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Ballyfinboy comes out on top of Sligo showdown

Kevin Sexton led Ballyfinboy to success in the feature race at Sligo
Kevin Sexton led Ballyfinboy to success in the feature race at Sligo

Ballyfinboy was all heart when coming out on top in the feature race at Sligo, the Martin Reilly Motors Hyundai i40 Handicap Chase.

The nine-year-old was involved in a protracted duel up front with Davinia's Tip throughout the 2m2f contest and that pair looked vulnerable when joint-favourite Drumlee arrived on the scene approaching the final bend.

However, the 9-1 winner found plenty under Kevin Sexton, taking the lead clearing the final flight before grimly holding on by half a length as Drumlee and Mark Walsh threw down one final challenge on the run-in.

There was late drama in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase as Jesmond Lodge crashed out at the final fence to hand victory to Perfect Woman (3-1 fav).

The two were having a good battle until that tumble allowed Mark Walsh to steer his mount to a two and a half length success, the first leg of a treble for the jockey.

The second leg came thirty minutes later as Badgerfort produced a strong finish to deny the sweet-travelling Vicangelome by half a length in the Frank O'Beirne Memorial Beginners Chase.

The latter looked set for victory when cruising to the front after the second last but Walsh found a willing partner in Badgerfort who stayed on strongly in the closing stages to score at odds of 7-2.

Having missed out on Drumlee, Walsh had to wait until to final race of the afternoon to complete his hat-trick.

Shantou Flyer (9-10 fav) did just enough to edge out Shadow Catcher by half a length in a thrilling finish to the Foley's Bar & Off License Chase.

Whisky Galore (12-1) appreciated the return to Sligo when claiming first prize in the IT Sligo Student Day At Sligo Races Novice Handicap Chase while Pencilhimin (5-1) was three lengths too strong for his rivals in the Why Not Sponsor A Race At Sligo Races In 2016 Handicap Chase.

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