Laffan Island burns off his rivals

Laffan Island and Mick Darcy scorched home in Sligo's opening maiden hurdle by five lengths at 18/1 for Tipperary based trainer Michael Moran.

The five-year-old gelding was always in the front rank and put in a gutsy performance to defeat Raggletagglegypsy with 7/2 co-favourite Resolute Bay a further length back in third.

7/2 co-favourite Marlos Moment finished fifth. Tony Martin and Ruby Walsh teamed up with High Cian who was the other 7/2 co-favourite but the High Chaparral gelding proved disappointing in seventh place.

Winning trainer Michael Moran said: "He's a real summer horse and jumped well. Mick Darcy gave him a great ride."

The Laffansbridge Racing Syndicate who own the gelding are from south Tipperary and include former Ireland striker Niall Quinn.