Hell Bent opened his account in style when running out a cosy winner of the median auction maiden at Sligo.

Jessica Harrington 's charge went off 7/4 favourite in the ten furlong contest and it proved plain sailing for the Mastercraftsman colt.

Shane Foley sent his mount to the front turning for home and he was soon in control. Having pulled away inside the final furlong he was easing up at the line to score by five lengths. Prairie Dancer proved best of the rest as he stayed on late to grab the second at the post from 80/1 shot War Thunder

Hell Bent had been runner-up on his previous outing at Leopardstown having disappointed slightly on his seasonal debut at Navan on testing ground.

Foley said afterwards:- "They went an end-to-end gallop for an auction maiden in Sligo. There were no hiding places and he stays well.

"He wants faster ground and he's still a shade on the weak side but he's a nice horse.”

(Quotes by Mark Nunan)