Lynch & Gilligan on the mark with Alaliya

Alaliya sprang a 16/1 surprise in the Allianz Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Liam Gilligan for Gerry Lynch.

Successful at Ballinrobe in August, the daughter of Iffraaj finished sixth on her next two starts at Listowel and Thurles respectively.

Having raced mainly in fourth, the chestnut victor improved into second from four out. She made further progress to lead before the second last, and kept on well under pressure on the run-in, going on to score by a length and three parts. Pack Your Bags 14s this morning and from 9s to 7s on-course, finished second under Mark Walsh for Robert Tyner, while 10/1 chance Skellig Rocks (Donagh Meyler aboard for Arthur Moore) was another length and three parts back in third. Swingbridge was sent off the 11/4 favourite, and he completed the placings, six lengths back in fourth with Davy Russell in the saddle for Gordon Elliott.

Lynch said afterwards: "She's tough. I couldn't believe the price she was - the last day in Thurles it was too short for her and when she jumped the last she just flew. The favourite was 11/4 and she was 16/1, I couldn't believe it. They just ignored her.

"Three miles on a galloping track, she stays and stays. We'll see what the handicapper does and we'll plan from there."

Liam Gilligan added: "She stays very well, she won well in Ballinrobe and in her two runs since she probably wasn't herself.

"That's four winners for me now. I ride out around Galway for Gerry and Martin Cullinane, and I was in with Willie Mullins this week. I rode Carter McKay down there."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed D. Meyler, rider of Skellig Rocks (FR), concerning his use of the whip in closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found D. Meyler to be in breach of Regulation 10. 3 (f) in that he used his whip with excessive force and frequency. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended D. Meyler for 5 racedays.

The Stewards interviewed C.M. Leonard, rider of No Pressure Pat, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found C.M. Leonard to be in breach of Regulation 10.3 (b) in that he used his whip unneccessarily when his chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned C.M. Leonard regarding his future responsibilities.

The Stewards interviewed J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Megara (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found J.P. O'Sullivan to be in breach of Regulation 10.3 (b) in that he used his whip unnecessarily when his chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone. Having considered his record in this regard, The Stewards suspended J.P. O' Sullivan for 2 racedays

Additional reporting by Michael Graham