Gilligan doubles-up to foil gamble

Danny Gilligan completed a quick double at Ballinrobe, combining with fellow Galwegian Kevin Heffernan when steering The Vegas Raider to victory in the Broderick's Electric Handicap Hurdle.

Getting in as first reserve, Ragmans Corner came in for strong market support and was returned the 7/4 favourite from initial shows of 10/1.

Nearly carried out by a loose horse approaching the third last, the market leader soon got to the front under Jack Kearney and while he tried hard to maintain his advantage on the run-in, he ultimately couldn't hold off the winner inside the final 50 yards, with half-a-length between them at the line.

Placed on two of his last three starts, the bay victor came from off the pace under Gilligan and was returned a 10/3 chance.

The front pair were two-and-a-half lengths clear of Sydney Cruiser (11/1) and Alex Harvey in third.

"He was in great form at home and we were very confident. We were slightly concerned about the ground because he's a good-ground horse, but he's learning to adapt to easier ground," Athenry- based Heffernan commented.

"Danny gave him a great spin, we'd said we'd keep him wide and try and pick a track on the outside.

"He said he travelled beautifully all the way and that there's improvement in him.

"We have a small string at home, maybe five or six horses, mostly for point-to-points. It's great to have a track winner but I'm looking forward to when the point-to-points are back!"

Gilligan was earlier successful aboard Drumgill for John Ryan, while Heffernan registered his sole previous track success when Brilliant Question obliged at Limerick in January.

STEWARDS REPORT

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Take A Punt trained by Brendan Maurice Walsh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was pulled up injured.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan