Wellforth turns out again to score

There was another local winner in the Galway Blazers Chase as Paul Gilligan saddled Wellforth to land the spoils.

The Athenry handler had seen his charge finish a fine fourth in a decent conditions event here on Tuesday and he proved none-the-worse for the run.

Barry Geraghty tracked the leaders before moving up to dispute with a circuit to run on the 5/1 shot.

He kicked for home after final fence and galloped on doggedly in the closing stages to record victory. Agus A Vic looked a big danger turning in but couldn't match the winner in the closing stages, going down by four-and-a-quarter lengths.

"He had a super run earlier in the week and luckily enough we're close to home so we were able to get him into the field straight away. He spent yesterday in the field," said Gilligan

"I was just hoping he wouldn't be flat. At one stage he looked in trouble but when he pulled him wide he was grand.

"The owner (Clare Ellam) is from Uttoxeter in England and bought him on the night he won over there.

"I like to think he'd turn into an English National horse one day. His jumping keeps him in his races."

Andrew Thornton, rider of runner-up Agus A Vic, commented afterwards:-

"Turning in I thought I had a good chance but he kicked again in front and I couldn't go with him. He's run a good race though."

7/2 favourite Raz De Maree failed to land a blow, eventually finishing fifth.