Gaoth Chuil (left) © Photo Healy Racing
Given a lovely patient ride by 5lb claimer Shane O'Callaghan, Gaoth Chuil was a gutsy winner of the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier).
Having been well off the pace, the 5/1 chance was nursed into contention in the straight and had moved up to challenge when guessing at the last. Tackling three miles for the first time, the winner got past Farouk D'alene on the run-in and found enough to beat that rival by a neck with Nine Graces close on their tails in third.
“It's great to win, Leopardstown is a special place and I've had a lot of luck here over the years with some very good horses,” said winning trainer Ted Walsh.
“She's a good tough little mare, she's owned and bred by Michael Ryan. He had the dam and Harzand is a good stallion.
“She ran up against Barry's horse (Espanito Bello) at Naas.
“She's only five and whether she runs at Cheltenham (20/1 for the Pertemps Final with Powers) is a question mark, we have the option now if we want to go.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
