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McGill records first track winner as Ellaat follows up

Oran McGill after riding his first track winner on EllaatOran McGill after riding his first track winner on Ellaat
© Photo Healy Racing

Ellaat quickened away nicely on the run-in to record back-to-back wins at Thurles for Co. Derry trainer Noel Kelly.

The Heeraat gelding was a game winner at the track a fortnight ago and Oran McGill got the leg up this afternoon to offset most of his 8lb rise for that success.

It was a cool ride from the 7lb amateur as he produced the 9/4 favourite to lead before the last and asked him to go and win his race in the closing stages.

Ellaat was in control on the run-in as he recorded a two-and-three-quarter length victory over Lesssaidthebetter

Kelly said:- “That’s the lad’s first winner on the track. He’s had three point-to-point winners in the last three weeks. He’d a bad injury last year but he’s flying now.

“He works for me every day and is a good rider and a well mannered cub. He’s dedicated to his job and very healthy in what he eats and drinks.

“Hopefully he’ll continue to improve and get a bit of luck.

“I’ll try and get another run into this horse before the ground goes. If the ground goes it would be a waste of time.”

22-year-old McGill is the son of another County Derry-based trainer Gary McGill.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)

1st
9/4Fav
Tote €3.40 €1.50
2nd
2.75L
14/1
€2.30
3rd
4.25L
10/1
€3.90
4th
2.75L
25/1
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.