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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Thomas Gibney completes across the card double with Story Rory

Sat 3rd Jun 2023, 20:47

Story Rory and Kieran Callaghan win the Annestown handicap Hurdle Story Rory and Kieran Callaghan win the Annestown handicap Hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Thomas Gibney, on the mark earlier in the afternoon when Drop The Dip landed a big gamble at Listowel, enjoyed a fine end to the day with Story Rory completing a stable double in the Annestown Handicap Hurdle at Tramore.

A dual winner last summer, the eight-year-old had failed to sparkle in two starts this year but belied odds of 25/1 when travelling strongly before running out a game winner in the hands of Kieran Callaghan.

At least half a dozen horses held chances with two to jump but Callaghan consciously kept his mount wide in search of better ground; a move that was to pay dividends. Rock On Pedro emerged from the chasing pack to throw down a strong challenge at the final flight but a big jump at that obstacle sealed the outcome for Story Rory.

Tom Gibney said: "That wasn't my plan anyway. Kieran told me he was going to stay wide and I said; 'don't do a Danny on it!' Needless to say, I couldn't look for most of the way around. It worked anyway and fair play to Kieran.

"He is back down to his own grade and that's made a big difference to him. He'll keep going for the summer as he is a horse that wants a bit of good ground. He likes hurdling and he'll stay over them."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

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.