A mare with talent and a willing attitude is a formidable opponent for any horse, and so it proved again as Credo Star (Jonathan Burke up) beat the three geldings in the Follow Sligo Races On Facebook Rated Novice Hurdle.

The triumphant daughter of Presenting, was third market choice of the four, at odds of 11/2, but she determinedly picked up 6/4 second favourite Speed Demon from before the last, on the way to a comprehensive four and three parts of a length win. They left the 'jolly,' I Knew Well all of nineteen lengths back in third.

Winning trainer Peter Fahey said: "I'm thrilled with her and she's definitely improved from Wexford where I'd say it was an ordinary enough maiden.

"She'll keep going over the summer and will probably switch back to the flat as well.

"The owners had good horses before such as Micko's Dream, and they have leased her out this year from Cathal Ennis and Adriano Fusco."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined I Knew Well, trained by T.J. Taaffe, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)