Preparing His Cheltenham Squad: Gilligan Gears Up for Racing's Pinnacle

Paul Gilligan triumphs at Leopardstown with Zeeband and reveals Cheltenham prospects. 

Leading the charge at Leopardstown yesterday, Paul Gilligan celebrated a victory with Zeeband and didn't hold back on divulging insights into his prospective Cheltenham contenders.

In a candid post-race interview, Gilligan shared,

“All of them put in a solid performance during their recent outing at the Curragh; they seem to be in good shape. Buddy One is gearing up for the Stayers' Hurdle - his readiness remains uncertain, but he’s in prime condition, and we’re eager to give it a go. Following his discomfort post-race at Leopardstown during the festive season, we provided him with the necessary treatment, and the transformation in him is remarkable.”

Having showcased his prowess at Prestbury Park, Buddy One secured third place in last year's Martin Pipe event, subsequently clinching a valuable handicap hurdle in November. Gilligan also hinted at Sequestered's potential entry in the Coral Cup, alongside a possible spot in the Martin Pipe race. Discussing Sequestered's form, the trainer noted,

“With a local rating of 128 and 132 in England, his performance will be noteworthy amidst a brisk pace. In retrospect, our tactics during the November race were not ideal; this time around, we will focus on his strengths, allowing him to perform optimally.”

Shifting focus to Kings Hill, who recently emerged victorious in a maiden hurdle at Thurles, preparations are underway for a transcontinental journey. Gilligan revealed,

“Kings Hill is primed for the Supreme event. Although initially considering a handicap route, we opted for novice runs to secure his handicap status. Owned by the reputable PNT Partnership, Kings Hill promises an exciting run across the Irish Sea, aiming to deliver a stellar performance for his esteemed owners.”