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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Shanwalla just holds on for the Gilligans

Mon 14th Jun 2021, 18:26

Shanwalla (Jack Gilligan) leads over the lastShanwalla (Jack Gilligan) leads over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Shanwalla a dual bumper winner back in 2019, got back into the winners’ enclosure when prominent throughout in the Forever Equestrian Clothing & Tack Store Novice Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Trained by Paul Gilligan and ridden by his son Jack, the 15/2 chance (as big as 16/1 earlier in the day) kept on gamely under pressure to just hold the late challenge of Face The Odds by a short-head. Wrong Direction was a further length and a half away in third. It got a bit close between the placed horses on the run-in but the result was confirmed after a stewards enquiry.

Jack Gilligan said, “Paul thought he had a shout. We jumped out and went a good even gallop. He’s a hardy horse and takes a lot of passing.

“A small horse like him wants a tight track. He popped away lovely over the hurdles and it’s great to get it.”

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.