Whisky justifies favouritism under Whelan Whisky On The Hill justified favouritism in the last at Sligo, the SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Handicap. A fast-finishing third on his handicap debut at Cork just over a week ago, the Adrian McGuinness trained Ribchester gelding was expected to go a few places better today and was sent off the 15/8 favourite (9/4 early). A bit slow into stride and settled towards rear by Ronan Whelan, the bay victor took closer order on the approach to the straight. Ridden to challenge on the outer with over a furlong to race, he soon got to the front and kept on well in the closing stages to register a comfortable success, with two-and-three-parts of a length the margin of victory. The Noel Meade-trained Notturno (7/2) filled the runner-up spot under Colin Keane, while the well-backed Show No Fear (5/1 from 20s early) was another length-and-a-half away in third. "He did it well and we're very happy," McGuinness said. "He flew home the last day at Cork having been stone last turning in. He was completely clueless there, and I knew he would improve 10 or 12lb for it. "He looks as if he's a slow horse at home but he's not that slow, and the penny is just dropping. I think he'll improve again and I think he's going to make into a smashing juvenile hurdler before the year is out." The winner holds an entry in an Apprentice Handicap over a mile at Gowran on Wednesday. STEWARDS REPORT The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident early in the straight involving Upepo, ridden by R.C. Colgan, Allesnick, ridden by D.P. McDonogh and Whisky On The Hill (GB), ridden by R.P. Whelan, where it appeared that Whisky On The Hill (GB) rolled out and brushed off Allesnick who in turn brushed off Upepo. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
