Former Grade 1 winner The Storyteller proved the class act in the Deacy Gilligan Hurdle at Galway today when giving weight and a beating to his rivals in the two-mile-five conditions event. My Sister Sarah went to post the 11/10 favourite as two dominated the market in the race with the eventual winner going off a 6/5 shot.

The lightly weighted mare made the running but was tackled by the smooth travelling The Storyteller going to the second last.

Keith Donoghue asked his mount to kick on turning for home and a big bold jump at the last sealed matters as Gordon Elliott's charge went on to record a four-and-three-parts of a length success.

The winner was recording back-to-back wins at the venue having landed a conditions chase at the festival.

"He runs his race every day and did that well,” said the winning rider.

"He jumped a little right but he was just a little cautious going back over hurdles and when we started going on he jumped better and I had a nice lead.

"He is a very versatile horse and you'd love to have a few more like him."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)