Fr Gilligansvoyge scores a surprise success at Downpatrick Fr Gilligansvoyge gained his first success since winning the Bishopscourt Cup Hunters Chase at the 2023 Punchestown Festival at Downpatrick this afternoon. Ridden by Sarah Kavanagh for trainer John Carr, the 13-year-old gamely landed the Kevin Ross Bloodstock Handicap Chase from 3lb out of the handicap proper. Challenged by the Dermot McLoughlin-trained Malton Groove after the final fence, the 18/1 shot, the joint outsider of the 12-runner field, battled well to win by half a length for owner Richard Farrell, building on promising placed efforts at Limerick and Tramore last month. Carr reported: “He was pulling like hell today, he's a bit of an oul rogue and you never know what he is going to do. “He's like an old pet and we love him. This will definitely be his last year; we are saying that every year! You couldn't retire him the form he is in, though. “I see two horses I sold are after winning in Hexham in the last hour or so.” Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
