'Quirky' Moonovercloon picks up another winning thread

Moonovercloon skipped right away from Game And Glory in the closing stages of the Francie 'Banger' Burns Handicap Hurdle at Sligo.

Game And Glory had got the better of Arctic Ambition after they both travelled smoothly into contention approaching two out.

However, 9/4 favourite Moonovercloon loomed large out wide before the last and left Game And Glory in his wake as he stormed into the lead 150 yards from home.

He drew some six and a-half lengths clear of the 11/2 runner-up who was eight and a-half lengths in front of Arctic Ambition (11/4).

Jockey James Smith said: "He's very quirky, he wasn't going a yard there the whole way and it was only when he got a bit of daylight he took off. Two out I didn't think I was going to win, but as soon as you pull him out he takes off.

"He's a hard enough ride. Some days he can be keen, he wasn't today but the last day in Galway he was, he's just hit and miss. He was a bit unlucky in Galway, he didn't get a run at all down the rail and flew home like today, but was unlucky not to have a bit further to run.

"He's versatile as regards trip, but I'd say the further the better for him."

Smith did the steering for his father Matthew Smith.

This was six-year-old gelding's Moonovercloon's third success having also scored in a bumper at Kilbeggan and a handicap hurdle at Downpatrick.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan