Boost for Sceptical's trainer with Sligo success

Sceptical's death yesterday shocked the racing world and it was appropriate the star sprinter's trainer Denis Hogan had a winner at Sligo today as his Royal Aide landed the Blind Tiger Bar & Restaurant Maiden Hurdle, under jockey Donagh Meyler.

In today's race, Royal Aide, the second son of Galileo to win a three miles hurdle in Ireland today (following Walk Me Home at Wexford), quickened in the closing stages to score a length and a half win over Kelter's Dawn

Sceptical's rags-to-riches story will be remembered for many years and following Royal Aide's win Hogan stated "it's a big blow, but life goes on. It happens and it was just a pity that this time it was a superstar.

"It'll happen again and we just have to live with it."

Regarding Royal Aide, Hogan added “Donagh gave him a good spin and we were running him over the wrong trip.

"Sean (Flanagan) rode him in Gowran and he was outpaced and he said he needs to go up in trip.It was the same story in Galway when Rachael (Blackmore) said to go up in trip.

"We took a big jump in trip today, and he loved the ground.

"He's a real Galileo, he stays and he's tough.”

Quotes from Mark Nunan