Friendless Hardback springs a surprise

Despite proving friendless with punters, Hardback came out on top in the opener at Sligo, the Clayton Hotel Maiden Hurdle.

As short as 9/2 in early shows, the Joseph O'Brien trained six-year-old opened on-course at 14s, before going off a 16/1 chance in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.

The son of Mozorov unseated on his only previous start in a point-to-point in March 2015, and was settled behind the leaders today by Davy Russell.

He came with his challenge on the outer from two out, and gained a narrow lead before the last, staying on well under pressure on the run-in to see off the challenge of Silver Star by half a length.

The runner-up was returned at 5/1 under Paul Townend for Alan Fleming, while the 6/4 favourite Sharps Choice was a further two and a half lengths back in third for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins.

Russell said afterwards: "They weren't sure what he was really coming here. Obviously he's a six-year-old but I'd say he's fine and we're pleasantly surprised."

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy