Jockey Danny Gilligan secured his first victory since losing his right to claim at Galway on Friday, guiding Major Barry (3/1f) to victory in the Fermoy Handicap Hurdle at Cork for joint-trainers John and Tommy Kiely.
Gilligan, who finished second in Wednesday’s Galway Plate, also won the consolation Galway Blazers race on Friday, marking his 60th career win. After being granted an extra declaration-stage day, he was able to ride Major Barry on Saturday morning, with his 3lb claim intact, which proved crucial as Major Barry triumphed over Spy by just half a length.
Training legend John Kiely expressed his fondness for Mallow, recalling his experience in 1953 with a horse trained by his father. He noted the horse, which won over 2m4f in Roscommon, is destined to be a chaser. Kiely praised Danny for a great ride and mentioned they would assess the horse's condition before making future plans.