Balko enjoys Sligo romp

Balko Des Flos (4/9) justified his price with a lovely performance under Patrick Mullins in the concluding www.countysligoraces.com (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.

Victorious on his only previous start, at Leopardstown, in January, there's much to look forward to with the French-bred youngster, as he showed here with an all the way win.

Mullins peeped back a couple of times in the straight, aboard his father Willie's charge, as Better Back Bracka (lovely debut effort) gave vain chase. Five and a half lengths separated them at the line.

"He did what we expected and is a very high class horse," said the winning jockey, of the Gigginstown House Stud-owned four-year-old.

"We were trying to get him ready for Punchestown but just ran out of time. The ground at Sligo is always very good and Glens Melody won a bumper here.

"There is a winners of two at Tipperary but I'd say he's done his job and will probably be put away."

(AM & EM)