THE easiest winner on yeserday’s Sligo card came in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle over three miles, a furlong and a half when Great Universe (7/2) and Ricky Doyle ran out a seven-length winner for Martin Brassil and owner Steve Waite.

Ricky Doyle produced the gelding to challenge two from home and he went on turning for home.

Doyle said: “He had the form in the book, including his bumper runs, and did it well there. It obviously wasn’t the strongest contest but I’m delighted with him. He’s maturing the whole time, mentally and physically.

“Martin and the lads at home have done a great job with him because he wasn’t always the easiest. He’s in the right stable to get plenty of time and the main thing today was to get him to relax. Today he did, and then had the ability to pick them off. Hopefully he’ll jump a fence in time and be a bit of fun for his new owner Steve and his partner.”

Little difficulty

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Solness (10/11 favourite) had little difficulty in winning the opening Sligo Races Halloween Hurdle over two miles, two and a half furlongs.

Danny Mullins made all on the Bronsan Racing-owned six-year-old, who was well-backed in the morning.

Despite dwelling at the start, he made virtually all and jumped well, if standing off the last, to come home three lengths clear of Colonel Mustard.

Winning rider Danny Mullins said: “He just spooked a little bit at the tapes but, for luck, nobody was that keen to be in front so it didn’t prove to be very costly. He got into a a nice rhythm with his jumping, I was always confident that I’d pick up and go again.”

“It was a good performance. He’s a good chaser but it was a clever bit of placing from Joseph to put him in here.

“It could be an exciting dual-purpose season ahead for him. It would be nice if they can get him out before J.J. (Slevin, sidelined through injury at present)) is back! I spoke to him this morning and he’s in good spirits. I’m sure he might be winning on this lad again in the future.”

THE Callan Tansey Mares Handicap Hurdle over two miles and two furlongs produced a great battle from the turn-in between Bowgate Street (11/2) and Queenofthelodge, with the former coming out on top out by half a length for owners Oron Construction Services.

Philip Donovan partnered the winner, who knuckled down well to edge ahead in the closing stages for trainer Michael Flannery. The 7/2 favourite Bayou Belle was over three lengths back in third.

Winning trainer Michael Flannery said: “She’s been close a couple of times, so was entitled to do that.

“We’ve been knocking on the door with a few horses, so it’s great to get one over the line. It’s hard to win any type of race in Ireland.

“She has improved a bit since we got her but she ran well for her previous trainer too. She’s been in good shape the last couple of months.”

Head down

Philip Donovan added: “She nearly over-travelled early on, which she had done over two-and-a-half at Roscommon, but she put her head down and tried hard for me.

“She hung a bit left after four out, which she is known to do, but never really stopped going forward. I’ve ridden a good few horses for Mick and it’s lovely to ride a winner for him.”

There was another close finish in the John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Maiden Hurdle over two miles, four and a half furlongs where Josh Williamson combined with the Henry de Bromhead-trained Newtown Rambler (100/30) to get the better of Will Wilde by half a length for the owners partnership of Hillis, O’Leary and Bolger.

The winner cut out the running and the Snow Sky gelding idled in front on the run-in but once Will Wilde came to his girth, he picked up again to secure a three-parts of a length win.

There was a stewards’ enquiry called with the winner drifting left on the run-in but the result stood.

Williamson said: “He did things well and jumped brilliant. I got an easy lead and was able to get a couple of breathers into him.

“He had a good look in front from before the last, but once the other horse came to me, he took off again.

“He’s a half-brother to Corach Rambler. I’m not sure this lad is a four-miler but he could definitely step up to three (miles) in the future. That’s my eighth winner on the track.”

THE Sligo Races Punters Handicap Hurdle over two miles, four and a half furlongs was a wide-open contest two out but The Miracle Man (18/1), who had made all the running to that point, went clear with True Destiny to do battle over the last and up the run-in.

The Arthur Moore-trained The Miracle Man kept on well against the far rail to hold his challenger by half a length in the colours of the Trappe family and James Gallagher.

Arthur Moore said: “I’ve trained for the Trappe family for a long time so I’m delighted to get another winner for them.

“We’ve had this horse since he was a foal and always liked him. He moved to Peter Fahey for a while but had a problem shortly after he got him. It wasn’t Peter’s fault but, anyway, Austin (Trappe) decided to send him back to us.

“He had a nice run at Fairyhouse last year which I thought would give him a squeak in this.

“He’ll run away for the winter and will pay his way. It’s nice to be back amongst the winners.”

Travelling well

The SF Engineering Handicap Hurdle over three miles, a furlong and a half went to Doitforjane Sid under John Shinnick. The Donncha Duggan-trained eight-year-old arrived travelling well on the outside coming to the final flight and was driven out to go clear afterwards as Nevereverever came with a bit of a run on the outside but was still three and a quarter-lengths adrift at the line.

Donnacha Duggan, leading up his charge, said: “I thought 11lb was harsh for Killarney and I was worried that the ground might have gone for him with the rain, but he did it well and seems to be able to handle good and easy ground. Three miles suits him.”

The closing Sligo Races End Of Season INH Flat Race over two miles, two and a half furlongs went to the Gordon Elliott/Harry Swan and Gigginstown House combination with the five-year-old Flemensfirth gelding Ballybow (11/4) getting off the mark on his racecourse debut after two second places in point-to-points.

Prominent throughout, he stayed on well up the run-in to hold the persistent challenge of Coral River by a length and a quarter.

Harry Swan said: “He stays well and we didn’t go that quick. I would have liked a nicer lead, to be honest, and when he hit the front he was still plenty green, but I liked the way he did it.

“He was genuine and stayed at his task well. I think there’s still plenty of improvement to come from him.”