Cappacon comes good under Browne for McKiernan

Cappacon was another easy to back winner at Sligo this evening, as he took the Callan Tansey Solicitors Handicap Hurdle.

Twice successful 'between the flags', the Oliver McKiernan trained ten-year-old was out of action from December of 2014 to January of last year.

He finished a good third on his most recent start at Fairyhouse in February, and was as short as 5/1 in early shows for this two mile five furlong contest, opening on-course at 10s before going off a 12/1 chance.

Settled behind the leaders by Barry Browne, the son of Prince Arch was second from three out, and was pushed along to lead after the next.

He was ridden before the final flight, and kept on well for pressure on the run-in, going on to score by two lengths. Gliondar Mo Chroi (20/1) finished second under Mark Enright for Aidan Fogarty, while Fenlon's Hill (4/1) and Redwood Boy (14/1) completed the placings in third and fourth respectively.

Tramore winner Ashjan was sent off the 3/1 favourite, but he had no more to offer once headed after two out, eventually coming home in eighth.

McKiernan said: "He's had all sorts of problems - leg trouble, back trouble and we could never really get him right. We gave him a heap of time and in the last month or so he seemed to be coming back to himself and he did a couple of bits of nice work last week and the week before.

"Hopefully the issues are behind him as he's not getting any younger. He was a good horse four years ago and was touched off in a couple of bumpers at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown .

"The better ground this evening helped him. He made a mistake three out and when Barry got after him he shot back up again. It's a good sign for a horse that hasn’t run in six months.

"He'll jump a fence if he stays sound and he might go for another hurdle race first."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined The Trigger trained by Ronan M.P. McNally, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.

D.E. Mullins, rider of The Trigger trained by Ronan M.P. McNally, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not travel during this race.

A.E. Lynch, rider of Select Opportunity trained by Edward Cawley, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped ponderous during this race.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee