The Karl Thornton trained Duke Cass gained his first career win at Sligo today, making all to win the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle under Galway Plate hero Donagh Meyler.

Meyler, successful in last week’s Galway Plate on Lord Scoundrel, made all on the son of Duke Of Marmalade who in the end proved four lengths too strong for Blue Empyrean

Thornton later stated “it wasn't a great maiden hurdle but he loved the ground and he'll be a grand horse for the winter. You wouldn't think being by Duke Of Marmalade he'd want it that soft but he seems to love it.

“He's a genuine type, will jump a fence in time and he's a grand horse for a four-year-old and the allowances they get are a big help.

“He's in at Ballinrobe on Monday and he might go there as it's a €30,000 race, there are only seven entries and the top horse is rated 113.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson