Johnston’s Best, runner-up on her previous two outings at Sligo, gained a deserved win when justifying favouritism in the www.ballinroberacecourse.ie Handicap Hurdle.

A welcome winner for trainer Bill Harney and rider David Splaine, who has suffered a few spells on the sidelines this year with collarbone injuries, the seven-year-old mare led approaching the home straight.

The 9/2 favourite kept on well to beat Taken Twice who came home strongly on the run-in, by two and a half lengths. Forget And Forgive was just a short-head back in third, with Stop Road Lad completing the placings in fourth.

Harney said, “She doesn't like being crowded and had gone up 7lbs since her first run back but we are lucky to win a race with her as she fractured a cannon bone last year.

“I've no plans but I'll think of something some night late!"

(TW & AM)