The opening Sunday 15th July Family Day At Sligo Maiden Hurdle at Sligo today went to the Jim Dreaper trained Sizing Italy under Andrew Lynch and the winner, typically, is to be sent chasing sooner rather than later.

The son of Milan was keen to move his way to the front from an early stage and stayed on well under pressure from the second last flight to see off the challenges of Sonapour and Defence Of Duress

Afterwards Dreaper, who was sending a rare runner to the venue, said “Sizing Italy ran in two pretty good bumpers last season and he probably just didn't quite get home in the heavy ground.

“He may have another run over hurdles before we put him away for the summer and while he acts quite well on that good ground, we wouldn't want to risk him on anything faster at this stage of his career.

“He has schooled over fences and I don't want him to get too used to jumping hurdles.”

Following the race, beaten favourite Johannisberger was initially reported to be lame behind, however on a subsequent occasion, the Turf Club vet found the horse to be sound.

Jockey Rob Jones was stood down for the day following his fall from Solo Whisper