Minella Friend comes home at his leisure under James Carroll© Photo Healy Racing
Minella Friend ran out an impressive winner of the bumper at Sligo this evening, the countysligoraces.com INH 4yo Flat Race.
The John Nallen trained son of King's Theatre won on his sole point-to-point start at Dromahane in April and he was sent off at 4/1 this evening, having drifted on-course from an opening show of 3/1 (was 5/2 this morning).
Ridden by James 'Corky' Carroll he made all and was clear before the straight, staying on strongly to win easily by eleven lengths. Captain Hox finished second under Shane Shortall for Tony Martin at 12/1 while Definite Row who sent off the 9/4 favourite, could only manage a disappointing third under Nina Carberry for Gordon Elliott, twenty-six lengths behind the runner-up.
The Dot Love trained Crofton Trail was the one for money and having opened at 5/1 this morning she was backed on-course from 3/1 into 11/4.
The Steven Crawford ridden filly was under pressure a fair way out and she came home a well beaten fourth.
John Nallen said afterwards: "All roads lead to Brightwells (sale on Wednesday 29th) next week.
"I nearly had him sold this morning but I said I’d take my chance with him here.
"He is a grand little horse and jumping is his game. This is my first time at the races in Sligo."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
