Hanlon gets welcome winner

Abolitionist provided 'Shark' Hanlon with a welcome winner in the first division of the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Sligo. Andrew McNamara drove his mount into the lead before the second last and he stuck on well in the closing stages. Majestic Benbulben chased him home but could only get within three-parts-of-a-length. “I thought I'd never have a winner. I've had four or five seconds in the last fortnight,” said Hanlon. “All the horses are flying. When they are in good form and finishing second you think you are in trouble. “He'll go to Galway now. We'll see what the handicapper does. If he's not too hard he could go for a handicap hurdle. “He could also go for a beginners chase. I think he'll be a better horse over fences.”