There was a third well-backed winner in as many races when Novel Investment (a non-runner at Punchestown yesterday due to ground conditions) defied top-weight in the Harry's Bar Sligo Handicap Hurdle.

John Brassil 's son of Taipan took over from the pace-setting Like The Da at the second last and it was all plain sailing for him after that. He eventually won by an eased down three lengths.

Tom Doyle, the winning rider was on his first successful mount since shifting the a/c joint in his shoulder at Ballinrobe on May 4th. He got a very nasty looking fall from Police Officer that day.

It was thought that Doyle had broken his collar-bone at the time. However he was able to return to the fray at Punchestown yesterday.

Novel Investment, owned by the Ten Men & A Lady Syndicate, rewarded those who made him 7/2 market-leader from 11/2.