Val another for Gilligan

Brosna Val continued the tremendous run of success being enjoyed by Galway trainer, Paul Gilligan when defying top-weight in the Kells Handicap Hurdle under Sonny Carey.

This daughter of Val Royal cruised into contention and once 'given the office' from two out, the five-year-old proved much too strong for well-backed favourite, Shorecliffe King nine lengths being the margin of victory at the line.

Gilligan said: "I wasn't going to run this one until I saw the size of the field (11 runners). She was second to one of Tony's (Martin) at Cork last Sunday and that form gave her every chance here. Long may this run continue."

Meanwhile of his Cheltenham winner, Berties Dream, the Craughwell handler commented: "He'll go to Punchestown subject to the ground being soft. Next year then maybe the World Hurdle."