Punters step out in style with 'Slippers'
Pictured at the presentation to the winner of the Kennedy's Bar Hurdle at the first Sligo Races meeting of 2011, which was won by Run For Sol, were: Fergal Quinn, sponsor, and winning connections from the 'Top of the Hill' syndicate; right: Peter...
PUNTERS following Niall 'Slippers' Madden at Sligo Races last Monday were certainly stepping out in style as the former Grand National winning jockey landed two long-priced winners.
High winds and occasional heavy showers may have spoiled the occasion as a spectacle but the weather didn't dampen the spirits of punters lucky enough to take a plunge on Madden.
The jockey teamed up with his father, trainer Niall 'Boots' Madden to land the 'Ladies Day 4th August At Sligo Handicap Hurdle' on 25/1 shot Highdownhill, owned by the legendary J P McManus. Mr. McManus' other runner in the field, 'Take a Shot' went off the 5/2 favourite, but finished a disappointing 5th. Madden rode a perfectly-timed race on Highdownhill, coming off the pace to win by three and a half lengths from another outsider, Heavenly Bound (16/1), who blew his chance with a mistake at the last.
Madden then doubled up when guiding 20/1 shot Tin Town Boy, from the Harry Rogers yard, to victory in the Corner House Bar Ballymote Handicap Hurdle.
It was also a good night for the trainer and jockey combination of Cecil Ross and Robbie Colgan who took the first two races on the card.
Lisrenny Lady, the 15/8 favourite, initiated the double in the June 28th at Sligo Races Mares Maiden Hurdle, taking up the running at the last to sprint clear for a four and a half length victory.
The double was completed in the second race, the info At countysligoraces.com Maiden Hurdle. Colgan was seen at his confident best here, guiding Son of My Heart (9/4 fav) to an impressive eight length win.
The Benbulen Mares Handicap hurdle was won by Make My Night which was given a patient ride by Alain Cawley to collar long time leader Madame Mado in the final furlong. The winner, trained by Edward Cawley, was returned at 12/1
Heavy rain made it a test of endurance in the Sligo Racecourse Maiden Hurdle but there was no stopping Shady Pines (8/1) who strolled to an easy 11 lengths victory under Tom Doyle.
Charlie's Vic (7/4) justified favouritism in the concluding race, striding to a nine lengths victory under an accomplished ride from Nina Carberry.
