Gimli's Rock and Davy Russell jump the last in Kilbeggan© Photo Healy Racing
He may have traded at a high of 79/1 in-running, but once Gimli’s Rock started to get interested he quickly put the three mile hurdle race in Kilbeggan to bed upon jumping the second last.
At the third last he was five lengths adrift in last place of the four runners and being pushed along by Davy Russell, however, he started to cut into the deficit and got a lovely run between The Bishop Looney and Beluckyagain jumping the second last. From there he powered on and put six lengths on runner-up The Bishop Looney (11/2).
“Davy said he jumped brilliantly. You have to cod him. We put the blinkers on practically over his eyes tonight. Once he started to run he fairly flew,” trainer Jessica Harrington said of the 7/2 shot.
“I don’t think Davy hit him. It was just hands and heels, but he’s some character. Kate (Harrington) was just on the phone to tell me there’s an amateur race in Listowel [in June].”
Beluckyagain, the 11/8 favourite, was off the bridle a long way out but responded to pressure before finding no extra after the second last. He came in third.
This gave Davy Russell a Kilbeggan double following Queen Alphabet #8217;s win in race two.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
