Rockonfamouslee gives Gilligan memorable first winner Athenry trainer Paul Gilligan completed a double in the last two races at Galway and it got even better as son Ollie, who celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday, had his wish come true as he rode his first winner under Rules on Rokonfamouslee in the Electric Galway (C & G) (Pr-Am) INH Flat Race. The Kap Rock gelding tracked the leaders before hitting the front over a furlong out. As the winning post loomed, so did Patrick Mullins aboard Heros De Saint, but Gilligan kept his mount straight and held on to land a memorable success by half a length. "I had four point-to-point winners previously, and this is a great buzz. He stuck his neck out, and the horse was good and tough," said the winning rider. "I'm based in Wexford with Sean and Donnchadh Doyle, so hopefully I'll give it a good go this season, although I've a long way to go to catch up to my older brothers (Danny and Jack)!" Gilligan senior added: "This means a lot, as my four boys have now all ridden winners for us. Liam is a big addition at home currently, and the other lads are riding on the track. "For Ollie to ride his first winner in Galway, for a good local man, Peter Mulrooney, is a special day. "We are training a long time, and I couldn't work without the four lads, along with my wife Natalie. They are just super, and I'm glad to have all of them being part of the business. "We have our ups and downs, but if there are no rows, it means that it doesn't mean enough to people. They are committed and good at their jobs." Regarding the winner, he added: "Other than his mistakes, he'd have won his point-to-point, and this is a good horse." (Quotes from Tom Weekes)
