Drinks on Publican after bumper success

Sligo Publican wore down Sonata D'amour inside the final furlong to claim the p2p.ie mares point-to-point bumper at Tipperary.

Sonata D'amour made a bold bid for home five furlongs out and battled gamely as the challengers bore down in the straight.

She had to give way inside the final furlong, however, as Ambrose McCurtin got a good tune from Sligo Publican to record a half-length success.

John Joe Walsh's charge had attracted support this morning from 16/1 and was eventually sent off an 8/1 shot on course.

"She'll probably go out to grass now and come back over fences," reported the trainer afterwards.

It was a welcome winner for McCurtin, who broke his leg in April of last year, and partnered his last bumper winner in December 2009.

The race was sponsored by Richard Pugh's point-to-point website and he provided form for the racecards on track.

"It's the first time they've had point-to-point form in the racecards and I'm hoping to have it included for future meetings," revealed Pugh.