Lengthy 1,400km round trip & 27-1 double: Irish pair set sail for Sedgefield

It has to be hugely interesting that a pair of trainers based in the west of Ireland make the lengthy trip to Sedgefield Racecourse tomorrow with one horse each. The double at the time of writing this article is a tasty 27-1 with William Hill.

Paul Gilligan, who is based in Athenry near Galway City, will make the 1,330km round trip to the course. On the other hand, the Finn stable based in Cloughjordan in County Tipperary will make the 1,400km round trip from their camp.

Gilligan is two winners from two runners in Britain over fences but has a shoddy 0-10 record over hurdles. His runner tomorrow will be running in a handicap hurdle so that statistic could be something to keep in mind.

Finn has only had one runner in Britain in the last five years which finished unplaced at Perth. Nonetheless, they aren’t travelling all the way over for the fun of it so let’s take a closer look at their runners now.

2.13 Sedgefield

Coulonces is a six-year-old mare who is having her third start for the Gilligan stable on Wednesday. Twice a winner on the level when trained in France, she won a mares maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on Irish debut last April. She won a claiming hurdle at Bellewstown in August and when last seen she had excuses for her tame effort as she bled. Comes with risks attached but is a player if at her best.

3.58 Sedgefield

Turbo is the Finn-trained representative and on paper looks by far the best bet of the Irish duo on Wednesday. The eight-year-old son of Getaway enjoys a sharp track so should like this course. He won over hurdles at Tramore in August before finding a next time out winner too good at Kilbeggan. Wasn’t at his best back over fences at Sligo but has won over them in the past and this isn’t a strong race.

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