Gilligan partners first jumps winner on Likable 33/1 shot

Likable Chancer caused a 33/1 shock when making most of the running to provide teenager Danny Gilligan with his first winner over jumps in the West Waterford Handicap Chase at Tramore.

The Danny Howard-trained gelding, a point-to-point winner back in 2021, has worn various headgear in the past but was fitted with blinkers for the first time here on his 31st start under rules.

The nine-year-old got to the front at the fourth under Danny Gilligan and proceeded to put in a fine round of jumping.

The pack closed up approaching the second last but Likable Chancer kept on well again without being asked too many questions for a two and three-quarter lengths victory over 9/4 favourite Ardera Ru Fox Le Bel once again picked up some place money a further nine and a half lengths back in third.

Gilligan said, “He done it well to be fair to him. Danny gave me plenty of confidence going out. He said don't be afraid to make plenty of use of him, that he was fit and ready to go.

“I got an easy enough lead out in front and he bowled away. He loved it, he was winging fences and to be fair he galloped the whole way to the line.

"I had six winners on the Flat but the plan was always to go jumping due to my weight. I'm 17 now and I'm full time in Gordon Elliott's yard. Hopefully Gordon will give me more chances now."

Quotes by Donal Murphy