Caer an 'early bird' in Sligo

A nimble jump at the second last by Caer was the winning of the BetVictor Bet 5 Get 40 Offer Mares Maiden Hurdle in Sligo - a race that started almost five minutes early.

The 5/4 favourite Bronagh's Belle closed right up on 11/8 chance Caer at that flight but the leader was given a squeeze by Sean Flanagan and met it on a lovely stride.

She got away from it well and the favourite was soon in trouble.

Caer kept on well along the run-in as Bronagh's Belle could make no impression. There was six lengths between the pair at the winning post. Waitnsee was 10 lengths adrift in third at 12/1.

Noel Meade said: “I remember winning a race in Leopardstown with a horse about 40 years ago and Major Tyrell was the starter and he started five minutes early.

“I hadn't had a winner for a few months and lost the race, as it was null and void.

“She was going well in Galway when she fell. She was a bit keen there and it wasn't the plan to make the running but she just grabbed a hold of it.

“I'd say if she got a lead she might be a little better but she kept at it well. She's a nice mare.”

Sean Flanagan added: "She has probably done it the hard way - I've gone into the first with a bit of cover and the two lads in front made a little mistake and she has gone and winged it and landed on the rail on the inside.

"She was a bit keen with me all the way but she was fine. She is one that will improve with mental strengthening.

"Probably two and a half (miles) is her ideal trip, she does stay quite well."

The winner was well backed during the day from 2/1.

The Stewards enquired into the start time of the first race which started before the appointed time. Evidence was heard from Mr. D. Cullen, IHRB starter, and Ms. T. O 'Meara, IHRB Clerk of the Course. In evidence the Starter confirmed that this race started at 5.11 p.m, this being four minutes before the appointed starting time of 5.15 p.m. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards found that the first race started before the appointed time but using their powers under Rule 10, they allowed the result to stand. The Stewards referred the matter to the CEO of the IHRB for further investigation.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson