Red Ball Of Fire blasts home in Sligo again

Red Ball Of Fire was off the bridle a long way out but came home strongest of all to take the mares' handicap hurdle in Sligo.

She made a mistake five out and soon dropped to rear. Jockey Hugh Morgan began exerting his arms after the next.

The four-year-old Canford Cliffs mare found plenty for pressure, though, and began to make headway on the outside at the second last.

She soon came under a drive and unleashed her challenge four wide before the last where she got on terms with Mullins Cross

The pair battled their way to the line but it was Red Ball Of Fire who got the upper hand in the closing stages to win by a length and a quarter at 4/1.

She had to survive a stewards enquiry after leaning in and tightening up runner-up Mullins Cross (7/2f) on the rail with 125 yards to travel. Top-weight She's Commanche (5/1) kept on well for third, a further three parts of a length away.

Local trainer Mark McNiff said: “She was tough. She didn’t really like the ground but she just toughed it out.

“She stayed going well. Hugh was very good on her. He gave her a chance when things weren’t working and she ran on for him then. I thought he excelled on her.”

Red Ball Of Fire clearly enjoys Sligo as her other success came in a maiden hurdle at this track in July. Indeed, she is two from two in Sligo.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final two hundred yards involving Red Ball Of Fire, ridden by H. Morgan, placed first and Mullins Cross, ridden by Shane Fenelon, placed second, where it appeared that Red Ball Of Fire edged inwards and made contact with Mullins Cross. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence Shane Fenelon stated that half way up the run in, Red Ball Of Fire leaned in on his mount causing it to lose its footing and put its head up in the air. H. Morgan stated that his mount idled when hitting the front and caused minimal interference but in his opinion he had taken the lead and had won with plenty in hand. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while Red Ball Of Fire had caused interference to Mullins Cross, she did not improve her finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judges placings. They were, however, of the opinion that H. Morgan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his clean record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned him on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan