Easy for Gilligan as Chortal lands short odds Danny Gilligan continued his recent fine run of form as the short priced favourite Chortal readily dismissed the opposition in the opening Byrne Marquees Maiden Hurdle at Bellewstown. Third in a handicap hurdle at Downpatrick last time, the Gordon Elliott trained four-year-old reverted to maiden company here. Prominent throughout under Gilligan, the well backed 2/5f (from 4/6), swapped the lead with Eastern Blue Bird at different stages of the race. Pressing on after two out, Chortal was soon clear of his rivals, with Gilligan able to ease right up on the run-in for an effortless 13 length victory. Gordon Elliott said: "It was a good opportunity for him. He just wants that good ground. "He jumped like a buck and we are delighted with the run. "He's a horse I could see winning a couple now over hurdles during the summer. He's a horse that could go back on the Flat as well." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
