Gilligan’s Girl wins under new rider Townend Moonshine Girl (12s — 9/1) gained a breakthrough first success when enhancing her improved recent record for rider Jody Townend today, landing Galway’s WTW Willis Handicap Hurdle (Div I) for trainer Paul Gilligan. Townend, sister of top jockey Paul Townend, had finished runner-up on the 80-rated mare twice this summer and today, on her 22nd start and first attempt wearing blinkers, travelled strongly and powered clear to score by 12 lengths from Ladiam . Trainer Gilligan said “Jody gets on with her, whatever it is. The lads (sons), Danny and Jack, have ridden her and she doesn’t go as well for them as she does for Jody. She’ll probably stay on her now but where we’ll go with her I don’t know. “It’s brilliant for her to break her maiden here and she won well. The fact that she’s owned by Natalie, my wife, makes it ever better. “I went to Down Royal with her last Friday week and I think the journey up was a problem. She didn’t enjoy Down Royal at all but the fact that here was so close and handy, I said I’d bring her. “In these low grade races you don’t know what day they’ll turn up and win. This is every bit as good as winning the Blazers for us.” Quotes from Gary Carson
