Coen doubles up on Nouvel Espoir

Successful with Early Arrival in a 2m4f handicap hurdle at Sligo on Thursday evening, Jimmy Barcoe saddled Nouvel Espoir to land the five-furlong handicap in which the first four places were filled by the four 5/1 co-favourites.

The Harry Angel gelding missed a beat from the gates and raced in mid-division before making progress from halfway. He was ridden to lead inside the final furlong and accounted for Realtin Fantasy by three-parts of a length.

It was a quick sprint double for rider Ben Coen after his maiden success on Emerald Harmony

Barcoe commented: "He had a very good run the last day at the Curragh and the runner-up has since won, so it gave the form a great boost. It was nice for him to bring that form here and this good quick track suited.

"He is a well-bred, strong horse and it is lovely to have him."

Quotes from Tom Weekes