The Last Indian followed-up on her win at Tipperary on Thursday, as she took the Mercedez-Benz Sligo & Galway Handicap Hurdle.

Second to Lord Erskine on her return to action at Sligo earlier this month, the Aidan Howard trained five-year-old went up twelve pounds for her Tipperary success, but carried just a six pound winners penalty this evening.

Sent off the 2/1 favourite, she raced towards rear early on before soon improving into mid-division under Simon Torrens.

The daughter of Captain Rio took closer order from before two out, and led at the next, keeping on well under pressure from there to see off the challenge of Fairymount Boy by a length and three parts.

The runner-up was returned at 25/1, while Try Again (22/1) was another ten lengths back in third. Oskar High (14/1), who was prominent throughout, completed the places in fourth, with second favourite Guido Reni a disappointing eighth.

Howard, who trains the winner of Margaret Miley, said afterwards: "I'm very happy and I had to come here - the handicapper gave her twelve for the last day,

"I wouldn't come back as soon but because of the mark I had to.

"I'll probably give her a little break now and maybe aim her at the likes of Galway or something.

"I'll take my time and look at the likes of there or Listowel.

"I'm hoping to go for a handicap on the Flat as well before the end of the season when there's a bit of dig in the ground.

"That's five from her last seven now and two seconds. She's very honest and I have her half-sister as well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Guido Reni, trained by Karl Thornton, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have made an abnormal respiratory noise when examined post race and was distressed.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Molten Gold (GB), at the request of trainer, Sean Aherne, and reported the animal to be distressed post race having over heated.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy