Gillane off the mark over hurdles for Cromwell Third and fifth in two previous hurdle runs at Gowan, Gillane (3/1) appreciated stepping up to two and a half miles in the 1xBet.ie Supports Safer Gambling Maiden Hurdle. Owned by Thomas Mitchell, the Shirocco gelding was making his seasonal debut having last been seen when winning a Bellewstown bumper in April. In the front rank throughout under Keith Donoghue, he went clear from the second-last to beat Hurricane Leaf by six lengths. “A welcome winner. He was good, it was very straightforward,” said winning trainer Gavin Cromwell. “I suppose he has plenty of experience and he hit the line well. “He’s one to look forward to for the rest of the season.” When it was put to him that three miles wouldn’t be an issue, he added “I think it won’t, in time absolutely.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
