when proving a battling winner of Limerick's Ballyduane Stud Maiden.

Galway's Jeanne Girl won a Curragh maiden and finished second at Group 3 level for the owner's mother-in-law, trainer Harrington in 2014 and today Gangster Granny, under jockey Keithen Kennedy, improved on a recent course third-placing when fending off runner-up Mont St Michel by a neck.

Galway reported “I owned her dam and got sentimental when I bought the daughter, with a pal of mine Ben McIlroy. She has been immature and gormless but in fairness to Jessie she has nurtured her and brought her along nicely.

“She has benefitted from stepping up and I was delighted that the first two horses came clear of the third. She will step back into handicap company now and she is flexible ground-wise.

“I'm delighted to get Keithen a winner as he is an up-and-coming, talented rider who is in Jessie's every day. Today's race didn't go to plan but he kept his head and rides well.”