Cloonainra wins on rules debut to give Harvey quick double

Successful in the opening race aboard Dollar Value jockey Alex Harvey recorded a quick double when Cloonainra made a winning rules debut in the Martin Reilly Hyundai Mares Maiden Hurdle at Sligo.

A point-to-point winner on heavy ground back in April, the John McConnell trained five-year-old faced vastly different conditions here but dealt with them admirably.

Travelling nicely just off the pace after three out, the 11/1 chance went second after the next, before moving up alongside leader Kate Knows Best on the turn into the home straight.

Soon edging ahead, the daughter of Financial Reward went clear on the approach to the final flight, eventually winning by nine lengths.

Alex Harvey said: "I had my first double at Kilbeggan a couple of weeks ago and things are going well. A big thanks to my agent Garry Cribbin.

"We fancied her but didn't think she'd win like that. The rain was a blessing for her, she won her point-to-point on soft ground and loved the ground today.

"I don't think anything much has come out of her point-to-point and she's not over-big but is a nice filly with a good attitude which stands to her and her jumping is very good.

"Pauline (Conlon) is a loyal owner of John's so I'm delighted for her."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.