Kala Conti and Danny Gilligan (nearest)© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott grabbed a quick double at Leopardstown this afternoon when Kala Conti ran out a game winner of the Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle.
Danny Gilligan, recording his first graded success, tracked the front-running Cossack Chach in the two-miler before driving his mount into the lead early in the straight.
The Karaktar filly reached for the last but found plenty in the closing stages to hold the challenge of Kargese by three-parts-of-a-length. Nurburgring ran on strongly and was just a nose back in third.
Elliott said of the 7/2 winner:- “It was a good performance, she was tough.
“She didn't lose much in defeat the last, only that she got beat. We're happy today.
“I'd say she likes a good gallop, she'll stay very well.”
On the beaten 13/8 favourite Mighty Bandit (finished ninth) he added:- “Jack said he thought he was cantering everywhere but he just cut out. We'll get him checked out and see.”
Gilligan added:- “It's brilliant to get the opportunities in these races and I can't thank Gordon and the owners enough.
“I got a nice run around and I felt in control everywhere. The only worry I had was at the last, she kind of stretched for it and was lucky to find a leg at the back of it.
“I was getting 7lb off the horse that beat her the last day (Nurburgring), which was a big help, and I was quietly confident coming here today.”
