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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Gilligan forges link with Elliott

Tue 25th Apr 2023, 11:08

Danny Gilligan Danny Gilligan
© Photo Healy Racing

Danny Gilligan has ridden four National Hunt winners since switching from the Flat and looks set to be given more opportunities by Gordon Elliott.

The 7lb claimer rode a double for Elliott at Kilbeggan on Friday and has a mount for the Cullentra House trainer on day one of the Punchestown Festival - Fils d'Oudairies in the Grade B handicap hurdle.

Elliott said on Racing TV: "He's going to ride a lot of winners. I don't think I will be letting him ride too many for the summer to be honest, I'll be keeping his claim for Cullentra.

"He's a good rider and I think you are going to see plenty of him. Typical of one of those lads who came from riding off the Flat, he's got a lot of guts and he rides a good race. he's not afraid to hold on to one, doesn't panic.

"I'd say he has got a good future.

"His dad training has been training jump horses since this lad was a boy and I'm sure he has a world of schooling done.

"He's working with me full-time now and he's a nice fella, you wouldn't know he is in the yard. He does his work and gets on with everyone. Hopefully, he'll get plenty of chances.

"He's riding work with all the lads so he is going in the right direction."

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.