Gilgamboa enhances reputation with a terrific display
The Enda Bolger-trained six-year-old, a well-backed 7-4 favourite, was settled near the back of the seven-strong field as Pumbaa took his customary position at the head of affairs.
The winner jumped beautifully under Mark Walsh and was still travelling well, in fourth place, as they turned for home.
Market rival Adriana Des Mottes took over early in the home-straight but Gilgamboa quickened smartly to join her at the second last, and was some three clear and in charge when the former sprawled on landing and decanted Danny Mullins after the last.
Gilgamboa then coasted home in a manner which saw his Arkle Chase (Cheltenham) odds cut as short as 8-1 and 6-1 for the JLT.
Delighted winning handler Bolger said: “That’s a nice Christmas present. He’s a very exciting and improving horse, and jumping is his forte. It is nice to build on his win at Navan and he’s getting very professional. He’s very relaxed, and the Arkle Chase, at Leopardstown, could be next for him.”
The victory completed a Limerick double for owner JP McManus and was the middle leg of a treble for the winning rider.
The McManus-owned, Walsh-ridden Irish Bulletin got favourite backers off to a winning start by taking the opening maiden hurdle for local trainer Eric McNamara. Never far off the pace, the easy-to-back 11-8 chance travelled nicely turning in and stayed on well to beat High In The Clouds.
Walsh completed his treble when Black Zero gave generously for pressure to also complete his own three-timer in the Woodlands House Hotel Handicap Chase.
Trained by Michael McDonagh, he looked in trouble as Top Cat Henry led away from the last, but pulled out extra to beat long-time leader Heavenly Brook, who battled back to snatch second place.
A gamble went astray in the second race as the well supported Montys Meadow had to settle for the runner-up spot behind Captainofthefleet, who was securing back-to-back victories at this meeting and giving his rider, Eoin O’Connell, his first winner inside the rails.
Montys Meadow tried to steal a march after the third-last but O’Connell, celebrating his 20th birthday, was alert to the move and, on the long run to the second last, reduced the deficit to a length.
Clearly travelling best, he forged clear from between the final flights to reward supporters at odds of 7-1.
Winning trainer Eamonn O’Connell, father of the winning rider, said: “That was Eoin’s fifth or sixth ride on the track but he’s had two point-to-point winners already.
“He rides out for Charles Byrnes a couple of days a week, and hopefully he can make it as a professional someday.”
The Willie Mullins-trained Uranna obliged in the mares’ maiden hurdle, in the hands of Danny Mullins. Eased to the front approaching the last, she had to fend off the challenges of Mount Corkish Girl and, ultimately, Golan Road, to earn a half-length victory.
Mattie Bowes gave the Paddy Fegan-trained Melbourne Lady a confident front-running ride to take the O’Kelly Brothers Demolition Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. The 5lb claimer didn’t panic as the challengers moved upsides on the turn for home and, though his mount edged away from the rails in the closing stages, they were always holding the strong finish of Dantes Firth.
