Golden Sandbanks shows his versatility for Paul Flynn

Golden Sandbanks added to a previous success over flights, as well as those on the flat and over fences, when running out a comfortable winner of the Apex Controls Ltd Handicap Hurdle at Sligo.

A novice handicap chase winner at this track last September, the six-year-old showed his versatility when recording a first flat win on the polytrack at Dundalk over the winter.

Having failed to get competitive in four starts under National Hunt rules in recent months, the son of Havana Gold was put in at 22/1 this morning. However, following some shrewd each-way support, the Paul Flynn trained gelding was returned at 15/2 here.

Always in the first half dozen under jockey Sean Flanagan, Golden Sandbanks moved closer after three out, getting to the leaders travelling easily at the second last.

Landing in front at that penultimate flight, he quickened clear off the home bend and had the race secured before the final hurdle.

Sean Flanagan said: "I rode him in Cork only on Monday and had a lovely run around but, just when the race unfolded, he didn't like it when there were so many horses around him.

"I've won on him here before and I said to Paul to run him again. He wears cheekpieces and is a bit of a boyo, he holds onto a bit for himself, so I'd say the run the other day probably brought him on a little bit. I've given him loads of room today as well.

"I wanted to get first run today when the race unfolded and he was enjoying himself going forward. He's even got underneath the last but kept going forward and he obviously loves it here."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan