Enfranchise and Danny Gilligan © Photo Healy Racing
Enfranchise powered clear on the run-in to record a comprehensive success in the opening maiden hurdle at Galway for 'Shark' Hanlon.
Danny Gilligan, in the colours of Annette Mee, tracked the front-running Rath Gaul Boy in the two-miler before tackling that rival turning for home.
The well-backed 10/3 shot (8/1 this morning) had a narrow advantage going to the last and asserted after jumping the final flight, pulling away in fine style to record an 11-length success.
Enfranchise, rated 121 over timber, had been fifth in a hot novice contest won by Arctic Fly here on Tuesday.
"She ran in the graded hurdle the other evening and was only beaten a length for second and to have had a run around here makes an awful difference,” said Hanlon.
"I think she is very good and we like her a lot at home - I was disappointed she was beaten the other evening but we at least we got it today.
"This mare is after doing everything since I bought her, she won the (Ulster) Oaks (at Down Royal) and it is hard to get a mare like this one - I think she is very smart.
"I have her entered in the Ebor but she won't get in off her mark and we haven't looked any further than this."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
