Macgiloney and Denis Hogan jump the last © Photo Healy Racing
Macgiloney (18/1) made all to win the Deacy Gilligan Hurdle for trainer/rider Denis Hogan.
The chestnut gelding had come from off the pace to get up on the line over three miles at the festival here in July, but in the absence of anything else keen to make the running, Hogan let him stride on and he was typically game in front. Quirt Evans tried to challenge on the inner after the last but Hogan closed the door on that one and his mount went away to score by three and a quarter lengths, with Quirt Evans holding on to second place by a neck from Holymacapony
The 8/15 favourite Jazzaway who was under pressure in fourth at the last, unfortunately went wrong early on the run-in and was quickly pulled up and dismounted by Paul Townend.
The stewards held an enquiry into possible interference between the first two home but the placings remained unaltered.
It was a ninth career win for owner Michael Moloney’s good servant.
“That's not the way to ride him but I had no choice as there was no pace,” said Hogan.
“I was desperate for Darragh (O’Keeffe, on Holymacapony) to give me a hand out but he was cute enough and pulled back.
“He was putting down and didn't get going until something came up on his outside and shoved him on. After a couple of cracks it was away with him.
“He gave the last loads of air and I had plenty of horse.
“That's even a bit short for him, he'd love extended distances like three-mile-one or two. He's probably a horse for some of those summer nationals like the Midlands National.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
