Gilligan living the Dream at Down Royal

The Gordon Elliott-trained Shesadream repeated last year's success in the Boylesports Mares Hurdle at Down Royal with a cosy win under in-form claimer Danny Gilligan.

The Flemensfirth mare was making her return to action this afternoon and went to post a 5/2 shot in the two-miler.

She tracked the leaders before improving to tackle 6/4 favourite Cash The Cheque turning for home.

A better jump at the third last gave her the narrow advantage but she was joined by Lady Of The Vale going to the penultimate flight.

Again Shesadream was better over the obstacles and soon asserted to settle matters. She only needed to be kept going 'hands and heels' in the closing stages to post a four-and-a-quarter length win.

Shesadream won this race 12 months ago but had been well beaten on her final two starts last year.

Gilligan said: "She jumped brilliantly out there.

"She winged a couple of hurdles and I got a run up the inside, and that is probably what won it for her.

"To be fair, she is a very gutsy and genuine mare.

"She does (go well fresh) and exactly (relished the ground).

"She's not the biggest mare in the world, but she is hardy and she is all heart.

"It is quick out there, good ground."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)