Cock A Doodle Doo (nearest) just holds off So Lonely© Photo Healy Racing
There was a dramatic conclusion to the opener at Sligo, the Clayton Hotel Mares Maiden Hurdle, with Cock A Doodle Doo just holding on from So Lonely (7/4).
The James Nash trained and owned victor veered right on the run-in, forcing the runner-up to switch left.
A diminishing short head was the winning margin, with Kevin Brouder aboard Cock A Doodle Doo, who led for much of the race, at the odds of 14/1.
Ar Eagle Na Heagla, who was returned the 5/4 favourite, hit the front before the last and looked set to score, but ran around before that flight and was soon headed.
She was ridden on the run-in but couldn’t make up the ground lost, and finished another half a length back in third.
"I thought I'd held on and she galloped out real well to the line," said Brouder.
"She winged the last which was good and she still had a little bit up her sleeve.
"She's the type that'd only do what she has to.
"The second mare has good form so hopefully it's onwards and upwards for my one."
STEWARDS REPORT
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Dragon Queen trained by M. Flannery, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
