Odds-on Poker denied by Curramore

Curramore swept through late to deny Willie Mullins a treble in the last at Sligo, the Smithwicks INH Flat Race.

Trained by Charles Byrnes, the winning son Arcadio was sixth on his first two outings at Naas and Galway respectively.

Sent off an 8/1 chance this evening, he raced towards rear under Ray Barron, taking closer order from four furlongs out.

He was ridden on the outer over a furlong from home, and came through to lead inside the final 50 yards, going on to score by half a length.

Newcomer Poker D'ainay who was sent off the 4/9 favourite from early shows of 4/6, was the one just denied, with Patrick Mullins aboard this French bred four-year-old.

The front pair went three and a quarter lengths clear of Donna Katherina in third.

Byrnes said afterwards: "He was very free in Galway but he settled very well today. Ray gave him a beautiful ride, and just had one go at him in the straight.

"Colm (Ryan, owner) used to work for me a good few years ago and his father Michael bred the horse.

"He might have a crack at a winners' bumper if the ground stays good. There aren't too many of them and they are hard won."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee