Torquay Road and Danny Gilligan© Photo Healy Racing
Torquay Road registered the first success of his career when making a winning stable debut for trainer Cian Collins in the CT Electrical Maiden Hurdle at Sligo.
The thrice-raced No Risk At All gelding was having a first start for new connections, having previously shown ability for Peter Flood.
Danny Gilligan went third on the outside jumping three out, as Bobbi Gin Tree chased leader Pallas Athene
The latter mare was quickly headed two out, as Bobbi Gin Tree led briefly from the closing Torquay Road. Gilligan led on the 9/2 chance on the run to the final flight, staying on strongly to beat Bobbi Gin Tree two-and-a-half lengths.
Cian Collins said: "The owner (Kevin McConnell) is a friend of Denis O'Regan's. Denis rode this horse work before we bought him and liked him. That was good enough for us. Kevin is a new owner for us and it's great to get a winner for him.
"He had been jumping very well at home, we hadn't done that much galloping with him but going on his bumper runs, I was a hopeful of a big run today.
"He probably idled in front and had a bit more left in the tank. We might go to Galway for a novice hurdle.
"I was with Gordon Elliott for seven years before setting up on my own. I've around 40 horses in and have room for more!"
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.
