Gaillimh opens hurdling account in thrilling finish

Gaillimh A Run prevailed in a driving finish to the mares maiden hurdle at Tramore.

John Queally 's charge, a dual bumper winner last season, went to post 11/8 favourite on her third outing over timber this afternoon.

Adrian Heskin produced his mount to challenge two from home and she soon claimed a narrow lead.

The Presenting mare did appear to come in on top of Pampar Lady a bit as she attempted to challenge after the last but survived a stewards enquiry after her half length success.

Queally said: "I love this place and it's great to have a winner here.

“She won on soft ground last year but she is by Presenting and you'd always imagine the nicer the ground, the better it would be for her. It was a slog in Clonmel the last day.

"We will put her foal at some stage and try to get some black-type at Killarney next month, that's the plan. I don't think two-and-a-half miles would be any problem for her either.

"She ran well at Aintree last year (when sixth in the Grade 2 bumper) after getting left a bit at the start. She wouldn't have beaten the winner but would have been a lot closer only for that.

"It's brilliant that she picked up another bonus today and believe it or not her dam Gaillimh A Chroi was the very first mare to win a bonus."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)