Ballygill Gale ended a run of twenty-two defeats in good style, as his took the Follow Roscommon On Facebook Handicap Chase for his trainer Val O’Brien with jockey Tony Kelly in the saddle.

The son of Sheer Danzig had just one win to his name before today that coming over the course and distance in a Handicap Hurdle, back in July of 2009, for his then trainer Adrian Sexton.

On his thirteen start for O’Brien today, he tracked the leaders for much of the race before moving into the lead before the second last. He then quickly went clear to record an easy ten length win over Kilbane River at 9/1 back in second. Canitellyou ran a nice race to finish three lengths back in third at 14/1, while the front running Golden Alou completed the placings a further neck back in fourth at 20/1.

Having been backed from 11/1 this morning into 6/1 favourite at the off, the winning 7yo was landing a touch for connections.

Winning trainer Val O’Brien said afterwards: “He did it well. He had been knocking on the door and he deserved that win.

“He loves that ground, its perfect for him. He will probably go for something similar next, maybe a three mile handicap hurdle. He needs three miles.

“His owner Martin Donnellan (who also bred the horse) is from Ballinasloe.”

Donal Murphy