Gibney runner in the frame in Aintree opener

The opening race at Aintree today saw the Tom Gibney-trained Ah Littleluck run well in the three-mile handicap hurdle for Ashbourne jockey Andrew Lynch.

The duo won at Fairyhouse on Irish Grand national day less than two weeks ago and turned out again at the Liverpool meeting today.

Gibney is based near Trim.

The Gibney-trained horse, owned by Kevin Haigney, was the only Irish-trained runner in the race and battled wll to take thirs by a neck from the Tim Vaughan-trained Debece some 10 lenghts off the winner, the David Pipe-trained Mr Big Shot.