Sequestered overwhelms the 'jolly'

Sequestered ran down the odds-on favourite Arabian Diamond close home in the Hankook Pearse Road Tyres Maiden Hurdle at Sligo.

Arabian Diamond was punted down to 1/2 favourite and raced in a close second behind Rule The Wind before taking over three out.

Jack Kennedy kicked him on after the next and the race looked to be at their mercy, however, Sequestered was noted making relentless headway before the last, and he had plenty of engine left on the run-in as Shane O'Callaghan drove him home by a length.

Arabian Diamond had to settle for the runner-up berth and was eight lengths clear of 66/1 shot Tom Kelly

This was Sequestered's breakthrough success for Paul Gilligan having previously raced for Leonard Paul Flynn.

O'Callaghan said: "I'd say he's not a bad horse. I jumped him off, his jumping was a little bit green the last day, so I just got him into a nice rhythm. I'd say it wasn't the strongest contest, the race just sort of fell apart in front of him and he picked up the pieces.

"Going to the last I could see Jack (Kennedy on Arabian Diamond) was going for broke and I just thought my horse had a little bit more. I didn't have to get over serious with him and he's done it well.

"I'd say he'd stay further, but he has plenty of boot for two and a-half as well."

"He came home well and won nicely, but I'd say the race fell apart. It's great for the men who own him, Tom Quinn and Paul Lyons. Paul is a Galway man living in London. He was home for race week in Galway and he'll be back for Listowel, so that's where we might head next with this horse."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan