Stuzzikini brings up Gilligan treble in Sligo nightcap

Having partnered two winners for Cian Collins earlier in the afternoon, Danny Gilligan brought up a treble when teaming up with his boss Gordon Elliott to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Captain Christy Rated Novice Chase at Sligo.

Stepping up beyond three-miles for the first time over fences, the dual hurdles winner made his stamina count as he found extra from two out.

Held up third of the four runners for most of this race, Gilligan sent Stuzzikini in pursuit of leader El Champo after three out.

Getting to the front early in the straight, the 9/2 chance was just getting the better of a sustained duel when the latter made a bad mistake at the last fence.

The Elliott trained gelding stayed on strongly on the run-in to score by 14 lengths.

Danny Gilligan (treble) "It's great to get a treble, and great to get a winner for Gordon as well. I did quietly fancy him and I knew he had been in good form at home."

Stable representative Lisa O'Neill said: "He'd loads of experience and that was the first time he'd had the blinkers on over fences which I think just sharpened him up a little bit.

"This was a nice race for him and great for Sligo to have it. Danny said he really enjoyed the small field. He can be behind the bridle at times but he seems to always have plenty up his sleeve. I know the second horse made a blunder at the last but he won cosily enough.

"Gordon will probably pick out a staying handicap for him going forward."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.