Review SLIGO 23RD APR

Kevin O'Brien celebrated the first winner out of his new yard when Knock Avora claimed the Harry's Bar Sligo Mares Maiden Hurdle at Sligo on Sunday.

O'Brien, who moved to a new base outside Athy six months ago, had suffered a fruitless spell since leaving the Curragh.

The Supreme Leader mare broke the duck in good style, however, leading before the last under Garrett Cotter and pulling clear for an 11-length success from First Frontier.

'I thought I'd never train a winner out of the new yard,' said O'Brien. 'I'm delighted to end the run.'

Seamus Fahey registered a double on the card, courtesy of Miss Vickie and Wheresben.

Miss Vickie caused a 20/1 shock in the opening division of the two-mile maiden hurdle when leading at last under John Sullivan and keeping on well to beat Wine Town by a length.

Fahey's son James was aboard Wheresben in the Smirnoff Handicap Hurdle and kept him going well in the closing stages to repel the challenge of Russian Tsar by two-and-a-half lengths.

Ruby Walsh trip to the west proved worthwhile when hotpot Masamiyr (8/11f) scraped home by a head in the second division of the two-mile maiden hurdle.

The Fingersmith proved the easiest winner of the day when cruising to an eight length victory in the Novice Hurdle while Bammers finished well under Nicky O'Shea to claim the Tuesday May 23rd at Sligo Handicap Hurdle.

Lagganstown (5/4f) was well backed to land the bumper for Philip Fenton but he failed to figure as stable-mate Wolnai ran out an easy winner.