Victoria proves tough in Sligo opener Our Victoria battled gamely on the run-in to claim the opening Strandhill Mares Beginners Chase at Sligo. Colin Bowe's charge put her chasing experience to good use as she held off 6/4 favourite Stephanie Kate. Andrew McNamara sent his mount to the front after the fourth last but she looked a sitting duck as the market leader cruised up to challenge at the penultimate fence. The runner-up got the last slightly wrong, however, and Our Victoria (7/2) knuckled down well to hold her rival at bay by half a length. The winner was making her first start since June at Kilbeggan, where she had disappointed in a beginners chase. She had made a promising debut over fences at Listowel earlier in the month when finishing runner-up to Benefit Of Porter. "Jumping won it for her - she was so good," said McNamara afterwards. "She got a very good jump at the last whereas Stephanie Kate seemed to miss it. We had just been headed before the last fence. "Her best trip is probably further than this." Brave Beauty, who crashed out at the fourth last, unfortunately had to be put down after breaking a leg. Gary Carson
