Norah defies market slide in style

Norah Starr was friendless in the market but ran out a cosy winner at the death in the Sligo Champion Handicap at the Cleveragh track tonight.

Seamus Heffernan's mount travelled well to lead three furlongs from home and found plenty when needed in the straight. Gold Mirage looked a big danger before the turn but couldn't match the winner in the closing stages as she posted a cosy three-and-a-half length success.

The Denis Hogan-trained winner, successful on her last start at Roscommon, had traded at 5/1 early this morning but drifted alarmingly to 12/1 and was sent off a 14/1 shot on track.

"She's improved from Roscommon and we picked out this race because there is always an ease in the ground here," said Hogan.

"The soft ground and stiffer track made a difference with dropping her back in trip. Seamie gave her an excellent ride and filled her up on the bend.

"She'll go to Galway for another handicap and then might have a break before going hurdling."