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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Lyreen proves Lucky for Gilligan and Elliott

Sun 31st Mar 2024, 14:30

Lucky Lyreen followed up his maiden win by striking in handicap hurdle. Lucky Lyreen followed up his maiden win by striking in handicap hurdle.
© Photo Healy Racing

Lucky Lyreen shrugged off topweight when proving a rather fortunate winner of the Cawley Furniture Novice Handicap Hurdle on day two of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival.

Winner of his maiden hurdle over further at Punchestown last month, stamina was never going to be an issue here for the Gordon Elliott trained six-year-old. Having his first start in handicap company this afternoon, the gelding had to concede plenty of weight but had the valuable assistance of Cheltenham Festival winning jockey Danny Gilligan who took off 5lbs.

Travelling well turning into the straight, Lucky Lyreen headed leader Shraheen and quickly went for home. However, on the run to the final flight, Buachaillbocht closed right up under Mark Walsh. The latter horse looked to be going that bit better when a bad mistake at the last ended his hopes.

That left Lucky Lyreen and Gilligan to stay on and prevail by three-quarters-of-a-length at 17/2.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott reported: “We were a bit fortunate with the other horse making a mistake but we were in front plenty soon enough.

“He will a jump a fence in time.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.