Nicholson & Gilligan combine for bumper win

After finishing a fine second on her last start over the course, Getoutameway went one place better in the last at Cork this afternoon, the Christmas Party Packages December 10th Mares (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

The John Nicholson trained four-year-old went off at 25/1 on her last start, but was sent to post at just 10/3 today with Liam Gilligan aboard.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner, the daughter of Getaway improved to lead over two furlongs out. She was soon pressed the 4/5 favourite Biddy The Boss but she pulled out more under pressure, going on to prevail by two and a quarter lengths.

Biddy The Boss had to settle for second under Donal McInerney for Gavin Cromwell, while Lackaneen Leader (11/4) was a further nine lengths back in third with Nina Carberry aboard for Gordon Elliott.

Nicholson said afterwards: "We think a lot of this mare and I've loved her all the way and she has grown and we think a lot of her.

"She had a great run here the last day and has improved from that and we'd have been disappointed if she didn't win today.

"Every horse in my place is for sale, if the right money comes, but there's a crowd of friends of mine involved now and I don't think any of them are stuck for money!"

He added: "There is a Listed bumper at Navan and we might have one run at that to try and get black-type and then we'll have good fun over hurdles."

Regarding his recent hip operation, he said "I was half way here when I discovered I hadn't got my crutch but I got a stick from the back of the jeep - the hip is getting better each week with all these winners!"

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes