RACING:PAUL GILLIGAN was left dreaming of even bigger things after Wellforth showed guts in abundance in lifting the Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap at Ballybrit yesterday.
Fourth here on Tuesday, the nine-year-old was given a fine ride by Barry Geraghty, joining issue with the long-time prominent Noble Commander heading out on to the second circuit.
Geraghty’s mount, a winner at Uttoxeter in June, landed narrowly in front after jumping the sixth-last and was nimble at the final two obstacles before striking for home.
The pack tried to close but the 5 to 1 second-favourite found plenty to hold Agus A Vic by four and a quarter lengths, with Prince Of Leisure third.
Locally-based Gilligan said: “The weights were totally against him on Tuesday and if it had been a handicap he would have had a lot less, but it was a good run.”
Inis Meain turned the Guinness Handicap into a procession for trainer Denis Hogan and jockey Chris Hayes. Sent off at 5 to 1 for the €60,000 event having been second in the 5.30pm race on Thursday, the five-year-old was soon in the lead and really picked up when asked rounding the final bend. The race was soon over after Hayes made his move, with the pair able to coast to a seven-length success over Shamiran. Olympiad, the 3 to 1 favourite, was third.
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