Battleoverdoyen turns back the clock in Galway Blazers

Danny Gilligan rode out his claim as Battleoverdoyen just got the better of a titanic final furlong duel with Moonovercloon in the Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase.

Gilligan enjoyed his biggest win to date 12 months ago aboard Ash Tree Meadow in the Galway Plate and went close to landing the valuable prize again on Wednesday when second on Duffle Coat.

The veteran Battleoverdoyen was a Grade 1 winner as a novice both over hurdles and fences but hadn’t won under Rules since successful at the Festival here three years ago. Flash De Touzaine was left in front when Ontheropes fell five out in this 2m6f event but was headed on the run-in as Moonovercloon and Battleoverdoyen went head-to-head in the final furlong.

The pair flashed past the post together and the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding just got the verdict by a nose. Flanking Maneuver finished 11 lengths back in third with Flash De Touzaine completing the places in fourth.

Elliott said, "He was high class; he was a Grade 1 winner. He was very unlucky all winter with the ground being very soft, he was struggling with his wind on real soft ground,” said Elliott.

“We went hunter chasing with him and had a great plan to qualify him for the Foxhunters this year but didn't get to qualify him, everything went wrong.

“For him to come back and win for the lads here is great because they've been patient with him.

“He wasn't going to have too many more chances which just goes to show if you don't give up.

“He's a lovely horse, it's great for Pioneer and great for Danny Gilligan, a local man, who was touched off in a couple of races during the week.

“I thought when he hit the front a half furlong down 'I don't know if he'll get home with his wind'. I'd say it just did catch him for the last half furlong.

“He's been a horse of a lifetime for me, I've had him since he was a four-year-old. Obviously he's a Grade 1 winner and to come back and win for the boys today, if he doesn't do anything ever again he's going to have a great life.

“In fairness he has dropped a lot in the handicap, he's 123 there and was rated 160 at his best.

“We'll enjoy today and make a plan after that. He might go to Listowel for one of the handicap chases there.”

Quotes by Gary Carson