Luke Dempsey produced a fine piece of riding at Sligo today as he managed, with great difficulty, to steer winner Benefit Run around the tight track before eventually landing the Durkin Bros Electrical Maiden Hurdle.

The son of Beneficial raced prominently before being left in front at halfway in the race and from there gave Dempsey a difficult ride in front as he hung markedly left for the final mile of the race. Argent Et Or (10/11f) arrived with a strong challenge at the final flight and while Benefit Run continued on his inexorable drift to the stands' rail, Dempsey managed to keep the 'revs up' to the winning line, as Benefit Run held on to win by a length.

Shortly after passing the winning line, Benefit Run failed to negotiate the next bend and dumped Dempsey under a railing before galloping loose.

Winning trainer Ross O’Sullivan later commented “it’s great for the lads and it’s the first winner since John (Monroe) passed away just eight weeks ago, and an emotional one for Rob and Gary and all the family.

“He was very raw last year but he’d a good run the last day and this was an ideal race to go for. These races (for horses that have not finished in the first three) are great for yards like us as it’s hard to compete.

“He improved from the experience the last day.”

Quotes from Alan Magee