News Enda Bolger set to step Gilgamboa up in trip

Enda Bolger set to step Gilgamboa up in trip

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Trainer Enda Bolger is relishing the prospect of seeing Gilgamboa tackle three miles later this season following his promising comeback in last Sunday's John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.

Making his first appearance since winning the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in the spring, the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old looked likely to be well beaten at the halfway stage, but finished strongly in the straight to place third behind the Willie Mullins-trained pair of Djakadam and Valseur Lido.

Bolger is in no rush to commit to future targets, but feels his charge is now ready for a step up in distance.

He said: " He raced a little bit lazily midway through the race, which was probably a little bit of rustiness more than anything, but I was quietly happy with the way he came home.

"Barry (Geraghty) felt in another furlong he probably would have finished second, so overall we're pleased enough with the run and a lot of people who know a lot more than me tell me it was the best John Durkan run for a good few years.

"He came out of the race fresh and well and it looks as though three miles will be up his alley, so that would be the way we're looking now.

"He'll have a few options over Christmas and we'll leave it as late as possible before deciding where to go."