Dollar proves full Value for unorthodox Claiming win

A habitual front runner, Dollar Value had to resort to Plan B before eventually coming home a very easy winner of the opening Clayton Hotel Claiming Hurdle at Sligo.

Reluctant to race, the Tom McCourt trained grey lost considerable ground at the last, trailing the field by over ten lengths after the first flight. Single Edition adopted the trail blazing tactics on this occasion, building up an early lead that saw the six-year-old at least a dozen lengths to the good after jumping the second.

Alex Harvey latched onto the rear of the chasing group on Dollar Value, moving through into third after three out.

As the leader began to thread water on the run to the penultimate flight, Dollar Value came through travelling strongly, galloping right away from the back of that obstacle to record a most unlikely 16 length success. Boom Boom Boom stayed on late to take second, just in front of Gino Drummer Boy

Alex Harvey: "Everything went wrong at the start and he had his ears back. I was shocked and for the first mile I was shaking my head, but thank God we went quick and I was able to get into the race then.

"He's a horse with such an engine, if you can get into his head, you've a chance. Down the hill the last time I got him rolling and I was actually sitting sweet on him then going to two out."

Tom McCourt added: "He's always been tricky at the start and refused one day here before. I always go down to the start with him, if I wasn't there he wouldn't go at all.

"He's a stable stalwart and you don't want to lose horses like that. We'll see what happens with the claims."

There were no claims following this race.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.