Powersbomb provides McMahon with first win

Strandhill trainer Brian McMahon recorded his first winner in the bumper at Sligo, the Bet Online At thetote.com INH Flat Race, as Powersbomb landed the spoils under Derek O’Connor for the Coalbrook Racing Syndicate.

The four-year-old son of Trans Island finished eighth on his debut behind Phil’s Magic at Tipperary last month and he was sent off at 5/1 today.

Having raced in third throughout the chestnut gelding improved into second over two furlongs from home.

He was ridden to lead just over a furlong out and he kept on well from there to score by five and a half lengths. Dandridge who lead and disputed throughout, had to settle for second under Nina Carberry for Charlie Swan at 4/1 (from 11/2) while Oiche Maith completed the placings twenty-three lengths back in third under Damien Shekan for Tara Lee Cogan at 33/1.

Tiruali went off the 9/10 favourite (was 5/4 this morning) but she faded from over two furlongs out and finished a very disappointing fifth for Patrick and Willie Mullins.

Brian McMahon said afterwards: "That’s my first winner and it’s great to get that weight off my shoulders.

"I have to thank a lot of people particularly my neighbour Mark McNiff. He has been a great help.

"I had a job in a laboratory last year and I only stayed at it a day as I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do.

"I rang a couple of owners on the way home and they said they would back me so I have to thank them for taking the chance.

"I bought the horse off Derek Pugh who is from Rosses Point. I had to go to Fairyhouse to do the deal and the horse was coming back to Sligo where he was reared.

"He did it well. He was green on his debut at Tipperary but we always liked him.

"I’ve another four-year-old at home by Turtle Island who I rightly like. This lad is able to keep tabs with him most of the time so I knew he was alright."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson