Double makes successful switch to the level

The Charles O'Brien trained 3/1 shot Double Double took the Sligo Apprentice Maiden on his first try under Flat rules.

Better known for his exploits in the National Hunt sphere, the 6yo son of Sakhee successfully switched codes this evening to win the 1m 4f contest under Emmet McNamara.

Having raced in mid-division early on, the winner made headway from three furlongs out and hit the front at the two furlong pole.

He kept on well under pressure from there and despite holding his head high he went on to win by a neck. Black Benny was sent off the 5/2 favourite (from 9/2 this morning) under Danny Mullins for Shane Broderick and he stayed on well but couldn't peg back the winner. An Spailpin Fanach completed the placings a further two and a quarter lengths back in third under Ronan Whelan for Jim Bolger at 3/1.

Winning rider Emmet McNamara said afterwards: "He is a lovely horse and he showed a good bit in bumpers and over hurdles.

"He idled a bit in front and I was left in front a little sooner than I would have liked. I think he is a horse that could win a nice pot on the flat."

The winner was recording his fourth career success today after winning two bumpers and maiden hurdle already.

(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)