The front-running Georges Conn pulled out all the stops to claim the Brenda Anderson Memorial Beginners Chase at Sligo.

John Ryan 's charge was headed two from home by Celebrity Status in the two-mile-five contest but that rival found little for pressure turning for home. Ballybrowney Jack then threw down a strong challenge at the last but Georges Conn found plenty for Donagh Meyler and stuck his head out in the closing stages to record a half-length victory.

The 6/1 winner was recording his first success since taking a maiden hurdle for Gordon Elliott at Ballinrobe in July 2015, under Paul Carberry.

Ryan said afterwards:- “He’s annoyed me more than any other horse that I’ve ever trained. He’s loads of ability and is out of a real good mare.

“He always makes one mistake too many. The ground and everything was in his favour today and if he didn’t win we were in trouble.

“He’ll go for a nice handicap chase now that we have got him winning at long last.”

Davy Russell was stood down for the rest of the day after injuring his arm when Boston Spray made a bad mistake at the fourth fence.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)