On a day when Ireland struck gold in the boxing ring with Katie Taylor, the aptly named King Ali landed the featured Guinness Sligo Handicap Hurdle for the father and son team of Pat and Tony Kelly.

The ultra tough ten-year-old gelding and fellow 11/2 chance Cavite Beta had the race between them from two out and Kelly certainly didn’t look out of place up against champion Davy Russell as the pair battled it out on the run-in.

Kelly’s mount just found a fraction extra in the closing stages to prevail by a head, with a yawning gap of 25 lengths back to Shabra Charity in third.

“He’s a really tough horse and owes us absolutely nothing. He’s been a star for so long, and its great to get another win.

"He stays so well, and I’m thrilled for his owner Declan Cunningham from Barna,” said the winning rider.