Gilligan doubles up as Ankud defies topweight

Danny Gilligan completed a double on the afternoon when partnering topweight Ankud to a game success in the Friends of Brian Mulligan Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Sligo.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, who was also enjoying a second winner on the card, the five-year-old was always to fore. Tracking long time leader Thunder the Nathaniel gelding led three out as the latter gave way.

In what proved a race winning move, Gilligan extended on the run to two out, taking a few lengths out of his pursuers. Golden Sandbanks went second but despite looking a big threat early in the straight, Paul Flynn's gelding could never quite get to the Elliott trainer winner who kept on strongly to score by one-and-three-quarter lengths.

Danny Gilligan said: "I wanted to be good and forward on him but he was in front plenty soon on his own. Thankfully he stayed galloping all the way to the line.

"He probably wasn't doing a whole pile. I wouldn't say he's slow and two miles is a good trip for him but I'd say he's versatile enough, and the way he races I'd say he'd go two and a half (miles) as well.

"I broke my wrist about five weeks ago so it's great to be back and get the ball rolling again. I live with Sam (Ewing) so we'll enjoy watching the replays tonight!"

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.