Hello Pilgrim heads to the sales with a maiden win

Hello Pilgrim enhanced her value at the upcoming sales when gaining a last gasp victory in the Blind Tiger Bar & Restaurant Maiden Hurdle at Sligo.

Sean Flanagan certainly earned his fee on the six-year-old mare who appreciated every yard of this three miles stamina test. City Limits looked set to justify 15/8 favouritism early in the straight but Hello Pilgrim answered every call from Flanagan and the 9/4 chance got up in the final strides to prevail by half a length.

There was a 13 lengths gap back to Theatre World in third.

Winning trainer Colin Bowe said, "She was tough. Rachael (Blackmore) said if she knew her better the last day in Downpatrick then she would have made more use of her. She stays well.

“She jumps okay but she has no scope. She has her own way of doing it and is an honest mare.

“She is going to the Sales now in Doncaster.”