Perisher holds off stablemate Liguori in Gowran opener Perisher stuck his head out gamely to repel stablemate Alphonsus Liguori in the opening Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden at Gowran Park today. The Joseph O’Brien-trained grey went to post 11/8 favourite in the mile contest having been third in handicap company at Cork on his return earlier this month. Declan McDonogh had to push his mount along early to get a position from his low draw and he soon tracked the leaders. The Australia gelding hit the front passing the two pole but had to dig deep when tackled by newcomer Alphonsus Liguori in the closing stages, securing a hard-fought head success. "Perisher deserved his win as he had some good runs and I thought he was tough,” said O’Brien. “Declan said he might like to go up to 10 furlongs and we'll look for a handicap now. "Alphonsus Liguori probably exceeded our expectations on his debut and went through the race well. “He found plenty and looks a nice horse for the future. I thought he caught the eye through the run and will go back for another maiden."
