Drive The Bus lands a gamble

Drive The Bus was all the rage for the concluding two and a half mile handicap hurdle in Sligo and he didn't disappoint his many supporters.

He was backed at all rates from 5/1 to 3/1 favourite and obliged by a length and a quarter under Denis Hogan.

He travelled well in fifth at the third last before being ridden in sixth on the run to the penultimate flight. He was closer in fourth at that obstacle before sweeping round the outside to take the lead entering the home straight.

Once he cleared the last, he was driven out to score from Whisky Galore (10/1). Mon Carlos completed the places in third at 14/1.

Trainer/jockey Denis Hogan said: "That was a long time coming but chasing seems to have sweetened him up. He had always been knocking on the door over hurdles but is a bit stronger now, being a six-year-old.

"He's entered at Killarney on Friday and might run if he gets the ease which he loves.

"Paul (Cawley) gave him a great ride to win over fences and will get his turn again on him."

The winner is owned by the Round The Bend Syndicate, with Chris Albett from England but living in Cork, heading up the group of six.

Drive The Bus was third in this race last year.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes