O'Shea Queen of Sligo on her first visit

First reserve Kilganer Queen made the most of her opportunity to take the Callan Tansey Solicitors Handicap Hurdle in Sligo.

A gamble was brought up on the seven-year-old mare who was backed from 14/1 to 13/2 on the off.

She improved to lead entering the home straight and outgunned her rivals by powering home under Rachael Blackmore after the last.

The victory was sealed by four and three quarter lengths from a staying-on Bronco Bill (11/2cf) who was a never nearer runner-up with Sean Flanagan in the plate. Alaliya at 20/1 took the third spot for jockey Liam Gilligan.

Co Cork-based Denise O’Shea said: “I've never been here before and that'll make the five-and-a-half hour journey home a little bit easier!

“We were contemplating pulling her out as she won on firm in Limerick.

“She's a mare that's claustrophobic and can't be beside horses, which isn't a great trait in a racehorse, but in fairness to Rachael she kept her out and kept her interested.

“She's a lovely mare and we've always thought that at home. I'd imagine she'll go over fences now. She's a fine big mare and she's won a point-to-point.

“She's great to have and it's great for Michael (Mee), who has four horses with me and is a great owner.

“We'll see how she comes out of it. She's a mare I don't actually have to do a lot with. She'll go home and have a couple of days off and then go swimming.

“She's fit now and loves swimming. She goes down to the beach and that's how I maintain her.

“She was a little disappointing in Tramore the other day but unfortunately she just got crowded at the start and she can't handle it.

“As long as she keeps winning out wide we'll keep her out wide. Rachael gave her a savage ride as usual. It's great and it's great in the rain here!”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson