Zeeband and Jack Gilligan (nearest) pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Jack Gilligan produced Zeeband (6/1) in the nick of time, as he just beat younger brother Danny in the Lee Strand Handicap Hurdle.
Recording his fourth win of the year, the successful Sea The Stars seven-year-old was given a patient ride, making headway on the approach to three out.
Switched to the outer before the next, the 125-rated bay was ridden to challenge on the run to the last and edged to the front inside the final 50 yards, coming home a neck to the good.
Returned the 85/40 favourite, John Murphy's Black Bamboo was the one just denied under Danny Gilligan, while the front-running Ceroc (14/1) was a length-and-a-half away in third.
"I couldn't chance running him here the other night (due to drying ground) and it is a pity because I wanted to go for the amateur handicap at Galway with him. He needed to run to get qualified for that, but it's not the end of the world," winning handler Paul Gilligan reflected.
"To have your two sons coming up the home straight in first-and-second was great - and the right lad won!
"I thought Jack was a bit far back but he did the right thing by coming wide in the straight as he didn't get stopped. He'll end up running in the 2m6f hurdle at Galway but might need to go up in the weights to get in."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident after the final hurdle involving Senecia ridden by P.T. Enright, Black Bamboo, ridden by D.J Gilligan, and Zeeband, ridden by J.G. Gilligan, where it appeared Senecia got bumped. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
D.E. Mullins, rider of Ceroc, trained by E. J. O'Grady, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped left.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
