Progressive Erskine follows-up on Sligo win

First reserve Lord Erskine came home an easy winner of the Ryans Cleaning Event Specialists Handicap Hurdle, following up on his success at Sligo on Sunday.

Better known for his exploits on the level, the Harry Rogers trained five-year-old is beginning to make a name for himself over obstacles now.

He recorded his first win over flights at Sligo, and was expected to follow-up this evening under a six pound winners penalty, despite officially going up thirteen pounds.

Sent off the 11/10 favourite, the Jeremiah Nolan owned gelding was settled in mid-division on the outer by Rachael Blackmore.

He took closer order from before four out and was poised to challenge in second on the approach to the straight.

The bay gelding hit the front before the second last, and never came off the bridle, going on to score by an eased down length and three parts. Cerealice (14/1) ran on well to take second under Denis O'Regan for Alan Fleming, while Cottonvale (10/1) was three parts of a length back in third with Donagh Meyler aboard for Eoin Doyle. Urbanist (7/1) completed the placings another length and a half away in fourth with Eoin O'Connell aboard that one for Shane Nolan.

Rogers said afterwards: "We had to take our chance and it worked. We are lucky to have a good owner and a nice horse and we might get another one somewhere along the line.

"He is in Clonmel next week and we might go there. He'll stay over hurdles now and once there's an ease in the ground he'll stay ticking away."

Regarding what his best trip over hurdles is, Rogers added: "I don't know and you'd never know he might get three miles - anything is possible. If he stays right he's a horse we'll have great fun with.

"He has done his job for now but he could go back on the flat at Galway."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Hero's Welcome trained by A.J.Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

M.P. Walsh, rider of Hero's Welcome, trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.

Patrick Cronin, trainer of Naturally Blond reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge pulled both hind shoes.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes