Gilgamboa made it three from three in hunter chases when he ran out the two and three quarter lengths winner of the first running of the www.punchestown.com hunters chase which was run in a snow shower.
A winner at Thurles on the 21st January when defeating last seasons champion hunter chaser, Foxrock, Gilgamboa’s first success in this division came in the Down Royal hunter chase on St. Stephens day. This was the son of Westerners first win since 2015 when he won the Grade 1 Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
The Nina Carberry-ridden winner disputed the lead for much of the race alongside the Willie Burke-trained My Murphy until the former Thyestes winner weakened from the fourth last where the Pierce Power-trained Burning Ambition progressed into second place.
The pair soon drew clear over the final two fences where they were locked in a battle from after the last. Gilgamboa stuck to the rail side and ran on gamely to secure the win.
Runner-up Burning Ambition has been a model of consistency for his connections following his win in the Limerick hunter chase at Christmas as well as five wins in point-to-points.
Third home was My Murphy some 47 lengths back while Ourmanmassini pulled up before the final fence.
