Madam back on Top

Top Madam bounced back to her best to run out a game winner of the Guinness Sligo Handicap Hurdle.

Harley Dunne got a great tune from the Beneficial mare as she fought off all comers after making the running in the two-and-a-half mile contest. Rockyaboya who had pressed for most of the race pushed her hard on the run-in but eventually went down by half a length.

The Donal Coffey-trained mare (14/1) had disappointed when pulled up over fences at Listowel in June but was back to her best tonight.

“She's very very tough and jumped super,” said Harley afterwards.

“She lost her form a bit but was brilliant all the way today and really enjoyed it. She won at Down Royal in heavy ground so I knew she would handle the ground.” Shanpallas was sent off the 11/4 favourite and stayed on late to take third.